Read Zechariah 11.
In his most famous song, King David wrote in Psalm 23, "The LORD is my shepherd." A good shepherd leads and feeds his sheep. He cares for and defends the flock against any and all who would harm them, even to the point of sacrificing his own life. It is a common metaphor in the Bible of God's love and faithfulness to His own people.
When Jesus, the Good Shepherd (John 10) appeared, He was nationally rejected. Verse 8 tells how deep the rejected would be, "They also detested me." This echoes what Isaiah wrote of Israel's response to the Messiah in His first coming: "he was despised and we esteemed him not" (Isaiah 53:3b). The reference to thirty pieces of silver (the price of a slave) would be offensive to a faithful shepherd. It is an unmistakable prophecy fulfilled by Judas' betrayal in Matthew 26:14-16. Therefore, the Good Shepherd of the Jews will remove Himself from them as a nation for a time. He will not provide for them nor protect them. "I will no longer have pity" (v.6).
To illustrate the message, two named shepherd staffs are used. Each of them is said to be broken.
1. Favor.
God's favor in verse ten refers to His "covenant" with the Gentile nations that kept them at bay and provided protection of Israel. If God withdraws that protection, the Jews indeed would be like lambs headed for the slaughter. The Holy Spirit had the Apostle Paul call this spiritual period as "a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in." (Romans 11:25)
2. Union.
In verse fourteen, the second named staff refers to the oneness of Israel and Judah. They divided into two kingdoms after the death of Solomon. Experiencing the scattering of the north and the exile of the south, reuniting the two would have been a desirable goal. But the Persian Empire controlled them. Then, the Greeks rose to power. Finally, the Romans moved in to dominate and once again destroy Jerusalem along with the reconstructed Temple in A.D. 70.
The Jews will turn to "a foolish shepherd" (v.15). He will do nothing but harm them for his own advantage. Revelation 13 and the following chapters describe how God will fulfill His dealing with this false spiritual leader. All of these will be preparing the Jews for the second coming of Messiah.
The good news is that individuals have, can and will place their faith in that One Good Shepherd who indeed gave His life for us. While we await His return, we may cast all our "anxieties on him, because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Words of compassion from the Good Shepherd
Read Zechariah 10.
The prophecy looks forward to a complete and prosperous restoration of Israel. It will come about after an horrendous fight and the arrival of the Messiah in His second coming.
During those days, people will be looking for help and guidance. The leaders will be taking the nation away from the LORD with the worship of false gods, lies, false dreams, and "empty consolation" (v.2). All of those things will prove to be nothing more than "utter nonsense" (v.1). In response, God will pour out His anger against those who influenced His people into sin. Why? Because these are His chosen people and like a good shepherd He "cares for his flock" (v.3).
Verse four gives a fourfold description of the Messiah.
1. The cornerstone
Jesus is the starting point of building one's faith.
2. The tent peg
Jesus is the anchor that holds secure through every circumstance and change in life.
3. The battle bow
Though Israel will fight the enemies, it is God's power that will bring the victory. Jesus will appear ready to do battle, unleashing "the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty" (Revelation 19:11-16).
4. The ruler
Jesus, the Prince of Peace will reign from Jerusalem on the throne of David "and the government shall be upon his shoulders" (Isaiah 9:6).
Israel will be victorious coming out of the Great Tribulation "because the LORD is with them" (v.5).
There are four comforting statements here regarding that future restoration of Jews.
1. "I will bring them back." (v.6)
God will do this out of His great compassion for them and will treat the Jews "as though I had not rejected them."
2. "I have redeemed them." (v.8)
The requisite for restoration is redemption. The nation will repent and be saved by Jesus (Romans 11).
3. "I will bring them home." (v.10)
This is a geographical return for the Jews, not a spiritualized one. They will enjoy the land God promised to Abraham and his physical descendants "till there is no room for them."
4. "I will make them strong in the LORD." (v.12)
Then, as a godly people, they will walk in obedience to Him.
