International Convention Szczyrk, 2016

Evening Discussion on the prophecy of Zechariah, Chapters 12-14

Language of the Discussion: English (all participants of the panel comment only in this language)

Moderator: Daniel Kaleta

Participants:

Europe – Piotr Krajcer

Israel – David Tel Tsur

USA – Richard Doctor

 

General Questions:

 

1.      Do Chapters 12, 13, 14 in the Book of Zechariah describe one sequence of prophetic events? If so, then how does Chapter 13 fit in this sequence?

 

2.      Does this prophecy refer to the literal nation of Israel and the real city of Jerusalem in the last days? Or can these events and places be interpreted differently, in a spiritual sense?

 

3.      The time frame of the prophetic sequence: from Jerusalem as a cup of staggering (reeling) (Zech. 12:2) until the world-wide observance of the feast of Sukkot in the Messiah’s Kingdom (Zech. 14:16) – how should these events be plotted on the historical timeline? Has the prophecy begun to be fulfilled already, and at which point of it (approximately) are we now?

 

Specific Questions:

 

4.      Zech. 12:5-7 – how should we understand the divisions into the princes (clans) of Judah, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the house of David?  Who, if anyone, constitutes these groups today and what are their roles? What does this prophecy tell us about the mutual relationships of these three groups?

 

5.      The outpouring of the spirit in Zech. 12:10-14 – what does it mean, and how will it be fulfilled? What is the meaning of each family weeping by itself? Does „all the families that remain” (Zech. 12:14 or 13) mean the remaining tribes of Israel or all the nations of the earth, as may be implied by Matt 24:30 and Rev. 1:7? Or do these NT scriptures speak of the tribes of Israel only?

 

6.      The interpretation of chapter 13 – how should we understand the cleansing from sins of the inhabitants of Jerusalem and of the house of David (Zech. 13:1), the removal of false prophets (Zech. 13:2-6) and the division of the land into three parts (Zech. 13:8-9)?

 

7.      The Battle for Jerusalem in Zech. 14:1-3 – how do we imagine it?

 

8.      How are we to understand the time of the Messiah’s Kingdom (Zech. 14:9-21)? Will it be an earthly kingdom with its capital in Jerusalem under the leadership of Jesus? Will the main holidays be observed? Or is this a symbolic description? Which of its elements are important for us today?

 

Piotr Krajcer (Poland)

 

1. Chapters 12 through 14 of Zechariah include the scenario of establishing the Messiah’s Kingdom on the earth.

The first step involves gathering the Jews in their land and making Jerusalem a burdensome stone for the world. In the final step all the nations accept the new order.

Chapter 13 shows the fall of idolatry, false ideologies and deceptive behaviors which have deceived people for centuries. It is no accident that it’s happening among Jews, since they used to live amongst all the nations and thus came in contact with all the ideologies and took them on, sometimes even developing them. God wants to discard the extreme ones, while keeping and expanding those needed in the Messianic Kingdom.

2. This prophecy refers especially to the nation of Israel. The proof is in its words – 12:6: Jerusalem will remain intact in her place – NIV.

Although it’s true that we can interpret Jerusalem as the symbol of the city of peace, or, based on Revelation 21:2 as New Jerusalem, this description of Jerusalem as  “intact in her place” leaves no doubt that it points to the physical location, where Jerusalem has existed continually for 3000 years. So, the context of this verse – that is chapter 12 – should also be placed in the literal land of Israel.

Parts of this prophecy can also be interpreted in reference to other nations, based on the rule from Romans 2:9-10:

“Tribulation and anguish, on the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; glory, honour, and peace to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile.”

3. If we say this prophecy is about literal Israel, it’s hard not to notice that in the 20th century, within our times, Jerusalem has truly become a burdensome stone to all the nations.

One proof is the number of resolutions by the United Nations Security Council in regards to this tiny portion of our planet. As Prime Minister Netanyahu said reproachfully to the United Nations Secretary, the Human Rights Council has issued more resolutions condemning Israel, than against all other countries combined. Since the very beginning, Jerusalem’s status has remained the focal point of the conflict, precluding any peace agreements.

