Zacarias 14
Steven Cole · Citado em PreceptAustin
Zacarias 14
Cole - The Triumph of the Coming King The older you get, the less you look forward to birthdays. They are just another reminder that “the old gray mare ain’t what she used to be”! (That applies to the old gray stud, too!) But kids love birthdays! When our kids were young, for weeks in advance of their birthdays they would excitedly look forward to that day. They would tell strangers they met, “I’m five but I’m almost six!” They looked forward to the party and the presents. Having a birthday meant that you could go to school and tell the other kids, “You’re only five, but I’m six!” Even though the other kid may turn six in a few weeks, it gave you the competitive edge! There is a day mentioned repeatedly in the Bible that we should be anticipating with eagerness. It is called “the day of the Lord.” It is a major theme of this chapter (Zechariah 14:1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 20, & 21). The day of the Lord is not a 24-hour day, but that future period of time when the Lord will bring judgment to the wicked and salvation to His faithful. The New Testament makes clear that the hallmark of this day will be the Second Coming of Jesus Christ to earth. He will destroy the nations that are on the verge of destroying Israel, and establish His Millennial reign over all the earth from Jerusalem. But before He comes, Jesus prophesied that there will be a time of tribulation such has never occurred before, nor ever will occur after. I used to believe that the church will be raptured before the tribulation (Ed: See Rapture), but I now am not so sure about that. But whether we are raptured beforehand or go through the tribulation, we certainly must be prepared for persecution. At the end of the tribulation, there will be cataclysmic events in the heavens, all the nations of the earth will mourn, and then “they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory.” He will send forth His angels to gather His elect from all over the earth (see Matt. 24:21-31). Then Jesus will rule the nations with a rod of iron (Rev. 12:5; Rev 19:15). Zechariah 14 refers to this coming “day of the Lord.” Although some seek to explain the chapter in terms of past historical invasions of Israel or the ongoing spiritual battles of the church, I think that in light of the context of Zechariah, this chapter is best explained in reference to the Jews and to events that are yet future. It refers to the great final battle, elsewhere called the Battle of Armageddon (Rev. 16:16; 19:11; see Ezekiel 38-note, Ezekiel 39-note). When Israel is surrounded by the armies of the nations and on the verge of annihilation, the Lord Jesus will return in power and glory. When Christ returns as King, He will defeat His enemies and establish His righteous kingdom over all the earth. We can divide the chapter into two parts: Zech 14:1-15 describes the return of Christ and the defeat of His enemies; Zech 14:16-21 portrays the establishment of Christ’s righteous kingdom over all the earth. 1. The return of Christ as King will mean the defeat of His enemies (Zech 14:1-15). The first verses of chapter 14 go back to the last two verses of chapter 13, and to the battle mentioned in Zech 12:2-9. The earlier description did not mention that Jerusalem would be overrun before the Lord would intervene, but that is the picture here (Zech 14:2-3). In 14:1, the enemies are leisurely dividing the spoil from Jerusalem in its streets, thinking that they have defeated the Jews. Then Jesus will return, His feet will touch down on the very place from which He ascended, the Mount of Olives, it will be split in two, the surviving remnant will escape, and Jesus will rout His enemies. I can’t deal with all the details, but note 3 things: A. It will be a sudden defeat-Do not be deceived! Israel’s enemies will be gloating over what they think is their victory when the Lord will suddenly wipe them out. Zech 14:12-15 describe in more detail the extreme suddenness of God’s victory: The enemy’s “flesh will rot while they stand on their feet, and they eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongue will rot in their mouth” (Zech 14:12). The same fate will befall their animals (Zech 14:15). It sounds like a description of a nuclear attack, but it may be a plague from God. Before this plague destroys everyone, in panic, the enemy coalition will fight against each other (Zech 14:13). But the point is, it will be a last minute, sudden victory for God. Revelation 18 pictures it the same way. The evil world system, called Babylon the Great, is sitting pretty. The merchants of the earth have become rich by the wealth of her sensuality. She boasts, “I sit as a queen and I am not a widow, and will never see mourning.” But then in one day, in one hour, judgment falls and she is destroyed (see Rev. 18:3, 7, 8, 10, 17, 19). These prophetic sections of Scripture were not written so that we could draw up cool prophecy charts and speculate about the end times. God wants us to apply these prophecies. The application is: Do not be deceived! In spite of how things now look, this evil world will not win. God will win and He will win big! He sovereignly gathers the nations against Jerusalem for this final showdown (Zech 14:2). His purpose for the ages is to enthrone Jesus Christ as King of kings and Lord of lords, and He will accomplish His purpose! We’re all tempted at this point. We look around and it seems like the bad guys are winning. The guy at work who cheats and lies gets the promotion. You’re honest and come out the loser. Worldly people spend their time and money pursuing pleasure and seem to live pretty well. You obey God, give your money to His kingdom, and seem to have problem after problem. Like the guy in Psalm 73, you wonder, “What’s going on? The wicked forsake God and prosper. I follow God and am chastened every day!” You’re tempted to join the other side. But God warns us, “Don’t be deceived!” Even if you suffer persecution or martyrdom, you will be blessed because God’s side is going to win in the end! You may be thinking, “That’s easy to say. But how can you know for sure that these prophecies will literally come true? What if I deny myself and suffer for Christ’s kingdom, but He never comes back? What if I put all my hope in heaven, but it isn’t true?” There are good reasons within the Book of Zechariah (not to mention the rest of the Bible) for staking your life on these prophecies. Zechariah has given us many specific prophecies about the first coming of Jesus Christ that were literally fulfilled. He predicted that Jesus would come to Jerusalem, “humble, and mounted on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zech 9:9). Jesus fulfilled that prophecy on Palm Sunday. Zechariah prophesied that Jesus would be rejected by the nation, sold for 30 pieces of silver, and that the money would be thrown to the potter in the house of the Lord (Zech 11:12-13). Judas Iscariot precisely