THE BOOK OF ZECHARIAH,
Chapters 1-14
CHAPTER ONE
1:1: “In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius” = Here is my Haggai 1:1 Note: Approximately in the year B.C. 520. This would be calculated by the Jewish reconning. Thus, Nisan, the first of the ecclesiastical year (which was still used for holy purposes and in sacred history) would be what is referred to here.
This would be two months before Zechariah received a similar commission, when the Word of God came to him in the eighth month of the same year (Zec. 1:1). The Babylonian system of calendars would be the beginning of the new year in the spring rather than in the fall. This would put the date as being 1 Elul (August 29 on the English calendar), B.C. 520.
In the Book of Ezra (5:1), Zechariah is referred to as the “son of Iddo.” By contrast, we need to use caution, for the Scriptures often leave out direct fathers and interchange them with grandfathers.
1:7: “Upon the four and twentieth day of the eleventh month, which is the month Sebat” = Exactly five months after the building of the Temple was resumed (Hag. 2:15), and two months after Haggai’s last prophecy (Hag. 2:20).
It is stated in the “Targum Sheni,” in “Esth.” iii. Page 7, to be the beginning of the months of the year for trees, of which they bring the first fruits. It answers to part of our January, and part of February.
1:8: “I saw by night” = Zechariah doesn’t say, “I dreamed by night,” which would give us the impression that because Zechariah had these visions at night or that they were dreams; but he makes it very clear that they were visions, not dreams.
“red horse” = The rider could have ridden any of the other colored horses, but chooses the “red” one, indicating war and bloodshed, as it is time for the 70-year captivity to end (see verse 12) and the nations that suppressed God’s people will no longer hold them. Also, according to verse ten the other riders report to This Rider, thus indicating Divine attributes. Our Lord Jesus seems to have often appeared in this way, as a prelude to His Incarnation (see for examples Jos. 5:13; Eze. 1:26; Dan. 7:13; 10:6; Rev. 6:4?).
In regards to the Revelation connection (if there be one), these verses may be or are connected in regards to redemption, and as such the “red horse” is an indication of martyrdom. Not only of our Lord but of His prophets, according to verse 10, “These are they whom the LORD hath sent to walk to and fro.”
“myrtle trees that were in the bottom” = According to Isaiah 41:19 & 55:13, “myrtle trees” are a good thing. This bottom in which the myrtles grew, is most likely an emblem of the Church in a low, afflicted state; which our Lord is about to change. It must be noticed that even though the Church was in a low condition, Christ was present in the midst, ready to appear for the relief of His people.
In an interesting fact, the name “myrtle” is the Hebrew “hadhas,” from which the name of Esther, i.e., “Hadhassah” (Est. 2:7) is derived. According to the “Targum,” which paraphrases the words, “and he stood among the myrtle trees which are in Babylon,” it indicates the interpreted state of Israel via a designated place more descriptive than “bottom.” Also, corresponding to ancient Jewish writings (“T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol.” 93. 1.), the “myrtle trees” are interpreted to be those of the righteous, stating that “there are no myrtle trees but the righteous,” and the “bottom” (“Et amantes littora myrtos.” “Virgil. Georgic.” l. 4.), signifies the people of God flourishing in valleys and watery places, all which is true of the saints, who are pleasant plants, comely through Christ’s comeliness.
“behind Him were there red horses, speckled, and white” = According to verse 10 these are God’s angels. In an interesting note, “John Gills Bible Commentary” states, “Some (In Abendana, Not. in Miclol Yophi in loc.) Jewish writers interpret this vision of the four kingdoms; and understand by the red horse with the man upon it, in the former clause, the Babylonian monarchy, of which Nebuchadnezzar was the head; and, by these three sorts here, the Medes, Greeks, and Romans, by inverting the order of them; they interpreting the white horses with the riders on them of the Medes and Persians; who were kind to the Jews, and under whom they were dismissed from their captivity, and their Temple rebuilt: the speckled, or those of different colours, the Macedonians or Grecians; some of which were friends, and kind and benevolent to the Jews; and others cruel persecutors of them; and the red, the Romans, who were bloody, and slew multitudes of them, and destroyed their city and Temple.”
1:11: “rest” = Once God’s message has gone throughout the world, Christ’s Second Coming will take place and the earth will be at “rest.”
1:12: “threescore and ten years” = 70 years. See Second Chronicles 36:21; Ezra 1:1; Isaiah 23:15 & 17; Jeremiah 25:11-12; 29:10; Daniel 9:2; Zechariah 7:5.
1:16: “and a line shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem” = With the “prosperity” of verse 17 mentioned, it is not a “prosperity” of riches, but of Christ Coming to Jerusalem (“shall yet choose Jerusalem,” verse 17). Chapter Twelve talks about a restoration.
1:18: “four horns” = “Horns” in the Book of Revelation are representations of “(political) powers.” When we go to the Book of Daniel, we learn that these “four horns” are Babylon, Media-Persia, Greece, and Rome.
1:19: “These are the horns which have scattered Judah, Israel” = All four of these nations attempted to destroy Israel by “scattering” them. Separating them from their routes.
1:20: “four carpenters” = “The prophet sees the powers that had ‘scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem,’ symbolized by ‘four carpenters,’ representing the agencies used by the Lord in restoring His worship, as decreed by Cyrus and his successors, as well as by God Himself.” RH, December 26, 1907.
“Zechariah then saw the powers that had ‘scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem,’ symbolized by four horns. Immediately afterward he saw four carpenters, representing the agencies used by the Lord in restoring His people and the house of His worship.” PK:581.
1:21: “fray them, to cast out the horns of the Gentiles” = To “fray” means to unravel what has been done. God will send His messengers to undo what these nations attempted to accomplish.
CHAPTER TWO
2:1: “measuring line” = An indication of judgment.
2:4: “shall be inhabited” = Futuristic of the Heavenly Jerusalem.
2:5 & 10 & 11: “in the midst” = Jesus will always be in the middle of His people.
2:7: “Deliver thyself” = Just as in the Book of Revelation (Chp. 14 & Rev. 18:1), the call is to “come out of Babylon.” Come away from any false religious systems.
2:8: “toucheth the apple of His eye” = When God “sends you” to preach or tell His message, He will take note of those who treat His “servants,” verse 9, badly.
2:11: “many nations. . . in that day” = The “in that day” is in reference to the Second Coming; as seen in verse 12, “choose Jerusalem again,” and verse 12, “He is raised up out of His holy habitation.”
CHAPTER THREE
Chapters Three And Four All: “A flash of light will come to all lost souls. They will see clearly the mystery of godliness, which during their lifetime they despised and hated. And the fallen angels, endowed with higher intelligence than man, will realize what they have done in using their powers to lead human beings to choose deception and falsehood. All who have united with the deceiver, all who have learned his ways and practiced his deceptions, must perish with him because they have the seeds of rebellion in them and have worked in their own way, carrying out their own devising’s. Companies are formed in this world to strengthen Satan’s methods to destroy the influence of God’s appointed agencies. Where these should have been almost innumerable multitudes that expect to be saved, they have joined the rebel leader and would, if they only had a chance, carry on the work they began in this world to mold minds to their ideas. The Lord Jesus looks pityingly upon them and says, ‘Depart.’ At that time Zechariah, Chapter 3 and 4, will be understood..” 15LtMs, Manuscript 37, 1900, paragraph 10.