We can also see that the natural Jerusalem has already taken its position: it has become Israel’s capital. We expect the same to happen with spiritual Jerusalem, but it still belongs to the future, just like the outpouring of the spirit and all events afterwards.

4. The tents of Judah. After the Babylonian captivity, Israel living in their land consisted basically of three tribes: Judah, Benjamin and a part of Levi; the remaining ones had not returned from the captivity in Assyria. In many languages the word “Jew” originates from the tribe of Judah (e.g. German “Jude”). We can assume, then, that the tents of Judah signify all the Jews, and the princes are their leaders. This thought is found in Volume One, page 294.

Inhabitants of Jerusalem. After the return from Babylon, Jerusalem was inhabited by the representatives of all those who came back. Nehemiah 11:1 states: “And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities.”

We can conclude, then, that the inhabitants of Jerusalem symbolize today all those who – mindful of the promises – came back and now live in the Holy Land. We find this thought in the Expanded Biblical Comments. Just like in Nehemiah’s time, nowadays the inhabitants of Jerusalem comprise about 10 percent of Israel’s entire Jewish population.

The House of David signifies King David’s descendants. It would be hard to find the literal offspring of King David among today’s Jews, so we need to interpret it symbolically.

Jesus was considered a descendant of David, because his father, Joseph, came from the house of David (Luke 1:27). Matthew 9:27 reads: “Son of David, have mercy on us”, and Matthew 21:15: “Hosanna to the son of David”.

Jesus’ right to the house of David is mentioned in Isaiah 22:22 and Revelation 3:7: “These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth.”

The house of David would represent Jesus’ spiritual children – after all, He did not have any natural ones. Zechariah 12:10 speaks about outpouring of the spirit of grace and supplications upon the house of David. Such interpretation of the house of David seems to exclude Christians, as they are already under the influence of the spirit. It may point, however, to those Jews who will recognize Jesus, described today as Messianic Jews.

5. The outpouring of the spirit needs to be linked to Joel 2:28. Interestingly, the spirit will be poured out upon the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. The tribe of Judah is not mentioned. With our earlier assumptions, it would mean that at the beginning the spirit will be poured out only upon the Jews in Israel.

The interpretation of the individual mourning groups depends on the identification of the families. It’s easy to understand the house of David and that of Levi, but Nathan and Shimei are more difficult. Some commentators say Nathan is the prophet Nathan from 2 Samuel 7:2, 4, 14; others claim it is the son of David from 2 Samuel 5:14: “These be the names of those that were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon.”

Shimei poses an even bigger problem. Rashi comments that it is David’s first son by Bathshua [1 Chronicles 3:5]; others point to Levi’s grandson (Exodus 6:17) or to Shimei from the house of Saul, who cursed David in 2 Samuel 16:5.

Weeping in separate groups may mean weeping for different reasons and in different ways – just like there are tears of joy and tears caused by sadness.

Some, like the house of David – Messianic Jews – and the house of Nathan - prophets – are crying for joy, seeing the long-awaited Messiah. Others – the house of Levi – are the spiritual leaders; the house of Shimei from the line of Saul and the tribe of Benjamin would represent those who persecuted Jesus and His followers. Their bitter weeping and heart condition will resemble those  of another Benjaminite, who long ago saw the Messiah on the way to Damascus.

The expression „all other families” probably does not refer to the remaining 10 tribes, scattered during the Assyrian captivity. Only two verses would confirm that they represent all the nations: Matthew 24:30 and Revelation 1:7.

Also, the prophecy itself speaks about it in Zechariah 14:17, 18: “Whoso will not come up of [all] the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain. And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that [have] no [rain]; there shall be the plague”.

These verses use the same Hebrew word mishpachah (Strong’s #4940).

