CRITICAL NOTES.
Zechariah 14:8. Living] i.e. running, perennial, refreshing; opposed to stagnant, noxious waters; an image of copious streams of gifts and grace from the Church, the source of all blessings. Eastern, i e. Dead sea; Western, i.e. Mediterranean.
Zechariah 14:9.] In consequence of the universal spread of the gospel. Jehovah will be king] i.e. supreme, and his name one]. Idolatry will cease, and the unity of the Godhead unanimously recognized.
Zechariah 14:10.] The whole land turned] levelled to a plain to elevate Jerusalem, which will be restored to its former grandeur (Micah 4:1). This figurative of spiritual elevation. The boundaries cannot be determined with certainty.
Zechariah 14:11. Dwell] securely, without fear of attack or captivity (Isaiah 65:19). Utter destruction] Exemption from curse the ground of this security. No more civil or national punishments on account of sin, implying that the nation is holy.
Zechariah 14:12-15.] The hostile nations forming the final confederacy will be punished (cf. Isaiah 59:18; Ezekiel 37; Revelation 19). Plague] always an infliction from God. This stroke most terrible. “A living death; the corruption (Galatians 6:8) of death combined in ghastly union with the conscious sensibility of life” [Fausset].
Zechariah 14:13. Tumult] Civil discord another way of destruction, created by panic (cf. Judges 7:22; 1 Samuel 14:20). Lay hold] Seeking help, but finding arms turned against one another. “The grasp of the other’s hand is a hostile one in this case, the object being to seize him, and, having lifted his hand, to strike him dead” [Keil].
Zechariah 14:14. Judah] The whole covenant people will carry on the conflict at Jerusalem, seize as booty the costly possession of the heathen, and visit them with retribution for the plunder of Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:2).
Zechariah 14:15.] So complete will be the destruction, that beasts of burden, used in warfare, and all cattle will be destroyed by the same plague as men [Keil].
Zechariah 14:16.] Some heathen will be preserved, converted to God; go up] i.e. join in solemn acts of worship.
Zechariah 14:17. Not] come up; penalty will be inflicted upon absentees. Upon them no rain] i.e. the blessings of Divine grace will be withdrawn from them.
Zechariah 14:18. If] The menace repeated with special application to Israel’s hereditary foe. “Egypt will join the procession Zionwards, or feel the retributive curse.”
Zechariah 14:19.] Sin including its effects (cf. Numbers 32:23).
Zechariah 14:20. Bells] suspended from the neck, as tinkling ornaments. Holiness, &c.] The sacred symbol engraved upon the diadem of the high priest (Exodus 28:36). The distinction between sacred and profane would cease. The commonest things would be holy, because devoted to God. Pots] Vessels used for cooking would be as holy, be upon a par with those considered most sacred, viz. “the bowls before the altar.”
Zechariah 14:21.] The same idea carried out fully. Not only temple-pots would be equal to sacrificial bowls, but every common pot in the city and in the land would be deemed as holy as the utensils of the temple, and would be freely used for sacrifice. Canaanite] No more godless members of the covenant nation; all worshippers would be righteous and sincere, and “the whole kingdom of God will be transformed by the Lord into a holy of holies (see Revelation 21:22; Revelation 21:27)” [Keil].
HOMILETICS
THE LIVING STREAM.—Zechariah 14:8-11
The blessings which should diffuse themselves in their abundance and value are set forth under the image of a stream; a parallel to which is found in Ezekiel’s waters which swept through the desert, healing stagnant pools and fertilizing scenes of death (Ezekiel 47:1-12). Notice—
I. The source of the living stream. “Living waters shall go out from Jerusalem.” Connected with the Christian Church are all the means of grace and the blessings which result from the diffusion of Divine truth. “There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God.”
II. The direction of the living stream. “Half of them toward the former, i.e. the eastern or Dead Sea, into which they might naturally flow, and toward the hinder, i.e. the western or Mediterranean Sea, which natural waters could not reach.” It flows in all directions, without hindrance, “from sea to sea.”
