Introduction
Zechariah 9:9–17: The verses prior to today’s reading (1–8) describe the judgment that will befall those nations that oppressed the Lord’s people. Then, as noted in today’s reading, a future king will usher in a time of peace, and God’s people will be restored. The Lord promises to protect and save the people.
Today’s Key Verse: Zechariah 9:9a GNT
“Rejoice, rejoice, people of Zion! Shout for joy, you people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you!”
Read
9 Rejoice, rejoice, people of Zion!
Shout for joy, you people of Jerusalem!
Look, your king is coming to you!
He comes triumphant and victorious,
but humble and riding on a donkey—
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
10 The Lord says,
“I will remove the war chariots from Israel
and take the horses from Jerusalem;
the bows used in battle will be destroyed.
Your king will make peace among the nations;
he will rule from sea to sea,
from the Euphrates River to the ends of the earth.”
11 The Lord says,
“Because of my covenant with you
that was sealed by the blood of sacrifices,
I will set your people free—
free from the waterless pit of exile.
12 Return, you exiles who now have hope;
return to your place of safety.
Now I tell you that I will repay you twice over
with blessing for all you have suffered.
13 I will use Judah like a soldier’s bow
and Israel like the arrows.
I will use the men of Zion like a sword,
to fight the men of Greece.”
14 The Lord will appear above his people;
he will shoot his arrows like lightning.
The Sovereign Lord will sound the trumpet;
he will march in the storms from the south.
15 The Lord Almighty will protect his people,
and they will destroy their enemies.
They will shout in battle like drunk men
and will shed the blood of their enemies;
it will flow like the blood of a sacrifice
poured on the altar from a bowl.[a]
16 When that day comes, the Lord will save his people,
as a shepherd saves his flock from danger.
They will shine in his land
like the jewels of a crown.
17 How good and beautiful the land will be!
The young people will grow strong on its grain and wine.
Reflect
How is the future king described (verses 9–10)? Christian tradition interprets verses 9 and 10 as referring to Jesus, the messianic king, and his triumphal entry into Jerusalem (see Mathew 21:5 and John 12:15). What do you think is the significance of this king riding on a donkey rather than in a horse-drawn war chariot? Verse 11 refers to the covenant sealed in blood that God made with Moses and the Israelites at Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:5–8). What does the Lord promise the people?
Pray
Lord God, you keep your promises and remain faithful to your covenant with your people. You are the God of my salvation, and I place my hope and trust in you. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Zechariah 10:1–12: The Lord promises to care for the people of Israel and Judah.
