Zech. 13:1 In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness.
I have to admit that my first thoughts upon reading this verse were the words of an old hymn, “There is a fountain filled with blood drawn from Immanuel’s veins….” Though technically the same, I think the reference is to Jesus as the “fountain of living waters.” When I did a word search for fountain, I found the following.
Jeremiah 2:13 “For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.”
Jeremiah 17:13 “O LORD, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living waters.”
Revelation 21:6 “And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.”
This chapter is following right on with the message of the previous chapter. Jesus is returning as the Messiah King, and He will be the fountain of life that will provide the Jewish people forgiveness for their sin and make them spiritually clean.
Spurgeon: “There is a fountain opened; not a cistern nor a reservoir, but a fountain. A fountain continues still to bubble up, and is as full after fifty years as at the first; and even so the provision and the mercy of God for the forgiveness and the justification of our souls continually flows and overflows.”
Zech. 13:2 And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered: and also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land.
“in that day” - When Jesus the Messiah comes as the King of kings to establish His Kingdom, He will rule with a rod of iron.
Revelation 19:15-16 “And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”
There will be no political correctness or tolerance of sin and evil. There will be no democracy; it will be a theocracy. (In my opinion, the only type of government that will ever act in the best interest of the people.) Idols will not even be remembered in the presence of the King. Never again will Israel have a need for prophets. Those who are spiritually impure will be removed from the land.
I think the focus of this prophecy is on Israel. We know that during the millennial kingdom there will still be children born with a sin nature. I believe that every child born to Israeli parents will accept Jesus as LORD.
Romans 11:26 “And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob.”
Not all those born in other nations, however, will make that same choice. How do I know that? Because at the end of the 1000 year reign of Jesus as King, much to my astonishment, Satan will be loosed for a season and will be able to gather an army of followers that numbers “as the sand of the sea” (Revelation 20:8).
Zech. 13:3 And it shall come to pass, that when any shall yet prophesy, then his father and his mother that begat him shall say unto him, Thou shalt not live; for thou speakest lies in the name of the LORD: and his father and his mother that begat him shall thrust him through when he prophesieth.
Again, I believe this is in reference to restored Israel (but I guess it’s possible that this could apply to other families of believers). If one delivers a message claiming to be a prophet of God, his believing parents will not hesitate to kill him for speaking lies in the name of the LORD. This is in accordance with the law stated in Deuteronomy.
Deuteronomy 13:6-9 “If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which is as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers; Namely, of the gods of the people which are round about you, nigh unto thee, or far off from thee, from the one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth; Thou shalt not consent unto him, nor hearken unto him; neither shall thine eye pity him, neither shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou conceal him: But thou shalt surely kill him; thine hand shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterwards the hand of all the people.”
The office of prophet will no longer be necessary since the LORD will be on the throne speaking for Himself.
Zech. 13:4 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the prophets shall be ashamed every one of his vision, when he hath prophesied; neither shall they wear a rough garment to deceive:
Zech. 13:5 But he shall say, I am no prophet, I am an husbandman; for man taught me to keep cattle from my youth.
These verses are a bit confusing. It sounds as if there will still be those who experience visions; the Hebrew for visions states, “a revelation, expectation by dream:—vision.” The question arises—From where do these visions come?
It also sounds as if when they share these visions, it will not be in such a way as to present themselves as prophets. In fact, they will specifically deny being a prophet and will present themselves as farmers and/or shepherds.
I guess I can make a connection as a “new creation in Christ” yet still in a body of flesh, which will be the condition of those populating the Messiah’s Kingdom. I still have thoughts and/or dreams that come to my mind that are troubling and over which I have no control.
Zech. 13:6 And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.
This verse again appears to be speaking of the ones having visions. The mention of wounds is troubling, because there appears to be evidence of physical mistreatment connected to this action. It makes me think of the self-punishment practiced by monks, because these “prophets” will consider these wounds as a good thing.
I admit—I need enlightenment on this section. As I looked at a couple of commentaries, I found the following explanation in the NIV (EBC Abridged) Commentary.
“Apparently the accuser suspects that the false prophet’s wounds were self-inflicted to arouse his prophetic ecstasy in idolatrous rites (as in 1Ki 18:28).
1Kings 18:27-8 “And it came to pass at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud: for he is a god; either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth, and must be awaked. And they cried aloud, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out upon them.”
So, it could be that these Kingdom Age “prophets” will just be trying to hide their identity as such due to the Messiah’s iron rule.
Guzik: “Some take this as another Messianic prophecy in Zechariah, because Jesus was clearly wounded by those who should have been His friends. Nevertheless the context and the original Hebrew argue against this referring to Jesus and His wounds….But the Hebrew is more literally between your hands, that is on the body, whether the chest or the back.”