6. Again, it’s interesting that the cleansing from sins will only apply to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Volume Four, page 625 explains it well: “While Israelites in various stages of unbelief will be gathered back to Palestine under divine favor, according to promise, yet none shall be in any degree reckoned as a part, or even as supporters of, or associated with the earthly phase of the Kingdom, except as they shall first recognize Christ Jesus as the Son of God, the only Redeemer and Deliverer for Israel and the world.”

Chapter 13 explains the removal of false ideologies, represented by false prophets and unclean spirits.

Splitting the earth in three parts most likely does not refer to people, either, but rather to their ideologies. Today one third of people is comprised of orthodox believers and other far-right nationalists, whose ideology is much different from that of the Messiah’s Kingdom. The second part includes the views held by atheists, secular Jews, liberals etc., and there is no place for them in the Kingdom, either.

These extreme views, today popularly called right-wing and left-wing, will then become totally disgraced in the eyes of all people, and thus slain. We can expect, however, that the third part – the center – carries ideas which after cleansing and trying like silver and gold will be developed in the Kingdom. Among these ideas are probably being an example for the world, assisting other nations, desert reclamation and others, which we already see in Israel today.

7. I think it is difficult for us to imagine the exact scenario of these events. They are described in many prophecies, which repeatedly mention the gathering of all nations against Israel (Joel 2:2, Ezekiel 38:2-8, Micah 5:4). Joel 2:12-18 suggests that those who pray for deliverance, will survive. Perhaps the desolation and destruction are meant for those who will not trust in God, but – just like we see it today – will attempt to defend themselves with their own weapons.

8. Zechariah mentions keeping the feast of tabernacles. According to Ezekiel, The Passover will also be celebrated in the future (Ezekiel 45:21). Although both prophets describe offering sacrifices, I don’t think they will consist of actual animals or food; rather – as Peter says in his first epistle 2:5 – they will be spiritual sacrifices. 

I wouldn’t exclude the possibility of going up to Jerusalem, but I don’t think there will be celebrations with millions of pilgrims gathering, like nowadays in Mecca.

The significance of these feasts will be spiritual, and just like we don’t go to Jerusalem on the 14th of Nisan, although our Lord did so, in the future people will not be obligated to go there to celebrate. It will be important for them, however, to offer spiritual sacrifices and submit to the legislation of the new Kingdom, with its capital in Jerusalem.

 

David Tel-Tsur (Israel)

 

GENERAL QUESTION 1      ZECH. 12, 13, 14

The last sections, Chapters 12-14, with all their blaze of color, are enclosed within a common framework:  Jerusalem of Our Day

In the two chapters, 12 and 14, we read a description of the great war in the Last Days. In their essence, the chapters are not so varied, but actually chapter 13 separates them and focuses on the lot of the remaining Gentiles of that time. Both 12 and 14 describe war overtaking Jerusalem, noting that all nations take part in this war (Zech. 12:2 and Zech. 14:2).  While in both chapters, we read that God will interfere in defense of His City (Zech. 12:8 and 14:3), in taking a second look, we find many differences. See for example: 12:2 vs 14:2; 12:4 vs 14:12;   12:6 vs 14:3-4; 13:1 vs 14:8 and 12:10-14 vs 14:16. Based on all of these differences, it appears two different wars are actually described here. In order to understand the unique meaning of each war, we must read Chapter 13:2-9.

So then, if Chapters 12, 13 and 14 are written in chronological sequence, chapter 13 explains the difference between the two wars.  In Chapter 12, God is saving Judah through its leaders. In Chapter 13, God excommunicated the false leaders and in Chapter 14, God saves Judah Himself, without the participation of the Judeans.  Since in Chapter 14 God alone is fighting, the miracles and signs are greater. There were failures in the first war (Chapter 12), so God removed the unfaithful leaders (Chapter 13) and we see that a different kind of war is coming (Chapter 14). At the beginning, it will be extremely harsh and painful but, going forward, it becomes wondrous and miraculous, ending with rejoicing. After it ends, all the Gentiles will unite to serve God and celebrate the Feast.

