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The Day of the Lord-
Interpretive Commentary Assignment
William C. King
OBST520: Old Testament Orientation II
November 30, 2025
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Introduction.....................................................................................................................................1
Historical Setting and Date..............................................................................................................1
Authorship and Audience................................................................................................................2
Major Theological Themes..............................................................................................................2
Zechariah 12- The Coming Glory of Jerusalem................................................................................2
Zechariah 12:1-2, The Burden for Jerusalem..................................................................................2
Zechariah 12:3-9, Divine Protection for the People of God............................................................4
Zechariah 12:10-14, Mourning and Repentance............................................................................8
Zechariah 13- Repentance and Renewal.........................................................................................9
Zechariah 13:1-2, Purification Process Begins................................................................................9
Zechariah 13:3-6, Purging False Prophecies..................................................................................10
Zechariah 13:7-9, Messianic Prophecies of the Shepherd and Sheep..........................................11
Zechariah 14- The Day of the Lord................................................................................................12
Zechariah 14:1-3, Day of Judgment..............................................................................................12
Zechariah 14:4-11, Future Glory...................................................................................................12
Zechariah 14:12-15, Judgment of the Nations..............................................................................15
Zechariah 14:16-21, Holiness and Worship Restored...................................................................16
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................18
Bibliography...................................................................................................................................19
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Introduction
One of the more often overlooked books of the Bible is found in the Minor Prophets
division of the Old Testament. This book is the writing of Zechariah. Originally, it was written
during the post-exilic period. Providing the Jewish community with encouragement and hope
for future divine intervention, Zechariah gave a message introducing call for repentance and the
reason for it before closing with a future “Day of the Lord.” It is in this understanding that the
reader will see the greater levels of detail broken down.
Historical Setting and Date
The seventy years of Babylonian captivity came to a close, Zechariah writes in response.
This was a time when the Jewish people were returning from Babylonian exile and attempting
to rebuild Jerusalem and its temple. This period of Babylonian captivity began in 587 B.C. after
an army led by King Nebuchadnezzar II destroyed Jerusalem. For the 70 years following, the
Jewish community was led away captive. “Josephus, in his review of the history of the ‘prisoners
of war’ taken to Babylon, spoke of binding and chains and note the language about 'fetters" in
Jer. 40:1.”1 The setting can be assured based on the correlation of the return from exile as it
discusses the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem and the re-establishment of the covenant all
under Persian rule. Zechariah's prophecy came at a time when the Jewish people were still
grappling with the challenges of reconstruction, re-establishing worship practices, and seeking a
renewed identity.
Authorship and Audience
The book of Zechariah is attributed to the prophet Zechariah who was a peer of Haggai.
Haggai was an older prophet whereas Zechariah was a younger prophet known for visions.
1 Daniel L. Smith-Christopher, On A Theology for Modern Babylonians: The Exile as a Basis forDoing "Biblical
Theology". Los Angeles, California: Loyola Marymount University, 1992.10.
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Zechariah was the grandson of Iddo the prophet which returned with Zerubbabel to rebuild the
temple. As the book of Zechariah progressed, Zechariah addressed the exiles and their leaders
and his visions often reflect a deep concern for the spiritual renewal of the people, as well as
the restoration of proper worship and the temple in Jerusalem.
Major Theological Themes
The book of Zechariah is very much a prophetic book. However, in particular, the
chapters 12-14 address several key themes. These key themes are: divine sovereignty and
protection of God, messianic prophecies, the need for repentance and spiritual renewal,
judgment and salvation, and the “Day of the Lord.” Addressing the specific chapters of
Zechariah 12-14, the prophet delivers his rhetoric beginning with the future glory of Jerusalem
then moves to the need for renewal among the Jewish people and then closes with the day of
the Lord.
