The Day of the Lord

Zechariah 14

The Day of the Lord: Hope and Restoration

Summary: Zechariah 14 presents a vivid prophecy about the final days when the Lord will intervene in human history, bringing judgment upon nations and ultimate restoration for His people, emphasizing His sovereignty and the triumph of Jerusalem.

Application: This passage helps us to recognize that despite present struggles and uncertainties, God has a plan for restoration and victory. It encourages believers to remain steadfast, trusting in God's ultimate sovereignty and the hope of His eternal kingdom.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that in times of chaos and despair, believers can find assurance in God's promises. Zechariah 14 illustrates how God will defeat evil and restore His people, affirming the certainty of divine justice and mercy.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the context of the whole Bible, Zechariah 14 points to Christ as the fulfillment of God's promise of redemption. Jesus' first coming initiated the journey toward restoration, and His second coming will consummate it, establishing God's kingdom on earth.

Big Idea: Trust in God's promise of restoration and the ultimate victory of Christ in the face of adversity.

Recommended Study: As you prepare, consider exploring the historical context of Zechariah's prophecy using Logos, particularly the theological implications of the Day of the Lord found in the Old Testament. Look into the eschatological themes present in this chapter and how they connect with New Testament teachings about the return of Christ and the establishment of His kingdom, noting any textual variants or translation issues that may enhance your understanding.

There is coming a better day for sure. When Jesus Christ will step into humanity and establish His millennial Kingdom.

Jesus will return to establish His millennial Kingdom. This chapter describes the preparation and establishment of the kingdom.

1. Promise of Divine Intervention

Zechariah 14:1-5

A. Announcement of the Day of the Lord v. 1

The day was coming of the Lord for His benefit-the spoils of Israel will be returned from the nations.

Day of the Lord-the beginning of fulfilled prophecy-Rapture to the end of the millennium

This time is only known unto God the Father

Matthew 23:36 KJV 1900

Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.

B. Protection for Israel vv. 2-3

The Lord will gather all nations against Jerusalem to fight against her v.2,14, 16, 19-Armageddon Rev. 16.

They will capture the city, plunder the houses, and rape the women.

The other half will remain and this has not yet happened.

The other events in this passage rule out the destruction in AD70.

God will fight against the nations who attacked His people. He will be the Divine Warrior.

C. Return of Israel vv. 4-5

His feet will stand reclaiming the city for His people.

A great valley will be formed when He returns-East and West

two slides Mt. of Olives and Golden Gate or Eastern gate.

3. The cleaving and the return will bring fear v.5.

Tom Constable’s Expository Notes on the Bible Exposition

The LORD will split this mountain in two so that half of it would fall away toward the north, and the other half toward the south, leaving a large east-west valley down the middle

4. The Jews will flee for safety through this valley.

5. The Lord will come with His holy ones-this must include Christians who have gone to be with Christ in heaven and good angels.

Christ will be the ultimate victor.

2. Plan for Peaceful Restoration

Zechariah 14:6-11

A. The restoration of Jesus as the King.

There will be reduced light on the earth. There is a change in the heavenly bodies in some fashion.

The light will be like a twilight-a unique day in human history.

This points to Jesus as being the Light of the world taken from John 8:12

John 8:12 KJV 1900

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

4. This is the day of the Lord which is an extended period of time, not just a 24 hour period.

5. The prophets spoke of this day as containing both judgement (Tribulation Pd.) and a blessing as the millennium.

B. The restoration a restored Kingdom

Going to the living waters that flow out of Jerusalem, points to Jesus as the Living Water or water of life.

Half of it will flow east into the Dead Sea and west into the Mediterranean Sea.

The water will flow year round.

Jesus will reign over all the earth as the King-only one Lord.

Jerusalem will be the center of the universe and all will recognize Him as King.

He will establish peace and safety through His reign.

3. Power Over All Enemies

Zechariah 14:12-15

A. Judgement on God’s enemies

God will send a plague of judgement on the enemies v.12

Not clear on what kind of plague but nuclear war may be involved.

Panic will cause the enemies to fight one another v.13

The Israelites will also fight them.

B. Deliverance for God’s people

God will protect His people.

V. 15 speaks of the continuation of judgment but God’s people are protected by their Messiah.

Christ’s victory on the cross secures our deliverance and God will make things right.

4. Godly Worship Restored

Zechariah 14:16-21

A. The former enemies v.16

God identifies those who have denied or rejected Christ will be expected to worship the Lord.

This is a reminder that Jesus is now in charge of all these things.

Feast of the tabernacles (Sukkot) commemorates the 40 year journey of the Israelites in the wilderness.

All will come once a year.

B. The punished disobedient vv. 17-19

The disobedient families of Egypt will be punished with no rain and plagues.

This includes all nations v.19

C. The universal worship vv. 20-21

The worship will be by all people who are there in the millennium.

It will be a holy worship-not half-hearted, wishy, washy worship.

There will be no sinful or ungodly things allowed in this worship.

It will be holiness to the Lord.

This is a great reminder for us to live our lives in worship and holiness unto the Lord daily.

Conclusion: What a blessing to know there is coming a better day.