GENERAL QUESTION   2      ZECHARIAH

I believe and understand this prophecy to refer to the literal nation of Israel and the real City of Jerusalem in the Last Days. It has no connection with what happened in 70 AD, has no direct connection to the Church or Christian believers, and does not refer to events happening at Yeshua’s first coming.  That time only forms its background, something that we know happened in the past. These chapters speak of the future to come.

GENERAL QUESTION 3     ZECH. 12:2-14:16    TIMELINE

We are as yet on the time line begun in Chapter 12, where Jerusalem is more and more a “cup of trembling” to all the nations.  We see constantly increasing anti-Semitism, nations who dream of and hope to see the extermination of Israel.  In Israel during the years since the Declaration of Independence, there have been (and still are) false leaders, some of whom do not even recognize Jerusalem as the capital city of Israel.

Almost all the nations covet Jerusalem (Ps. 3). The prophecies here are not spiritual (nor virtual) at all, but actual, real!

Yes, the fulfillment of the prophecy already has begun, starting from the time of Heb. 1:1. It seems that we are just somewhere near to the end of Chapter 13, perhaps already at the beginning of Chapter 14. 

May Yeshua come soon!!! AMEN

SPECIFIC QUESTION   4     ZECH. 12-5-7

The “governors” of Judah are the leaders of the people.  In fact, the real meaning if the text is: “Those who sit in tents” (Obad. 1:18).  These leaders are confident of victory, but rely on the faithful cooperation of Jerusalem’s citizens (Is. 37:35, II Chron. 13:18). Usually the open countryside and small towns of Judah were the first to be taken by the enemy (II Kings 8:13-17, Jer. 34:7, II Chron. 32:1-10). The citizens of Jerusalem of that day were prone to look down on the rural population, exhibiting a state of mind not altogether uncommon also in our day.  But though Jerusalem was strongly fortified, the Royal City, the City of God’s Temple and the location of King David’s palace, yet Judah, the Holy Land outside the city’s limits, was to have the honor of being delivered first. Therefore, Jerusalem (or Tel Aviv of today) would have no occasion to “look down” upon Judah (the so-called “settlements” of today).

SPECIFIC QUESTION   5       ZECH. 12:10-14

Here there is an expression of unity with the people. They are all going to act together.  The contrast between the outlying provinces and the Capital City is clear in light of II Kings 18:13. The pouring out of the spirit relates to the tribes of Israel ONLY.

What is the meaning of “pouring out the spirit” (Zech. 12:10-14)?  How will it be fulfilled?

I see no connection here to Joel 2:28 (nor to Acts 2:16-38 or 3:1).  Here we find a spirit of grace and pleading. As in Jer. 3:21, there is weeping and pleading. As in Num. 6:25, the word “grace” here is better understood as ‘pardon’.  The people are going to pray and beg forgiveness. It will be a special moment, with the return of Yeshua HaMashiach, the son of Yosef, the one they rejected.  It will be a moment of “grace and pleading”, a great cry of repentance of the people.  (Rev. 1:7; Matt. 24:30; Is. 11:2-5; Ezek. 11:19-21; Jer. 32:39-41; Jer. 31: 31-33; Ezek. 36:26-27).

SPECIFIC QUESTION    6     ZECH. 13:2-61; 13:1; 13:8-9

In Chapter 13, Zechariah is talking about the purification of Judea and Jerusalem of all unclean spirits when salvation (redemption) comes, it relates Zech. 42:10 and also to Ezek. 30:27-29. The purification process takes place after they recognize their sins so that they might be cleansed of their iniquities, purifying not only their bodies but purifying also the land of any idol worshiping or of false prophets –  all this because of Hosea 7:15. With the coming of salvation, there is no need any longer to prophecy (Dan. 12:9; 9:24; I Cor. 13:8).  With the spiritual cleansing there is no need for a prophet (Ezek. 11:19-10; Jer. 31)

Maybe we are already in those days spoken of in Jer. 23:13-27 and Ezek. 13:3, 22:28. 

