At the time that Zechariah is prophesying to Israel, the nation looks weak. The people of Israel have returned from exile, but numbers are small and the temple has been rebuilt, but it’s glory does not compare with the temple under king Solomon’s rule, let alone the glory that the Lord has promised it will one day have. To make matters worse, the enemies of God’s people are opposing the rebuilding project in Jerusalem.
Read: Zechariah 12:2-6
In this section, what is the problem facing God’s people in Judah and Jerusalem?
What does the Lord say he will do to Jerusalem? Why is that good news for his people?
In verse 4 we read that God strikes the horses of the nations with panic, madness and blindness – these three conditions are all part of God’s curses for disobeying Him (Deuteronomy 28:28) – given what we have seen so far in Zechariah, why is it surprising that these curses do not seem to fall on God’s people?
Read: Galatians 3:10-14
What has happened to the curses which should have fallen on God’s people?
In Zechariah, how does this secure victory for God’s people?
How does this passage encourage us when we face opposition for being Christians?
Pray: Thank God that he strengthens his people, securing victory for them. Pray that we would have confidence that the Lord’s promises are true, no matter what opposition we might face as Christians.
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