Zech. 13:7 Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.
Another hard verse. Jesus quoted this verse and applied it to Himself according to Matthew, marking a change in the time being referenced.
Matthew 26:31 “Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.”
Jesus was referring to the fact that His death would cause His followers to scatter—1) in fear of the ruling authorities and 2) in order to spread the gospel message.
Point is made in this verse in Zechariah that YHWH is calling forth judgment against “my” [his] shepherd and “my” fellow (associate, companion, kin). There is no closer companionship than that between Father, Son and Spirit in the triune God. Why would God call forth judgment against His Son? To satisfy the judgment required by my sin.
Isaiah 53:5-6 & 10-11 “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all….Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.”
“I will turn my hand….” – I think you have to take this statement in context with the following verses. Most of the translations state that God is turning His hand against the little ones. Considering the fact that 2/3 of the flock is going to die that is a reasonable translation. There is also the truth that God preserves 1/3 of the flock. Not only does He preserve them; He refines them, purifies them, and restores them to fellowship with Him. This is an act of His love and faithfulness.
I know the main application is to Israel, so I would assume that the scattered flock also makes reference to the people of Israel as well. By rejecting the Messiah, they assured their judgment; and the dispersion was part of that judgment. I couldn’t help but wonder if there was not also application to be made to the “church,” which is part of true Israel as defined by Paul. (See journal on Romans 9-11.) Jesus taught in the gospels in the parables about the kingdom of heaven that the tares were to be allowed to grow with the wheat and evil birds allowed to lodge in the abnormally large mustard bush that actually grew to the size of a tree. Could there also be reference to the true church that would be preserved, refined and purified after the tares and evil birds [professors but not possessors] are removed?
Zech. 13:8 And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein.
Zech. 13:9 And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.
I think the main application of this verse is to the people of Israel that experience the 70th week of Daniel. I believe God is saying that fully 1/3 of the Jewish people will emerge through that terrible period to become that generation that experiences the New Covenant of grace in the Millennium Kingdon. God will use that period of time to refine them as silver—to the point that He can see His reflection in them. I learned this truth in my study of Isaiah 48 and found a well-known story explaining this truth.
Malachi 3:3 says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.” This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study, and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study. That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot, then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy - when I see my image in it.”
So I decided to do a search to determine how gold was tested and found the following at www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/roadshow/tips/gold_diamonds/index.html.
"You've heard the expression, 'Give it the acid test,' Barry says. ‘Well this is literally giving gold the acid test. The process begins by rubbing some of the metal from the jewelry against a slate (or sometimes a special piece of glass). It scrapes off the gold like chalk on a board,’ Barry says, ‘yet so little gold rubs off that it doesn't damage the jewelry. Then, acid is poured on the metal residue that was rubbed onto the slate….It's dangerous,’ Barry says. ‘The acid can damage your clothing and your skin.…If the metal rubbed onto the slate completely disappears under the acid, the piece is not gold.’”
I would assume that the acid could be compared to the trials of faith that these Jewish believers will endure through the terrible tribulation of that 70th week. It they emerge with their faith intact, they will have been tested as gold. I couldn’t help but think of these verses in 1John in connection with this thought.
1John 2:17-19 “And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.”
The last part of verse 9 is a glorious promise. In contrast to so much of their existence, the people of Israel will call on YHWH as their LORD God. They will love Him and obey Him. He will delight to hear them, in direct contrast to their time of rebellion and rejection when He refused to hear them. He will delight in responding to their call.
Zech. 14:1 Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee.
Zech. 14:2 For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city.
Again that phrase, “the day of the LORD.” Most often that term is connected with the final years of wrath that will precede the second coming of the LORD Jesus; it always refers to judgment. In retrospect, the prophecy here seems to be referencing the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans, which was an army of soldiers from many nations under the authority of the Empire. At that time, the city was taken and many, but not all, were sent into captivity. However, I believe the context (including following verses) applies to the time that Antichrist will gather the armies of the nations against Jerusalem before Jesus returns as King.
Zech. 14:3 Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle.
Zech. 14:4 And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall bea very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.
Then = at that time
I had always assumed in light of verse 4 and the words of the angels at Jesus’ ascension…
Acts 1:11-12 “Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey.”
…as well as previous teaching, that Jesus’ return to earth would result in “touch down” at the Mount of Olives. In my study of Isaiah, I searched for reconciliation of these sections of scripture and those describing Jesus as being clothed in a garment stained red and coming from Edom.
Isaiah 63:1-3 “Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat? I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment.”
And then there were also the words of John: Revelation 19:13 “And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood….”
