Visions Leading to Glory

Zechariah 1:7-2:13

December 8, 2002

 

Eight visions 1:7-6:15

 

Standard pattern: 

 

(1) Introductory words

(2) description of what the prophet sees

(3) prophet asks angel to explain what the vision signifies

(4) then an explanation is given by the angel.  

 

Four visions have an accompanying oracle that follows, a fifth has an oracle built within the vision. They likely are portions of Zechariah's sermons relevant to the occasion. Each vision goes with the others and focuses upon the role of Israel in the dawning era (Baldwin 93).

 

Chronologically

 

Zechariah's message of repentance was preached three months prior to the visions.  It was a much needed call to see that their work was more than mortar and bricks, but a relationship to God.  A month after this call to repentance Haggai delivered his two final messages urgent them on in the improbably task before them with the promise, "The latter glory of this house will be greater than the former" says the Lord of hosts, "and in this place I will give peace," declares the Lord of hosts" (Haggai 2:9).  Promise of God's provisions and presence in their midst spurred the builders on. 

 

But it seems that their fears and times of anxiety and discouragement would come in waves - like the high tide and low tide.  They struggled over their sin (addressed in chapter 3, vision #4), and with their weakness (addressed in chapter 4, vision #5 concerning the Spirit).  They thought of how so much was working against them (thus visions #1-3), and they wondered if they would ever be restored to greatness and usefulness before God (visions #6-8).

 

So the means of visions - not dreams since he was awake - was used to spur on and encourage God's people.  Visions in Scripture remain somewhat mysterious to us in our Western, rational minds.  We must be careful as in the study of parables not to read endless details into every picture given.  For like parables, the visions aim for one central message, perhaps with multiple applications, to give encouragement to God's people.

 

I. First Vision:  God has Compassion 1:7-17

           

1. Symbols

 

Red horse - power, "dominion in war" (Baldwin 93)...for a weak people, this was encouraging.

 

Myrtle trees (Hebrew "Hadassa" Esther's name) - a small tree with skinny leaves and beautiful white blossoms that gives off a fragrant scent. When crushed, the crushed, afflicted people would indeed be sweet as has been the people of God so often when "bruised by the weight of affliction" (Bentley 107). Another idea is that this particular myrtle grove in the ravine of the Kidron Valley; near the temple but not in the temple since it had not been completed. Thus the idea of anticipation of the Lord drawing near is conveyed. 

 

2. The patrol

 

Ancient monarchs in Persia would send messengers or scouts on patrol on swift horses so that they could remain informed about all matters that concerned their realm (Baldwin 95).  That imagery points to divine omniscience, that nothing escapes the gaze of knowledge of Him who rules the world. 

 

But the patrol reports "all the earth is quiet and peaceful."  That sounds like good news at first but the response of the angel in verse 12 shows that it is otherwise.  Rather than being zealous for justice and the honor of the Lord, the nations are at ease, unconcerned about their relationship to God and the sin that condemns them [like the U.N.].  Business as usual was the order of the day - unconcerned for the exiles and the rebuilding of Jerusalem's topped the list.

 

3. Compassion   vv. 13-17

 

This speaks directly to the exiles' need.
 

(1) The Lord was jealous for them.  Jealousy speaks of His "unrequited love...in deep emotion" (Baldwin 98). God

      is not impassive and aloof when His people are suffering--though these exiles could not see the full

      demonstration, now they had the divine assurance. 

(2) By contrast, anger toward the nations at ease. The picture broadens when we think of the nations (Psalm 2)

      that have allied themselves against the Lord and His redemptive purposes.  Such nations--read

      "peoples"--face divine anger and thus the severity of His judgments.

(3) Jerusalem would be rebuilt and the temple (verse 16). Here is divine compensation for the wrongs His people

      faced.

(4) Three-fold blessing:  prosperity - comfort - election

 

II. Second Vision:  God will Deal with the Nations (1:18-21)

            

A shorter, precise vision.

           

1. Symbols

 

Horns - authority and power; 'Four horns' has given rise to speculation on particular nations, but it is best to see this as emphasizing "the totality of opposition" by the invincible strength of worldly powers (Baldwin 103-104).

 

Craftsmen - no clear explanation given except that they have what is needed to dismantle the horns.

 

2. The point

 

"In pictorial form the truth is proclaimed that however formidable the enemy may be, there is another enemy who will prove more than a match for it, particularly if God's people are being threatened" (Baldwin 95).  The nations lifting up their horns in defiance of God and in opposition to God's people will be thrown down.    

 

III. Third Vision:  The Lord Protects His People 2:1-13

 

1. Symbols

 

Measuring line - shows that expansion and a future is ahead.  He marks out the city's boundaries.  But this limitation of boundaries was not God's purpose so an angel runs to correct the surveyor. 

 

Young man - inexperienced, without knowledge.

 

2. Assurance

 

A city without walls - fearsome for the ancient people, yet the promise is of such a scale that walls could not contain the people or their possessions (cattle symbolic).  The Lord, as with Elisha at Dothan would be a wall of fire.  So which would you prefer?  Stones that can be removed or the fire of the Lord burning always?  But more importantly, God's glory that once led Israel would now be in their midst.

 

3. Exhortation

 

Don't be afraid to leave the comforts of exile for the demanding and difficult way of rebuilding the temple.  Beware of being secure with Babylon rather than the Lord in your midst.

 

4. Promise  

 

(1) God will take care of vengeance v. 8

(2) The nations are no match for the Lord v.9

(3) New covenant promise vv. 10-11

(4) Stand in awe of the Lord v. 13

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