Zechariah 12- The Coming Glory of Jerusalem
Zechariah 12:1-2, The Burden for Jerusalem
Zechariah opens the chapter with what he refers to as the “burden of the word of the
Lord for Israel” (v.1). But, the necessity for understanding this ‘burden’ rests upon the
understanding from the Hebrew writings. The words used are א֥
שָּׂI J ַמL (oracle) and ־רַבL ְדQ
ה֖
וT JהְיQ (the word of Yahweh). As God speaks the oracles of heaven, Zechariah is repeating
the message to the people. The burden used here is the concept of divine punishment. This
verdict of punishment, however, was not to the people of Israel but rather, Judah.
The second section of the verse emphasizes God's power and sovereignty which
highlights the intimate involvement of the Creator in the lives of man and ultimately sets the
stage for the rest of the prophecy following. By reminding the people that God is the Creator of
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all things and it is He who has the power to create and sustain the universe, Zechariah is
underscoring the weight and authority of the message he is about to deliver. He is reminding
the people that God has absolute control and authority over all things and if God has the power
to create everything, He certainly has the power to judge and restore His people.
As Zechariah moves into v. 2, the impending doom to follow will be at the hands of
Jerusalem. Calling attention to what he is about to say, Zechariah uses the words “cup of
trembling.” A cup is used to signify something to be consumed signifying the impending
judgment of the enemies of the Jews will be a consuming destruction. The understanding then
is that Jerusalem will be a source of terror for those who oppose them and they will feel
overwhelmed or shaken either due to their fear of God’s judgment or the difficulties they will
face in attempting to defeat the city.
The final portion of this section of the verse shows that it will be applicable to all nations
surrounding Jerusalem. Although some first think was referring to the Second Temple, the
Roman empire destroyed that temple in 70 AD. It may seem that God did not keep His promise,
however, this prophecy points to a future instance. This can be understood by studying the
history of the invasions. The verse ends with: “when they shall be in the siege both against
Judah and against Jerusalem.” The Babylonian empire conquered Judah and Jerusalem. The
writing of the book of Zechariah being after this point would not have used this for a prophecy
of the future. There has been no successive attack on Jerusalem that has fit this criterion to
date.
Zechariah 12:3-9, Divine Protection for the People of God
Zechariah 12:3, The Burden for Jerusalem
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This section builds further on the previous section but transitions to more of the
judgment that the enemies of the southern kingdom will receive. In addition to a cup of לַעL רL
(trembling),
Jerusalem will become a “burdensome stone” for all people. The words here are: \ ןַב א] \
(stone) and ^ ה סJ ַמJ ‘ ַע ַמa L (a load or burden.) A "burdensome stone" is something that causes
difficulty or harm, symbolizing the intense struggle that the nations will experience when they
attempt to challenge or attack Jerusalem and it will become a source of great frustration for
them. In this case, Jerusalem represents something so significant and strong that anyone who
tries to overpower it will be destroyed in the process. Furthermore, those who try to "burden
themselves" or attempt to conquer, destroy, or control Jerusalem, will face utter defeat. This is
divine protection from God that would protect against their enemies despite the amount of
numbers against them.
Finally, the end of the verse propagates isolation. Jerusalem is not just facing opposition
from one or two nations, but from all the people of the earth. “The sentence seems to envision
Jerusalem standing by itself without allies in a world hostile toward it, but the sentence also
emphasizes the city’s invincibility.”2 This ironically sounds like another prophecy in Ezekiel 38
& 39 which highlight an impending attack but it is divinely protected.
Zechariah 12: 4-5, Divine Protection of God
First Result of “In that Day”
Arriving in v.4, Zechariah begins to describe the actual judgment on the people. The
consequence is broken into six results which take place. The first of which is when the Lord tells
2 Paul L. Redditt, and Helmut Utzschneider. "Zechariah 9-14: English first edition." In International Exegetical
Commentary on the Old Testament, 93-146. Stuttgart: Kohlhammer Verlag, 2012.98.