In Arnold Fruchtenbaum’s book, “The Footsteps of the Messiah,” he explained that the forces of Antichrist will descend on Jerusalem after hearing that his enemies have destroyed his capital city, Babylon. After capturing Jerusalem, he will lead his forces to Bozrah (Petra) in the land of Edom to destroy the remnant of Israel that God is protecting there. Jesus and His hosts will first encounter them there. Fruchtenbaum believes that the battle will push the Antichrist and his forces back to the Valley of Jehoshophat where the LORD will destroy them. It is then, he explains, that Jesus will ascend the Mount of Olives in victory. He makes the point that the angels declared Jesus would return “in like manner,” not specifying the place.
Though I am not sure that Fruchtenbaum is correct in all the details he presents in his book, he is the only one I’ve discovered that has made a sensible argument that synthesizes the passages from Acts, Isaiah and Revelation referenced above.
Zech. 14:5 And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the LORD my God shall come, and all the saints with thee.
When Jesus returns to deliver Israel and the body of believers from the evil control of Antichrist, it is evidently going to be a process (beginning in Edom and ending in Jerusalem)—not an instant in time. Because of the comparison to the time of the earthquake in the days of Uzziah, I would assume that the split of the Mount of Olives is due to an earthquake—albeit divinely appointed for that time. A quick search on the web shows that there is a fault line that runs east to west through the Mount of Olives.
Fruchtenbaum notes that the split in the Mount of Olives caused by the earthquake provides a way for the people of Jerusalem to escape from the destruction of the earthquake. I still want to do a lot more study connected to the timeline of events at the return of Jesus.
All of a sudden the prophet begins to speak in first person at the end of the verse. I think he is overwhelmed at the message he is being given. He has a vision of YHWH, his God, coming with all the saints to deliver His people. I know it will be an awe-inspiring sight. I think it is important to note that the returning Messiah, Jesus, is identified as YHWH; this is another scriptural emphasis to the unity, the oneness of Father and Son.
Zech. 14:6 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark:
This verse gives me a picture of an overcast day or twilight. Ezekiel paints the same picture, calling it a cloudy day.
Ezekiel 30:3 “For the day is near, even the day of the LORD is near, a cloudy day; it shall be the time of the heathen.”
I chose this scripture because it illustrates how “the day of the LORD” can reference a day as we know it or a period of time according to the Hebrew. There are other scriptures that describe it as a day of darkness, and I think that refers to the whole time of judgment. I think, however, that this verse is referencing in context the actual day of the LORD’s return.
Zech. 14:7 But it shall be one day which shall be known to the LORD, not day, nor night: but it shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light.
Point is being made that this day will be unusual. It’s a specific day that is already scheduled on YHWH’s calendar of events for the future. It’s a day that will know no night. Why would that be? Because of the presence of the “Light of the world,” the LORD Jesus will come in all His glory.
Zech. 14:8 And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be.
It seems that Jerusalem will experience many geographical changes at that time. “Living waters” is a reference to fresh water, water that sustains life. According to the prophecy, water will flow from Jerusalem to both the Mediterranean and Dead Seas. I am sure the Mediterranean has been impacted by the second trumpet and bowl judgments and is likely as dead as the Dead Sea. The fact that the water will flow continually in summer and winter indicates to me that the climate will be temperate and conducive to that process.
Zech. 14:9 And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.
This verse is another exclamation point to the unity of Father and Son. The prophecy declares that YHWH will be King over ALL the earth; Jesus will be that King. No one will question that there is one YHWH, with one name. No one will be trying to make a distinction between Father and Son; He will be acknowledged as One.
Again this is a truth to which I can’t begin to do justice. I can only accept it by faith—and I do. I’ve said many times that if I could understand all about God, He wouldn’t be God. He is far beyond my understanding and is very clear about that truth.
Isaiah 55:8-9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
The whole of Job 38-41 emphasizes this truth.
Zech. 14:10 All the land shall be turned as a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem: and it shall be lifted up, and inhabited in her place, from Benjamin’s gate unto the place of the first gate, unto the corner gate, and from the tower of Hananeel unto the king’s winepresses.
The topography of Judah will change from one of hills to a plain; it would seem that Jerusalem, however, will be on a higher plain than the rest. After reading several translations, which all seem to be saying the same thing, I thought the NLT was more easily understood: “All the land from Geba, north of Judah, to Rimmon, south of Jerusalem, will become one vast plain. But Jerusalem will be raised up in its original place and will be inhabited all the way from the Benjamin Gate over to the site of the old gate, then to the Corner Gate, and from the Tower of Hananel to the king’s winepresses.”
It’s interesting to note that Jerusalem will occupy the same portion of land with which YHWH first identified His name.
Zech. 14:11 And men shall dwell in it, and there shall be no more utter destruction; but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited.
With Messiah on the throne, Jerusalem will no longer have to fear an enemy. It will be the safest place to live on planet earth. Men will be able to raise their families there with nothing to fear. I can’t help but think of the words of Isaiah.
