RUSSELL SANDERS
3-10-2021
ZECHARIAH THE PROPHET – LESSON 17
CHAPTERS 12-14 – THE END TIMES
Today we conclude the study of the Book of Zechariah with Chapters 12-14. We will consider the second “burden,” a word from the Lord, about the future of Jerusalem and Judah (the southern kingdom of Israel which corresponds to Israel’s present-day borders).
It talks about how all the nations of the world will come against them (14:2) but that the LORD will fight their battles. The LORD will smite their enemies (12:3-4).
Zechariah prophesies that Israel will recognize their true Messiah, Jesus, as He pours out upon them (12:10) “…the Spirit of grace (saving grace – Ephesians 2:8) and supplications (prayer). And they shall look upon me (Jesus) whom they pierced (on Calvary’s cross), and they shall mourn for Him (Jesus) as one mourneth for his only son…”.
The mourning (repentance) is shown in Ch. 12:12-13 to go through the “house” of the messianic line of David (Jesus “Son of David”) including Mary’s line (Nathan) and Joseph’s line (Levi) as they repent (mourn over the past slaying over the One who now redeems the children of Israel). It shows the future spiritual restoration of the Jews to their Messiah.
Zechariah 13:6 even speaks of the “wounds in thine hands” where He was nailed to the cross by “my friends” (His fellow Jews).
Some of the Great Tribulation events are also spoken. Zechariah 13:8 mentions how two-thirds of the earth’s population will die. Revelation details it as 1/3 are killed, then another 1/3 are killed leaving only the last 1/3 to survive.
Verse 9 then speaks that the remaining 1/3 will be tried by fire to refine them, and they will call upon the Lord.
Armageddon is spoken of in 14:2. The return of Jesus to earth is foretold in 13:4 as he stands on the Mount of Olives at Jerusalem and splits the mountain. 14:7 speaks of the darkening of the sun. 14:9 says He shall be King over all the earth. These prophecies are all given in greater detail by John in the book of Revelation.
Zechariah, in my opinion, was the greatest of the Messianic and end-time Old Testament prophets, although others like Daniel and Isaiah get more attention.