Zechariah: The Incredible Ways Of God (XV)

“IN THAT DAY” (PART 3)(14:1-21)

Neal Pollard

Given that the prophecies are thoroughly Messianic in this final section of the book, it influences when we see these events transpiring. Zechariah ends the book talking about the conditions that will persist when Messiah comes. His focus is both on the Savior and the saved. What will occur in that day? 

The Destruction of Jerusalem (1-2). What Zechariah describes here sounds much like the warnings Jesus gives near the end of His public ministry, the fulfillment of which would come in AD 70 (Matt. 24; Mark 13; Luke 21). “The nations” here seem to point to the Roman Empire, as we will look more closely at momentarily (3-8). Verse two mirrors the apocalyptic description Jesus gives in the doom of the city. The day known to the Lord (7) seems to be that day 

The Judgment of Rome (3-8). What Zechariah describes here sounds much like the thread that runs through the bulk of the book of Revelation. The instrument God used to bring the church into existence, which judged His physical people, the Jews, and which chose to persecute the church, Rome, would itself be overcome and fall. Any nation or people that exalts itself against God and fights against Him will lose. That loss is foretold here. The Messiah is depicted as a military commander (4). The church will come out victorious, and those who assaulted it will receive a just end. 

The Exaltation of the Church (9-21). While there is a continuation of judgment language against the enemies of God’s people (12-19), the shift in focus is on the triumph of God’s people. Notice the tie to the Lord’s exaltation, in which His people share. “In that day,” the Lord will be the one and only, holy king (9). “In that day,” the Lord will rout His enemies (13). “In that day,” the holy name of the Lord will be inscribed and enshrined (20). “In that day,” God will take away the distinction between Jew and Gentile (21). The pictures of worship and fellowship point to the day when all nations enjoy a place in the house of the Lord. 

Matthew Henry may be right in stating that the pictures in Zechariah 14 will not be perfectly fulfilled in the church, but only in heaven. But the “in that day” threat no doubt points to the coming of the Messiah in these last three chapters. As the window of inspiration is readying its closing, the prophets turn the hearts of the people to what is next. And what is next will impact not only the Jews, but the whole world!