Bobservations' Column
Titled - "Sabbath, But No Rest"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz
Jesus said in the New Testament, Mark 2:27 (Exodus 23:12 & Deuteronomy 5:14) that the sabbath was created for man, not man for the sabbath. In Exodus 31:16, God directed the Jews to keep the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. God taught His children through His own example, 6 days to work, then one day of rest, just as He did during the days of creation.
But since the Exodus directives to observe the Sabbath, it seems that there has been no rest for God. He is always able to receive our praise, but everything else in the world requires God’s immediate control, and intervention. It was in Genesis 9:1-6, God established human government; man was going to be at odds with other men regardless. Jungle natives have done it, Egypt, Greece, and Rome did it; even Native American Tribes took part in it with each other, and they attempted to do it to the white settlers, that simply overwhelmed them in their numbers. "Conquer or be conquered:" It is the way of the world.
But how has that worked out? Wars and rumors of wars…. Beat your enemy into submission, and that’s what we are watching in the news today. Iran wants a world-wide Caliphate, and an erasure of Israel and the Jews. And did it not begin within God’s people, the children of Isaac? Jacob and Esau started us down the path of Israel vs. the rest of the Middle East, or even Israel vs, the rest of the World. This may seem like an oversimplification of world issues, but there is a ring of truth to it.
God has blessed His people in spite of their unfaithfulness. The Jews are like a barometer for God. They are a constant reminder that there is a God Who created us, and keeps us in all our ways. The Jewish people are a measure of how the world views God. With resentment? Pleasure? Disenfranchisement? Love? Service?
We can see how God never rests, and never slumbers. We do keep Him busy, don’t we. But instead, work towards peace with God, and your relations with humanity relations will fall into place, a Godly place. Who do we fight with, or against?
“Behold, He that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber, nor sleep.” - Psalm 121:4
Bobservations' Column: Audio Version
Sunday Morning Message:
Zechariah 9:9-10:4 - "Sabbath, But No Rest" - Part 7
Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:
While Zechariah 9:9 belongs to the first coming of Jesus, Zechariah 9:10 is associated with the second coming of Jesus, when He comes in power and glory to reign over this earth for 1,000 years. In that day there will be enforced righteousness, and He will no longer allow war (Isaiah 2:4). It promises the restoration and empowerment of God's people (Judah/Ephraim) against enemies and urges reliance on God, the true source of rain and leadership, rather than false idols.
Key Aspects of the Passage:
Key Aspects of the Passage:
- Divine Protection & The King (9:8-10): God promises to guard His house. A king arrives—not on a warhorse, but lowly on a donkey—to bring peace, righteous rule, and universal dominion from sea to sea.
- Deliverance & Empowerment (9:11-17): Prisoners are freed through the "blood of the covenant". God empowers Judah and Ephraim as warriors to defeat enemies, specifically mentioning the defeat of Greece (9:13), resulting in blessing and prosperity for His people.
- The Shepherd & Restoration (10:1-4): The people are warned against idolatry and false diviners. God promises to visit His flock, providing a "cornerstone" and "tent peg" (a strong leader) to replace false shepherds, leading to a restored, strong nation.
Sunday Morning Audio Message: Upcoming!
Key Words and Definitions with Reference:
King . . . Riding Upon A Donkey (9:9) - Unlike Alexander the Great, this King comes riding on a donkey (cf. Jeremiah 17:25). This was fulfilled at Christ's triumphal entry (Matthew 21:1-5; John 12:12-16). The Jews should have been looking for someone from the line of David (cf. 2 Samuel 7; 1 Chronicles 17). Four elements in this verse describe Messiah's character: (1) He is King; (2) He is Just; (3) He Brings Salvation; and (4) He is Humble.
Zechariah 9:10-15 - In these next several verses, Zechariah moves to the Second Advent of Christ and the establishment of His universal kingdom. Not characterized by bloodshed, Messiah's rule will be a kingdom of peace in which weapons of warfare will be destroyed or converted to peaceful uses (cf. Isaiah 2:4; 9:5-7; 11:1-10; Micah 5:2; 10-15.