These last four highlighted statements is God's desire for every person of every nation. He wants everyone to experience His forgiveness and restoration. He wants everyone to repent and "come home" to Him. That is when people find new life and the Holy Spirit's power to live for the LORD.
The prophecy looks forward to a complete and prosperous restoration of Israel. It will come about after an horrendous fight and the arrival of the Messiah in His second coming.
During those days, people will be looking for help and guidance. The leaders will be taking the nation away from the LORD with the worship of false gods, lies, false dreams, and "empty consolation" (v.2). All of those things will prove to be nothing more than "utter nonsense" (v.1). In response, God will pour out His anger against those who influenced His people into sin. Why? Because these are His chosen people and like a good shepherd He "cares for his flock" (v.3).
Verse four gives a fourfold description of the Messiah.
1. The cornerstone
Jesus is the starting point of building one's faith.
2. The tent peg
Jesus is the anchor that holds secure through every circumstance and change in life.
3. The battle bow
Though Israel will fight the enemies, it is God's power that will bring the victory. Jesus will appear ready to do battle, unleashing "the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty" (Revelation 19:11-16).
4. The ruler
Jesus, the Prince of Peace will reign from Jerusalem on the throne of David "and the government shall be upon his shoulders" (Isaiah 9:6).
Israel will be victorious coming out of the Great Tribulation "because the LORD is with them" (v.5).
There are four comforting statements here regarding that future restoration of Jews.
1. "I will bring them back." (v.6)
God will do this out of His great compassion for them and will treat the Jews "as though I had not rejected them."
2. "I have redeemed them." (v.8)
The requisite for restoration is redemption. The nation will repent and be saved by Jesus (Romans 11).
3. "I will bring them home." (v.10)
This is a geographical return for the Jews, not a spiritualized one. They will enjoy the land God promised to Abraham and his physical descendants "till there is no room for them."
4. "I will make them strong in the LORD." (v.12)
Then, as a godly people, they will walk in obedience to Him.
These last four highlighted statements is God's desire for every person of every nation. He wants everyone to experience His forgiveness and restoration. He wants everyone to repent and "come home" to Him. That is when people find new life and the Holy Spirit's power to live for the LORD.
Friday, June 5, 2015
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, who 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)
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, who 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)
Thursday, June 4, 2015
Imagine a time when...
Read Zechariah 8.
The overarching purpose of Zechariah is for the people to complete the work in rebuilding the Temple. The motivation is to prepare themselves spiritually and behaviorally for the plans God has for this nation.
Chapter eight contains the conclusion of a series of four messages that came directly from the LORD. These cast vision of what the future will include for the Jews. They served to encourage the people during Zechariah's time but looks forward to the coming reign of Messiah.
Message #3: The Restoration of Jerusalem (vv.1-17)
Just as sure as the disaster came, so will God bring "good to Jerusalem and to the house of Judah" (v.17). He paints a beautiful picture where young and old can enjoy safety in the streets (vv.4-5). The LORD made three promises:
1. His presence will be there. (v.3)
This is not referring to His Omnipresence but the geographical presence of His glory. God removed Himself from the Holy of Holies in the Temple before it was destroyed. This reassured the people of the return of His glory. In the near term, He would again occupy the Holy Place. In the Millennial Kingdom, Jesus will sit on the throne of David.
2. His peace will be there. (v.12a)
After all the wars, the Jews can finally live in their homeland and be about the business of rebuilding. However, in context, they are still under Persian control. In the New Testament, they were under Roman domination. This promise has an eye toward that future time when the Prince of Peace will be in charge.
3. His prosperity will be there. (v.12b)
When God disciplined His people, He withheld blessings upon the land. But here is the promise of a time of wonderful production for the people.
Imagine a time in Jerusalem when there is no fear (v.15b). When the word of God gives specific places and people, there is simply no way to spiritualize these prophecies and maintain Biblical integrity. All will be fulfilled.