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Zechariah that when the nations come against His people, He will strike both the horse and
rider. In ancient warfare, the horse and rider symbolize military might and strength and horses
were essential for chariots and cavalry, representing the power and capability of an army. First,
God tells Zechariah that He will strike the horse with madness. The word used is ן ָ וה֖
וdc מָּJ תִּf
בַּL
(bewilderment or confusion and producing disarray). The second thing which transpires is that
God will strike the rider with ן ָ וַע֖
וd i גָּJִּׁשf בַּL (craziness and helpless panic). This is a deep
emotional
state where the person is erratic, irrational, or out of control. The final thing which transpires in
this judgment is striking every horse with blindness. This highlights how the military forces will
be rendered ineffective in their actions and will not be able to function as they are meant
because they will begin to lose their composure and act confused and irrational.
Zechariah 12:6-7, Victory over enemies
Second Result of “In that Day”
The word choice used here specifically reflects that the leaders of Judah would be a like
a fire which spreads. This in turn would consume everything around it. This imagery suggest
that Judah will become powerful and unstoppable, as a fire consumes everything in its path.
This symbolizes their divine empowerment to defeat and consume the opposition. The words
used in
the second part of the verse is ְדְ יפ֥
פִּI fלL ְכQ וּ and רְ יַמcf ַעJ בַּQ . The first word, ְדְ יפ֥
פִּI fלL ְכQ וּ
(torch) and the second is רְ יַמcf ַעJ בַּQ (sheaves). These bundles of grain would be harvested and
tied together and could be used for multiple things. But, the significance of tying the sheaves
with the torch, means that Judah will be both a force of destruction but also a guiding light.
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Additionally, a sheaf, when bundled and lit by fire, would rapidly spread through the grain
signifying the context that God’s intervention would come swiftly and powerfully. His judgment
would consume the enemies of His people and it would be total destruction. The next word is
וּלp ְכQ אJq ֖
וQ (to devour). This usage of devour means that Judah will not just fight back the
enemy but that they will overwhelm and consume the enemy, implying total annihilation.
The next part of this is that they will devour “all the people round about, on the right
hand and on the left.” This indicates that Judah will be victorious over all nations surrounding it,
from all directions, indicating that no enemy will be left standing. The final piece says:
“Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place, even in Jerusalem.” This now transitions
the hearers of Zechariah to a place of restoration. At this moment in time, Jerusalem had been
destroyed at the hands of the Babylonians and though there were repairs being accomplished,
the city had not been fully restored to its former glory. Now, God is promising to restore them to
a place of full restoration and in the original location. Furthermore, it will be restored to its
rightful place as a city of security, peace, and divine blessing. It will no longer be subject to
foreign domination or destruction.
God shifts focuses His attention to Judah in v.7. Zechariah records: “The Lord also shall
save the tents of Judah first…” Up until this point the focus has been on Jerusalem. But, God is
promising salvation first and foremost to Judah which prioritizes Judah over Jerusalem. This
sequence priority is because of Judah's spiritual and political significance in God’s redemptive
plan, specifically due to its connection with the Davidic dynasty and Jerusalem. Furthermore,
the pride of the people of Jerusalem is likely seen in their leaders. The glory that the house of
David possesses is reflective of the David Covenant that God made with David. However, God
did not want the leaders of Jerusalem to think more of themselves than what they were and
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place themselves in a position of superiority over Judah. The leaders of Jerusalem or the house
of David may be tempted to exaggerate their importance, thinking that their position is superior
to the rest of Judah. Zechariah is stressing that God’s salvation and deliverance will start with
the humble, and He will prevent any inflated sense of superiority among the leaders of
Jerusalem or
Judah.
Zechariah 12: 8-9, Final intervention and defense against enemies
Third Result of “In that Day”
Here Zechariah uses the word ןֵ ג
֤ ֵ
ג] r ְ יJ (to cover). Not only will God defend but He will
literally cover the people of Jerusalem. This is not a passive action on God’s behalf just allowing
them to defend themselves, rather, God is actively fighting for them, ensuring safety and victory.