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3:1: “Joshua” = “Joshua here represents the people of God; and Satan pointing to their filthy garments claims them as his property over which he has a right to exercise his cruel power. But these very ones have improved the hours of probation to confess their sins with contrition of soul and put them away, and Jesus has written pardon against their names. Those who have not ceased to sin and who have not repented and sought pardon for their transgressions are not represented in this company; for this company vex their souls over the corruption’s and iniquity abounding around them, and God will recognize those who are sighing and crying because of the abominations done in the land. They were not mixed up in these abominations. They had not corrupted their ways before God, but had washed their robes of character and had made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Satan pointed to their sins which had not yet been blotted out, and which he had tempted them to commit, and then reviled them as being sinners clad with filthy garments. But Jesus changes their appearance.” 4T:250.
“Satan standing at his right hand to resist him” = Here is Psalm 109:5-6: “[5] And they have rewarded Me evil for good, and hatred for My Love. [6] Set thou a wicked man over Him: and let Satan stand at His right hand.”
“resist” = The Hebrew for “resist” is “satan,” not the noun, but a verb. The actual meaning is, “to accuse.” So what is Satan “accusing” Joshua of doing? If we go to the literal Hebrew of “satan,” we find a better interpretation of the word here, that being, “to Satanize him.” What Satan is really interested in is accusing God Himself. Satan says to God, “These are the type of people you are choosing? Look how filthy they are [verse 3], and sinful they are.”
3:2: “the Lord” = “Then the Angel, Who is Christ Himself, the Saviour of sinners, puts to silence the accuser of His people,” PK:584.
3:4: “Take away the filthy garments from him” = Notice that the filthy garments of disobedience and transgression must first be taken from us, and the way we do this is in verse seven, before we can be clothed in a “change of raiment.” Notice also that it is not in Satan’s power to condemn us; he can only “accuse” us. See Isaiah 50:8-9 & Romans 8:33-34.
“Nothing in the world is so dear to God as His Church. Nothing is guarded by Him with such jealous care. The Lord has paid the ransom to save and redeem His heritage, and He is not willing that anything should separate them from Him, where He cannot protect them and prosper them for His Own Name’s glory. He permits them to be sorely tried in the fiery furnace to separate from them and burn the dross. But His eye is upon them every moment, that as they are being purified they may not be consumed. . . The Lord does not deny the charge of Joshua’s unworthiness, but demonstrates that He has bought him with a price. He clothes him with His garments of righteousness, not putting these garments over the filthy garments of disobedience and transgression,” 20MR:190.1.
“I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee” = We can notice here that it is Christ Who gives us the power to overcome sin and goes beyond just the attributing of sins taken away from us, but the actual doing of righteous works (see verse 7). This is the message of the Bible -- Perfection of Christian character; by having “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:27.
3:5: “a fair mitre” = A sign of holiness.
3:7: “If thou wilt walk in My ways, and if thou wilt keep My charge, then thou shalt also judge My house” = Here is the definition of what it takes in order to be saved. Note the powerful English word, the conditioning word in any language used twice here -- “if.”
“these that stand by” = “Among those who stand by. . . the hosts of Heaven, ten thousand times ten thousand angels, who watch over and guard the tempted people of God, uplifting and strengthening them. These are they who stand by.” 4ST:197; 2ST:389; ST, August 28, 1901.
3:8: “I will bring forth My servant the BRANCH” = The Jewish Rabbi’s should have recognized this “Servant,” this “BRANCH,” as being broken in Isaiah, Chapter 42, a broken “reed,” in Isaiah, Chapters 49 & 53, as the ONE Who is “broken” for our sins. The “branch of God” is known in Isaiah, Chapter 4, verse 2. In Jeremiah 23:5, He is called “the righteous Branch.” And in Jeremiah 33:15, He is “the Branch of righteousness.” The point is, Yahweh is “our” righteousness. And they and we need to be able to identify that.
3:9: “upon One Stone” = That “Stone” is Christ (Psa. 118:22; Isa. 8:14; 28:16).
“seven eyes” = Seven has always been a representation Biblically of God. What is important to notice here is that this God, these “eyes,” pay special attention to the “One [particular] Stone.”
“I will engrave” = On the breastplate of the High Priest was 12 stones engraved with the names of the 12 tribes of Israel. Therefore, I believe this engraving to be the names of the saved ones on Christ’s breastplate.
“remove the iniquity” = This is an unusual statement. For God expressly states that He will “cover” our sins. Therefore, this “removing” will take place:
“in one day” = At the Second Coming of Christ.
3:10: “In that day” = All will be reconciled in Heaven.
CHAPTER FOUR
4:1: “wakened out of his sleep” = As mentioned in my Zechariah 1:8 Note, this is not a dream, but a vision.
4:2: “candlestick” = This places Zechariah in the Holy Place in Heaven. See Revelation 1:12-13.
“bowl” = “. . .the golden bowls [note the plural], which represent the hearts of the living messengers of God, who bear the Word of the Lord to the people in warnings and entreaties. The Word itself must be as represented, the golden oil, emptied from the two olive trees that stand by the Lord of the whole earth. This is the baptism by the Holy Spirit with fire.” 16MR:297; 4BC:1180.
“seven lamps” = “Burning lamps, representing the Church.” ARA:387; RH, September 14, 1897. As is represented in the Book of Revelation.
4:3: “two olive trees” = Read verses 11-14 & Revelation 11:4. Futuristic of the Old and New Testaments. Or in this case, the Word of God. Confirmed by seeing verse 6. Also, symbolic of the “oil,” meaning, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
“From the two olive trees, the golden oil was emptied through golden pipes into the bowl of the candlestick, and thence into the golden lamps that gave light to the Sanctuary. So from the holy ones that stand in God’s presence, His Spirit is imparted to human instrumentalities that are consecrated to His service. The mission of the two anointed ones is to communicate light and power to God’s people. It is to receive blessing for us that they stand in God’s presence. As the olive trees empty themselves into the golden pipes, so the Heavenly messengers seek to communicate all that they receive from God. The whole Heavenly treasure awaits our demand and reception; and as we receive the blessing, we in our turn are to impart it. Thus it is that the holy lamps are fed, and the Church becomes a light-bearer in the world.” Review and Herald, March 2, 1897; YRP:17; COL:408.
4:6: “but by My Spirit” = God uses reasoning powers (Isa. 1:18) to convince people; not force; such as the Muslim god.
4;7: “a plain” = As described in Zechariah 14:1 & 4 & Revelation 20:8-9.
4:9: “Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house” = Represented here as the “Master Builder” who holds “the plummet.” According to First Corinthians 3:11: “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” Therefore, it is through the ministry of Christ that “Zerubbabel” has any power.
4:10: “those seven” = This could mean “seven” persons that joined with him and assisted him in this work. By contrast, it better is interpreted as them of the seven lamps, and the seven pipes to them, in the candlestick; as the “Targum” explains them of “seven rows of stone.”