Ephraim (9:10) - This is another name for Israel, used often in the Old Testament for the northern kingdom, and occasionally for the whole nation.
Blood of Thy Covenant (9:11) - Why is Israel to be so blessed? It is not because of her faithfulness through the centuries, but because of God's unfailing devotion to His covenant of blood made with Abraham (Genesis 15:1-10), which is in force as long as God lives, which is eternal.
Pit Wherein is no Water (9:11) - Prisoners in ancient times were often kept in dry wells or pits, like Joseph was (Genesis 37:24, 28). The exiles of Israel, pictured as being in a dry well of captivity, suffering, and despair, will be freed because of His unbreakable covenant with them. They are called "prisoners of hope" (v. 12) who are to receive "double" blessing (cf. Isaiah 61:7).
Zechariah 9:13-15 - Reminiscent of the Exodus (Exodus 19:16-19; Habakkuk 3:3-15), the Lord will protect and empower them (cf. Isaiah 11:11-16; Zechariah 12:6, 8). The initial historical fulfillment of this prophecy came when the Maccabees defeated the Greeks c. 167 B.C.; the final, complete fulfillment will occur at His Second Coming. The Maccabean triumph is only a pledge and a preview of final triumph over all enemies.
Subdue With Sling Stones (9:15) - This may mean the Jews will easily subdue their enemies as David did Goliath (Judges 20:16). Or better, it should be rendered "trample on sling stones," meaning that they will contemptuously tread on the harmless missiles cast at them by their enemies. This could depict the futility of Armageddon when the armies of God-hating world gather in Israel and are destroyed by the Messiah (cf. Revelation 16:12-16; 19:11-16). The bloodshed of the godless will be visible in that day, from one end of the land of Palestine to the other, like blood splattered on the corners of the altar of sacrifice from basins which caught it when the animal was slain (cf. Revelation 14:20).
Drink and Roar (9:15) - This describes Israel's excitement and exuberance over their victory.
Zechariah 9:16, 17 - Abundant prosperity, such as the world has never seen, results in excessive rejoicing and praise from God "saving' His people, Israel (cf. Deuteronomy 33:28; Psalm 4:4, 8).
Ask the Lord for Rain (10:1) - In light of the promised blessings of 9:17, the prophet encourages the people to request these blessing from the Lord, with confidence. There will be literal rain and latter rain (April/May) in the kingdom (cf. Isaiah 35:1-7), making the land flourish, but the promise here extends to spiritual blessings (cf. Hosea 6:1-3). The "Latter rain" of spiritual grace and goodness from God will bring refreshment to people's souls (cf. Isaiah 44:3).
Idols . . . Diviners (10:2) - In contrast to God who provides abundance, idols or household gods (cf. Genesis 31:19, 34) and demonic fortunetellers left Israel as sheep without a shepherd (cf. Ezekiel 34:6-10). God will judge them for this false leadership (v. 3). The implication of these words is that a similar deception will occur in the end times. The New Testament confirms this (cf. Matthew 24:5, 11, 22-28; 2 Thessalonians 1:8-12).
Goodly Horse (10:3) - Though like sheep, Israel will become like an invincible royal warhorse when strengthened by the Lord to conquer His foes (12:8).
Out of Him Came Forth the Corner (10:4) - "Cornerstone." This is a frequently used messianic title (cf. Isiah 28:16; Ephesians 2:20; 1 Peter 2:6-8). Christ is the foundation on which His kingdom rests.
Nail (10:4) - or "Tent Peg" symbolizes the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ, as the secure, foundational leader from the tribe of Judah. It represents stability and strength, functioning as a peg in a wall to hold up all the glory and burdens of his people, ensuring the security of the House of God. (cf. 6:13; Isaiah 22:23-24).
Battle Bow (10:4) - Another reference to the Messiah (cf. 9:13; Revelation 19:11-16), under whose authority every ruler will be sanctioned.
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