Additionally, Zechariah addresses specific people groups. He says the “feeble among them.”
Here Zechariah is saying the weakest among the nation, the most vulnerable: the physically
weak, oppressed, or powerless, will become mighty. In fact, he goes as far as to say they will be
like David. David was not only a mighty warrior but also the king after God’s own heart; a
symbol of strength, courage, and victory in the Bible. This indicates that even the weakest
among them will be empowered by God to become mighty, supernaturally courageous, and
strengthened.
Fourth Result of “In that Day” (v. 9)
Zechariah says that now, the enemies have enacted God’s wrath to a point where He is
actively seeking to destroy the nations that rise against Jerusalem. This will not come by
coincidence, but by a judgment that God, Himself, is personally causing. Furthermore,
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Zechariah’s word choice םc֔יִ֖
וגָּd הL ־לָכJ (all the nations), forces the understanding that this is
not limited in scope but extends to every enemy of Jerusalem. This highlights the global scope
of God’s intervention. All the powers and authorities that rise up against Jerusalem will be
subject to God’s wrath and will be defeated.
Zechariah 12:10-14, Mourning and Repentance
Zechariah 12:10, God’s Spirit Poured Out and Mourning only Son & Grief of Rejection
What is transpiring in this verse is the pouring out in abundance. In Old Testament times,
they would anoint not by dabbing a little oil on a finger and placing on the forehead but rather,
they would pour the contents of the horn of oil on the person being anointing and in turn it
would flow over their entire body. The semblance of pouring out is signifying this spirit of grace
and supplications being unmerited and unending flowing over the entirety of the inhabitants of
Jerusalem.
Zechariah then shows a position of mourning for the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Here the
prophecy is pointing to Jesus. Yet, Jesus is showing them mercy in spite of them killing Him. The
phrase points to the fact that the people will recognize how they were responsible for the
piercing of the Messiah—they will realize how they rejected Him and played a part in His
suffering and death. This in turn begins their phase of mourning. They will “mourn for him, as
one mourns for his only son," not just any son, but the only son. This is genuine grief of loss of
them having missed something vitally important. This is now obvious that these are future
events since this has not happened to date and would be after the death of Christ.
Zechariah 12:11, Mourning for Loss
Fifth Result of “In that Day”
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The mourning which transpires in in Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddo. Evident
here is that this will transpire during battle. The valley of Megiddo is a place linked with the
Battle of Armageddon. But, beyond that, there were also battles which transpired in Megiddo.
According to Dr. Eric Cline from the University of Michigan, there are reportedly 34 various
battles which have been fought here or the Jezreel Valley in the last 4000 years.3 The national
mourning of loss will be great and the reason is they now realize Jesus is Messiah.
Zechariah 12:12-14, Sorrow and Repentance among the families and their response
The people begin mourning loss, but this mourning also begin to cause divisions in the
families. Zechariah uses the word ^ ְד ַבJ לQ (separation, a part of something). The people will
mourn within both individual and familial contexts. This mourning will be so great it will cause
repentance on both a collective family-wide and the nation as a whole. “YHWH relates plans to
teach compassion to Jerusalem and the house of David so that they might serve as adequate
shepherds for the world once YHWH’s war against the nations is complete and YHWH’s
sovereignty recognized.”4 Additionally, the semblance of naming the families of David, Nathan,
Levi, and Shimei show that it will be repentance of power and prestige as the house of David,
the prophetic descendants of David (Nathan) not just royal lineage, the spiritual priesthood of
Levi and not just that but even the mainline Levitical families as well (Shimei) and will be on
both men and women.
Zechariah 13- Repentance and Renewal
Zechariah 13:1-2, Purification Process Begins
Sixth Result of “In that Day”
3 Eric Cline. The Battles of Armageddon: Megiddo and the Jezreel Valley from the Bronze Age to the Nuclear
Age. Ann Arbor, Michigan: University of Michigan, 2002.