4:11 & 12: “[11] two olive trees [12] branches” = “These empty themselves into the golden bowls, which represent the hearts of the living messengers of God, who bear the Word of the Lord to the people in warnings and entreaties. The Word itself must be as represented, the golden oil, emptied from the two olive trees that stand by the Lord of the whole earth. This is the baptism by the Holy Spirit with fire. This will open the soul of unbelievers to conviction. The wants of the soul can be met only by the working of the Holy Spirit of God.” 16MR:297.
“In this vision the two olive trees which stand before God are represented as emptying the golden oil out of themselves through golden tubes into the bowl of the candlestick. From this the lamps of the Sanctuary are fed, that they may give a bright, continuous light. So from the anointed ones that stand in God’s presence the fullness of Divine light and Love and power is imparted to His people, that they may impart to others light and joy and refreshing. Those who are thus enriched are to enrich others with the treasure of God’s Love.” PK:594. See also Zec. 4:3.
4:14: “two anointed ones” = “The anointed ones standing by the Lord of the whole earth, have the position once given to Satan as covering cherub.” RH, July 20, 1897.
“The mission of the two anointed ones is to communicate to God’s people that Heavenly grace which alone can make His Word a lamp to the feet and a light to the path.” COL:408.
“The mission of the two anointed ones is to communicate light and power to God’s people. It is to receive blessing for us that they stand in God’s presence. As the olive trees empty themselves into the golden pipes, so the Heavenly messengers seek to communicate all that they receive from God. The whole Heavenly treasure awaits our demand and reception; and as we receive the blessing, we in our turn are to impart it. Thus it is that the holy lamps are fed, and the Church becomes a light bearer in the world.” TM:510.
CHAPTER FIVE
5:1 & 2: “flying roll” = Just as in Revelation 8:13 & 14:6. This could be a record of the sins of the people. If that is the case it would be the Book of Records. Based upon verse 3.
5:2: “length” = The measurement is given indicating that all these sins are spread out for all to see.
“twenty cubits, and the breadth thereof ten cubits” = These are the measurements of Solomons Temple (1Ki. 6:3). In particular, “the porch.” That would be on the East side. This is where judgements took place and where the reading of the Law took place. Compare also with First Kings 6:23-25, where the measurements of the two angels are exactly the same as here. Thus, this is an indication that judgment is to take place.
5:3: “this side” = God has two sides. One is worse than the other. Thus, as we see in the Book of Revelation, when the saints will be judging the duration in which God’s punishment will be laid out (Rev. 20:4). See also Daniel 7:22; Luke 22:30; First Corinthians 6:2-3.
The one side deals with the sins against man to man (“thief”). While the other side deals with the sins committed against God (“sweareth”). Just as the Ten Commandments were written on both sides, the one side pertaining to your duty towards God and the other side with your duties towards your fellow man (Exo. 32:15).
“sweareth” = That is, being faithful to your oath; swearing in the Name of the Lord. Also, one who swears that his prophecy will come true. In other words, false prophets will “be cut off.” This is confirmed in verse 4, “him that sweareth falsely by My Name.” This “flying roll,” verses 1 & 2, might be the Book of Life, and these peoples’ names are not found written in it. This also may show that the Book of Life is limited and not limitless. For those who say, NO, verse 6 states that it is an “ephah.” Well, what is an “ephah?” An “ephah” is just a unit of measure (see Exo. 16:36; Lev. 5:11; 6:20; 19:36; etcetera). Ultimately, this is judgment language and that is the context that is going on here.
The “Targum” interprets this “as being of such who dealt in false measures, whose sin is exposed, and their punishment set forth; but rather it designs the measure of iniquity is filling up.” Those who sit in the “ephah” begin to fill it up. Their iniquity will soon be full and God will no longer plead with them.
5:6: “an ephah = An “ephah” is a standard of measure (Exo. 16:36). And as such, so shall the wickedness of your sins be measured out.
5:7: “talent of lead” = A “talent” would be the weight; whereas the “ephah” would be the volume.
“woman” = A “woman” in prophecy equals a “church,” either good or bad.
5:8: “This is wickedness” = The key to this vision is found here. The subject is “wickedness,” while the perpetrator of it is Babylon/“Shinar,” verse 11. An “ephah” is one of, it not the largest “measure/amount” of material. Thus, the “sin” is heavy as “lead,” verse 8, upon one’s head. Sin, when it is “lifted up,” verse 9, lifts up its head “between the earth and the Heaven,” verse 9.
5:9: “two women” = These two churches have “wings of a stork,” a “stork” being an unclean bird. According to Revelation 17:18-18:3, this would be Babylon (Roman Catholicism) and her “merchants,” equaling her daughters (Apostate Protestantism).
“they lifted up the ephah” = These “two women” set up their own standard in opposition to God’s Standard.
5:11: “To build a house in the land of Shinar” = In other words. “To build” up another religious system contrary to God’s. When Babylon (“Shinar”) fills up her iniquity, then God’s judgment will fall upon it. That took place historically when Medea-Persia conquered it. This is a dual prophecy, in that, when the world (full of worshiping Babylon) has filled up its iniquity, our Lord will Come a Second Time.
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CHAPTER SIX
6:1: “four chariots” = As to what the “four chariots” are, that is answered in verse 5. In other words, God’s message to the world.
A possible reference to the four Gospels which bring the messages of God to the world. Or, the four periods of God’s true Church throughout history; as will play out in the following verses.
“two mountains” = According to Micah 4:1-2, “mountains” represent “the house of the Lord,” i.e., God’s true Church. Compare with Isaiah 56:7 & Daniel 9:20. This is a universal Church. The one mountain may well represent the truth as given to the Jewish nation; and the other the Gentile Church that propagates the true message of God.
“brass” = Brass is known to be resistant to corrosion. It takes a high heat process to make it. Thus, Christ tries His people. According the “John Gills Notes on the Bible,” "An emblem of His stability and permanence, brass being considered the most durable of all metallic substances or compounds.”
6:2: “red” = Sacrifice; bloody martyrs of the Church.
“black” = Darkness, death of the Church. Paganism comes into the Church.
6:3: “white” = Righteousness of the Church. Investigation of and bringing back of “Sola Scriptura.”
“grisled and bay” = Lukewarmness of the Church.
6:5: “four spirits” = Going forth of God’s message to the “earth.” Getting back to Micah 4:2, “for the Law shall go forth of Zion.” God’s Law has always been at the center of any controversy and the embattlements for over six thousand years.
6:6: “north country” = Most Bible commentators use Jeremiah 1:13 to identify the “north” as being “Babylon.” The Church falls into apostasy and God’s Spirit will be “quieted,” verse 8. Don’t waste time with those who will not listen. They want to convert you just as much as you want to help them.
“south” = Therefore, the “south” would be Egypt. Same apostasy result. Except, some portion must “walk to and fro through the earth,” Zechariah 6:7. The message of God will always find a way, even through the must humble of His servants; such as the “grisled and bay.”
6:8: “quieted My Spirit” = Made it of non-effect.