Isaiah 11:6-9 “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’ den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.”
Isaiah 65:21-25 “And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them. And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent’s meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.”
Zech. 14:12 And this shall be the plague wherewith the LORD will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth.
Zech. 14:13 And it shall come to pass in that day, that a great tumult from the LORD shall be among them; and they shall lay hold every one on the hand of his neighbour, and his hand shall rise up against the hand of his neighbour.
These verses give more detail to the destruction of Jerusalem’s (and therefore Israel’s) enemies. Point is made that this destruction is decreed by YHWH. In today’s world one can’t help but make comparison to the effects of nuclear attack (specifically, use of a neutron bomb). I think it will be a supernatural act of the God who created the laws of the universe. The Hebrew for plague is broad in scope—from pestilence or disease to general slaughter or defeat. As has been previously prophesied and fulfilled or yet to be fulfilled, point is made that enemy forces will turn on one another. No matter the method employed, this destruction is from the hand of YHWH.
Zech. 14:14 And Judah also shall fight at Jerusalem; and the wealth of all the heathen round about shall be gathered together, gold, and silver, and apparel, in great abundance.
It would seem that the people of Judah will participate in the battle at Jerusalem and will emerge from the war with an abundance of loot.
Zech. 14:15 And so shall be the plague of the horse, of the mule, of the camel, and of the ass, and of all the beasts that shall be in these tents, as this plague.
The plagues that are used to destroy the human enemy will also be used to destroy their modes of transportation. This scripture is specific in identifying the use of horse, mule, camel, ass, and other beasts. I have no problem accepting that to be the case considering the vulnerabilities of today’s technical weaponry, e.g., the resultant effect of an EMP or electromagnetic pulse bomb attack.
Zech. 14:16 And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.
This verse is clear regarding the existence of other nations during the Messiah’s Kingdom. At its inception, I believe the root populations of these nations will be people of faith. Matthew 25 details a picture of those who are allowed to enter the Kingdom.
Matthew 25:31-46 “When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: 2 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.”
It’s obvious to me that those who would jeopardize their lives to minister to God’s people during the reign of the Antichrist would only be those who have rejected his mark and turned in faith to the Messiah. I understand verse 46 to be saying that everyone who is allowed to enter the Kingdom are identified as righteous and as possessing eternal life. As these people begin to repopulate the earth, their children will still be born with a sin nature and will need to make their own decision about accepting Jesus as LORD. In other words, they can still choose to be disobedient, but not without consequence. Reminder—The LORD will be ruling with a rod of iron.
According to Zechariah’s message, everyone on planet earth will be required to come to Jerusalem and celebrate the feast of tabernacles. That sounds like an impossible or unreasonable expectation; but if the LORD so decrees, it will be doable and reasonable. He never changes; He would never ask us to do something that we are unable to do.
Zech. 14:17 And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain.
Zech. 14:18 And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain; there shall be the plague, wherewith the LORD will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.
Zech. 14:19 This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.
As I continue to think on these verses, maybe the expectation is only that the nations send official representatives. The Hebrew for families includes “a tribe or people.” This would make more sense with the stated consequence for disobedience—rain will be withheld from their nation. Example is given concerning the people of Egypt. It sounds as though plague will naturally accompany the drought.
Again, point is made that this instruction is directed to the heathen, the Gentiles. Israel will be living in complete obedience to and fellowship with their Lord.
Zech. 14:20 In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD; and the pots in the LORD’S house shall be like the bowls before the altar.
Zech. 14:21 Yea, every pot in Jerusalem and in Judah shall be holiness unto the LORD of hosts: and all they that sacrifice shall come and take of them, and seethe therein: and in that day there shall be no more the Canaanite in the house of the LORD of hosts.
I think this verse emphasizes the truth of the last statement I made in reference to the previous verse. The nation of Israel, represented by Jerusalem and Judah, will be a land of righteous people living in obedience to and fellowship with their LORD. I think one can infer from the wording that all the instructions regarding the function of the millennial temple (as outlined in the last chapters of Ezekiel) will be scrupulously followed.
The Hebrew for the word Canaanite is a reference to peddlers or merchants. This stands out to me, considering that was the one thing that angered the LORD Jesus to the point of a physical display of anger when He first came as our Savior. The LORD’s house is meant to be a place of worship—not a place of trade or a place to make profit. I really believe that many churches today are treading on dangerous ground and inviting God’s judgment by the ways they use facilities that are identified as “God’s house.”
Guzik: “In the glory of the Messiah’s kingdom, what was previously common is made holy; the holy is made holier; and the irreclaimably profane is forever shut out. At the end of it all, there is no longer any distinction between the holy and profane. All is set apart to God and His purposes.”