Message #4: The Rejoicing in Jerusalem (vv.18-23)
Verses 18-19 answer the question the delegation asked in 7:3 concerning their self-imposed time of fasting. In that future day, all fasting and mourning will be turned into feasting and celebration. The Pharisees asked Jesus about why His disciples did not practice ceremonial fasting. "And Jesus said to them, 'Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.'" (Matthew 9:14-15)
Imagine a time in Jerusalem when Jesus returns and all Israel worships Him. There will be no more fasts. The Gentiles from all the nations of the world will want to come to Jerusalem to seek God's favor. Instead of being despised by so many, people will be asking Jews, "Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you" (v.23).
While we wait, imagine that the world would seek out believers in Jesus today because they "heard that God is with you."
The overarching purpose of Zechariah is for the people to complete the work in rebuilding the Temple. The motivation is to prepare themselves spiritually and behaviorally for the plans God has for this nation.
Chapter eight contains the conclusion of a series of four messages that came directly from the LORD. These cast vision of what the future will include for the Jews. They served to encourage the people during Zechariah's time but looks forward to the coming reign of Messiah.
Message #3: The Restoration of Jerusalem (vv.1-17)
Just as sure as the disaster came, so will God bring "good to Jerusalem and to the house of Judah" (v.17). He paints a beautiful picture where young and old can enjoy safety in the streets (vv.4-5). The LORD made three promises:
1. His presence will be there. (v.3)
This is not referring to His Omnipresence but the geographical presence of His glory. God removed Himself from the Holy of Holies in the Temple before it was destroyed. This reassured the people of the return of His glory. In the near term, He would again occupy the Holy Place. In the Millennial Kingdom, Jesus will sit on the throne of David.
2. His peace will be there. (v.12a)
After all the wars, the Jews can finally live in their homeland and be about the business of rebuilding. However, in context, they are still under Persian control. In the New Testament, they were under Roman domination. This promise has an eye toward that future time when the Prince of Peace will be in charge.
3. His prosperity will be there. (v.12b)
When God disciplined His people, He withheld blessings upon the land. But here is the promise of a time of wonderful production for the people.
Imagine a time in Jerusalem when there is no fear (v.15b). When the word of God gives specific places and people, there is simply no way to spiritualize these prophecies and maintain Biblical integrity. All will be fulfilled.
Message #4: The Rejoicing in Jerusalem (vv.18-23)
Verses 18-19 answer the question the delegation asked in 7:3 concerning their self-imposed time of fasting. In that future day, all fasting and mourning will be turned into feasting and celebration. The Pharisees asked Jesus about why His disciples did not practice ceremonial fasting. "And Jesus said to them, 'Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.'" (Matthew 9:14-15)
Imagine a time in Jerusalem when Jesus returns and all Israel worships Him. There will be no more fasts. The Gentiles from all the nations of the world will want to come to Jerusalem to seek God's favor. Instead of being despised by so many, people will be asking Jews, "Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you" (v.23).
While we wait, imagine that the world would seek out believers in Jesus today because they "heard that God is with you."
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Why am I doing This?
Read Zechariah 7.
Revisiting our routines can be a healthy exercise for us mentally, emotionally, and, perhaps, spiritually. Reexamining our motives is a good thing. Too often people trap themselves into doing the same things the same way and become unable to explain why. Thinking people eventually will ask themselves, "Why am I doing this?"
Construction of rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem was underway. It would require four years to complete. About half-way into the project, a question was asked about fasting. This particular fast was self-imposed and not ordered by God. It began with the sincere motive of memorializing the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. But that was over seventy years ago. Now, they questioned whether or not they should continue the practice.
This chapter begins a series of four messages marked by "the word of the LORD came." It is interesting to note that God did not provide an answer to their question in this first message. He addressed it in message #4 (8:18-19). God had something else He wanted to say to them first.
Message #1: 3 Questions (vv.1-7)
Each of God's questions is meant to drill down to their real motives for fasting or feasting. The "why" they were doing it was more important to the LORD than the "what." This is the danger of religious rituals.