6;10: “come from Babylon” = The call is always for God’s true Church to come from out of Babylon; the false churches to His true Church, “which keep the Commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ,” Revelation 12:17; and “that keep the Commandments of God and the faith of Jesus,” Revelation 14:12.
“Take or them” = The names listed give indication that these are they that returned after the 70-year captivity in Babylon.
6:12: “The BRANCH” = Jesus, The Christ. A Coming Messiah.
6:13: “The counsel of peace shall be between Them both” = That is, between the Father and the Son. Not that They need it for Themselves, but to control and administer blessings to and for Their beings.
“Before the Father He pleaded in the sinner’s behalf, while the host of Heaven awaited the result with an intensity of interest the words cannot express. Long continued was the mysterious communing -- ‘the counsel of peace’ (Zechariah 6:13) for the fallen sons of men. The plan of salvation had been laid before the creation of the earth; for Christ is ’the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world’ (Revelation 13:8); yet it was a struggle, even with the King of the universe, to yield up His Son to die for the guilty race.” PP:63.
6:15: “if” = The condition rings out again.
CHAPTER SEVEN
7:ALL: The “visions” are now past. How Zechariah has “the Word of the Lord,” Zechariah 7:1 and forward come to him, we are not told.
7:1: “fourth year of king Darius” = According to “Alvert Barns Bible Commentary” this would be “Two years after the series of visions, shown to him [Zechariah], and two years before the completion of the Temple.” In B.C. 518.
“ninth month, even in Chisleu” = The Wests November/December.
7:2: “they” = Most Bible commentators believe this “they” to be the city of Bethel; which “sent unto the house of God” for inquiry.
“Sherezer” = This is not the “Sherezer” of Second Kings 19:37 & Isaiah 37:38. Rather, this is a contemporary of the prophet Zechariah.
7:3: “fifth month” = The Wests August; see Numbers 33:38.
7:5: “seventh month” = The Wests October; see First Kings 8:2.
“seventy years” = See Second Chronicles 36:21; Ezra 1:1; Isaiah 23:15, 17; Jeremiah 25:11-12; 29:10; Daniel 9:2; Zechariah 1:12. Before answering their question, it is asked of God, “did ye at all fast unto Me” while you were in seventy years of captivity?
“fast” = The Lord is reminding them that they “fasted” because they were crying about their captivity. By contrast, they should have been “fasting” for their lack of respect for the Word, God’s “Law” of verse 12.
7:12: “therefore came a great wrath” = God is reminding them that they caused their own situation by disobeying Him.
CHAPTER EIGHT
8:3: “Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth” = Every Promise has a condition. Verse 14 & 16 is that condition. This could be a futuristic prophecy applied in Heaven.
8:6: “remnant of this people” = God always finds/has a few among the many professed people of God.
8:8: “truth and righteousness” = The two pillars of faith. God’s Law is the “truth” and “righteousness” comes from Christ alone.
8:9: “ye that hear” = “He that hath an ear,” Revelation 2:7 & 11 & 17 & 29; 3:6 & 13 & 22; 13:9.
“by the mouth of the prophets” = Always judge by “the prophets.” Neglection of the last day prophets will result in paying the consequences.
8:16: “These are the things that ye shall do” = Every promise given, every agreement made, is always under condition of the party given to be obedient to the provisions of the arrangement when dealing with our Lord. He wants the best for us. But often mankind sees things differently.
8:19: “fast” =When righteousness prevails, your fasting will not be a “fast,” but a “cheerful feast.”
8:23: “We will go with you” = This promise is of course, on condition of obedience.
CHAPTER NINE
9:ALL: “The darkness of the Gentile world was attributable of the neglect of the Jewish nation, as is represented in the ninth Chapter of Zechariah.” S&T2:329; 4BC:1180.
9:2: “very wise” = Rather, she thought herself to be “very wise.” Compare to Job 5:13, where God “taketh the wise in their own craftiness.” Then see First Corinthians 1:21.
9:3: “Tyrus” = Compare to Ezekiel 28:11-17. Specifically, Ezekiel 28:16 tells us that Tyrus gained her wealth via “merchandise.” By building “a strong hold,” she (Satan) thought to take the place of God on earth.
9:6: “bastard shall dwell in Ashdod” = Do to its fall, the natives became intermingled with the heathen.
9:7: “take away his blood our of his mouth” = From “Adam Clarks Bible Commentary” we read, “The ‘abominations’ being idol-sacrifices, the ‘bloods’ will also be, the blood mingled with the wine of sacrifices, of which David says, ‘Their drink-offerings of blood will I not offer,” Psa. 16:4; and Ezekiel unites the offences, ‘Ye eat with the blood, and lift up your eyes toward your idols, and shed blood,’ Ezk. 33:25.”
9:8: “him that returneth” = As a dog returns to his vomit (Pro. 26:11), so the unrighteous never repent.
9:9: “having salvation” = That only the Messiah can come with “salvation” should not be argued. The Hebrew word for “salvation” used here is “H3467; niphal,” and elsewhere it literally means, “saved” or “rescued,” see Deuteronomy 33:39; Psalm 3:8; 6:5; 7:2; 22:22; 31:3 & 17; 33:16.
“lowly” = The fact that “lowly,” Hebrew “H6041; aniy,” should be and should have been translated better to describe this Individual as being “afflicted,” see Psalm 25:16 and 69:30, when used together with the verb “to save” (2Sa. 22:28; Psa. 18:28; 34:7; 72:4). Thus, the text better expresses that this is referring to a “suffering Messiah” to Come, and not the generally accepted Jewish interpretation of a victorious Messiah.
“upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass” = The last part explains the first. Let’s break it down. “Upon an ass [“H2543; chamor,” male donkey], and upon  a colt [“H5895, ayir,” young male donkey]  the foal [“H1121, ben,” son or grandson] of an ass [“H860; athon,” female donkey].”
This futuristic prophecy of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on an “ass” is found in Mark, Chapter Eleven. Jesus rides in “upon a male ass, which is a young ass, the offspring of a female ass.”
9:10: “from sea even to sea” = He is quoting from the Messianic Psalm 72 (verse 8).
9:11: “no water” = No salvation. Jesus only has the living water.
9:13: “filled the bow” = God’s people “against. . . Greece,” meaning, “Greek Philosophy.” Silly Greek conjectures.
9:15: “wine” = Wine generally in Scripture applies to Doctrine. In this case, correct Doctrine.
​
CHAPTER TEN
10:1: “Ask ye of the LORD rain [for the Holy Spirit] in the time of the latter rain [the outpouring of the Holy Spirit]; so the LORD shall make bright clouds [a people worthy of the white robes of Heaven], and give them showers of rain [the outpouring of the Holy Spirit], to every one grass in the field [the indwelling of the Holy Spirit].”
Here is my Revelation 14:14-20 Note: This Command, also used in verse 18, is a direct allusion to Joel 3:13, and has the eschatological meaning of the last of the harvests to be gathered at the end of the harvest season. It is used by our Lord in Mark 4:29. However, in Matthew 13:39-43, we are told that the “reapers” are God’s “angels.” And in the parable of the fish caught in the net, angels are the ones who separate the wicked from the righteous. And the role of God’s angels as “reapers,” sent by Jesus, to gather the righteous for the habitation of the kingdom of Heaven, is further affirmed in our Lord’s discourse upon the Mount of Olives (see Mat. 24:31; Mark 13:27).
