History in Advance

 Read Zechariah 9.

True prophecy is history in advance.  Now, the anticipation builds.

Two prophetic announcements comprise the closing chapters of the book of Zechariah.  The first focuses primarily on the first coming of Messiah (chapters 9-11).  The second presents the Messiah in His second coming (chapters 12-14).

While Zechariah lived and wrote this book during the days of the Medo-Persian Empire, this prophecy foretells of the next empire.  Amazingly, Greece is even named in verse 13.  This corresponds exactly to Daniel's prophetic interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream.  God used Alexander the Great to fulfill the conquering judgments against Syria and Philistia, whose cities are mentioned here.  Though Jerusalem could also have been a target of the Grecian invasion, the LORD promised to personally protect the city.  "Then I will encamp at my house as a guard, so that none shall march to and fro..." (v.8a).  For obvious reasons, the second part of verse 8, with its promise that "no oppressor shall again march over them," seems to refer to God's ultimate protection of the Jews during the Millennium. 

There will come a time when the LORD will "stir up" the Jews to fight against Greece (v.13).   This is most certainly a reference to the inter-testament revolt by the Maccabees.

Like so many Messianic passages, the two advents of Christ are melded together. 
Two powerful prophecies:
1. The first advent of Jesus.  (v.9)
The announcement that the "king is coming to you" depicted Him as riding on a donkey.  Hardly the picture of a royal entrance.  Messiah is described in three ways: righteous, a deliverer ("having salvation"), and humble.  He offered Himself to Israel.  This verse is quoted in Matthew 21:4-5 as Jesus rode into Jerusalem as a fulfilled prophecy in what is commonly called the triumphal entry.  Though a public celebratory welcome took place at first, the week ended with rejection and crucifixion.  The Jews officially spurned Him as their king.

2. The second advent of Jesus. (v.10)
It is when Jesus comes again that He will rule and reign as the Prince of Peace.  Implements of war will be "cut off."  The land and people of Israel will be abundantly restored ("double").

Knowing these things and more, the Apostle Peter asked believers in Jesus, "what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming day of God..." (2 Peter 3:11-12)