Merely showing up and going through the motions and reciting certain words by rote does not mean that anything happened that pleased God. For instance, most liturgical practices began with the good motives of teaching, training, and remembering specific Biblical truths. But over time, Bible teaching ceased to be the priority and routine became a substitute for the true worship of God. The people know the routine without being able to open their own personal Bible and explain why.
Contemporary churches have nearly as many routine practices and requirements as liturgical ones, though most do not realize it.
The purpose of fasting is to humble oneself before God, usually in repentance and/or grief. One either loses their appetite for food due to an adversity or disciplines themselves to spend that time in prayer instead of eating. God had ordered certain fasts under the law. But again, the fast mentioned in this chapter was not one of them.
God's question to them was, "Are you doing this for Me or for yourself?"
Message #2: 3 Reminders (vv.8-14)
While He has their attention, God reviews a bit of history for these questioners. If they are going through the ritual of fasting for memorial purposes, what do they remember? Do they remember why Jerusalem was destroyed? Do they remember how faithful God was to send His messengers, the prophets, to warn the people? Do they remember His admonishments to them?
Rituals and remembrances may have their places, but what pleases the LORD is when Biblical beliefs are demonstrated in our behaviors. Verse 9 is reminiscent of Micah 6:8.
1."Render true judgments,
2. show kindness
3. and mercy to one another."
Revisiting our routines can be a healthy exercise for us mentally, emotionally, and, perhaps, spiritually. Reexamining our motives is a good thing. Too often people trap themselves into doing the same things the same way and become unable to explain why. Thinking people eventually will ask themselves, "Why am I doing this?"
Construction of rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem was underway. It would require four years to complete. About half-way into the project, a question was asked about fasting. This particular fast was self-imposed and not ordered by God. It began with the sincere motive of memorializing the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. But that was over seventy years ago. Now, they questioned whether or not they should continue the practice.
This chapter begins a series of four messages marked by "the word of the LORD came." It is interesting to note that God did not provide an answer to their question in this first message. He addressed it in message #4 (8:18-19). God had something else He wanted to say to them first.
Message #1: 3 Questions (vv.1-7)
Each of God's questions is meant to drill down to their real motives for fasting or feasting. The "why" they were doing it was more important to the LORD than the "what." This is the danger of religious rituals.
Merely showing up and going through the motions and reciting certain words by rote does not mean that anything happened that pleased God. For instance, most liturgical practices began with the good motives of teaching, training, and remembering specific Biblical truths. But over time, Bible teaching ceased to be the priority and routine became a substitute for the true worship of God. The people know the routine without being able to open their own personal Bible and explain why.
Contemporary churches have nearly as many routine practices and requirements as liturgical ones, though most do not realize it.
The purpose of fasting is to humble oneself before God, usually in repentance and/or grief. One either loses their appetite for food due to an adversity or disciplines themselves to spend that time in prayer instead of eating. God had ordered certain fasts under the law. But again, the fast mentioned in this chapter was not one of them.
God's question to them was, "Are you doing this for Me or for yourself?"
Message #2: 3 Reminders (vv.8-14)
While He has their attention, God reviews a bit of history for these questioners. If they are going through the ritual of fasting for memorial purposes, what do they remember? Do they remember why Jerusalem was destroyed? Do they remember how faithful God was to send His messengers, the prophets, to warn the people? Do they remember His admonishments to them?
Rituals and remembrances may have their places, but what pleases the LORD is when Biblical beliefs are demonstrated in our behaviors. Verse 9 is reminiscent of Micah 6:8.
1."Render true judgments,
2. show kindness
3. and mercy to one another."
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
The coming King
Read Zechariah 6.
The word of the LORD was revealed to Zechariah in a series of eight visions in a single night. Their purposes served to give encouragement in the near-term and hope for the nation's future.
