Nov. 13, 2005

 

  As we move into ch.9, we observe events that refer to the conquests of

Alexander, the Great--- Zechariah speaks in 518 BC while Alexander’s movement

is about 332 BC. as he sets up the Grecian Empire that follows the Persian Empire.

  Ch.9, vs.1-7- “burden” is an oracle or ‘lifting up of the voice’ similar to a

lamentation.  “Word of the LORD” authenticates this as divine revelation from God, the Holy Spirit (I Pet.1:10-11).

  “Hadrach” is identified with a city named, “Hatarika” near Damascus and

Hamath in Syria, north of Israel.  This oracle is “against the land of Hadrach

and Damascus”—these were powerful Syrian cities that oppressed Israel—see

II Kings 28:1-5.  “its resting place”- meaning the target of this ominous

oracle from the LORD are the cities [peoples] of Syria.

  “Hamath….Tyre and Sidon” are added as locations of divine displeasure

as well.  “for the eyes of men …tribes of Israel are on the LORD”-

While some think this refers to a repentant spirit in view of judgment, it is more likely it is to say that while watching the events of Alexander’s conquest unfold, they are actually seeing the LORD act in divine judgment.  Zechariah’s prophecy

is to equip the people of Israel to discern divine action through the agency of

the Greek King.  These words comfort Israel in that Alexander’s victories are,

in fact, actions carried out by God as divine judgment.

1) The LORD with sovereignty controls the affairs of men and nations- Ex.3:19-20; Psa.2:4-5, 46:8-9, 47:7-8, 103:19, 105:13-15

2) The LORD will raise up adversaries to use as instruments of discipline

against Israel and other nations—Isa. 5:26-30, 7:18, 9:11, 10:5-6; Rev.16:12-14

3) He will also use nations to protect and provide for Israel- Isa.45:1-5

and Ezra 1:1-4

4) While the LORD uses such nations, He is always mindful of His unique

covenant with Israel and moves to accomplish His purposes with them-

Psa.105:1-15, 42-44; Isa.54:5, 63:7-9, Romans 11:25-29.

   “though they are very wise”- refers to the arrogance of Tyre and Sidon,

but particularly Tyre—see Ezk.27:3-4, 28:2-7. 

    “Tyre built herself a tower”- there is a play on words under the Hebrew

for ‘Tyre’ and ‘tower’—their excessive greed is expressed with “heaped up silver..gold”.  As a consequence, “the LORD will cast her out..destroy her power”—amazingly, this was fulfilled in detail.  The Assyrian King had besieged

it for 5 years and Nebuchadnezzar had for 13 years, each to no avail;  but

Alexander did it in 7 months.

  Verses 5-6 describe divine judgment upon the Philistine cities under Alexander—as he moved south along the coast with the intent on going to conquer Egypt.

 

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   Verse 7 refers to the abominable idolatry of the Philistines, which were particularly offensive to the Jews.  Our word ‘Palestine’ is derived from

Philistine.  “he who remains…shall be for our God and shall be like a leader in Judah”—most view this as some aspect of assimilation of the

Philistines into Jewish society —some favorably (like a convert) while others see it as negative with the purity of Jewish blood polluted by intermarriage.  “Ekron like a Jebusite”- may refer to how the Jebusites amalgamated into the nation—Josh.15:63.

  Verse 8 however points out the protective action by the LORD for Jerusalem.

When Alexander came through Israel initially there was conflict as the high priest refused payment to Alexander claiming a prior responsibility of tribute to be

given to the Persian king.  Josephus, the historian, reports the high priest asked

the people to pray & sacrifice and then he led a solemn procession out of the city to meet Alexander.  Impressed by their sacred clothing and mindful of a dream,

Alexander reportedly had earlier, he spared Jerusalem from devastation.  Some

historians dispute this story as mythical.

  One difficulty lies with the words, “no more shall an oppressor pass thru

them..”—which cannot be applied to the historical incident as other nations

would oppress Jerusalem later.  Even Jesus alluded to this in Lk.21:24 with

“Jerusalem will be trodden down by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles

be fulfilled”—pointing out the general oppression of the city until the return of

Christ and the inauguration of the Reign of Messiah.

  “for now I have seen with my eyes”- this future (from Zechariah’s standpoint) has been known by God thru omniscience  and is expressed here

through eyesight.