4 Marvin A. Sweeney, and Berit Olam: the Twelve Prophets: Volume 2: Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah,
Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi. Vol. 2, in Berit Olam Series, edited by David W. Cotter, Jerome T. Walsh, & Chris Franke,
230-382. Collegeville, Minnesota: Liturgical Press, 2000.85.
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The truth is revealed, the people mourn, they feel conviction, and turn from their ways.
“Jerusalem’s deliverance from the heathen shall be the opening of a fountain of cleansing. This
purging of her sin follows fitly upon her penitence just described.”5 The imagery used is a רָ וֹק֖
ו֣
ֹקd
y ַמJ (fountain) which suggests abundant cleansing and purification. Ancient Jewish context
presents that a fountain would be a source of life, and here it symbolizes a spiritual source that
would wash away sin and uncleanness. The opening of the fountain signifies a gracious and
abundant act of God in offering the means of cleansing and forgiveness to His people.
Furthermore, in v. 2 it highlights the purging process. Zechariah immediately moves to
names of idols. Here God promises to completely eradicate idolatry from the land to the extent
it is “no longer remembered.” The totality of spiritual renewal extends from heart change to
worship methods. Additionally, God said He was planning to do a spiritual overhaul to remove
ַחL וּרI האT J ַמQ |
טֻּ הL (unclean spirits) or demonic forces and their םְ יא~ f ְ יַבf ְ נְּQ הL (false
prophets).
Zechariah 13:3-6, Purging False Prophecies
Zechariah 13:3, Rejection of False prophecy
As the spiritual renewal is taking place, false prophets were still speaking their lies.
However, the lies would no longer be tolerated. The parents of the false prophet will recognize
the deception and take action. The fact that Zechariah uses the word “וּהרp | ֣
ֹקJ ְדQוּ” shows
the gravity of false prophecy and the punishment is death.
Zechariah 13:4-6, Shame of the Prophets
When the people are spiritually renewed, false prophets will be exposed for their deceit
and in turn they will be ashamed of their lies and deceptive teachings. The shame suggests a
complete discrediting of their prophetic claims. Additionally, the portion highlighting “rough
5 George A. Smith. The Book of The Twelve Prophets. New York: Harper & Brothers Publishers, 1898. 484.
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garment” is significant in the Jewish culture in that it reveals the humility they will experience.
In ancient Israel, false prophets often wore rough clothing, particularly hairy garments, to make
themselves appear like true prophets as is the case of Elijah and John the Baptist. However, the
false prophets will be so exposed for their falsities that they will not even put on garments like
the prophets. The false prophet, once confronted, will deny his role as a prophet. He will
confess that he was never truly sent by God. “Even their former friends would attack them if
they tried to prophesy again. To purify the land, the people who were false would be
destroyed.”6
Zechariah 13:7-9, Messianic Prophecies of the Shepherd and Sheep
Zechariah 13:7, Smiting of the Shepherd and Sheep are Scattered
God, here, is enacting a divine summons for the sword (symbolizing judgment or
punishment) to be raised. However, this poetic discourse is prophesying more on the arrival of
Jesus. The "shepherd" refers to the leader, often understood as a symbol for the Messiah. The
reference to the shepherd being struck down and the sheep are scattered points to the
Messianic
Jesus being crucified and disciples fled in fear, abandoning Him.
Zechariah 13:8-9, Sheep are Tested
In the final set of verses, vv.8-9, Zechariah is showing the divine purification which will
take place. This period of testing or trials that will purify God's people, making them stronger
and more faithful. The struggle is that 2/3 of the people will perish. The remainder is titled “the
remnant.” The analogy of silver and gold being refined emphasizes the process of refining and
value of the remnant. God reiterates His promise and says the people will call and He will
answer and He will restore the covenant relationship of the Abrahamic and Davidic covenants.
