Judgment on Jerusalem’s Enemies

Anne Rice, a well-known author and an atheist, wrote a series of books about the life of Christ. In the first, entitled Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt, she includes an author’s note which explains how and why she had been drawn back to God. She wanted to understand a historical mystery: the survival of the Jewish people. “It set in motion the idea that there may, in fact, be God” she explains. “And when that happened there grew in me for whatever reason an immense desire to return to the banquet table.”

The book of Zechariah reveals the solution to this mystery. The survival of the Jewish people can only be explained by divine intervention. What has proven to be true repeatedly in the past will be definitively demonstrated at the end of time. When the world comes against Jerusalem, God will be her defender. The images of a firepot in a woodpile and a flaming torch touched to dried sheaves of grain (v. 6) describe the actions a marauding enemy or invading army might take. But those who attempt to harm Jerusalem will destroy themselves instead. The city will remain intact and unmoved while those who hoped to overthrow her will face ruin on every side.

God will protect the most vulnerable first. The “dwellings” of Judah are tents located outside the city walls. God will not overlook the feeblest (literally: those who stumble or totter) among them when He delivers the city (v. 8). The strong will not have an advantage over the weak. No one will be more valuable than another when God delivers Jerusalem. Nobody will be left behind to fend for themselves.

Pray with Us

Jesse Ruggles in Moody Radio’s Engineering Services helps Moody Radio broadcast without interruption. We appreciate his technical acumen. Please ask the Lord to encourage him in his work today.

BY Dr. John Koessler

John Koessler is Professor Emeritus of Applied Theology and Church Ministries at Moody Bible Institute. John authors the “Practical Theology” column for Today in the Word of which he is also a contributing writer and theological editor. An award-winning author, John’s newest title is When God is Silent: Let the Bible Teach You to Pray (Kirkdale). Prior to joining the Moody faculty, he served as a pastor of Valley Chapel in Green Valley, Illinois, for nine years. He and his wife, Jane, now enjoy living in a lakeside town in Michigan.