fulfilled that prophecy in his betrayal of Jesus. The point is, if Zechariah could precisely predict these events about Christ’s first coming 500 years in advance, shouldn’t we believe that he is accurate in predicting the details about Christ’s second coming, especially when his predictions line up with many other Scriptures? So when it seems as if evil is winning, don’t be deceived! Don’t switch sides! Jesus is coming quickly and His reward is with Him (Rev. 22:12). B. It will be a powerful defeat-Do not despair! The defeat of God’s enemies at Armageddon will be accompanied by an awesome display of power. As we’ve seen, a powerful plague will rot off the flesh of His enemies while they are still standing. In addition, there will be frightening changes on the earth and in the heavens. The Mount of Olives will be split in half, creating a large valley (Zech 14:4). A new river will flow out of Jerusalem, half toward the Dead Sea and half toward the Mediterranean Sea. I understand this to be a literal river that also has a spiritual meaning (which I will explain in a moment). The land surrounding Jerusalem will be leveled into a broad plain, with Jerusalem elevated above it (Zech 14:10). While we cannot determine the exact locations of all these sites now, the specific names show that they should be taken literally. There also will be cataclysmic changes in the heavens (Zech 14:6-7). (The NIV translation, “no cold or frost,” is not based on the Hebrew text and should be rejected.) The sun, moon, and stars will be dimmed (Isa. 13:9-10; Joel 2:31; 3:15; Matt. 24:29; Rev. 6:12-14; 8:10-12; 16:8-10). It will be a kind of murky twilight, unlike any time before. The phrase “at evening time there will be light” probably refers to the end of that period of judgment when light from the heavenly bodies will be restored and the light of the glory of the Lord will illumine the earth. It will be an eerie, frightening time, demonstrating God’s mighty power through His creation. Two other facts here underscore the Lord’s power. The first is that Zechariah clearly believed in the deity of Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. In Zech 14:5 he states, “Then the Lord, my God, will come, and all the holy ones with him!” “Holy ones” refers both to the angels (Matt. 25:31; 2 Thess. 1:7) and to believers who have been in heaven with the Lord (1 Thess. 3:13; 4:16-17). The Lord, whose human feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, is God in human flesh. He is powerful enough to defeat all His enemies! The second fact that underscores the Lord’s power is His personal, bodily coming. He is coming back just as He departed (bodily, not just spiritually), so that every eye will see Him (Acts 1:11; Rev. 1:7-note). Jesus describes His second coming as being “with power and great glory” (Matt. 24:30). John saw Him as a mighty warrior on a white horse, His eyes a flame of fire, His robe dipped in blood, a sharp sword coming from His mouth, and all the armies of heaven following Him on white horses (Rev. 19:11-16-note). He is going to win big! The application is, Do not despair! You may be overwhelmed by horrible trials or powerful enemies. It may look as if the evil side has already won. Perhaps you are filled with doubts and despair. But our dire extremities become God’s choice opportunities to display His mighty power on our behalf! Remember the theme of Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo: Whom the Lord remembers (“Zechariah”) He blesses (“Berechiah”) at the appointed time (“Iddo”). God has not forgotten you in your trial. He will deliver you in His appointed time. You may be thinking, “I know that God is able to deliver me from any and every trial. But what if He doesn’t do it? What if the enemy-sickness, persecution, some catastrophe-wins? At such times, our answer should be the same as the answer that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego gave to Nebuchadnezzar when he threatened to throw them into the furnace for refusing to bow down before his idol. They said, “... our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up” (Dan. 3:17-18). They did not know if God would deliver them from death, but they knew that He is still the only true God. They remained obedient to Him even in the face of impending death. As Paul puts it in Romans 8:36-39, even if we are put to death as sheep for the slaughter, we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. Thus the Lord’s triumph over His enemies at the last day will be sudden, so that we should not be deceived when it seems that evil forces are winning. It will be powerful, so that we should not despair when we are overwhelmed by enemies that are stronger than we are. (Zechariah 14:1-21 The Triumph of the Coming King) Zechariah 14:4 In that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which is in front of Jerusalem on the east; and the Mount of Olives will be split in its middle from east to west by a very large valley, so that half of the mountain will move toward the north and the other half toward the south. His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives: Zec 14:7 Eze 11:23 43:2 Acts 1:11,12 the Mount of Olives will be split in its middle from east to west: Zec 4:7 Isa 64:1,2 Mic 1:3,4 Na 1:5,6 Hab 3:6 Mk 11:23 by a very large valley: Zec 14:10 Joel 3:12-14 half of the mountain will move toward the north: Eze 47:1-12 TECTONIC TRANSFORMATION IN JERUSALEM Mount of Olives split in the Millennium-click to enlarge In that day is of course the day the King of kings returns just as the angels had predicted in Acts 1:9-12 And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10 And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing (ANGELS) stood beside them. 11 They also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, Who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven (LITERALLY BODILY, VISIBLY, IN THE CLOUDS).” 12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. In that day - 17x in 16v in Zechariah 12-14 -- Zech. 12:3; Zech. 12:4; Zech. 12:6; Zech. 12:8; Zech. 12:9; Zech. 12:11; Zech. 13:1; Zech. 13:2; Zech. 13:4; Zech. 14:4; Zech. 14:6; Zech. 14:8; Zech. 14:9; Zech. 14:13; Zech. 14:20; Zech. 14:21 His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives: To reiterate a point in interpretation -- Although this passage is indeed mind boggling but there is absolutely no reason it cannot be read literally! God can stand on and split any mountain He chooses, and in this case the returning Messiah stands on the Mount of Olives which is just east of the Temple Mount area in the Holy City. In Acts 1:12+, it is clear that when He ascended into the cloud, it was from the Mount of Olives ("Olivet") and as promised it would be the place to which He would return. God's prophetic promises are immutable and irreversible and will be faithfully and fully fulfilled...LITERALLY! You can stake your life on it! The event described by Zechariah is in a sense a fulfillment of Isaiah's