6 John H. Tullock, and Mark McEntire. The Old Testament Story. Boston: Prentice Hall, 2012. 296.
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God will claim them as His own as a final reconciliation to Himself.
Zechariah 14- The Day of the Lord
Zechariah 14:1-3, Day of Judgment
Zechariah 14:1-2, Gathering for Battle
Probably one of the most significant titles of eschatological events is termed ה֖
וi Jהְילa L
־ם ָ וְ י֖
וda (the Day of the Lord.) This points tragically to a time when all nations will come against
Jerusalem. God will temporarily remove His protection and Jerusalem will be destroyed, the
inhabitants houses will be plundered, their women ravished, and half will go into captivity.
Despite the devastation, there will be a residual of people, referring to the faithful remnant,
who will remain in the city, showing God preserving His people once again. This remnant is key
for future events for future complete restoration.
Zechariah 14:3, Divine Intervention
Despite the attacks, God will begin to fight back for the people. This now becomes
turning point in the war. God, again, is not being passive in His actions but rather He is actively
going out to fight the nations. “He will break the siege by descending physically, in the person of
the Messiah Jesus, so that His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives.”7 God will personally
engage the enemy for His people.
Zechariah 14:4-11, Future Glory
Zechariah 14:4-5, Transformation of Jerusalem
As God, in the person of Christ, descends to fight for the people, He will place His feet on
the Mount of Olives, and it will literally split; moving north and south. “This bifurcated massif
has a purpose; it provides a way for those who flee (v. 5) to leave the immediate environs of
7 Michael Rydelnik. "Zechariah." In The Moody Bible Commentary, edited by Michael Rydelnik, et al.,
22812319. Chicago, Illinois: Moody Publishers, 2014. 2316.
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Jerusalem.”8 This is a significant prophetic vision, because before Christ ever arrived on earth at
the dawning of the New Testament ear, this prophecy was written. The writer of Acts further
documents words of the angels saying: “Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven?
this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have
seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11, KJV). Additionally, this was proclaimed on the Mount of
Olives. It is then Zechariah prophesies that the people will flee to the valley of the mountains via
the Mount Olive split.
In v. 5, Zechariah says they will flee to the valley of the mountains. While there is some
debate, some scholars believe this ‘Azal’ mentioned will be to the fortified city of Petra. The
mere fact that Zechariah references the earthquake in the days of Uzziah expresses the sense of
urgency and fear that they will move with. Currently, with the travel routes, this is about 190
miles but when the Mount of Olives is split, straight line calculations make this a 90-mile route.
This is the inevitable ‘Second Coming’ of Christ from eschatology. Here Jesus is returning with
the saints, the redeemed people of God, including both Old and New Testament believers. Jesus
has not come back this time to passively watch and observe the conflict, but rather, He is
actively intervening in the battle that will come against Jerusalem.
Zechariah 14:6-7, Different daylight and nighttime
When the Day of the Lord takes place, this will dramatically change everything. This will
be a turning point forever in history. The first change which takes place will be in the day and
nighttime. The natural order of time will be blurred and between verses 6-7. The light radiating
will not be from the sun, but will be from the Son.
Zechariah 14:8-9, Living Waters
8 David L. Petersen. Zechariah 9-14 and Malachi: A Commentary. Westminster: John Knox Press, 1995.142.
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As Christ begins to set up His millennial Kingdom, there are physical changes which take
place. “Other topological changes will take place which apparently will elevate Jerusalem so that
water flowing from Jerusalem to the eastern sea, or the Sea of Galilee, and half to the western
sea, of the Mediterranean.”9 Symbolizing the life-giving presence of God, the water flowing from
Jerusalem in this context likely represents where God's blessings will flow out from His holy city
to the entire earth. It is a symbol of spiritual restoration for the world. Here it also refers to “the
former sea [Dead Sea] and the hinder sea [Mediterranean Sea].” This signifies the
allencompassing nature of and the universal reach of God's blessings. Additionally, it appears
there will remain four seasons; however, the ‘waters’ will not end their flowing during those
times.
