April 9th – Zech. 9:9-17
The most ever anticipated event in Jewish was the coming of the Messiah. The messiah was to be the Deliver, the special one of Jehovah to rescue them from years of bondage and slavery. Though the Lord had used and sent forth many Prophets and Leaders to warn his people they often times refused to hear and obey their words.
In our lesson this week, we’ll examine the prophecy of Zechariah as he tells Israel of the Coming of the Savior.
Upon returning from Babylonian captivity, the Lord God raised up yet another prophet, Zechariah to encourage the people of Israel to have hope, their Deliverer will come. Rebuilding after their city had been destroyed, was no easy task as anyone would attest. The Lord knows his creation and he knows people need to be encouraged and motivated. He knows our faith wavers from time to time in the midst of trouble, despair and seasons of distress. So here in chapter 9, beginning at verse 9, Zechariah writes,
- “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey”
There is always cause to rejoice for the people of God because the word of the Lord is true. If the Lord says to rejoice, we are to rejoice. But he will not leave us in the dark, he will share with his people why we are to rejoice. In the passage, Israel was to be encouraged because the Lord was going to send them salvation, riding in on a lowly donkey (Matt. 21:5).
The balance of the lesson, Zechariah describes how the Lord will deliver his people and through who. It appears to be some mighty valiant warrior soldier. But the real picture is one of a mighty Leader, leading his people out of battle into victory.
- The Lord of hosts will defend them; They shall devour and subdue with slingstones. They shall drink and roar as if with wine; They shall be filled with blood like basins, Like the corners of the altar. v 15
He declares the Lord of Host will defend them. This title speaks of the righteous power and authority of the Lord both spiritual and physical over those who attempt to oppose Him and his people. In battle, there needs to be a leader both mighty and strong leading his troops and in the Lord we have one who is both. The confidence Israel received was much needed as they returned from captivity. There is much to be received when we walk in obedience and not rebellion against the Lord our God. Our hope is Him:
- But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ I Cor. 15:57