However, whether or not the additional mention of “for the harvest of the earth is ripe” is present or not, the Biblical reference to the thrusting in of the “sickle” is a well-known Biblical metaphor for the eschatological judgment on the enemies of ancient Israel (see Jer. 51:33; Hos. 6:11; Joel 3:13) and the “harvest” of God’s people into His kingdom (Mat. 9:37-38; Luke 10:2; John 4:35-38). Therefore, this action can both refer to the positive sense for the gathering of God’s people, and the negative aspect of the final abode and judgment of the wicked.
Thus, this is none other than the “latter rain,” which equals “the baptism of the Holy Spirit.” EV:701; FLB:246 & 333.
“The outpouring of the Spirit in the days of the apostles was the ‘former rain,’ and glorious was the result. But the ‘latter rain’ will be more abundant.” AUCR, June 1, 1904; ChS:251; Ev:701; 8T:21; ML:60; ST, Feb. 17, 1914; YRP:287, 307. [SDA’s: Last sentence left out of AA:54-55 and LDE:184, but it is in LDE:185].
“In the East the former rain falls at the sowing-time. It is necessary in order that the seed may germinate [The Christian life begins]. Under the influence of the fertilizing showers [the Holy Spirit], the tender shoot springs up. The latter rain, falling near the close of the season [close of probation], ripens the grain, and prepares it for the sickle [the Second Coming of our Lord]. The Lord employs these operations of nature to represent the work of the Holy Spirit [meaning, the rain represents the Holy Spirit]. As the dew and the rain are given first to cause the seed to germinate, and then to ripen the harvest, so the Holy Spirit is given to carry forward, from one stage to another, the process of spiritual growth. The ripening of the grain represents the completion of the work of God’s grace in the soul [the latter rain]. By the power of the Holy Spirit the moral image of God is to be perfected [ready for transformation to Heaven] in the character. We are to be wholly transformed into the likeness of Christ [ready for His Second Coming]. {RH, March 2, 1897, paragraph 1}
“The latter rain, ripening earth’s harvest [close of probation], represents the spiritual grace that prepares the Church for the Coming of the Son of Man. But unless the former rain has fallen, there will be no life; the green blade will not spring up. Unless the early showers have done their work, the latter rain can bring no seed to perfection [ready for transformation to Heaven]. {RH, March 2, 1897, paragraph 2}
“There is to be ‘first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.’ There must be a constant development of Christian virtue, a constant advancement in Christian experience. This we should seek with intensity of desire, that we may adorn the doctrine of Christ our Saviour. {RH, March 2, 1897, paragraph 3}
“Many have in a great measure failed to receive the former rain [the Holy Spirit]. They have not obtained all the benefits that God has thus provided for them. They expect that the lack will be supplied by the latter rain [outpouring of the Holy Spirit]. When the richest abundance of grace shall be bestowed, they intend to open their hearts to receive it. They are making a terrible mistake. The work that God has begun in the human heart in giving His light and knowledge, must be continually going forward. Every individual must realize his own necessity. The heart must be emptied of every defilement [perfection of character], and cleansed for the indwelling of the Spirit. It was by the confession and forsaking of sin, by earnest prayer and consecration of themselves to God, that the early disciples prepared for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit [there you have it; “the outpouring of the Holy Spirit”] on the day of Pentecost. The same work, only in greater degree, must be done now. Then the human agent had only to ask for the blessing [“Ask ye of the Lord rain”], and wait for the Lord to perfect [“perfect”] the work concerning him. It is God Who began the work, and He will finish His work, making man complete [perfect] in Jesus Christ. But there must be no neglect of the grace represented by the former rain [the Holy Spirit]. Only those who are living up to the light they have, will receive greater light. Unless we are daily advancing in the exemplification of the active Christian virtues, we shall not recognize the manifestations of the Holy Spirit in the latter rain [outpouring of the Holy Spirit]. It may be falling on hearts all around us, but we shall not discern or receive it.” RH, March 2, 1897, paragraphs 1-4.
In addition, FLB:333; AG:220 ; Mar:256; add: “But near the close of earth’s harvest, a special bestowal of spiritual grace is promised to prepare the Church for the Coming of the Son of man. This outpouring of the Spirit is likened to the falling of the latter rain.”
“[54] Under the figure of the early and the latter rain, that falls in Eastern lands at seedtime and harvest, the Hebrew prophets foretold the bestowal of spiritual grace in extraordinary measure upon God’s Church. The outpouring of the Spirit in the days of the apostles was the beginning of the early, or [55] former, rain, and glorious was the result. To the end of time the presence of the Spirit is to abide with the true Church. But near the close of earth’s harvest, a special bestowal of spiritual grace is promised to prepare the Church for the coming of the Son of man. This outpouring of the Spirit is likened to the falling of the latter rain; and it is for this added power that Christians are to send their petitions to the Lord of the harvest. . .” AA:54-55; AG:220; ChS:250-251; FLB:333; Mar. 256; OFC:212; YRP:316.
“The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost was the former rain, but the latter rain will be more abundant. The Spirit awaits our demand and reception. Christ is again to be revealed in His fullness by the Holy Spirit’s power.” COL:121; DA 827; Ev:701; ST, Feb. 17, 1914.
“I saw that many were neglecting the preparation so needful, and were looking to the time of ‘refreshing’ and the ‘latter rain’ to fit them to stand in the day of the Lord, and to live in His sight. Oh, how many I saw in the time of trouble without a shelter! They had neglected the needful preparation, therefore they could not receive the refreshing that all must have to fit them to live in the sight of a Holy God.” CET:112; EW:71.
“Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our characters have one spot or stain upon them. It is left with us to remedy the defects in our characters, to cleanse the soul-temple of every defilement. Then the latter rain will fall upon us as the early rain fell upon the disciples on the day of Pentecost.” CET:189; CCh:334.
“I saw that many were neglecting the preparation so needful and were looking to the time of ‘refreshing’ and the ‘latter rain’ to fit them to stand in the day of the Lord and to live in His sight. Oh, how many I saw in the time of trouble without a shelter! They had neglected the needful preparation; therefore they could not receive the refreshing that all must have to fit them to live in the sight of a holy God.” EW:71.
“At that time the ‘latter rain,’ or refreshing from the presence of the Lord, will come, to give power to the loud voice of the third angel, and prepare the saints to stand in the period when the seven last plagues shall be poured out.” EW:85.
“I was pointed down to the time when the third angel’s message was closing. The power of God had rested upon His people; they had accomplished their work and were prepared for the trying hour before them. They had received the latter rain, or refreshing from the presence of the Lord, and the living testimony had been revived. The last great warning had sounded everywhere, and it had stirred up and enraged the inhabitants of the earth who would not receive the message.” EW:279.
“Today you are to have your vessel purified, that it may be ready for the Heavenly dew, ready for the showers of the latter rain; for the latter rain will come, and the blessing of God will fill every soul that is purified from every defilement. It is our work today to yield our souls to Christ, that we may be fitted for the time of refreshing from the presence of the Lord -- fitted for the baptism of the Holy Spirit.” Ev:701.