In the Millennial Kingdom, Jesus Christ will be the Messiah and will be universally
recognized as the only one true God. “The declaration that there will be one LORD in that day is
both a reaffirmation of the Hebrew credo that YHWH is one (Deut. 6:4), and a once-for-all
renunciation of idolatry.”10 Additionally, pointing out there will be one Lord shows the focus will
be shifted to worshipping the one true God.
Zechariah 14:10-11, Jerusalem’s restoration
The land of Judah, particularly the area around Jerusalem, will undergo a geographical
transformation. This suggests a physical reshaping of the land, where valleys and mountains are
leveled, and it is turned into a plain. The land will be elevated or lifted up to a new spiritual and
physical level, indicating that Jerusalem will be restored and re-established in a state of holiness
and peace. This suggests that God will purify the land and make it a suitable place for His
9 John F. Walvoord. Every Prophecy of the Bible: Clear Explanations for Uncertain Times. Colorado Springs,
Colorado: Chariot Victor Publishing, 1999.333.
10 Andrew E. Hill. Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi : An Introduction and Commentary. Vol. 28, in InterVarsity Press,
by Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, edited by David G Firth, & Temper Longman III. Downers Grove, Illinois:
InterVarsity Press, 2012. 265.
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presence and His people. The city will not only be restored but will be inhabited in a manner
that reflects security, peace, and prosperity. Furthermore, it is a promise that Jerusalem will no
longer experience the utter devastation it has faced in its history, such as the Babylonian siege
or the
Roman destruction.
Zechariah 14:12-15, Judgment of the Nations
Zechariah 14:12-13, Fate of the opposing nations
At the end of this transformational set of 11 verses, Zechariah turns back to the battle.
This is a particularly disturbing view of the coming judgment of the enemies of Jerusalem. “The
Lord would strike the foreign armies outside Jerusalem with a plague that would rot out their
eyes and tongues and kill their animals. Panic would sweep through the invading armies,
causing them to attack one another.”11 This will not be a progressive destruction, this will be
quick because it takes place in a matter of moments while they are standing on their feet.
Additionally, the punishment will cause inevitable panic which in turn will create division and
chaos among the enemies of Jerusalem. They will turn on each other and the enemy forces will
be destroyed from within against themselves. Their entire sense of unity will collapse.
Zechariah 14:14-15, Defeat and spoils of enemies
While God is actively fighting for Jerusalem, the people of Judah will be defending
Jerusalem. Ultimately the divine intervention will lead them to victory. At the end of the battle,
the spoils of the war will be brought to Jerusalem, which will include gold, silver, and apparel.
This is a picture of restoration and prosperity for Jerusalem after their victory over their
enemies. The gathering of wealth from the heathen (Gentile nations) suggests the fulfillment of
11 Robert B. Chisholm Jr., Handbook on the Prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Minor
Prophets (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2002), 476.
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God's promise to bless His people, even through the nations that once opposed them (cf. Isa.
60:5-7; Hag. 2:7-9).
Reverting back to the plague which has taken the armies of the enemies, Zechariah now
sees the divine judgment taking place against the animals used by the enemies of God’s people.
This signifies that the resources the enemy has used to attack God’s people will be destroyed.
The same plague which effected the enemy armies now takes place on the animals used for
their warfare, travel, and transportation. The totality of God’s judgment on the enemy forces
has now been completed.
Zechariah 14:16-21, Holiness and Worship Restored
Zechariah 14:16-17, Nations worship in Jerusalem
The enemy forces having been destroyed leave the people to exist. The remnant of
people will now have the opportunity to worship God. This radical shift of the nations show they
will be humbled by the experience and become reverent of the one true King. As a part of
worship, they will take part in תֹוָכ
וָס (Sukkot) known as the Feast of Tabernacles. Those families
who do not worship, Zechariah says will not have rain. Rain in the ancient world was closely
associated with God’s blessing, therefore, they will not receive His blessings. Furthermore, as
Matthew Henry states: “Every day of a Christian’s life is a day of the feast of tabernacles, and
every Lord’s day especially (that is the great day of the feast); and therefore every day we must
worship the Lord of hosts and every Lord’s day with a peculiar solemnity.”12 Therefore, these
individual families will see the need for worshipping God.