plea to God to execute vengeance suddenly on Israel's foes crying out... Oh, that You would rend the heavens and come down, That the mountains might quake at Your presence– As fire kindles the brushwood, as fire causes water to boil– To make Your name known to Your adversaries, That the nations may tremble at Your presence! (Isaiah 64:1-2) Stubbs adds similar comments (writing on Zechariah 14:4-7) - it is most important to see that Zechariah is not speaking with poetic language, or merely giving imagery. Neither is this some kind of spiritual vision. Here we have specific prophecy that must be taken literally. By no system of interpretation can it be spiritualized or explained away. To do so is to fly in the face of plain language and to ignore the precise details which are such a feature in Zechariah's book. The geographical description of the Mount of Olives given, the physical upheaval that will result from the Messiah's arrival, as well as the vivid and graphic style and the fleeing of the remnant through the escape route of the valley opened up, all combine to make clear that the only right interpretation the passage deserves is a literal one. The context throughout the chapter supports this view and should make every honest reader feel that this vivid drama will surely be enacted on our earth and in the sight of all men. Zechariah here gives us one of the most wonderful prophecies of the Old Testament. The same prophet who gave precise details as to the first advent in grace of the Lord Jesus in Zech 9 now gives us precise details of the second advent in glory of the Saviour. It will be an earth—shattering and transforming event. It will be a universally known event. It will be a supernatural, terrifying event for the world, and it will be a timely delivering event for the remnant. (What the Bible Teaches) Charles Feinberg writes that "This prophecy cannot be relegated to the sphere of beautiful poetic description. There is no reason why it cannot be taken literally. Just as the Red Sea was actually divided for the rescue of the children of Israel, so now the Mount of Olives is cleft asunder for their escape from the enemy." (The Minor Prophets). It is particularly poignant that the great glory of the Lord (Mt 24:30-note) will return to the Mount of Olives. Why is this so significant? The return of His glory reverses (or re-traces) the departure of His glory. The departure of Shekinah glory of the LORD is described in Ezekiel 10-11 where the prophet chronicles a step by step withdrawal of the glory Ezek 8:3-4-note - and brought me in the visions of God to Jerusalem, to the entrance of the north gate of the inner court, where the seat of the idol of jealousy, which provokes to jealousy, was located. 4 And behold, the glory of the God of Israel was there, Ezek 9:3-note - Then the glory of the God of Israel went up from the cherub on which it had been, to the threshold of the temple. Ezek 10:3-4-note = "the glory of the LORD went up from the cherub to the threshold of the temple, and the temple was filled with the (Shekinah) cloud and the court was filled with the brightness of the glory of the LORD", Ezek 10:18-19-note = "the glory of the LORD departed from the threshold of the temple", "at the entrance of the east gate of the LORD’S house, and the glory of the God of Israel hovered" Ezekiel 11:22-23-note is the final stage of His withdrawal "Then the cherubim lifted up their wings with the wheels beside them, and the glory of the God of Israel hovered over them."The glory of the LORD went up from the midst of the city and stood over the mountain which is east of the city (The Mount of Olives is east of the city)." Click here for a schematic depiction and discussion of the Glory of the LORD, Past, Present and Future. The Mount of Olives will be split in its middle from east to west by a very large valley: The mountain splits latitudinally. Although the figure of an earthquake is mentioned in the next verse, Zechariah does not say that the split was actually caused by an earthquake. It could have been, but it could have also been simply a command from the Creator of the universe to "split!" Either way, it will be a most dramatic event reminding us that Jesus is in control! The cleft goes from east to west, exactly as the waters of the Red Sea were separated (Ex. 14:21–22, cf "the LORD opened up a path through the water with a strong east wind," Ex 14:21NLT)). This topographical change is mind-boggling and defies human logic. The point is that God said it. That settles it, whether we believe it or not and whether we can explain it or not (we cannot explain it). So whether one attempts to invoke geological explanations, etc, it makes no difference, for it is clearly a reflection of the wise plan of our omnipotence of God, Who holds the whole world in His hands! You can mark it down as "Gospel truth" that... God is behind the scenes and controls the scenes He is behind. THOUGHT - What is going on your life that you think is simply too "big" for His omnipotent hands to handle? Charles Feinberg observes that "In 2 Samuel 15:30 the mountain is called “the ascent of Olives.” (note that your version may say "ascent of the Mount of Olives" but the word "Mount" has been added and is not in the original Hebrew) The place of His departure is the place of His return (Ac 1:11). The scene of the agony will witness the display of His glory." (The Minor Prophets) Charles Feinberg adds that "The Mount of Olives was the most serious obstacle in the way of a quick escape from Jerusalem. It was such in David’s hour of flight from Absalom (2 Sam 15:30). God will convert the obstacle into a way of escape." (The Great Consummation: Israel’s Deliverance and God’s Earthly Kingdom, 14:1-21) NET Note - This seismic activity provides a means of escape from Jerusalem so that the Messiah (the LORD), whose feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, may destroy the wicked nations in the Kidron Valley (the v. of Jehoshaphat, or of “judgment of the LORD”) without harming the inhabitants of the city. So that (see terms of purpose or result) - Here Zechariah explains the purpose of the mountain splitting, a purpose that even clearer in Zech 14:5 where the splitting will result in a way of escape. This reminds me of the spiritual song by Don Moen God will make a way where there seems to be no way! Perhaps you are feeling trapped in some situation as you read these notes. You can be sure that the same God Who made a way for Israel through the Red Sea in the past and will make a way for Israel through the valley of the mountains in the future, is able to make a way for you today dearly beloved of God. Thomas McComiskey summarizes the message well: “The geological shift of the mountain northward and southward creates an awareness of awesome power, a vivid pictorial representation of the activity of the invisible God in history.” (Borrow The Minor Prophets) Half of the mountain will move toward the north and the other half