Zechariah 9

Message: Prophecy of Jesus' first coming; 9 - Judgment and the Coming King

Time: Written after the Temple was Completed - 480-470BC

What the Lord is Saying: This chapter begins with a judgment that comes upon Hadrach (city north of Damascus; land of Aram), Tyre, Sidon and Hamath (Hamath is inland and north of Sidon).

Tyre has taken their wealth and erected a strong fortress around its city. But, the Lord will remove Tyre's possessions, throwing them into the sea, burning the city to the ground. The cities nearby will feel the effects. Their leaders will fall. Terror will hit them. And the Philistines and their idolatry to other gods will be their demise. The Lord will guard His temple.

The 2nd part of this chapter, verses 9-17 view the end of exile in terms of the Davidic king to Zion. This king will enter Jerusalem riding on a donkey. Verse 9 is quoted in Matthew and John with the so-called triumphal entry of Christ into Jerusalem. The Lord will completely deliver His people (v. 11-17) after the Lord comes a second time (v.10).

Promise: The final rescue of God's people is not through a man riding on a big horse, but a perfect man riding on a weak and despised horse. It is unexpected. The focus is all on Christ and what He will do.