The Coming Day of the Lord

Introduction:

Zechariah 14 is a prophetic chapter focusing on the “Day of the Lord,” a time of great upheaval, divine intervention, and the establishment of God’s kingdom. It presents both judgment and restoration, showing the final stages of God’s plan for His people and the world. The chapter contains vivid imagery and points to the ultimate triumph of the Lord. For modern Christians, this chapter also speaks to themes of hope, endurance, and God’s sovereign control over history.

Verse-by-Verse Breakdown:

1. Zechariah 14:1-2 – The Day of the Lord and the Siege of Jerusalem

“Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee. 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, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city.”

• Key Themes:

• The Day of the Lord: This is a key prophetic theme in the Bible, referring to a time of God’s direct intervention in human history. It is a day of both judgment and deliverance.

• Gathering of Nations: Zechariah envisions a future siege of Jerusalem, where nations rise against God’s holy city. This can be understood as symbolic of the end-time battle, where the forces of evil come against God’s people.

• Application:

• The imagery of the siege reminds believers of the trials and spiritual battles faced in the present world. It calls for faithfulness, knowing that God will ultimately intervene.

2. Zechariah 14:3-4 – The Lord’s Intervention

“Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle. And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.”

• Key Themes:

• Divine Intervention: God Himself will step in and fight against the nations that have attacked Jerusalem. This is a reminder that God is the ultimate warrior and protector.

• The Mount of Olives: The prophecy that the Lord’s feet will stand on the Mount of Olives is significant in biblical eschatology. This mountain plays a crucial role in messianic prophecy and in the New Testament as the place where Jesus ascended into heaven (Acts 1:9-12) and where He will return.

• Greek/Hebrew Insights:

• The word used for “fight” (נִלְחָם, nilcham) in Hebrew can also mean to “engage in battle” or “defend.” It carries the connotation of active involvement, pointing to God’s personal engagement in protecting His people.

• Application:

• This points to the assurance of Christ’s return. Believers can take comfort in knowing that Jesus will return to restore justice and defeat the forces of evil. It also emphasizes that spiritual battles are not fought alone—God is actively involved in the struggles of His people.

3. Zechariah 14:5-7 – The Escape and the Day of Unique Light

“And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the LORD my God shall come, and all the saints with thee. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark: But it shall be one day which shall be known to the LORD, not day, nor night: but it shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light.”

• Key Themes:

• Escape and Deliverance: God provides a way of escape for His people during this cataclysmic event. The reference to the earthquake in the days of Uzziah highlights the gravity of the situation but also the divine intervention that provides safety.

• Unique Day: A special day of the Lord is described where natural cycles are disrupted—light shines at evening, signifying the Lord’s supernatural power over creation. This points to the transformative nature of God’s kingdom.

• Application:

• This can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual deliverance, where God makes a way for His people even in the darkest times. The promise of a unique day points to the future hope of God’s eternal kingdom, where all darkness is dispelled.

4. Zechariah 14:8-11 – Living Waters and the Reign of the King

“And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be. And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.”

• Key Themes:

• Living Waters: This imagery of waters flowing from Jerusalem is often interpreted as a symbol of the life-giving presence of God, cleansing and refreshing the world. It is reminiscent of Ezekiel’s vision of a river flowing from the temple (Ezekiel 47) and the description in Revelation of the river of life (Revelation 22:1).

• Universal Reign of God: The reign of God will be established over all the earth, emphasizing the monotheistic faith of Israel and the truth that the Lord is the one true God. This signifies the establishment of the Messianic kingdom, where Jesus reigns as King of kings.

• Application:

• This speaks to the ultimate hope of Christians, the reign of Christ over the whole earth. The living waters symbolize the spiritual refreshment and eternal life that flows from Jesus, fulfilling His promise of being the living water (John 7:38).

5. Zechariah 14:12-15 – Judgment on the Nations

“And this shall be the plague wherewith the LORD will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth.”

• Key Themes:

• Judgment on the Nations: This is a vivid description of the judgment that will come upon those who oppose God’s people. The plague described here shows the devastating power of God’s wrath against evil.

• Divine Justice: While the passage is graphic, it illustrates the seriousness of opposing God’s kingdom. The judgment on the nations is a common theme in prophetic literature and demonstrates God’s commitment to justice.

• Application:

• This is a reminder of the eventual judgment that awaits those who reject God. It also encourages believers to stand firm in faith, knowing that God’s justice will prevail.

6. Zechariah 14:16-19 – Worship of the King

“And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.”

• Key Themes:

• Worship of the Nations: After judgment, the nations will acknowledge the Lord and come to worship Him. The Feast of Tabernacles, a celebration of God’s provision and presence, becomes a key image of worldwide worship.

• Inclusivity of the Kingdom: This prophecy points to a time when all people, not just Israel, will recognize and worship the Lord.

7. Zechariah 14:20-21 – Holiness in the Kingdom

“In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD; and the pots in the LORD’s house shall be like the bowls before the altar.”

• Key Themes:

• Holiness: Everything, even the most common items, will be set apart for God. The reign of the Lord brings total sanctification, where all aspects of life reflect God’s glory.

Conclusion:

Zechariah 14 speaks of a future time of divine intervention, judgment, and restoration. Its powerful imagery reminds us of the return of Jesus, the establishment of His kingdom, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. It calls for endurance, faith, and hope in the promises of God.

Closing Quote:

“The King is coming, and when He comes, He will set everything right.” — Charles Spurgeon