toward the south - There is not much one can do to explain this, so it is best to simply read and ponder these events with wonder and awe. It is worthy noting that we as believers will indeed be spectators at this supernatural spectacle, for Revelation 19 makes it clear that we return with Christ when He comes to wage war. John writes... And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. (Revelation 19:14+) Comment: Some believe this is just the angels but I don't think so (the angels may well be in the armies), for there is an almost identical phrase in Revelation 17:14+ which adds some details characterizing those what return with Christ. John says that "those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful.” The called. The elect. The faithful. This is a much more likely description of saints than it is of angels. Dr Garland agrees writing that "The angels which did not follow Satan in his rebellion (Rev. 12:4+) are also said to be “chosen”: “The elect angels” is tōn eklektōn angelōn . But being called speaks of a time prior to having come to the faith—something the elect angels do not experience for they have never been lost, but remained continually faithful. Calling is unique to those saints who at one time were not saints, that is, human beings rather than angels (Ro 1:6; Ro 8:28-30; 2 Ti 2:9). “These epithets called, chosen, and faithful, can only strictly apply to saints [not angels].” Those who are both called and chosen are “His own elect who cry out day and night to Him” (Luke 18:7-note). They did not choose Him, but He chose them (John 15:16). This speaks of human beings, not just angels, who will return with Christ at His Second Coming. They do not remain in heaven, but return to participate in the Millennial Kingdom which follows (Rev. 20:4-6-note). They are said to be faithful because they are human beings, born among those who were fallen, but who then exercised faith to salvation. Jon Courson - Years ago, when Sheraton Hotel Corporation was looking at the Mount of Olives as a potential site, an environmental impact study showed that, due to a major fault running right through the Mount of Olives, they could not continue construction. In other words geologists "discovered" what Scripture had known for 2,500 years. (Jon Courson's Application Commentary) SOME EXAMPLES OF NON-LITERAL INTERPRETATION When one does not accept a literal reading of this text, it is utterly amazing the conclusions intelligent men can arrive at, as exemplified by Adam Clarke's explanation of the mountain being split -- "I really think that these words refer to the lines of circumvallation, to intrenchments, redoubts, etc., which the Romans made while carrying on the siege of this city; and particularly the lines or trenches which the army made on Mount Olivet itself." Clarke has pinned himself in a corner by trying to ascribe the events in Zechariah 14 to the siege of Jerusalem by the Roman general Titus in 70 AD. His interpretation sadly borders on being absurd. Roman trenches could hardly have moved the mountain (which of course is still standing just as it was in 70 AD). Zechariah is clearly describing a monumental eschatological event which has not yet occurred. James Coffman a Church of Christ writer (whose works are freely available on the internet which is why it is given as an example to avoid) has this to say on the Mount of Olives will be split in its middle from east to west by a very large valley - "We see in this the grand cleavage of the entire human race as achieved in the preaching of the gospel of Christ. "The very great valley" that separates between them is that "impassable gulf" dividing the saved from the lost (Luke 16:26)." This is spiritualizing a text about as bad as one could do. Here is the point - One needs to be very careful and discerning in reading older commentaries particularly when they write on prophetic passages. John Calvin is not much better writing that in Zechariah 14:4 the prophet "illustrates here his discourse by figurative expressions...employing a highly figurative language....The import of the whole is, — that God’s power would be so remarkable in the deliverance of his Church, as though God manifested himself in a visible form and reviewed the battle from the top of the mountain, and gave orders how everything was to be done." So not only does Calvin spiritualize the passage, but he also substitutes the Church for the nation of Israel, a clear example of What is replacement theology (See additional note). Calvin is a brilliant theologian, but his comments on prophetic passages are generally non-literal and not very helpful. As bad as the previous interpretations are, thankfully there is one older commentary that usually seeks a literal interpretation of the Biblical text. Jamieson, Fausset and Brown (written in 1871) have this comment on Zech 14:4 The object of the cleaving of the mount in two by a fissure or valley (a prolongation of the valley of Jehoshaphat, and extending from Jerusalem on the west towards Jordan, eastward) is to open a way of escape to the besieged (compare Joel 3:12, Joel 3:14). Half the divided mount is thereby forced northward, half southward; the valley running between. The place of His departure at His ascension shall be the place of His return: and the “manner” of His return also shall be similar (Acts 1:11). He shall probably “come from the east” (Matthew 24:27). He so made His triumphal entry into the city from the Mount of Olives from the east (Matthew 21:1-10). This was the scene of His agony: so it shall be the scene of His glory. Compare Ezekiel 11:23, with Ezekiel 43:2, “from the way of the east.” Zechariah 14:5 You will flee by the valley of My mountains, for the valley of the mountains will reach to Azel; yes, you will flee just as you fled before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the LORD, my God, will come, and all the holy ones with Him! You will flee by the valley of My mountains. Nu 16:34 Rev 11:13 Rev 16:18-21 as you fled before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: Isa 29:6 Am 1:1 Then the LORD, my God, will come: Ps 96:13 97:4-6 98:9 Isa 64:1-3 66:15,16 Da 7:9-14,21-27 Mt 16:27 24:3,27-31 25:31 Mk 13:26,27 Lu 21:27 2Th 2:8 Jas 5:8 Jude 1:14,15 Rev 6:16,17 20:4,11 and all the holy ones with Him: De 33:2 Joel 3:11 1Th 3:13 2Th 1:7-10 THE LORD'S ARRIVAL LIKE AN EARTHQUAKE You - To whom does you refer? The remnant of Jews in Jerusalem who will not be cut off . You will flee by the valley of My mountains - literally “valley of my mountains,” or a valley between mountains. In context, this would be the valley that emerges from the topographic tumult in Zechariah 14:4 and which provides a route of escape for Jerusalem’s population ("the rest" or remnant described in Zech 14:2-note). For the valley of the mountains will reach to Azel - This is the only mention of Azel in the Bible but from the context this is far enough away from the bloodshed in Jerusalem to be a place of safety.
