‏ Zechariah 14

* The sufferings of Jerusalem. (1-7) Encouraging prospects, and

the destruction of her enemies. (8-15) The holiness of the

latter days. (16-21)

1-7 The Lord Jesus often stood upon the Mount of Olives when on

earth. He ascended from thence to heaven, and then desolations

and distresses came upon the Jewish nation. Such is the view

taken of this figuratively; but many consider it as a notice of

events yet unfulfilled, and that it relates to troubles of which

we cannot now form a full idea. Every believer, being related to

God as his God, may triumph in the expectation of Christ's

coming in power, and speak of it with pleasure. During a long

season, the state of the church would be deformed by sin; there

would be a mixture of truth and error, of happiness and misery.

Such is the experience of God's people, a mingled state of grace

and corruption. But, when the season is at the worst, and most

unpromising, the Lord will turn darkness into light; deliverance

comes when God's people have done looking for it. 8-15 Some consider that the progress of the gospel, beginning

from Jerusalem, is referred to by the living waters flowing from

that city. Neither shall the gospel and means of grace, nor the

graces of the Spirit wrought in the hearts of believers by those

means, ever fail, by reason either of the heat of persecution,

or storms of temptation, or the blasts of any other affliction.

Tremendous judgments appear to be foretold, to be sent upon

those who should oppose the settlement of the Jews in their own

land. How far they are to be understood literally, events alone

can determine. The furious rage and malice which stir up men

against each other, are faint shadows of the enmity which reigns

among those who have perished in their sins. Even the inferior

creatures often suffer for the sin of man, and in his plagues.

Thus God will show his displeasure against sin. 16-21 As it is impossible for all nations literally to come to

Jerusalem once a year, to keep a feast, it is evident that a

figurative meaning must here be applied. Gospel worship is

represented by the keeping of the feast of tabernacles. Every

day of a Christian's life is a day of the feast of tabernacles;

every Lord's day especially is the great day of the feast;

therefore every day let us worship the Lord of hosts, and keep

every Lord's day with peculiar solemnity. It is just for God to

withhold the blessings of grace from those who do not attend the

means of grace. It is a sin that is its own punishment; those

who forsake the duty, forfeit the privilege of communion with

God. A time of complete peace and purity of the church will

arrive. Men will carry on their common affairs, and their sacred

services, upon the same holy principles of faith, love and

obedience. Real holiness shall be more diffused, because there

shall be a more plentiful pouring forth of the Spirit of

holiness than ever before. There shall be holiness even in

common things. Every action and every enjoyment of the believer,

should be so regulated according to the will of God, that it may

be directed to his glory. Our whole lives should be as one

constant sacrifice, or act of devotion; no selfish motive should

prevail in any of our actions. But how far is the Christian

church from this state of purity! Other times, however, are at

hand, and the Lord will reform and enlarge his church, as he has

promised. Yet in heaven alone will perfect holiness and

happiness be found.