III. The perpetuity of the living stream. The heat of summer shall not dry them, like the deceitful brook of Job; the frosts of winter will not bind them. These streams are not transient, like Cherith, nor muddy, like the Nile; but an unfailing supply in all seasons, turning the desolate heritages into the garden of the Lord. “In summer and winter shall it be.”
IV. The fertility of the living stream. The effect of this stream will be to subjugate the world to God. Idolatry will be renounced, and he will be acknowledged universal King. Kingdom after kingdom shall be won, until all willingly bow to him and crown him Lord of all. “All nations shall serve him.”
THE FUTURE EXALTATION OF ZION.—Zechariah 14:9-11
Nothing will prevent the perpetual flow of the living waters. The land will be levelled to a plain, the city elevated and restored to former grandeur. “Jerusalem, as the residence of the God-King, is the centre of the kingdom of God; and in the future this is to tower high above all the earth. The figurative description is attached to the natural situation of Jerusalem, which stood upon a broad mountain ridge, and was surrounded by mountains which were loftier than the city. The exaltation is a figurative representation of the spiritual elevation and glory which it is to receive” [Keil].
I. Zion will be completely restored. It will recover from the ruin of Zechariah 14:1. The rubbish of cities and countries in which God delights shall be taken away, and calamities end in the complete restoration of the Church. There will be a great moral awakening, from which streams of life shall issue to reconstruct society and change the world.
II. Zion will be securely inhabited. None shall go out by flight, nor be taken as captives (Zechariah 14:2; Zechariah 14:5).
1. The city will no more be exposed to danger. Neither captured nor plundered again. “No more utter destruction.”
2. The city will be no longer under a curse. Sin brought a curse, and a curse extermination (cf. Joshua 6:18). It will be holy, no more tainted with an accursed thing (Malachi 4:6), and a type of that city where “there shall be no more curse” (Revelation 22:3).
3. The city will be perpetually secure. No danger without from hostile assaults, no danger from desolation within; not only safely inhabited, but permanently secure from that time. “There shall be no more utter destruction.”
III. Zion will be gloriously exalted. “And it shall be lifted up.” Lifted up above danger and ruin into perfect security and glory.
1. Honoured above other societies and cities.
2. Honoured by the supremacy of Jehovah (Zechariah 14:9). Gross polytheism and refined idolatry will cease. No other object of worship, no other God but Jehovah will be acknowledged. Fading crowns encircle the brows of earthly monarchs, but an eternal diadem belongs to him “on whose vesture and thigh is written the name King of kings and Lord of lords.”
THE CHASTISEMENT OF THE ENEMY.—Zechariah 14:12-15
These words might be taken in connection with Zechariah 14:1-7, but the prophetic pause in description of the purified Church directs special attention to the chastisement of the hostile nations.
I. The enemy are smitten with the plague from God. The Lord smites “all the people that have fought against Jerusalem.” The picture is most horrible and appalling. While standing their flesh shall consume away, their eyes decay in their sockets, and their tongue petrify in their mouth.
II. The enemy are confused with panic among themselves. “A great tumult from the Lord shall be among them.” Fear will disturb their ranks. Each will find a foe in his comrade, and while grasping another’s hand for help will find “every man’s sword against his fellow.” “When there is no unity in God each seeks his own, suspects another, and is ready to be fanned into a flame.”
III. The enemy are completely frustrated in their designs.
1. They failed in their means of defence. The cavalry, mules and camels, the entire encampment shared in the consternation and destruction (Zechariah 14:15).
2. They were overcome by God’s people. “Judah also shall fight at Jerusalem.” The whole covenant people took part in the conflict, and were victorious through God.
3. They were robbed of all their spoil. The wealth and apparel which they had taken from others were taken from them. Whatever the world takes from the Church shall be regained, and converted nations shall bring their treasures for the adornment and defence of Zion (cf. Isaiah 60:16-17).
THE CONVERTED REMNANT.—Zechariah 14:16-19
The nations that have taken part against Jerusalem shall be humbled; a remnant will acknowledge Jehovah, and as friends and allies worship with the people whom they sought to destroy. Their conversion is described as going up yearly to the feast of tabernacles at Jerusalem.