Zacarias 14
Cole - It will be a thorough defeat-Do not be wrongly aligned! Zech 14:9: “And the Lord will be king over all the earth; in that day the Lord will be the only one, and His name the only one.” Right now, only a minority of the earth’s population worships God as the only true God, and Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Vast segments of the world are under false religions and beliefs. Most of the world’s Jews reject Jesus as their Messiah. Even in Christendom, millions of people wrongly think that they will get into heaven based on their good works, rather than through faith alone in Jesus Christ and His shed blood. But in that day, when Jesus returns, the whole earth will bow before Him as Lord and King. Satan and his demons will be bound, so as not to deceive the nations (Rev. 20:2-3). Righteousness will prevail on earth. Granted, some will only feign obedience to Him, while their hearts are still in rebellion (Zech 14:17-19; see Ps. 66:3). At the end of the millennium, Satan and his evil forces will be loosed to stage one final rebellion before he is defeated and thrown into the Lake of Fire (Rev. 20:7-10). But during His millennial reign, Psalm 2:8-9 will literally be fulfilled. The Father says to the Son, “Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth as Your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron, You shall shatter them like earthenware.” A few years ago, I had a friend who was not able to watch the Super Bowl on the day it was played, so he videotaped it and planned to watch it the next evening. He studiously avoided listening to the radio or looking at any TV or newspapers that would reveal the outcome of the game, because he wanted the suspense of not knowing in advance who won. Suppose that I had watched the game and I offered to bet him a lot of money on the outcome. (Gambling is wrong, but bear with my illustration.) That man would have been crazy to place that bet, because the outcome of the game was certain. There is no doubt about the outcome of world history: Someday, every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father (Phil. 2:10-11-note). Jesus Christ will be King over all the earth! All of God’s enemies will be thoroughly defeated. Why would anyone want to put, not their money but their eternal destiny, on the losing side? Jesus will reign! Make sure that you are on His side before He comes to judge the earth! So the return of Christ as King means the defeat of His enemies (Zech 14:1-15). (Zechariah 14:1-21 The Triumph of the Coming King) Zechariah 14:10 All the land will be changed into a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem; but Jerusalem will rise and remain on its site from Benjamin's Gate as far as the place of the First Gate to the Corner Gate, and from the Tower of Hananel to the king's wine presses. All the land: Zec 4:6,7 Isa 40:3,4 Lu 3:4-6 will be changed into a plain: or, compassed from Geba : Jos 21:17 1Ki 15:22 Isa 10:29 to Rimmon south of Jerusalem: Joshua 15:32 Jud 20:45,47 21:13 1Ch 4:32 6:77 remain on its site: or, shall abide, Zec 2:4 12:6 Jer 30:18 from Benjamin's Gate: 2Ch 25:23 Ne 3:1 12:39 Jer 31:38-40 37:13 38:7 PARADISE LOST BECOMES PARADISE REGAINED! All the land will be changed into a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem - A plain is the word arabah which can mean a steppe or desert plain. So the land around Jerusalem would be flattened on both the north and south sides, with Jerusalem elevated. The mountains that surround Jerusalem today will no longer needed as a defense and thus are made into a plain. While the mountains may disappear the truth in Psalm 125:2 will be even more certain and permanent, the psalmist writing "As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds His people from this time forth and forever." As Zechariah says in the next verse "Jerusalem will dwell in security" despite not having mountains, because "'The LORD is there" (Jehovah Shammah - The LORD is There) as Ezekiel declares in last words of his prophecy (Ezek 48:35). Feinberg on a plain - This is inadequate, for the article is emphatic. It denotes the Arabah or el-Ghor, the largest of the plains of Judea, running from Hermon to the Red Sea and known as the deepest depression on the face of the globe.10 All the land will be depressed in order that Jerusalem might be elevated. See Isaiah 2:2 and Micah 4:1.
Zacarias 14
Cole - The return of Christ as King will mean the establishing of His righteous kingdom over all the earth (Zech 14:16-21, 8, 9, 11). Let’s face it, righteousness or holiness doesn’t get good press in our day. Even to the Lord’s people, it may not sound too exciting or fun. But our text reveals three reasons why you will enjoy and should look forward to the day when Christ rules the earth in righteousness. A. A righteous reign means refreshment, peace, and joy for those who submit to Jesus Christ (Zech 14:8, 11, 16). *Refreshment-living waters, year round (14:8). While the river that will flow out of Jerusalem is literal, it has a spiritual significance. In that hot, desert climate, the picture of an abundant river, flowing all year, meant refreshment. Imagine hiking in Phoenix in the summer. You’re parched and about to faint when you come to a clear, cold stream of pure water. Ahh! Holiness or righteousness is like that. Sin not only defiles us, it is like a disease that slowly destroys us. God’s Word cleanses us and renews us. Jesus’ righteous reign will be refreshing! *Peace-security (Zech 14:11). When righteousness reigns, people dwell securely. They do not need to lock their doors in fear of intruders. They do not have to worry about their children being abducted on the streets. They do not fear terrorists or foreign armies invading their cities. *Joy-the Feast of Booths (Zech 14:16). The Feast of Booths was the last of the feasts in the Jewish calendar year. It commemorated when Israel lived in temporary shelters after their deliverance from Egypt (Lev. 23:33-44). It was also a feast of ingathering, or harvest (Deut. 16:13-15). Thus was a joyous celebration (Lev. 23:40; Deut. 16:15) of God’s salvation and provision for His people. On the last day of this feast, the Jewish priests would leave the temple, go to the Pool of Siloam, draw water, and carry it back to the sanctuary. They would pour it out while the worshipers recited Isaiah 12:3, “You will joyously draw water from the springs of salvation.” One day as they completed this ritual, a young man stepped forward and cried out loudly, “If any man is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being shall flow rivers of living water’” (John 7:37-38). When that speaker, the Lord Jesus, reigns in holiness in your heart, His Holy Spirit, the living water, will fill you with refreshment, joy, and peace. B. A righteous reign means punishment on those who refuse to submit to Christ (Zech 14:17-19). There will be justice on earth when Jesus rules with a rod of iron. We do not know for certain why Egypt is singled out here from other nations. Perhaps because of Egypt’s historic oppression of Israel, they are mentioned here to show both God’s kindness (in that they are included in the millennium at all) and His severity (in that He will judge all that do not submit to Him). The punishment on those nations that do not submit to Christ will be drought or no rain. While this will be