READ: Zech. 9:1-17
Here we hear the LORD intervening to protect His people. Several powerful cities that posed a threat to God’s people are destroyed by the LORD: Tyre, Sidon, and the pagan Philistine cities. This brings an end to worries and uncertainties. The entire land of Canaan is freed for habitation.
However, a remnant of Gentiles will be incorporated into God’s people which include the Philistine, the Tyrian(Ps. 87).
The LORD also guarantees His protection for the future. Verse 8: “I will encamp as a guard around My house…” God keeps His eyes on His house. This makes way for the fulfillment of rich promises: The LORD calls for joy (v.9): “Rejoice greatly, Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem!”
What is the reason for this? The coming of Christ! “See, your King comes to you, righteous and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey… He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the Euphrates River to the ends of the earth” (v.10).
This King is righteous: in Him, justice for the oppressed is assured (Ps. 72). He will grant them justice in their plea. Furthermore, this King is humble: He rides on a donkey’s colt, a symbol of peace and humility. He comes to bring true peace with God.
It is Christ who literally fulfills this prophecy just before His entry into Jerusalem before His crucifixion (Matt. 21:4-5). He became poor for our sake… so that through His poverty, we might become rich (2 Cor. 8:9). He comes to bring peace not only to the Jews but also to the Gentiles across the whole world (v. 10).
Again, Pentecost is foreshadowed here. Christ continues His worldwide mission described in this passage. The church-gathering work and salvation that the LORD prepares are accompanied by much struggle, but the end result is peace and prosperity (vv.16-17).
What does the call mean: welcome to the battle?
Singing: Ps. 118:7