“We should improve every opportunity of placing ourselves in the channel of blessing. . . The convocations of the Church, as in camp meetings, the assemblies of the home Church, and all occasions where there is personal labor for souls, are God’s appointed opportunities for giving the early and the latter rain.” FLB:246.
“The great work of the gospel is not to close with less manifestation of the power of God than marked its opening. The prophecies which were fulfilled in the outpouring of the former rain at the opening of the gospel, are again to be fulfilled in the latter rain at its close.” FLB:332.
“Under the figure of the early and the latter rain, that falls in Eastern lands at seedtime and harvest, the Hebrew prophets foretold the bestowal of spiritual grace in extraordinary measure upon God’s Church. The outpouring of the Spirit in the days of the apostles was the beginning of the early, or former, rain, and glorious was the result. . . But near the close of earth’s harvest, a special bestowal of spiritual grace is promised to prepare the Church for the Coming of the Son of man. This outpouring of the Spirit is likened to the falling of the latter rain.
“The latter rain, ripening earth’s harvest, represents the spiritual grace that prepares the Church for the Coming of the Son of man. But unless the former rain has fallen, there will be no life; the green blade will not spring up. Unless the early showers have done their work, the latter rain can bring no seed to perfection. . .
“There must be a constant development of Christian virtue, a constant advancement in Christian experience. . .
“Every individual must realize his own necessity. The heart must be emptied of every defilement, and cleansed for the indwelling of the Spirit. It was by the confession and forsaking of sin, by earnest prayer and consecration of themselves to God, that the early disciples prepared for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. The same work, only in greater degree, must be done now. . .
“There must be no neglect of the grace represented by the former rain. Only those who are living up to the light they have, will receive greater light. Unless we are daily advancing in the exemplification of the active Christian virtues, we shall not recognize the manifestations of the Holy Spirit in the latter rain. It may be falling on hearts all around us, but we shall not discern or receive it.” FLB:333.
“While we cherish the blessing of the early rain, we must not, on the other hand, lose sight of the fact that without the latter rain, to fill out the ears and ripen the grain, the harvest will not be ready for the sickle, and the labor of the Sower will have been in vain. Divine grace is needed at the beginning, Divine grace at every step of advance, and Divine grace alone can complete the work.” FLB:334.
“Servants of God , with their faces lighted up and shining with holy consecration, will hasten from place to place to proclaim the message from Heaven. By thousands of voices, all over the earth, the warning will be given. Miracles will be wrought, the sick will be healed, and signs and wonders will follow the believers.” GC:612.
“Those who do not realize the necessity of what is to be done, will be passed by, and the Heavenly messengers will work with those who are called the common people, fitting them to carry the truth to many places. Now is the time for us to awake and do what we can.” LLM:83; PC:319.
10:2: “no shepherd” = No true “shepherd.” No teachers teaching the truth of the true “Shepherd.”
10:3: “goats” = According to Ezekiel 34:17 & Matthew 25:32, since the “shepherds” are the leaders teaching false doctrines, the “goats” would be those who listen to and believe and follow them.
“His goodly horse” = God always has a remnant that will obey and follow Him and He will guide them in the battle for souls.
10:4: “Out of Him came forth the Corner” = According to Jeremiah 30:21, “their Governor shall go forth from the midst of them.” Thus, the “Him” would be “Father God” and “the Corner” would be Jesus; Who is “the head-corner Stone.” Psalm 118:22.
“out of Him the nail” = Isaiah says, “I will fasten Him a Nail to a sure place,” Isaiah 22:23. Continuing, “And they shall hang upon Him {Jesus] all the glory of His Father’s house,” Isaiah 22:24. Thus, Christ is the “Nail fixed in the wall, whereby all vessels are supported.
“bow” = The Words of Christ are the “bow” from where the arrows destroy His enemies.
“out of Him every oppressor together” = According to Zecariah 9:8 and Isaiah 14:2, God had promised that no “oppressor” or “exactor” shall pass through His people anymore. This is better seen in Isaiah 49:17, “Thy children shall make haste to return; thy destroyers and they that made thee waste shall go forth of thee.” Isaiah 22:3 puts it this way, “all that are found of Thee are bound together.” But regarding the wicked, Isaiah 31:3 tells us, “together shall they all perish.” While in a separate clause, Isaiah 45:16 puts it this way, “they are all of them put to shame; together they shall go into confusion.”
10:5: “and the riders on horses shall be confounded” = Truth concurs error. Especially when accepted.
10:8: “hiss for them” = As used in Isaiah 5:26 & 7:18. According to “Albert Barns Bible Commentary,” we read, “This means that He would ‘collect’ them together to accomplish His purposes. The expression is probably taken from the manner in which bees were hived. Theodoret and Cyril, on this place, say, that in Syria and Palestine, they who kept bees were able to draw them out of their hives, and conduct them into fields, and bring them back again, with the sound of a flute or the noise of hissing. It is certain also that the ancients had this idea respecting bees. Pliny (lib. xi. ch. 20) says: Gaudent plausu, atque tinnitu aeris, coque convocantur. ‘They rejoice in a sound, and in the tinkling of brass, and are thus called together.’ AElian (lib. v. ch. 13) says, that when they are disposed to fly away, their keepers make a musical and harmonious sound, and that they are thus brought back as by a siren, and restored to their hives. So Virgin says, when speaking of bees.”
10:10: “and place shall not be found for them” = According to Isaiah 49:20, the reason is because they will be so numerous. The “Targum” states it as, “and I will bring them to the land of Gilead and the sanctuary, and it shall not be sufficient for them.”
10:11: “sceptre of Egypt” = The ideologies of Egypt and Assyria will be destroyed. The Muslim religion is in serious trouble due to the access of the internet. The most obvious false prophet (Muhammad) is being exposed at this typing. See my Study: “MUSLIMS, A MUST READ.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
11:3: “voice of the howling of the shepherds” = When the people realize they have been lied to, they attack their “shepherds.”
11:6: “I will not deliver” = Men will be against men. Everything will be in chaos.
11:7: “Beauty. . . Bands” = The “Targum” interprets this of the division of the kingdom of Israel into two parts, in the times of Rehoboam and Jeroboam. In the Talmud (T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 24. 1.), it is explained of the disciples of the wise men in the land of Israel, who make each other pleasant by their doctrines; and of the disciples of the wise men in Babylon that corrupt one another, or object to one another.”
11:8: “Three shepherds also I cut off in one month” = According to the Book of Revelation, there is a “Three Fold Union” of the “Beast,” equaling Satan/Spiritualism, “the “Little Horn,” equaling Roman Catholicism, and the “False Prophet,” equaling Apostate Protestantism.
“abhorred Me” = The conflict has always been against Jesus.
11:9: “let the rest eat every one the flesh of another” = These systems will now war against each other for the supremacy.
11:10: “My Covenant which I had made with all the people” = Notice, not just Israel, but with “all peoples.”
11:12: “thirty pieces of silver” = Prophecy of our Lord selling price (Mat. 26:15).