literal, it obviously has spiritual ramifications. Those who do not submit their lives to Jesus and know the joy of His salvation will experience dryness and famine in the soul. (Zechariah 14:1-21 The Triumph of the Coming King) THE SEVEN GREAT FEASTS OF ISRAEL 1st Month = Nisan Festival of Passover (Pesach) 3rd Month = Sivan Feast of Pentecost I N T E R L U D E 7th Month = Tishri Festival of Booths (Tabernacles) (Sukkot) Passover Pesach Unleavened Bread First Fruits Feast of Weeks Feast of Trumpets Day of Atonement Feast of Booths Lamb's blood on Door Purging Leaven (Sin) Wave Offering (Promise of Harvest to come) Wave Offering of two loaves of leavened bread (promise of harvest to come) Trumpet Blown - A Holy Convocation Atonement shall be made to cleanse you Celebrates harvest, memorial of God's care in wilderness 1st Month, 14th Day 1st Month, 15th Day (1st & 8th are Sabbath) Day after Sabbath 50 Days after first fruits 7th Month, 1st Day (A Sabbath) 7th Month, 10th Day (A Sabbath) 7th Mo, 15th Day 7 Days; Convocation on 8th Day Lev 23:33-44 (1st & 8th are Sabbath) Christ our Passover has been sacrificed Clean out the old leaven… just as you are in fact unleavened Christ has been raised… the first fruits Promise of the Spirit, Mystery of Church - Jews and Gentiles in one body Regathering of Israel before final day of atonement Israel repents and looks to Christ in one day Zech 3:9-10, 12:10, 13:1, 14:9 All families come to Jerusalem for Feast of Booths 1Cor 5:7 1Cor 5:7-8 1Cor 15:20-23 1Cor 2:13 Heb 9-10 Zechariah 14:17 And it will be that whichever of the families of the earth does not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, there will be no rain on them. And it will be that whichever: Ps 2:8-12 110:5,6 Isa 45:23 60:12 Jer 10:25 Ro 14:10,11 the families of the earth does not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King: Ge 10:32 12:3 28:14 Am 3:2 Ac 17:26,27 there will be no rain on them.: De 11:17 28:23,24 1Ki 8:35 17:1 2Ch 6:26 7:13 Isa 5:6 Jer 14:4,22 Am 4:7,8 Jas 5:17 Rev 11:6 NO WORSHIP NO RAIN! And it will be that whichever of the families of the earth does not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts - The King is clearly Jesus and He is ruling and reigning visibly and literally in Jerusalem in the Millennium. How could an amillennialist possibly understand the plain teaching of this verse? The only way would be to totally spiritualize the passage, which goes against all rules of good hermeneutics. If the plain sense of a passage makes good sense in context then seek to make no other sense or it may end up being nonsense! Charles Feinberg adds that "Zec 14:17 reveals that the millennial conditions will not approximate conditions in the eternal state, because multitudes will give only feigned submission to the King Jehovah. Note the last verb in the Hebrew of Psalm 66:3. Just as Israel had been threatened with cessation of rain in times of apostasy (Deut 11:16, 17 and 1 Kings 17:1ff), so the nations will be warned of the same punishment. The need for rain shows that the millennial earth is not the new earth of the eternal state." (Bolding added) Say to God, “How awesome are Your works! Because of the greatness of Your power Your enemies will give feigned obedience to You. (Ps 66:3) Comment: The verb feigned (kachash) is usually used in the context of lying. TDOT says it "denotes the disguising, concealment, or denial of a given situation contrary to better knowledge" (TDOT 7:133). The prominent idea is that of dealing falsely with someone. The Septuagint translates kachash with pseudomai meaning to lie, deceive or tell a falsehood. There will be "feigned obedience" (i.e., to lie) from some of the Gentiles in the Millennial reign. Whichever...does not go up...to worship the King - Notice that in the Millennium God still allows self-will and in this case they exert willful disobedience. We know from other texts that at the Second Coming and institution of the Millennial reign all individuals who are physically alive and regenerated by the Spirit will be allowed into the Kingdom. But even though they are born again, like we who are born again, they are still capable of willful sin. In addition, this could possibly refer to the children of those who enter the Kingdom, for they will not necessarily be born again. We know that is the case by their willingness to gather at the end of the 1000 years under Satan who leads an unsuccessful rebellion against the Holy City (see Rev 20:7-10-note). Note the verb go up (Lxx = anabaino = climb up or ascend) indicates that despite all the topographical changes in the land, the Holy City of Jerusalem will still be elevated as described in (Zech 14:10-note). The King was lifted up. Failure to worship the King would result in the King becoming the Judge. Barker has an interesting note in regard to the titles of Messiah writing "“Zechariah portrays the Messiah as the complete and perfect King by applying all six royal functions [of ancient Near Eastern kingship] to him... (1) mediating Servant (Zech 3:8); (2) Priest (Zech 6:13); (3) Judge (Zech 14:16–19); (4) Warrior (Zech 10:4; 14:3–4); (5) Shepherd (Zech 11:8–9; 13:7); and (6) ‘Peace’-bringing King (Zech 3:10; Zech 9:9–10).” (Ibid) Worship (bow down, prostrate) (07812)(shachah) means to bow down, to prostrate oneself, to crouch, to fall down, to humbly beseech, to do reverence, to worship. The idea is to assume a prostrate position as would in paying homage to royalty (Ge 43:28) or to God (Ge 24:26, Ps 95:6). The Septuagint translates shachah in Zech 14:17 with the verb proskuneo (from pros = before + kuneo = kiss or adore) means to prostrate oneself in homage before another in the full sense of worship, not mere reverence or courtesy. It is interesting to read the comments from Jamieson, Fausset and Brown's commentary published in 1871 because many who do not accept the Millennium say it is a "modern" invention of dispensationalists. Here is their comment... No rain - including every calamity which usually follows in the East from want of rain, namely, scarcity of provisions, famine, pestilence, &c. Rain is the symbol also of God’s favor (Ho 6:3). That there shall be unconverted men under the millennium appears from the outbreak of Gog and Magog at the end of it (Rev 20:7–9); but they, like Satan their master, shall be restrained during the thousand years. Note, too, from this verse that the Gentiles shall come up to Jerusalem, rather than the Jews go as missionaries to the Gentiles (Is 2:2; Mic 5:7). (ED COMMENT - THESE OLDER EXPOSITORS WERE NOT DISPENSATIONALISTS BUT WERE MEN WHO READ THE PLAIN SENSE OF THE TEXT, INTERPRETING IT LITERALLY AND NOT ALLEGORICALLY! SEE THE Rise of Allegorical Interpretation) There will be no rain on them - Disobedience brings drought, literally in this case but clearly applies to every saint's spiritual life. THOUGHT - Are you experiencing a time of dryness in your walk with the Lord? Perhaps you might want to consider David's prayer in Psalm 139:23-24. Or if you are really brave [or desperate!] you could try a similar plea in "triplicate" = "Examine me, O LORD, and try me; Test my mind and my heart." Ps 26:2!) Jon Courson adds that "The nations who don't have time to worship will experience drought. People today who don't make time to worship will experience a dryness in their souls." (Jon Courson's Application