I. They observe the feast in the spirit of unity. Homage will be paid to Jehovah by voluntary worshippers and “commissioned representatives” in communion with the chosen race. Religious ordinances will become as a bond of union among the nations of the earth, make them feel and act as one people. From all quarters will they come; not in the spirit of enmity as before, not as in the days of monkish superstition, but in the spirit of love and fealty.
II. They observe the feast in a spirit of gratitude. The great feast reminds them of past deliverances and mercies. “In like manner the nations will celebrate the goodness which has brought them through their tedious and perilous wanderings in this life to the true and everlasting kingdom of peace and rest” [Lange]. In every heart Zion will be enthroned as the city of the great King. Then shall prayer and praise wait for God, and the vow be performed. To all the members of God’s family on earth will “her walls become salvation, and her gates praise.”
III. Nations who refuse to observe the feast will be punished. A punishment which God alone is said to inflict.
1. Absence of rain to some. “Upon them shall be no rain.” God only “gives rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.”
2. Plague is threatened to others. “If the family of Egypt go not up there shall be plague.” This is accounted for by some in the natural peculiarities of the country, which was refreshed by channels cut in the ground (Deuteronomy 11:10). But Egypt was an old and special enemy of Israel, depended upon rain for the overflowing of the Nile, and must either join in procession to Zion or feel the curse of God. What a lesson for us! The worst are not excluded from hope, may join the Church of God and receive his mercy. But God will suspend his favours from those who despise his ordinances. No rain will fall upon those that refuse his grace. “The nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted.”
THE HOLY CITY.—Zechariah 14:19-20
The meaning of these words seems to be, that the day will come when holiness will be the prevalent feature, and the actions of common life will be as much the worship of God as the sacrifices on the altar; when common things will be consecrated to God, and “Holiness to the Lord” inscribed everywhere.
I. The inhabitants of the city will be holy. “No more the Canaanite in the house.” No Canaanite in the Church, self-righteous in spirit and unholy in life; no Canaanite among the people. No godless member in the covenant nation; no people laden with sin and under the curse. “Upon Mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness.”
II. The transactions of the city will be holy. Business in the market will be as sacred as worship in the temple; the furniture of the house as holy as the vessels of the sanctuary. Wars and contentions will cease, trades and handicrafts will be hallowed, cooking-pots and drinking-cups consecrated to God. Restrictive ceremonies will be abolished, and everything in ordinary use will be employed in the spirit of devotion. “There shall in no wise enter into it anything that defileth.”
RELIGION IN COMMON LIFE.—Zechariah 14:20-21
The holiness of that day penetrates things secular as well as sacred, and is set forth in three symbols. Bells upon the horses as holy as the mitre of the priest; the meanest vessels of the temple as sacred as the holiest; and the utensils of domestic life consecrated as sacramental cups. We adapt from Wardlaw.
I. The religious spirit will predominate in the ranks of common life. No Canaanite to make gain or take advantage; no enmity between priests and people, but all ranks of life bound together by loyalty to Jehovah.
II. The religious spirit will predominate in the actions of common life. “Men are not to become monks or anchorites; the ordinary conditions of human life are not to be reversed; but, on the contrary, the infusion of grace will be so large and general that every rank and class will feel it, and its effects will be seen in all the relations of life, purifying and elevating without upturning or destroying” [Lange].
1. There will be no divorce between secular and sacred things. No divorce between morality and religion, between domestic life and the service of God.
2. There will be a recognition of God’s claims in secular and sacred things. Nothing withheld from God. The most solemn acts of the temple and the common duties of life—the offering of sacrifices and the yoking of horses—will be done for God. Persons and property devoted to him, and every department of life under the domain of conscience. “Her merchandise and her hire shall be for holiness to the Lord: it shall not be treasured nor laid up” (Isaiah 23:18).
