The final chapter of Zechariah’s prophecy pictures the climax of God’s intervention in human history, bringing the events of the Day of the Lord to an extended finale. Zechariah declares “a day is coming for the Lord” (14:1), an protracted time that impacts Israel and the nations.
This “day” begins on an ominous note for Israel. The Lord gathers “all the nations against Jerusalem to battle” (14:2). The city is captured, leading to the plundering of goods, the violating of the women, and the deporting of half the population (14:2).
After this horrific carnage, “the Lord will go out and fight against those nations” (14:3). His “feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives”, splitting the mount in two from east to west. A “very wide valley” results from the geographic shift, providing a safe passage way for people to flee from the city as they previously fled “from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah” (14:5). At the same time (“Then”—14:5), the “Lord my God will come and all the holy ones with him” (14:5).
When the Lord arrives on the Mount of Olives with his angelic hosts, the “day” of the Lord truly becomes a “unique day” (14:7). There is a supernatural light which illumines the evening hours in spite of the absence of natural light, cold, or frost (14:6).
Topographical changes continue in Jerusalem as “living water” flows “out of the city toward both the “eastern sea” (Dead Sea) and the “western sea” (Mediterranean Sea). This living water flows east and west “in summer as in winter” (14:8). The Lord takes up His rightful place as “king over all the earth” (14:9). When this “day” comes, “the Lord will be one and his name one” (14:9).
In verses 10-15, Zechariah adds additional information about the topographical changes and military conflict associated with the Lord’s coming. The land south of Jerusalem (“from Geba to Rimmon”) will be “turned into a plain” below the elevated city of Jerusalem (14:9-10). Jerusalem “shall remain aloft” both physically and spiritually (14:10). “And it shall be inhabited, for there shall never again be a decree of utter destruction. Jerusalem shall dwell in security” (14:11).
One of the reasons for Jerusalem’s security is due to the fact the Lord has decimated its enemies. He sends a “plague” on those waging war against Jerusalem that causes devastating effects on the attacking troops (“their flesh will rot while they are still standing on their feet”—14:12). In their panic, the attackers turn on one another (14:13). Troops from Judah enter the battle, fighting at Jerusalem and collecting the plunder from the defeated armies (14:14). Even the animals transporting Israel’s enemies are decimated by the Lord’s plague (14:15).
After the armies attacking Israel are destroyed, all the nations will submit the Lord’s reign. The survivors from “all the nations” that attacked Israel “shall go up year after year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Booths” (14:16). Those from Egypt and other nations who refuse to make the journey to Jerusalem to celebrate this festival will experience the Lord’s judgment: “there will be no rain on them” (14:17).
In Jerusalem itself, everything will be dedicated and devoted to the Lord. Even common articles—the bells on horses and pots for cooking—will be inscribed with the words “Holy to the Lord” (14:20). Never again will the unholy (“trader” or Canaanite) come into the “house of the Lord of hosts on that day” (14:21). All will have been made right. The Lord, the rightful King, will forever rule over all.
Knowing God: Understanding His Person and Ways
The Lord’s plans for Israel involve great pain but greater blessing. Zechariah gives a sweeping vision of what God has planned for His people Israel on the “day of the Lord.” He will purge His people by gathering the nations to attack and overwhelm them (14:2). Jerusalem will be under the power of the Gentile nations for a time (14:2; also described in Rev 11:2). Though their suffering will be great, it will not be unending. The Lord will “go out and fight against those nations as when he fights on a day of battle” (14:3). The Lord (Jesus) will return, setting His feet on the mount of Olives (14:4; see Acts 1:11). After defeating the nations, He will reign over the world from Jerusalem, bringing salvation to Israel (see Revelation 20-22). [Note: It is possible that the reference to the horses, mules, camels, and donkeys mentioned as assisting the attacking nations may be Zechariah’s language, appropriate in his day, to describe the military equipment used by the armies that invade Judah and fight against Jerusalem. The biblical writers described future events in terms their present readers would understand.]
The climactic “day of the Lord” brings about a new chapter in human history. While the “day of the Lord” is a great finale, it is not the final moment of the story. After the battle is decisively won for Israel by the Lord of Hosts, the survivors from the surrounding nations continue to exist under the Lord’s sovereign rule. Interestingly, they must decide whether to join in the worship of the Lord by traveling to Jerusalem for festivals (14:16-17). If they refuse to participate, the Lord will withhold rain on their land (14:17). This chapter in human history fits with John’s description of a 1000 year Millennial reign of Christ (Rev 20:1-6). After this chapter of history is completed, John tells us to expect “a new Jerusalem” in a “new heaven and earth” (Rev 21-22).
The Lord changes the terrain and controls the weather as a means to bless or judge. When Jesus returns to defeat the nations attacking Israel, the topography around Jerusalem changes in a dramatic way. The Mount of Olives splits and separates, forming a “very wide valley” (14:5). The Lord also controls weather as a means to bless or judge nations: “And if the family of Egypt does not go up and present themselves, then on them there shall be no rain” (14:18). While we cannot always link weather problems to the blessing or judgment of God, we should realize He controls the weather for His purposes. Here is another reason to reverence and worship Him.
Joining God: Moving with God on mission
The Lord defeats His enemies, but has His people engage in the battle. Zechariah makes it clear that ultimate victory comes from God’s powerful intervention (14:12-13). The Lord strikes down His enemies when He comes to rule the nations. But while He is the victor, He has His people involved in the battle. “Even Judah will fight at Jerusalem” (14:14). In the spiritual battle against “the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places”, the battle will be won by the Lord but still requires the active participation of every Christian (Eph 6:10-20).
The holiness God wants touches all of life. When the Lord sets up His glorious kingdom, even the bells on the horses and the pots in the kitchen become “Holy to the Lord” (14:21). All of life, even the most common elements, will be set apart for His pleasure and use. There will be no distinction between what’s considered common and what’s viewed as sacred. So today, the holiness God wants to see in our lives means all we have and do is to be devoted to Him.
Rick and Linda Reed 