Zechariah 9, 10, & 11

Zechariah 9 begins what is typically considered the second part of the Book of Zechariah, most likely written later in his life, and thus after the Temple has been rebuilt.  Verse 1 begins with a prophecy or oracle, the first of two in the rest of this book (the other in Chp 12).   So, Chps 9-11 is the first oracle and Chps 12-14 the second.   Both focus on the First and Second Comings of the Messiah.

The first 8 verses prophecy Judgment against the cities of the enemy nations north of Israel; consistent with the prophecies in the earlier visions.   Historically, this was fulfilled through the conquests of Alexander the Great and the Greek Empire.  For the student of history, and especially of conquests and empires, this would be a really exciting passage to study, written before Alexander the Great was even born, accurately detailing what he would do about 200 years later.

Verses 9 is one of the most well-known prophecies from Zechariah, fulfilled with Christ's Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem on what we celebrate as Palm Sunday.  The rest of the chapter describe the rule of the Messiah as King, in universal peace, having delivered His People and given victory over their enemies.  The last two verses close with the promise of blessing through salvation.

Chp 10 continues the oracle started in the previous chapter.   The people are asked to pray to the LORD who provides rain, not only as needed for their plants and fields; but, also as blessings in the spiritual sense.  Because of leadership who led them astray by following after idols and diviners instead, God promises to become their Shepherd and lead them victoriously in battle.  Their Shepherd the Messiah is the cornerstone, tent peg, battle bow, and has all authority.  He will save and restore them, so that they will overcome all troubles, defeat their enemies, and live securely in His Name.

7-Apr:  Chp 11 is the last part of the oracle started in chp 9.   It begins with a picture of judgment as fire burning cedars, cypress, and oak trees from the whole region of Israel as far north as Lebanon to Bashan and south to the area around the Jordan.   In the rest of the chapter, it is clear that judgment comes because the people have rejected the Good Shepherd, the Messiah.  The betrayal by Judas with the thirty pieces of silver, which ended up being used to buy the potter's field were prophesied in vs 12-13.  The staffs of Favor and Union are symbolically broken, to represent God taking away His protection and of the disunity in Israel.  As the Good Shepherd is rejected, a foolish and worthless shepherd will be raised up, representing the Anti-Christ, who will ultimately be judged and defeated.

13-Apr:  It was interesting that while Chp 11 referred to Israel as sheep "marked for slaughter" for judgment was inevitable.  And then, last night in devotions, Psalm 44 also referred to "sheep to be slaughtered" which was quoted in Romans 8 right before the verses on the Love of God, showing how great is Love is.