The Pulpit Commentary — Zechariah — Section 7

§ 2. (Ch. vii. 4-7.) In answer they are told that fasting is in itself an indifferent thing, but is to be judged by the conduct of those who observe it. § 3. (Ch. vii. 8-14.) 'l'hey are further reminded that they had been disobedient in old time, and had been punished by exile. § 4. (Ch. viii. 1-8.) The Lord promises to show his love for Zion, to dwell among his people, and to fill Jerusalem with a happy populace. § 5. (Ch. viii. 9-17.) Tho people are exhorted to be of good cheer, for God wili henceforth give them bis blessing, which, however, was conditional on their obedience. § 6. (Ch. viii. 18-23.) The fasts should be turned into joyful festivals, former calamities being forgotten ; the heathen should worship the God of Israel, and esteem it an honour to be received into fellowship with the Jewish nation. Part III. (Ch. ix.-xiv.) The future of the powers of the world and of the kingdom of God. A. (Ch. ix.-xi.) The first burden. § 1. (Ch. ix. 1-8.) To prepare the land for Israel, and to prove God's care for his people, the neighbouring heathen shall be destroyed, while Israel shall dwell in safety and independence. § 2. (Ch. ix. 9, 10.) 'fhen shall the righteous King come to Zion in lowly fashion, and inaugurate a kingdom of peace. § 3. (Ch. ix. 11-17.) All Israel united into one people shall wage successful war with adversaries, and attain to glory, and increase largely in numbers. § 4. (Ch. x. 1, 2.) These blessings are to be asked from the Lord, not from idol~ or teraphim. § 5. (Ch. x. 3, 4.) The evil rulers set over them for their sins shall be removed, and Israel shall be firmly established. § 6. (Ch. x. 5-7.) Israel and Judah together shall triiimph over their foes. § 7. (Ch. x. 8-12.) 'l'he scattered people shall be gathered from all parts of the world, and dwell in their own land, under the protection of Jehovah. § 8. (Ch. xi. 1-3.) The Holy Land is threatened with judgment. § 9. (Oh. xi. 4-14.) The punishment falls because the people reject the goo,l Shepherd, personified by the prophet, who rules the flock and punishes evil- doers in vain, and at last flings up his office in indipiation at their contumacy. § 10. (Ch. xi. 15-17.) In retribution the people are given over to a foolish shepherd, who shall destroy them, but shall himself, in turn, perish miserably. B. (Ch. xii.-xiv.) The second burden. § 1. (Ch. xii. 1-9.) Hostile nations gather together against Jerusalem, but shall themselves be overthrown; for the inhabitants and their leaders, trusting in the Lord, will overcome all opposition. § 2. (Ch. xii. 10-14.) There shall ensue an outpouring of God's Spirit, which shall produce a great national repentance. § 3. (Ch. xiii. 1-6.) This repentance will lead to purification from past defile- ment, and a reaction against idolatry and false prophets. § 4. (Ch. xiii. 7-9.) For the smiting of the good Shepherd Israel is punished, passes through much tribulation, by which it is refined, and in the end (though but a remnant) is saved. § 5. (Ch. xiv. 1, 2.) Jerusalem is represented as taken and plundered. § 6. (Ch. xiv. 3-7.) '!'hen the Lord himself comes to her help, great convul- sions of nature accompanying his presence. § 7. (Ch. xiv. 8-11.) The land shall be transformed and renewed, and the Lord shall be owned as the sole King of all the earth. , § 8. (Ch. xiv. 12-15.) Further details concerning the destruction of the enemies: they shall perish by plngue, by mutual slnughter, by the sword of Judah. § 9. (Ch. xiv. 16-19.) Tlle heathen shall be converted aud join with the Hebrews in the regular worship of Jehovah. § 10. (Ch. xiv. 20, 21.) 'fhen everything alike shall be holy, and the ungodly shail be wholly excluded from the house of the Lord. THE BOOK OF ZECHARIAH.