The other process is really a refining trial: This is true for all sectors of the people, those in the City as well as those at the palace of the King.  At this stage, it is not the King-Messiah that is promised in this prophecy, but a new covenant for all of the people. The refining process is not only negative, a calamity, but has a positive function in creating a new people.  Following the “trial by fire” intended to separate those who are just from the wicked, there comes the renewal of the connection between Israel and her God. When the time of Hos 2:17-18; 23-25; Is. 9:1 has come, there is no need for correction.

SPECIFIC QUESTION   7    ZECH. 14:1-3

It is so hard to imagine what will befall the City of “THE DAY OF THE LORD”’ – Zech. 14:1-3 (Ezek. 9:6-7:1-13 and more). It reminds me of pictures of what happened to the Jews during the Holocaust; I can just imagine the scenes. As He calls the heathen nations to battle against Jerusalem, all these hostile bands under the leadership of “Satan” (see verse 2) will take the city and divide her spoils. The city will be deprived of her most precious treasures, houses rifled, every home invaded and looted, the women ravished, the streets filled with the dead, overwhelmed with the sound of cries and the wailing of mothers. One half of the people will be carried off into captivity as slaves of the enemy. Yet it will not be a complete annihilation of the city.  A little flock, the faithful remnant, of the inhabitants will be saved even in the day of Satan’s triumphant conquest.  On this day, the “Day of the Lord”, God’s judgment will be upon His people 

Then God Himself will go forth into battle against the nations who are oppressing His chosen people. (verse 3).  He will fight as only He, the Man of War, the One God, can fight (Ex 15:3; Josh. 10:14,42, 23-3; Judg. 4:15, I Sam. 7:10; II K. 3:9-27; I Chron. 14:9, 20:15).    God will be fighting on behalf of His own people ONLY, the people of Israel, for good or for bad (as when the “City” had left her first love and had become lukewarm – Rev. 2:4, 3:16).   It is so amazing: On this day God’s justice and judgment as well as His grace and mercy will be manifested in a manner far surpassing human understanding through 

a similar miracle that He will perform in that Day (verses 4-5). In these verses there is a description of sudden and horrific cataclysm, a seismic phenomenon splitting mountains that will change the earth’s surface: The hills will melt before His feet.  The clear reference to the place where God stands (symbolically) impart a realistic dimension which forms a strong impression of a not so distant, not so imaginary war….. May God help us all.

SPECIFIC QUESTION    8     ZECH. 14:9-21

The prophecy here (as in Daniel 9) relates to Messiah and the Kingdom Age and it includes (in Daniel’s 70th week) the beginning of Sorrows, the Great Tribulation, the Day of the Lord and different events that take place – the Seals, Trumpets and Bowls, Judgments, and more.  After the Day of the Lord, the Messianic Kingdom will begin, LITERALLY, with its center in the Holy City of Jerusalem under the leadership of Yeshua HaMashiach. All humanity will be organized into nations (peoples), each one living in its own land. The Jews shall live in their own land, the Land given by God within the borders of the historical Kingdom of David, and they will have a special status appointed for them as the chosen people, the People of the Covenant, and they will serve Yeshua the Messiah in his universal role. During that period all humanity will be educated to know God and to obey Him in faith. The people of Israel will function as the “preachers” to all humanity to educate them until the time of Rev. 21:1.

No doubt!!!  All people are going to keep the main Feast (Holy Days), especially Succoth – the Feast of Tabernacles (Col. 7:16-17, Zech. 8: 22-23 / 14:9; Isaiah 2:2-4).  The Feast of Succoth is relevant even today (Zech. 14:16-18, 14:20-21). True, not everyone realizes it, but this is the least they can do for now until they can celebrate it in the Kingdom of the Messiah (Is. 56:3-7).