11:15: “foolish shepard” = Who is this shepard? According to “Albert Barns Notes On The Bible,” he cites Jerome as stating: “. . .it may equally be, ‘Shepherd, thou idol,’ including the original meaning of nothingness, such as antichrist will be, (Jerome), ‘while he calleth himself God, and willeth to be worshiped.’ Jerome: ‘This shepherd shall therefore arise in Israel, because the true Shepherd had said, ‘I will not feed you.’ He is prophesied of by another name in Daniel the prophet Dan. 9, and in the Gospel Mark 13, and in the Epistle of Paul to the Thessalonians 2 Thes. 2, as ‘the abomination of desolation,’ who shall sit in the Temple of the Lord, and make himself as God. He cometh not to heal but to destroy the flock of Israel.”
11:16: “he shall eat the flesh of the fat” = Here is a religious system that cares for none other than itself and will destroy anyone who disagrees with her.
11:17: “idol” = “Notice the spelling of the word Idol. It is not idle, but idol. This refers to the minister who makes an idol of himself -- to the minister who carries on his heart no burden for souls. Let the ministers consider the Scripture. The Lord has no use for idol shepherds.” 18MR:182.
“arm. . . eye” = The “arm” is what is does; whereas the “eye” is what it perceives to be true.
CHAPTER TWELVE
12:2: “be in the siege” = The people of earth will be united against the people of God.
12:4: “blindness” = Unable to discern “What is truth?”
12:5: “inhabitants of Jerusalem” = Those who hold onto the truth despite the opposition against them.
12:6: “Jerusalem shall be inhabited again” = In Heaven.
12:9: “I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem” = These passages (2-9) apply to after the 1,000-year period (see Revelation, Chapter 20). A correct understanding of “Last Day Events In Their Order” (see my Bible Study upon that subject), will help you not to apply these passages to current day events. All the evil dead who have been raised after the millennial period will be encouraged by Satan to attack Jerusalem, which has come down from Heaven to this earth. But they will be thrown into the lake of fire and eventually be “ashes under the souls of your feet,” Malachi 4:3.
12:10: “they shall look upon Me Whom they have pierced” = Here is my Revelation 1:7 Note: This verse covers and gives credence to the Special Resurrection doctrine (see also Dan. 12:2; Mat. 26:64; Mark 14:62). This resurrection covers those who were at the arresting, sentencing, and torture of Christ.
Some argue that this could NOT be referring to Messiah, as the Hebrew word for “pierced” is, “H1856; daqar,” which refers to “one who dies in battle” only, see Judges 9:54; First Samuel 31:4, Jeremiah 37:10; even though John (19:37) in his Gospel specifically sights this passage as referring to Messiah.
In Zechariah 3:8, we have a record of One (“my Servant the Sprout”) Who will come to save Israel. This same concept is repeated in Zechariah 6:12. That “Sprout,” or better, “BRANCH,” refers to only the Davidic Messiah; see Isaiah 4:2; Jeremiah 23:5; 33:15. All of these references of “Sprout” and “BRANCH” come from Second Samuel 23:5, in which the verb, “to sprout,” appears in context of God’s promises to David (Psa. 132:17; Isa. 55:3), in that God would make David’s lineage “sprout up.” Thus, all understand that what was once a “verb” is become a “noun.”
In Zechariah 12:9, we have a clear reference to a “Coming King.” And there is NO earthly “king” that can bring with him “salvation.” In regards to this “donkey” in this verse, everyone realizes that this text is referring to Genesis 49:10-11; a clear understanding of this being the Davidic Messiah.
Also, the phrase, “house of David,” only appears in the Book of Zechariah (Zec. 12:1 & 7 & 8 & 10 & 12 & 13:1). Since these texts refer to the “glory” of “the house of David,” which at this point is in ashes, we must conclude that this has clear stipulations to the Davidic Messiah. And the texts that reference “mourning” are still dealing with a futuristic “house of David” Personage that Comes with “salvation.” While Zechariah 13;1 speaks of a “house of David” Personage that brings forgiveness. None but the Messiah can do that.
“Zechariah, in prophetic vision, was shown the day of final triumph, when Christ shall Come in glory; and also the condition of the Jews who rejected Him at His First Advent.” 3SP:9.
Here is my Revelation 1:7 Note: This verse covers and gives credence to the Special Resurrection doctrine (see also Dan. 12:2; Mat. 26:64; Mark 14:62). This resurrection covers those who were at the arresting, sentencing, and torture of Christ.
“Many companies of holy angels, with each a tall commanding angel at their head, were sent to witness the scene. They were to record every act, every insult and cruelty imposed upon the Son of God, and to register every pang of anguish which Jesus should [49] suffer; for the very men should see it all again in living characters.” 1SG:48-49.
From 4SP:454 we read: “Graves are opened, and ‘many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth’ ‘awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.’ {Dan. 12:2.} All who have died in faith under the third angel’s message come forth from the tomb glorified, to hear God’s covenant of peace with those who have kept His Law. ‘They also which pierced Him,’ those that mocked and derided Christ’s dying agonies, and the most violent opposers of His truth and His people, are raised to behold Him in His glory, and to see the honor placed upon the loyal and obedient.”
And from 4SP:460-462 we read: “[460] ‘And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every freeman, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of Him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; for the great day of His wrath is come, and who shall be able to stand?’ {REV. 6:15-17} The derisive jests have ceased. Lying lips are hushed into silence. The clash of arms, the tumult of battle, ‘with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood,’ {ISA. 9:5} is stilled. Naught now is heard but the voice of prayer and the sound of weeping and lamentation. The cry bursts forth from lips so lately scoffing, ‘The great day of His wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?’ The wicked pray to be covered by the rocks of the mountains, rather than meet the face of Him Whom they have despised and rejected. Those who mocked Christ in His humiliation are in that throng. With thrilling power come to their minds the Sufferer’s Words, when, adjured by the high priest, He solemnly declared, ‘Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and Coming in the clouds of Heaven.’ {MAT. 26:64} Now they behold Christ in His glory, and they are yet to see Him sitting on the right hand of power. That voice which penetrates the ear of the dead, [461]
“they know. . . Those who derided His claim to be the Son of God are speechless now. There is the haughty Herodwho jeered at His royal title, and bade the mocking soldiers crown Him king. There are the very men who with impious hands placed upon His form the purple robe, upon His sacred brow the thorny crown, and in His unresisting hand the mimic scepter, and bowed before Him in blasphemous mockery. The men who smote and spit upon the Prince of life, now turn from His piercing gaze, and seek to flee from the overpowering glory of His presence. Those who drove the nails through His hands and feet, the soldier who pierced His side, behold these marks with terror and remorse. With awful distinctness do priests and rulers recall the events of Calvary. With shuddering horror they remember how, wagging their heads in Satanic [462]
“exultation, they exclaimed, ‘He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He be the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him. He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now, if He will have Him.’ {Mat. 27:42-43} Vividly they recall the Saviour’s parable of the husbandmen who refused to render to their lord the fruit of the vineyard, who abused his servants and slew his son. They remember, too, the sentence which they themselves pronounced: The lord of the vineyard will miserably destroy those wicked men. In the sin and punishment of those unfaithful men, the priests and elders see their own course and their own just doom. And now there rises a cry of mortal agony. Louder than the shout, ‘Crucify Him! crucify Him!’ which rang through the streets of Jerusalem, swells the awful, despairing wail, ‘He is the Son of God! He is the true Messiah!’ They seek to flee from the presence of the King of kings. In the deep caverns of the earth, rent asunder by the warring of the elements, they vainly attempt to hide.”