Commentary) Moody Bible Commentary makes a very important point for all who reject a literal interpretation of prophetic passages like Zechariah 14 - That there will exist nations that could potentially rebel and thus face judgment, and that they will also need rain, demonstrates that Zechariah is describing the messianic kingdom (or millennium), not the eternal state (compare with the conditions described in Rev 21:1–22:21). In Deuteronomy 28 drought was a punishment for Israel's disobedience but now that same punishment is applied to disobedience of the Gentile nations in the Millennium. he heaven which is over your head shall be bronze and the earth which is under you, iron. The LORD will make the rain of your land powder and dust; from heaven it shall come down on you until you are destroyed. (Deuteronomy 28:23-24) HCSB Study Bible - Along with the promises of God's blessings comes a reminder that humans may choose a path that will lead them away from what God offers. Rain will not fall on them is stock language of judgment. Zechariah 14:18 If the family of Egypt does not go up or enter, then no rain will fall on them; it will be the plague with which the LORD smites the nations who do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Booths. no rain will fall on them, Dt 11:10,11 EGYPT EARMARKED FOR MORE PLAGUES! If the family of Egypt does not go up or enter, then no rain will fall on them - Note the words "rain will fall" are added in most translations because of the mention of rain in the immediately preceding context (Zech 14:17) Note that the nation of Egypt currently receives only 0.79 -7.87 inches of rain yearly and that is predominantly along the narrow Mediterranean coast, but in the regions south of Cairo, the average drops to nearly zero in the central and southern areas. The text does not allow us to say whether the central and southern districts will receive some rain and/or more normal amounts of rain in the Millennium when the conditions on earth have been significantly changed and restored, but presumably they will receive rain. Otherwise they could hardly be punished by the threat of a drought for disobedience! Charles Feinberg - Keil and others think Egypt is individualized in verse 18 because it showed in ancient times the greatest hostility to the Lord and His people, and yet will enjoy the blessings of salvation given to Israel. See Isaiah 19:19ff. Probably Egypt is designated because, though it was dependent upon rains to fill the lakes which empty into the Nile, it would appear to be less dependent upon a balanced arrangement of rainfall (as in Palestine), and hence appear to be untouched by the warning of withholding of rain for disobedience. The statement of Hecataeus, the geographer, which was first repeated by Herodotus was: “Egypt is a gift of the Nile.”13 Breasted well described the conditions in Egypt thus: “While the climate of the country is not rainless, yet the rare showers of the south, often separated by intervals of years, and even the more frequent rains of the Delta, are totally insufficient to maintain the processes of agriculture. The marvellous productivity of the Egyptian soil is due to the annual inundation of the river, which is caused by the melting of the snows, and by the spring rains at the sources of the Blue Nile. Freighted with the rich loam of the Abyssinian highlands, the rushing waters of the spring freshet hurry down the Nubian valley, and a slight rise is discernible at the first cataract in the early part of June. The flood swells rapidly and steadily, and although the increase is usually interrupted for nearly a month from the end of September on, it is usually resumed again, and the maximum level continues until the end of October or into November.”14 For Egypt, then, there will be punishment too, namely, the plague. It will be the plague with which the LORD smites the nations who do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Booths - The word plague should strike terror in the hearts of Egyptians who have any knowledge of the events of Exodus! The word plague occurs in Zech 14:12, 15 but the context of those passages is prior to the establishment of the Messianic Kingdom and therefore would not seem to be the same plagues with which Jehovah smites the nations. Plague (0834) see maggephah Booths (05521) See sukkah Zechariah 14:19 This will be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all the nations who do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Booths. This will be the punishment, Joh 3:19 This will be the punishment (chattath - sin) of Egypt, and the punishment (chattath - sin) of all the nations who do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Booths - The fact that Egypt is singled out suggests that the world's countries will retain their national identity during the Millennium. Charles Feinberg links "punishment" and "sin" noting that "There is an inseparable connection between sin and its punishment." Punishment (02403) is the Hebrew word chattat/chattath which is most often translated sin or sin offering and thus speaks of the results of sin, Egypt and all the other nations that disobey Jehovah. As Moses writes in the book of Numbers... “But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the LORD, and be sure your sin (chattat/chattath) will find you out.(Numbers 32:23) Booths (05521) See sukkah Zechariah 14:20 In that day there will be inscribed on the bells of the horses, "HOLY TO THE LORD." And the cooking pots in the LORD'S house will be like the bowls before the altar. there will be inscribed: Pr 21:3,4 Isa 23:18 Ob 1:17 Zep 2:11 Mal 1:11 Lu 11:41 Ac 10:15 Ac 10:28 11:9 15:9 Ro 14:17,18 Col 3:17,22-24 Tit 1:15,16 1Pe 4:11 on the bells of the horses, Ex 28:33-35 HOLY TO THE LORD: Ex 28:36 39:30 Lev 8:9 Ps 110:3 1Co 3:16,17 1Pe 2:5,9 Rev 1:6 Rev 5:10 20:6 And the cooking pots in the LORD'S house: Lev 6:28 1Sa 2:14 Eze 46:20-24 will be like the bowls before the altar.: Zec 9:15 Ex 25:29 37:16 Nu 4:7,14 7:13,19,84,85 2Ch 4:8 EVERYTHING "CRIES" HOLY TO THE LORD! Hebrew Christian writer Charles Feinberg writes that "The last two verses of the prophecy may well close not only this book but the whole history of Israel, for it shows God’s original purpose in Israel fulfilled (Ex 19:6). The heart of Zechariah must have thrilled as he penned the words." (ED: AS MUST HAVE DR FEINBERG'S HEART AS HE WROTE HIS COMMENTS! INDEED, DEAR BELIEVER, MAY THESE WORDS CAUSE OUR HEARTS TO REJOICE FOR THE EVIL THAT SEEMS TO PREVAIL IN OUR DAY WILL NOT PREVAIL IN THE DAY OF THE LORD! Hallelujah! Amen!) When all is cleansed and holy in Jerusalem and among God’s people Israel, there will be no need for distinctions of holy and secular, and differences between holy and more holy. Sin brought in such necessary distinctions, but with the removal of all sin all will alike be holy. There will be holiness in public life (bells of the horses), in religious life (vessels of the Lord’s house), and all private life (every vessel in Jerusalem and Judah). (The Minor Prophets) In that day there will be inscribed on the bells of the horses, "HOLY TO THE LORD." - What a contrast will be the environs of the city of Jerusalem compared to Zephaniah's description Woe to her (JERUSALEM) who is rebellious and defiled ("FILTHY"), The tyrannical city! (Zephaniah 3:1-note) The words of the worship song Everything Cries Holy are apropos to everything in that day. This is the same declaration as was prescribed for the plates of the turbans of the high priests of ancient Israel... “You shall also make a plate of pure gold and shall engrave on it, like the engravings of a seal, ‘Holy to the LORD.’ 37 “You shall fasten it on a blue cord, and it shall be on the turban; it shall be at the front of the turban. 