Zechariah 14:18-19, Punishment of those who do not Worship
In v. 17, Zechariah referred to the families of the nations. In v. 18, Zechariah uses another
word: Egypt. This particularly is focused at the rebellious. At the time of Zechariah’s writing,
12 Matthew Henry.1473.
17
Egypt was a place known for its rebellion against God as well as being a powerful and oppressive
nation. However, at this time, even the powerful and rebellious will kneel under the divine rule
of the King. “They will be required to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles, also called the Feast of
Booths or the Festival of Sukkot (or Ingathering). If any people neglects their annual pilgrimage
they will have no rain, and no rain ultimately means death.”13 If Egypt (or any nation or single
person) refuses to come to Jerusalem to worship the King, they will experience the withholding
of rain, a symbol of divine judgment. This judgment could be physical suffering or catastrophe
but regardless, this is a plague of God’s wrath. This, however, will be universally applicable to
anyone refusing to worship God.
Zechariah 14:20-21, Final purification and holiness
In the closing verses of Zechariah, the prophet highlights that all things will be centered
on God. The bells of the horses were ornamentations which were placed on the horses as they
entered battle. At this point in time, everything has been dedicated to Christ so even the horse
bells are holy. The pots used in tabernacle worship dedicated solely to use in the temple, holy
and consecrated. The bowls on the altar were used for ritual sacrifices but again are purified.
Therefore, the understanding arises that every act of worship will be holy, dedicated, and pure
before God.
The final verse of the chapter closes with holiness. Zechariah highlights that with
everything becoming holy in the eyes of the Lord, those who participate in the worship will
‘seethe’ in the pots. This does not mean boiling, but rather total and complete sanctification
before God. Additionally, there will no longer be any sort of idol worship. “The inhabitants of
Canaan (name of Israel's land before the conquest) came to be virtually synonymous with
13 Pamela J. Scalise. "Zechariah." In Minor Prophets II (Understanding the Bible Commentary Series), by John
Goldingay, & Pamela J. Scalise, 198-362. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Books, 2009.124.
18
immoral, wicked, and idolatrous people.”14 This signifies that there will be no more evil or
unclean people in the house of the Lord. The temple (and by extension, the Kingdom of God)
will be a place of holiness where only those who are consecrated to God will be allowed to
worship.
Conclusion
The transformation which takes place throughout the entirety of chapters 12-14, reflect
the immense sovereignty, omniscience, omnipotence, and omnipresence of our Creator. The
enduring word of God evidences that God is sovereign over everything and that the promises of
the Old Testament are just as true as they are in the New Testament (cf. Rev. 19) even to today.
God’s redemptive plan was for Him to be with and worshipped by His creation and there
remains a universal call to pure and holy worship of Christ as King (cf. Rev. 11:15). Through these
truths, Zechariah 12-14 continues to speak to the church, encouraging believers to remain
steadfast in hope, trusting in God's sovereign plan, and participating in the global mission of
proclaiming Christ's reign. The centrality of worship of YHWH will ultimately be realized when
Christ returns, and Christians today are called to live in anticipation of that reality, dedicating
their lives to holiness, obedience, and worship of the King. From the cosmic changes to utter
defeat of the enemies of Jerusalem, to plagues and punishment for those refusing to worship
God, ה֖
והְי is to be praised.
14 Max Anders. "Zechariah 12–14." In Holman Old Testament Commentary - Nahum-Malachi, by Max Anders,
& Stephen Miller, 269-292. Nashville, Tennessee: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2004.17.
19
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