HOMILETIC HINTS AND SUGGESTIONS
1. The mercy of God (Zechariah 14:9-11).
2. The severity of God (Zechariah 14:12-15).
Zechariah 14:12-15. The precedent promises that were so great and glorious the prophet doth now further enlarge and illustrate. First the conquest of the enemies (Zechariah 14:12-15); next the profession of Christ among all nations of the world (Zechariah 14:16-19); and lastly the sanctity of the Church (Zechariah 14:20-21). The conquest of the enemies is set forth, first, by God’s strange judgments upon them (Zechariah 14:12); secondly, by the means—both they shall despatch one another, and Judah shall fight bravely against them (Zechariah 14:13-14); thirdly, their wealth and substance shall become a prey (Zechariah 14:14); fourthly, their horses of service and all the beasts they bring with them shall be as strangely plagued as the men themselves (Zechariah 14:15) [Trapp].
1. The worship of God’s house.
2. The holy character of its attendants.
3. The punishment of those who neglect. “Those who desire to partake of the grace and salvation provided by Christ must ‘come to Mount Zion, the city of the living God.’ They must partake faithfully, joyfully, and reverently of the word and sacraments and other means of grace, and the refreshing rain and dews of the Holy Spirit will fall upon them. But if they will not comply with these conditions their souls will be parched and will wither away with spiritual drought” [Wordsworth].
Zechariah 14:20. Prevalent holiness.
1. Holiness is the sweet result of all dispensations toward the Church. 2. Nothing is so profane but it may be sanctified and made holy.
3. Holiness doth then bear full sway when that which was against God shall be consecrated to him, for the bells of the horses had been employed against the Church [Hutcheson].
Zechariah 14:20-21. Three things specially characteristic of “that day”—the period of the restoration of Israel, and of the fulness of the Gentiles.
1. The cessation of all the distinctions of ceremonial holiness. The sanctity of mere things shall no longer exist. No places give holiness or acceptance to sacrifices. Men “everywhere lift up holy hands” and find the same acceptance.
1. The universal prevalence of personal and domestic consecration to God.
3. Purity of ministry and membership in the Church of God. Learn—
1. The necessity of seeking true holiness—holiness of heart.
2. Study practically the duty of carrying religion into everything.
3. Let the Churches of Christ aim more and more at scriptural purity of communion [Wardlaw].
Holiness to the Lord.
1. The aim of worship.
2. The beauty of common things.
3. The rule of daily life. “In days of yore nothing was holy but the beautiful” [Schiller]. Happy day when holiness shall mark the Church of God, when seen in every purpose and in every action! “Then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more.”
ILLUSTRATIONS TO CHAPTER 14
Zechariah 14:8. Living waters. The grand feature of the latter day is copious and continuous effusions of grace; no longer intermittent and scanty, or of small extent, but radiating in all directions at once, permanently filling every channel, and limited only by the wants of the race. Quickly but surely, with the same noiseless energy with which the great providential forces work, do these spiritual agencies perform their work [Lange].
Zechariah 14:11. Safely. The weakest believer is safe, because, believing, he is within the strongest of all defences [Anon.].
Zechariah 14:12-15. Plague. It is one of the greatest praises of God’s wisdom that he can turn the evil of men to his own glory [Bp. Hall].
Zechariah 14:16-18.Worship. It is for the sake of man, not of God, that worship and prayers are required; not that God may be rendered more glorious, but that man may be made better, that he may be confirmed in a proper sense of his dependent state, and acquire those pious and virtuous dispositions in which his highest improvement consist [Blair].
“Look to thy actions well;
For churches either are our heaven or hell” [G. Herbert].
Zechariah 14:20-21. Holiness to the Lord. Zechariah is one of the most sublime and impassioned among “the goodly fellowship of the prophets.” It seems as if the Spirit designed to teach the world by him, the last but one in the prophetic line, that if prophecy was to become mute (as it became for about four centuries after Zechariah) its silence was not due to any failure or exhaustion of power in the Divine author of prophecy. No; the light of the sunset of prophecy in Zechariah is brilliant and glorious as its noonday splendours. He passes on to the evangelization of the heathen, the conversion of the Jews, to the last struggle and overthrow of all antichristian powers, and to the full and final victory of Christ and the everlasting glory and felicity of his Church [Wordsworth].