Zechariah 7-9

Zechariah 7

Sherezer, with Regem-Melech and his mencomes to ask: Should we keep fasting (mourning Jerusalem’s destruction)?

God: “Was it for me that you fasted?”

• Their fasting:Self-focused, not God-centered
• Past prophets already addressed this

God wants:

• Justice
• Mercy
• Compassion
• No oppression (widow, orphan, poor)

People refused to listen and “Made their hearts diamond-hard”

Result: Exile (scattering among nations)

Zechariah 8

“I am jealous for Zion”

• God returns to dwell in Jerusalem

Future Zion

• Called the faithful city, and the mountain of the Lord of hosts, the holy mountain
• Old men and women in safety
• Children playing in streets

“Is anything too marvelous?”

• What seems impossible, God will do
• Fear not
• Be strong
• Work on the temple

As God purposed judgment, now He purposes good

• Speak truth
• Execute justice
• Reject evil in heart

Fasts become:

• Joy
• Gladness
• Feasts

Nations come seeking the LORD: “Let us go with you, for we have heard God is with you”

Zechariah 9

Oracle against:

• Syria (Hadrach, Damascus)
• Phoenicia (Tyre, Sidon)
• Philistia

Protection of Jerusalem: God encamps around His house

“Rejoice greatly… your king is coming…”

• Humble
• Riding on a donkey
• Brings:
  • Salvation
  • Peace to nations
• Fulfilled in Jesus Christ (Palm Sunday)

“Because of the blood of my covenant”: Prisoners set free

God Fights for His People

•  warrior imagery
• Victory over enemies

Ends with:

• Abundance
• Beauty
• Flourishing people

Application

When we turn to God , He restores His presence among His people. Even when things feel uncertain, God is working to bring blessing and draw the nations to Himself.