Richard Doctor (USA)

 

1. Zechariah 12-14 does indeed describe one sequence of prophetic events. 

·         12:1-9 we find the deliverance of Judah and Jerusalem and the judgment of the nations;

·         12:10-14 links this future deliverance to recognizing the Messiah by a faithful part of the Jewish people;

·         13:1 speaks of opening the wonderful fountain of grace and supplication;

·         13:2-6 gives us an insight into the very personal struggle to cut-off the many modern forms of idolatry that separate man from God.

·         13:7-9 speaks of the judgment that begins with the house of God and continues through the uplift of the willing and obedient who come into the New Covenant, we find the “two parts” of the Little Flock and the Great Company have finished their sacrifice. (R3776)

·         14 casts an eye back and gives a rich description of the battle in which the Lord of Host’s power will be revealed; there will be two phases to this kingdom - heavenly and earthly - north and south (D650-655); the stream of blessing will flow from Jerusalem and obedience will be demanded from the gentiles when every impulse shall be “Holiness unto the Lord.”

 

We recognize that the time sequence also refers back to past events that show part of the divine program already accomplished.  For example, “I will smite the shepherd” Zechariah 13:7 is cited in Matthew 26:31, Mark 14:27 see also John 16:32.

 

2. This prophecy has both a literal and a spiritual application as suggested in Pastor Russell’s earliest comments on Zechariah, “I know not whether He and His saints will appear to them visibly or, be recognized by them [Israel] in their remarkable and…miraculous deliverance from their enemies.” (R26)

 

Later the Pastor’s thinking was that only the symbolic sense should be our focus; to quote directly from Pastor Russell (D650):  …the establishment of the New Jerusalem…as the new government in the earth, will mean the beginning of the restoration of divine favor to Jehovah's footstool, [as] is clearly set forth through the Prophet Zechariah 14:4,5.  Jehovah's Feet on the Mount of Olives…[are] the feet of our Lord Jesus, at his second advent: and indeed, those who… assert that it will be the feet of flesh, pierced with the nails of Calvary…[are] not realizing that our Lord gave his human nature, complete and forever…And if the placing and resting of Jehovah's "feet" is symbolic…so, we may be sure, other features connected in the same prophecy are symbolic: the Mount of Olives, its peculiar division, its valley, the flight of the people, the waters of life from Jerusalem (Ezekiel 47:1-9) are all symbolic – pictures of grand spiritual truths.

 

3. What a rich heritage we have as Bible Students!  The sequence of events as set forth by Pastor Russell in 1879 still works and we are between point 3 and 4 (R26).  Here are the events:

 

·         The ‘Time of trouble’ such as was not since there was a nation

·         The Jews return to Israel and the Jewish nation is reorganized…

·         The gathering of great wealth to Jerusalem which tempts the hordes of Gog, Togomar and many peoples to go up ‘to take a spoil;’

·         ‘The battle of the great day of God Almighty’ fought at Jerusalem;

·         The partial success of the invaders and in the hour of darkness to the Jew the power of Messiah is manifested effecting their deliverance;

·         Their recognition of the long waited for Messiah and the cry ‘Lo this is our God, we have waited for Him and He will save us;’

·         Their recognition of him as the one …’whom they have pierced’ (Zec 12)

·         God will ‘pour upon them the spirit of grace and supplication’ and they shall mourn and be accepted again into fellowship with God.

…These events we expect in about the order mentioned.

 

4. Princes (clans, governors) of Judah: R. Rashi take this text in a positive light, and yet, the battle does not go well—at first; “For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity...” (Zechariah 14:2)  It seems as though the political leaders of the current state of Israel (Princes of Judah) believe that they can count on the IDF’s religious zeal to serve as Israel’s defense.

 

The LORD also shall save the tents of Judah first:  Tradition says that Messiah first arrives by the Eastern gate.  However, Ezekiel 20:33-37 speaks of deliverance outside the city, both in symbol and reality, “…And I will bring you into the wilderness of the people, and there will I plead with you face to face…” Strikingly different outlooks on life can be expected when comparing city versus tents, haves versus have-nots.  The tents of the have-nots are the first delivered.

