What is Israel's Destiny & The Future of Jerusalem? 02-17-24 Tarzana

Beth Ariel Messianic Congregation

Beginning from Zechariah 13:7 the prophet provides the reader with 7 stages leading to the restoration of Israel and the Messianic Kingdom. The first stage is the death of Messiah (13:7). It is the Lord who according to his plan and purpose brings about the death of Messiah. He commands the "sword" to strike so as to kill. Previously Zechariah prophesied of a time when Israel would look upon "me" whom they have pierced (12:10). The One Isaiah wrote of whom the Lord "willed to crush and suffer" (Isaiah 53:10) for the sins of his people Israel.

In addition the shepherd who is struck is referred to as "my shepherd and "the man who is close to me" (13:7). This Hebrew phrase indicates the shepherd is not merely "close" in the sense of proximity. The meaning is "to be identified with," "just like," "equal to." Zechariah is alluding to the mysterious complex nature of our God. He is one (Deuteronomy 6:4) and yet at the same time plural. Zechariah's usage of this term is consistent with the further revelation that while God is one he mysteriously exists as three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The second stage is the dispersion of the Jewish people (13:7). The "sheep" who are scattered refers to the Jewish people. The phrase translated "I will turn my hand against" literally states, "I will turn my hand toward." The meaning could be "against," but also could be understood "to restore." Both are true. The dispersion of the Jewish people is a judgment upon Israel for the rejection of Messiah when he came. But it is also true that the Jewish people are the Chosen People whom the Lord loves very deeply and will one day restore completely as a nation.

Zechariah 13:7 is quoted by Yeshua (Matthew 26:31; Mark 14:27) in reference to the scattering of the disciples during his arrest. The scattering of the disciples was a foreshadowing or inauguration of the scattering of the nation. Messiah is applying what Zechariah prophetically stated about the Jewish people and has come to fruition to his disciples.

The third stage looks forward to the final period of the dispersion of the Jewish people when they will experience a period of unprecedented suffering and persecution. This period is referred to as the Tribulation Period, the final 7 years of Daniel's 70 weeks prophecy (Daniel 9:27). Zechariah tells us during this time 2/3 of all the Jewish people in the Land of Israel will perish. 1/3 will be refined and enter the Messianic Kingdom (Zechariah 13:9).

The fourth stage is the gathering of the armies of the world against Israel and the Jewish people (Zechariah 14:1-2). The attack will occur against Jerusalem and the city will fall.

The fifth stage is the coming of Messiah in defense of his people Israel and the defeat of her enemies (Zechariah 14:3-5, 12-15).

The sixth stage concerns the restoration of Jerusalem. Zechariah writes of the return of the Shekinah glory (Zechariah 14:6-7), and the creation of living water out from Jerusalem bringing fertility to the entire Land of Israel (Zechariah 14:8). He states the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will be the only God (Zechariah 14:9), and Jerusalem will dwell in security (Zechariah 14:10-11).

Lastly, the prophet points out all the nations will worship the Lord alone (Zechariah 14:10-19), and everything in the kingdom will be holy to the Lord (Zechariah 14:20-21).
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