A Unique Day | Zechariah 14:1-8 | Richard Caldwell

Scripture

• Zechariah 14:1–8

About this sermon

Introduction: At the end of the 13th chapter, we noted that God was revealing, through Zechariah, a prophetic mixture of something nearer to his time and something even more distant from his time. That which is nearer to his time is the first coming of Messiah, a time that would include the striking of the Shepherd and the scattering of His sheep. But in the very same context, God speaks of something beyond that time — a different time of TROUBLE. A time when two thirds in Jerusalem will be cut off but a third will — not only survive — but they will also come through the fire having genuine faith. They will call upon Yahweh and He will answer them. He will claim them as His people, and they will rejoice in Him as their God. THAT DAY THAT IS MORE DISTANT IN ZECHARIAH’S PROPHECY IS THE DAY OF A GREAT FINAL BATTLE — THE CULMINATION OF THE CAMPAIGN OF ARMAGEDDON. And that day is referred to more than once from the beginning of chapter 12 all the way to our chapter. IT SHOULD BE CLEAR THAT THIS PROPHECY HAS NOT YET BEEN FULFILLED. James Montgomery Boice — “It is not very often that a person finds Martin Luther at a loss for words, but there is something close to this in his handling of Zechariah 14. Luther did two commentaries on this prophet: one in Latin, which was published first, and a second in German, which he may have intended as a definitive edition of the first. In the first of these there is no treatment of chapter 14. The manuscript just stops at 13:9, with no explanation. In the second commentary, chapter 14 is briefly treated. But it begins with the words: “Here, in this chapter, I give up. For I am not sure what the prophet is talking about.”1 … Not all commentators admit to being as baffled as Luther. But most acknowledge that in a difficult book, this chapter is probably the most difficult of all—or at least the final chapters of Zechariah (chaps. 12–14) are most difficult. The chief problem is that nothing in this chapter fits historical events.” One of the reasons that scholars and commentators have not wanted to take the passage literally is because what is described includes changes in topography and nature. Again, I agree with Boice when he wrote: “I think David Baron is right when he says, “We have a great and solemn prophecy which will yet be literally fulfilled in the future. And when it is objected by some of the modern writers that the literal fulfillment is ‘impossible,’ because it would involve not only national upheavals, but physical convulsions of nature, our answer is that this is just what the prophet declares as most certainly to take place.”3 We should treat the chapter for what it teaches and leave the possibility (or impossibility) of these things in God’s hands, knowing that for God “all things are possible.” (Matt. 19:26).” So, what do we see when we come to chapter 14? We see the description of a day unlike any other. A “day one,” in literal terms (vs.7, translated “a unique day”). A day of trouble that becomes a day of deliverance that ushers in a day of divine glory. Duane Lindsey — “Zechariah 14 progresses from the initial plundering of Jerusalem near the end of the future Tribulation, through the catastrophic judgment on the Gentile armies at Messiah’s Second Advent and the establishment of His millennial reign, to a description of the worship in Jerusalem during the Millennium. The fact that these events have not yet occurred points to a premillennial return of Christ, that is, His return before the Millennium.” I. A DAY OF GREAT TROUBLE FOR THE PEOPLE OF JERUSALEM (vs.1-2a) What is pictured in verses 1-2 is the sacking, the conquering, of the city of Jerusalem. Spoil is taken and divided up right in the midst of the city. There is a conflict the comes upon the city that leaves Israel completely alone. All the nations, in the various confederacies foretold in Scripture, will gather there. Charles Feinberg — “The alignment of the nations at this time is clearly set forth in the prophetic Scriptures. There will be an alliance of the northern powers (Eze 38 and 39) ; a union of the nations in the south of Europe (the revived Roman Empire of Dan 2 and 7, and Rev 13 and 17) ; the king of the north (Dan 11) ; and an entente of the kings of the east or sunrising (Rev 16). And the initial stages of the conflict will witness the success of the arms of the enemies of Israel.”