v.1-5
Ob and In:
1. In the beginning of the day of judgement, God is the One in control v.1-2
A day of the LORD is about to come-He controls the time
I will gather all the nations...to wage war-He controls the war
half of the city will go into exile...the remainder...will NOT be taken away-He controls the degree of the affliction
2. God is able to end the day of judgement v.3-5
a. The LORD is able to fight and it was well proved v.3
b. The LORD is so powerful that He will split the mountain and form a valley according to His will. the direction of the split and the extend of the split is under His control. v.4-5a
c. Then the LORD my God will come with all his holy ones with him v.5b-He is able to bring with Him all the angels and the redeemed people v.5b.
The Millennium will come after the LORD fight against all the nations and Israel are saved
Purpose of the book: (EBC) The central theme of Zechariah is encouragement—primarily encouragement to complete the rebuilding of the temple. In fact, Laetseh (p. 403) calls Zechariah “the prophet of hope and encouragement in troublous times.” Various means are used to accomplish this end, and these function as subthemes. For example, great stress is laid on the coming of the Messiah and his overthrow of all antikingdom forces so that the theocracy can be finally and fully established on earth. The consideration of the current local scene thus becomes the basis for the eschatological, universal picture.
Reflection: Why did Israel need to know about this part of the eschatological events during this time? What they were encouraged to do (rebuilding of the temple) would have eternal value. The Messiah would come and the temple would be used by Him. The eschatological event shows that God is in control of the timing, the people, and the degree of affliction people will suffered. The events also shows that God is able to finish the world in the way that He desires. In other words, what they were building now will be used by a God Who is in absolute control and with absolute power.
Not only we should examine ourselves to see if what we are doing have eternal value, but we should be confident that if we trust Him we are on the right side. He is in control and He is able. Do I trust Him today?
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