‏ Zechariah 9

* God's defence of his church. (1-8) Christ's coming and his

kingdom. (9-11) Promises to the church. (12-17)

1-8 Here are judgements foretold on several nations. While the

Macedonians and Alexander's successors were in warfare in these

countries, the Lord promised to protect his people. God's house

lies in the midst of an enemy's country; his church is as a lily

among thorns. God's power and goodness are seen in her special

preservation. The Lord encamps about his church, and while

armies of proud opposers shall pass by and return, his eyes

watch over her, so that they cannot prevail, and shortly the

time will come when no exactor shall pass by her any more. 9-17 The prophet breaks forth into a joyful representation of

the coming of the Messiah, of whom the ancient Jews explained

this prophecy. He took the character of their King, when he

entered Jerusalem amidst the hosannas of the multitude. But his

kingdom is a spiritual kingdom. It shall not be advanced by

outward force or carnal weapons. His gospel shall be preached to

the world, and be received among the heathen. A sinful state is

a state of bondage; it is a pit, or dungeon, in which there is

no water, no comfort; and we are all by nature prisoners in this

pit. Through the precious blood of Christ, many prisoners of

Satan have been set at liberty from the horrible pit in which

they must otherwise have perished, without hope or comfort.

While we admire Him, let us seek that his holiness and truth may

be shown in our own spirits and conduct. These promises have

accomplishment in the spiritual blessings of the gospel which we

enjoy by Jesus Christ. As the deliverance of the Jews was

typical of redemption by Christ, so this invitation speaks to

all the language of the gospel call. Sinners are prisoners, but

prisoners of hope; their case is sad, but not desperate; for

there is hope in Israel concerning them. Christ is a

Strong-hold, a strong Tower, in whom believers are safe from the

fear of the wrath of God, the curse of the law, and the assaults

of spiritual enemies. To him we must turn with lively faith; to

him we must flee, and trust in his name under all trials and

sufferings. It is here promised that the Lord would deliver his

people. This passage also refers to the apostles, and the

preachers of the gospel in the early ages. God was evidently

with them; his words from their lips pierced the hearts and

consciences of the hearers. They were wondrously defended in

persecution, and were filled with the influences of the Holy

Spirit. They were saved by the Good Shepherd as his flock, and

honoured as jewels of his crown. The gifts, graces, and

consolations of the Spirit, poured forth on the day of

Pentecost, #Ac 2| and in succeeding times, are represented.

Sharp have been, and still will be, the conflicts of Zion's

sons, but their God will give them success. The more we are

employed, and satisfied with his goodness, the more we shall

admire the beauty revealed in the Redeemer. Whatever gifts God

bestows on us, we must serve him cheerfully with them; and, when

refreshed with blessings, we must say, How great is his

goodness!