Vision #8 concerns four horses of different colors. Their assignment is to "patrol the earth" (v.7). Except for the mention of the chariots, these appear to fulfill the same role as those mentioned in chapter one (1:8-10). It underscores the fact that beyond this physical realm, God is at work. There is a spiritual war that constantly takes place. "The LORD of all the earth" (v.5) has full knowledge of what is happening everywhere. His angelic messengers are on patrol to protect, to intervene, and/or mete out God's judgment.
The north and south are the only directions mentioned here. Presumably, the immediate objects of attention are Babylon in the north and Egypt in the south.
Four horses of the same colors are seen again in Revelation 6. There, each of them has a rider. During the Great Tribulation, they will be instrumental in implementing God's judgment upon the earth. This will be done to deal with the enemies of God, to prepare the Jews to be a holy nation, and to introduce Jesus in His second coming. Then, He will establish His earthly kingdom, as promised.
In order to give tangible hope for the advent of Messiah's reign, Zechariah was told to make a king's crown of gold and silver. The precious metals were receive from a delegation of Jews who just arrived from Babylon. The crown was then placed on the head of the High Priest. Three items to keep in mind to understand what is happening and what is not happening here.
1. They were not reestablishing the kingdom of Judah.
The "holy land" (2:12) was part of the Persian Empire and fully under that control. Reestablishing another kingdom would have been viewed as rebellion against the empire and resulted in a swift military reprisal.
2. Joshua was not qualified to be king of Judah.
He was a Levite, a priest, and held the office of High Priest. One must be of the tribe of Judah in the lineage of David to serve as king.
3. Therefore, this was a ceremonial gesture pointing to the Messiah.
Verses 12-13 are prophetic statements. The real King is one "whose name is the Branch." He is a branch of the royal family tree. Matthew 1:1-"The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham." This is a clear and certain statement that Jesus has a legal right to be King of the Jews. The crown was placed in the Temple as a reminder of hope. One day the Messiah will rule and reign from the Temple in Jerusalem. He will serve as both priest and king, just like the order of Melchizedek. See Genesis 14 and Hebrews 7.
With all of these encouragements of the blessings God has stored up, the chapter ends with a challenge to "diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God." What blessings must be waiting for us today? Let us be diligent in our obedience.
The word of the LORD was revealed to Zechariah in a series of eight visions in a single night. Their purposes served to give encouragement in the near-term and hope for the nation's future.
Vision #8 concerns four horses of different colors. Their assignment is to "patrol the earth" (v.7). Except for the mention of the chariots, these appear to fulfill the same role as those mentioned in chapter one (1:8-10). It underscores the fact that beyond this physical realm, God is at work. There is a spiritual war that constantly takes place. "The LORD of all the earth" (v.5) has full knowledge of what is happening everywhere. His angelic messengers are on patrol to protect, to intervene, and/or mete out God's judgment.
The north and south are the only directions mentioned here. Presumably, the immediate objects of attention are Babylon in the north and Egypt in the south.
Four horses of the same colors are seen again in Revelation 6. There, each of them has a rider. During the Great Tribulation, they will be instrumental in implementing God's judgment upon the earth. This will be done to deal with the enemies of God, to prepare the Jews to be a holy nation, and to introduce Jesus in His second coming. Then, He will establish His earthly kingdom, as promised.
In order to give tangible hope for the advent of Messiah's reign, Zechariah was told to make a king's crown of gold and silver. The precious metals were receive from a delegation of Jews who just arrived from Babylon. The crown was then placed on the head of the High Priest. Three items to keep in mind to understand what is happening and what is not happening here.
1. They were not reestablishing the kingdom of Judah.
The "holy land" (2:12) was part of the Persian Empire and fully under that control. Reestablishing another kingdom would have been viewed as rebellion against the empire and resulted in a swift military reprisal.
2. Joshua was not qualified to be king of Judah.
He was a Levite, a priest, and held the office of High Priest. One must be of the tribe of Judah in the lineage of David to serve as king.