 

House of David/Inhabitants of Jerusalem:  These two chastened groups, both in Israel (D627) mourn for the one pierced (Zechariah 12:10-12.)  Both are warned of pride (Zechariah 12:7).   The House of David appears to be the earthly group of Jews in Israel who come into the New Covenant and now are directly assisting the Ancient Worthies.  The Inhabitants of Jerusalem are the covenant honoring Jewish supporters (OV81:3).

 

Relationships of these groups:  The political leaders of the current state of Israel (Princes of Judah) find their office now taken by the Ancient Worthies (Micah 5:5) these are assisted by the House of David, and all along with the Tents of Judah and Inhabitants of Jerusalem are in joyful service.

 

5. This outpouring of the holy Spirit is found in Joel 2:28, 29. (R2504:5, R376:5) Israel’s eyes will be opened to recognize Him whom they rejected.  Part of this work of grace is the message that the land of Israel is theirs, that their period of chastisement is at an end, and that Israel's praying, supplicating, will bring the blessings of the New Covenant (R3970:3) which will come to them. (R4735:6, Q94:1)

 

Each family weeping by itself means that recognition of Messiah will be very, very personal.  Each family will reflect on the mishneh of pain and suffering

(Zechariah 9:12) “All the families that remain” (Zechariah 12:13,14) has a special application to the Jews only. 

 

Matthew 24:30 and Revelation 1:7 do not speak only of Israel. They speak of the world of mankind coming into the kingdom, all in grievous error—all with cause to mourn, but their reasons for mourning differing distinctly from Zechariah 12.

 

6. The willing inhabitants of Jerusalem and of the house of David will be permitted to wash at the fountain opened for sin and uncleanness.   By faith in the blood of Christ they will be made every whit whole, they will be blessed with restitution to all the privileges and qualities and powers of mind and body lost by Adam’s disobedience. (R1710) The practical steps in this process are found in Isaiah 58:6-14, note especially אֲרוּכָה ('ărûkâh) “health” in Isaiah 58:8.

 

We see from Zechariah 13:3 that some false worship and sinful ways will continue and those closest to these sinners will carry out judgment.  However, most will be ashamed of their former ways (Zechariah 13:4-6).  Perhaps the recovery of these erring ones will employ something similar the “truth commissions” operating in over 41 countries today. Here in Poland it is The Institute of National Remembrance – Commission for the Prosecution of Crimes against the Polish Nation.

 

To understand the division of the land into three parts there needs to be a link to the smiting the shepherd and scattering the sheep; followed by the Lord’s protection of the “little ones.” Zechariah appears to directly reference Isaiah 1:21-26 where the “two parts” are identified as the “dross” and “tin.”  The “dross” would suggest the secular, worldly-ambitious element of Israel’s society; while the “tin” suggests the multitude of unscriptural traditions.  Tin appears as “silver,” or “truth” but it is not.  These are the forces that “smote the Shepard” – crucified Jesus.

 

7. Things go against Israel at first. A solemn fast (Joel 2:12-18) is called by the faithful Jews, the Ancient Worthies (eight princes of men; Micah 5:5) are resurrected.  Then the Lord fights as “in the day of battle.” This means a combination of three elements; confusing Israel’s enemies so they turn their own weapons on each other (Judges 7:21-22); severe weather (Joshua 10:11); and plague (Isaiah 37:36).  The plague element is elaborated and Zechariah 14:12 suggests something like radiation sickness, possibly from a tactical nuclear weapon enhanced to deliver radiation, as also is suggested by “palm trees” of smoke in Joel 2:30.

 

8. Jerusalem will serve as the world capital and all nations will send their ambassadors to Jerusalem. (Isaiah 33:20;OV69:1)  The visible earthly representatives of Jesus and the church will be the Ancient Worthies, for Jesus and the church will be invisible.

 

Holidays observed:  Succoth (Zechariah 14:19); Tisha B’Av and three additional fasts, now as feasts of joy (Zechariah 8:18.) These observances are not symbolic.

 

Important today:  Nisan 14 - Memorial