Note: The rest of the “righteous dead” are not raised until page 463.
“They will behold that face again, bright as the noon-day sun, and will seek to flee from before It. Instead of that shout of brutal triumph, in terror they will wail because of Him. Jesus will present His hands with the marks of His crucifixion. The marks of this cruelty He will ever bear. Every print of the nails will tell the story of man’s wonderful redemption, and the dear price that purchased it. The very men who thrust the spear into the side of the Lord of life, will behold the print of the spear, and will lament with deep anguish the part they [63] acted in marring His body.” 1SG:62-63.
“Me” = The Hebrew is “H414 & H853; Ayth -- Toa,” or “I’l; E’l’ Eth,” which is the first and last letters of the Hebrew alphabet, i.e., our A to Z. It is the equivalent to the Greek “Alpha and Omega.” See John 19:37 & Revelation 1:8.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
13:1: “In that day” = This is the same “day” as is spoken of in Zechariah 3:9-10, where Christ will remove the righteous’ sins.
13:2: “cut off the names of the idols” = In the new earth there will be no such things allowed.
13:3: “thou speaketh lies in the Name of the LORD” = These false preachers of false doctrines will in the end receive their reward from the people who realize they have been lied to.
13:5: “keep cattle” = Compare to Amos 7:14.
13:6: “in Thine hands” = Why are these Perversions following attempting to not match Psalm 22:16 and the New Testament passages John 20:25 & 27?
The “ASV” states, “between your arms.”
The “BSB” states, “on your chest.”
The “Douay-Rheims” states, “in the midst of they hands.”
The “ESV” states, “on your back.”
The “GNT” states, “on your chest.”
The “GWT” states, “on your chest.”
The “NET” states, “on your chest.”
The “NHEB” states, “between your hands.”
The “NIV” states, “on your body.”
The “NKJV” states, “between your arms.”
The “NLT” states, “on your chest.”
The “YLT” gets “hands” correct, but then states, “I was smitten at home by my lovers.”
SDA’s: The “Andrews Study Bible” footnote states, “When confronted about the wounds on his torso between your arms probably refers to the chest or back, scars which probably resulted from self-mutilation while participating in idolatrous rituals.”
The “Catholic Living Bible” footnote states, “Evidently self-inflicted cuts, as practiced by false prophets; see 1 Kings 18:28. I got into a brawl at the home of a friend, literally, ‘wounds I received in the house of my friends.’ Some think this refers to Christ; others believe this refers to a false prophet who is lying about the reasons for his scars.”
See my Bible Study: “BIBLES AFTER 1881.” This obvious reference to Jesus’ crucifixion marks should not be attested against.
“Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends” = See John 18:35.
13:7: “My Fellow” = The Hebrew for “fellow” is, “H5997; amiyth,” and with the sole exception of the Book of Zechariah, this word is used exclusively in the Book of Leviticus (Lev. 5:21; 18:20; 19:11 & 15 & 17; 24:19; 25:14 & 15 & 17), to refer specifically to a people who live in a close-knit community or association with one another. The concept here then, is that our God wants to dwell (Tabernacle) with us.
“smite the Shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered” = See Matthew 26:31; Mark 14:27 & 50; John 16:32. The principle has applied throughout the ages. Cut off the leaders and generally a movement will die; “But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.” Acts 5:39. See also Revelation 12:5-6 & 13-14.
13:8: “the third” = The two thirds are the wicked. The one third are the righteous saints that will replace the one third of the angels that were cast out of Heaven (Rev. 12:4).
13:9: “will refine them” = There will be a shaking, there will be a “refining” of the people of God before our Lord Comes. In other words, there will be those who perfect their Christian character (144,000).
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
14:ALL: Zechariah now prophecies of future events to take place in his day with a few applying to the Heavenly future.
14:1: “shall be divided in the midst of thee” = Explained in verse two.
14:2: “all nations against Jerusalem to battle” = Ignoring the second part of this verse, the first part would be speaking of the “Gog and Magog” of Revelation 20:8. The rest of the verse would take place in 70 A.D.
14:3: “fight against those nations” = Christ destroys them; Revelation 20:9.
14:4: “His feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives” = We meet our Lord “in the air,” First Thessalonians 4:17, at Christ’s Second Coming. Therefore, this cannot be at His Second Coming. This takes place at His Third Coming.
14:5: “and the LORD my God shall Come, and all the saints with Thee” = The “saints” only come with Christ at His Third Coming, not His Second Coming.
14:6: “the light shall not be clear” = Compare with Revelation 21:23.
14:7: “at evening time it shall be light” = Specifically, in verse 7, we receive a glimpse of what Heaven will be like in regards to light, i.e., no more nighttime.
14:8: “living waters shall go out from Jerusalem” = The River of Life (Rev. 22:1).
14:9: “One LORD, and His Name One” = No more arguments about any other gods (plural).
14:10: “All the land shall be turned as a plain” = No more jagged mountains.
“tower of Hananeel” = Jeremiah mentions this in Jeremiah 31:38. According to Second Kings 14:13 and Second Chronicles 25:2, Jehoash, king of Israel, broke down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim to the corner-gate. Traditionally this is understood to be on the Northern side of Jerusalem.
“king’s winepresses” = The king’s garden was south of the city of Jerusalem.
14:12: “Their flesh shall consume away” = This is a description of the “lake which burneth with fire,” Revelation 21:8. No “lake of fire” ever burns forever.
14:13: “great tumult” = The wicked will be mad at each other.
14:15: “plague of the horse” = Any animals that the wicked use in their attack against Jerusalem will also be destroyed.
14:16: “every one that is left” = These are the righteous saved of the nations; the repentant ones.
“all the nations which came against Jerusalem. . . Feast of Tabernacles” = This ties into Revelation 21:3, which takes place at the Third Coming of Christ (see the context in Rev. 21:1), in that the righteous, who are left from “all the nations,” after the attack “against Jerusalem,” Zechariah 14:11-12, will be celebrating the fact that “the tabernacle of God [will be] with men.” Revelation 21:3.
14:17 & 18: “no rain” = Or better, no water to drink from rain. The truth is found in Joel 2:23, in that “the former rain moderately,” which was poured upon the disciples (see Acts 2:2-4) after Christ arose from the dead at His First Coming, while the “later rain” will be poured out (see Joel 2:28) just before the Second Coming of Christ. This would refer to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and as such, the wicked will not be able to receive Him.
14:18: “there shall be the plague” = This is speaking of the “mark of the beast.” Those who do not receive of the “later rain” will be those lost souls who accepted the “mark.”
14:21: “no more Canaanite in the house of the LORD” = The unrighteous will not enter into nor inherit Heaven. The Righteous will no longer have to live with the unrighteous.