3. Therefore, this was a ceremonial gesture pointing to the Messiah.
Verses 12-13 are prophetic statements. The real King is one "whose name is the Branch." He is a branch of the royal family tree. Matthew 1:1-"The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham." This is a clear and certain statement that Jesus has a legal right to be King of the Jews. The crown was placed in the Temple as a reminder of hope. One day the Messiah will rule and reign from the Temple in Jerusalem. He will serve as both priest and king, just like the order of Melchizedek. See Genesis 14 and Hebrews 7.
With all of these encouragements of the blessings God has stored up, the chapter ends with a challenge to "diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God." What blessings must be waiting for us today? Let us be diligent in our obedience.
Monday, June 1, 2015
Purity comes before Blessings
Read Zechariah 5.
Throughout the night, the visions kept coming to the prophet concerning God's work in Israel. The term "day of the LORD" has two aspects: judgment and joy. The previous three chapters have majored on the good news to come for the nation and two of its leaders. Chapter 5 focuses on God's dealing with sin in the future.
1. Vision #6: Personal sin shall be judged. (vv.1-4)
There are two particular individual sins named. We are not told why these are singled out, but they must have been rampant enough among the people to warrant such mention of judgment.
-Stealing. Not only was this a sin, but it specifically violated the eighth commandment (Exodus 20:15). Taking what does not rightfully belong to us is a sin against God, against the other person(s), and damages our character. There is no benefit. A healthy culture depends upon the respect for the property of others.
-Lying. This seems to indicate falsely swearing. Perjury, telling a lie under oath, especially in misusing the LORD's name is condemned in Exodus 20:7. Mostly this is done for self-protection. But publicly lying before God and witnesses is nothing but cruel, deliberate harm. An indicator of a culture's deterioration is the loss of the value of words and their definitions. "Let no corrupt talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." (Ephesians 4:29)
2. Vision #7: National sin shall be removed. (vv.5-11)
Sin is personified as a woman in a basket with a tight lid. This is a picture of God loading up all the evil the Jews picked up in exile and escorting it right back to Babylon from which it came.
A key purpose of the Great Tribulation will be the cleansing and preparation of Israel for the Millennial Kingdom. As foretold in Revelation 17-18, a rebuilt Babylon will be the center of the world's evil. God's judgment in that day will be decisive and severe. God's purposes always begin with purity first. This is true personally and nationally.
Throughout the night, the visions kept coming to the prophet concerning God's work in Israel. The term "day of the LORD" has two aspects: judgment and joy. The previous three chapters have majored on the good news to come for the nation and two of its leaders. Chapter 5 focuses on God's dealing with sin in the future.
1. Vision #6: Personal sin shall be judged. (vv.1-4)
There are two particular individual sins named. We are not told why these are singled out, but they must have been rampant enough among the people to warrant such mention of judgment.
-Stealing. Not only was this a sin, but it specifically violated the eighth commandment (Exodus 20:15). Taking what does not rightfully belong to us is a sin against God, against the other person(s), and damages our character. There is no benefit. A healthy culture depends upon the respect for the property of others.
-Lying. This seems to indicate falsely swearing. Perjury, telling a lie under oath, especially in misusing the LORD's name is condemned in Exodus 20:7. Mostly this is done for self-protection. But publicly lying before God and witnesses is nothing but cruel, deliberate harm. An indicator of a culture's deterioration is the loss of the value of words and their definitions. "Let no corrupt talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." (Ephesians 4:29)
2. Vision #7: National sin shall be removed. (vv.5-11)
Sin is personified as a woman in a basket with a tight lid. This is a picture of God loading up all the evil the Jews picked up in exile and escorting it right back to Babylon from which it came.
A key purpose of the Great Tribulation will be the cleansing and preparation of Israel for the Millennial Kingdom. As foretold in Revelation 17-18, a rebuilt Babylon will be the center of the world's evil. God's judgment in that day will be decisive and severe. God's purposes always begin with purity first. This is true personally and nationally.
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