38 “It shall be on Aaron’s forehead, and Aaron shall take away the iniquity of the holy things which the sons of Israel consecrate, with regard to all their holy gifts; and it shall always be on his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD. (Ex 28:36-38) The plate on the priest's turban was also a continual reminder to ancient Israel that they were to be holy as the Lord is holy For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy. And you shall not make yourselves unclean with any of the swarming things that swarm on the earth. 45 ‘For I am the LORD who brought you up from the land of Egypt to be your God; thus you shall be holy, for I am holy.’” (Lev 11:44-45-note) You (THE NATION OF ISRAEL) shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the sons of Israel.” (Ex 19:6) “Israel was holy to the LORD, The first of His harvest. All who ate of it became guilty; Evil came upon them,” declares the LORD.’” (Jer. 2:3) And the cooking pots in the LORD'S house will be like the bowls before the altar - That is, to say that even the common utensils will not "be common" in that day, but will set apart, holy to the LORD. What an unspeakably glorious day! Even the ordinary, routine things will be set apart (which is the essence of the word "holy") for the service of the LORD! Think about this future glorious day for a moment -- the horses bells will be as holy as were Israel's high priests and the holy Temple utensils used in ancient worship! Mind boggling! Jamieson, Fausset, Brown - the vessels used for boiling, for receiving ashes, etc., shall be as holy as the bowls used for catching the blood of the sacrificial victims (see on Zec 9:15; 1 Sa 2:14). NET Note - In the glory of the messianic age there will be no differences between the sacred (the bowls before the altar) and the profane (the cooking pots in the LORD’s temple)—all will be dedicated to his use. In chapter 8 Zechariah had described the spiritual transformation that would come about in the Millennial age Then the word of the LORD of hosts came to me, saying, 19 “Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘The fast of the fourth, the fast of the fifth, the fast of the seventh and the fast of the tenth months will become (IN THE MILLENNIUM) joy, gladness, and cheerful feasts for the house of Judah; so love truth and peace.’ 20 “Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘It will yet be that peoples will come, even the inhabitants of many cities. 21 ‘The inhabitants of one will go to another, saying, “Let us go at once to entreat the favor of the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts; I will also go.” 22 ‘So many peoples and mighty nations (GENTILES) will come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem and to entreat the favor of the LORD.’ (IN THE MILLENNIUM ISRAEL WILL BECOME THE MEDIUM OF BLESSING TO THE ENTIRE WORLD) 23 “Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘In those days ten men from all the nations will grasp the garment of a Jew, saying, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.”’ (Zech 8:18-23) Warren
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Cole - A righteous reign means that every aspect of life is sacred for God’s people (Zech 14:20-21). “Holy to the Lord” was the inscription on the plate worn on the forehead of the high priest. In the millennium, that inscription will be put on the bells of the horses, which were animals of commerce and transportation. The meaning is that all of life, including mundane work, will be as sacred as the rituals performed in the temple by the priests. Even the cooking pots in the temple and in private homes will be holy to the Lord in that day. “No Canaanite in the house of the Lord” (Zech 14:21) means that no spiritually or morally unclean person will defile the Lord’s house in that day. These verses mean that when the Lord reigns in righteousness, His people will not divide life into sacred and secular compartments. When you do that, you quickly fall into hypocrisy. On Sundays, you put on your religious hat and look “Oh, so spiritual!” The rest of the week, you set aside your religion and live like the rest of the world lives. It’s phony to the core! God’s people should live all of life as holy to the Lord. “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31).(Zechariah 14:1-21 The Triumph of the Coming King) Zechariah 14:21 Every cooking pot in Jerusalem and in Judah will be holy to the LORD of hosts; and all who sacrifice will come and take of them and boil in them. And there will no longer be a Canaanite in the house of the LORD of hosts in that day. Every cooking pot in Jerusalem and in Judah will be holy to the LORD of hosts: Zec 7:6 De 12:7,12 Ne 8:10 Ro 14:6,7 1Co 10:31 1Ti 4:3-5 there will no longer be a Canaanite: Isa 4:3 35:8 Eze 44:9 Ho 12:7 *marg: Joe 3:17 Mt 21:12,13 Mk 11:15-17 Joh 2:15,16 1Co 6:9-11 Rev 18:11-15 21:27 22:15 in the house of the LORD of hosts in that day: Eph 2:19-22 1Ti 3:15 Heb 3:6 1Pe 4:17 NO SEPARATION BETWEEN SECULAR AND SACRED! Every cooking pot in Jerusalem and in Judah will be holy to the LORD of hosts; and all who sacrifice will come and take of them and boil in them - There will be no barrier between the sacred and the profane in Messiah's Kingdom. Charles Feinberg - Where holiness prevails, ceremonial sanctity is unnecessary. The last verse of the book states the same truth from another angle. If all the vessels of the sanctuary will be on the same plane of holiness because of universal cleansing, even the ordinary pot throughout the nation will be equally dedicated to the Lord. The vessels of the private homes will be as suitable as those of the Temple for the services of the Lord’s house. (The Minor Prophets) Barker gives an excellent summary - “There will be holiness in public life (‘the bells of the horses,’ v. 20), in religious life (‘the cooking pots in the LORD’s house,’ v. 20), and in private life (‘every pot in Jerusalem and Judah,’ v. 21). Even common things become holy when they are used for God’s service. So it is with our lives.” Indeed, God's children today should get a "head start" on preparing for the Millennium by heeding Peter's exhortation Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, 15 but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; 16 because it is written, “YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.” 17 If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct (command - only possible to obey by depending wholly on the Holy Spirit!) yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth (NEXT STOP - ABSENT FROM THE BODY AND PRESENT WITH THE LORD -- AND THEN THE MESSIAH'S REIGN! O GLORIOUS BLESSED HOPE!); 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, 19 but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. ((1 Pe 1:13-19-note) And there will no longer be a Canaanite in the house of the LORD of hosts in that day - In the OT Canaanite spoke of that which was ceremonially unclean