anna
Trials
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Post by anna on Jul 24, 2019 6:35:02 GMT -5
I would like to finish along to same timeline from Haggai, to Zechariah and then to Malachi. Zechariah timeline is 550 BC to 500 BC, then when at Malachi the years are from 540 BC to 420 BC. Esther became queen of Persia in 478 BC. Malachi prophesies where 430 BC, but back to Zechariah.
Zechariah a prophet during the establishment of the Persian Empire. Zechariah makes it clear that building the temple is not all that is needed. The people also have to deal with the sin that led to the destruction of the temple and rebuild their covenant relationship with God. Zech. 1: 2-6 Return to me... and I will return to you.
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Post by Cindy on Jul 24, 2019 12:36:12 GMT -5
I would like to finish along to same timeline from Haggai, to Zechariah and then to Malachi. Zechariah timeline is 550 BC to 500 BC, then when at Malachi the years are from 540 BC to 420 BC. Esther became queen of Persia in 478 BC. Malachi prophesies where 430 BC, but back to Zechariah.
Zechariah a prophet during the establishment of the Persian Empire. Zechariah makes it clear that building the temple is not all that is needed. The people also have to deal with the sin that led to the destruction of the temple and rebuild their covenant relationship with God. Zech. 1: 2-6 Return to me... and I will return to you.
I would have liked to share this about Haggai before, it's from one of Wiersbe's commentaries:
1. Aug 29, 520 b.c. 1:1–15; Presented a status report of the situation and helped the people see why failure to complete the temple was a problem. (Hag. 1:1–11).
1b. Sept 21, 520 b.c. 2:1–9; Reaffirmed the Lord’s commitment to help the people; construction was restarted (Hag. 1:12–15).
2. Oct 17, 520 b.c. 2:1–9; Reviewed the long-term significance of the project, promising that the new temple would have greater glory than the old; this message brought hope and encouragement to the project team and its leaders (Hag. 2:1–9).
3. Dec 18, 520 b.c. 2:10–19; Announced that God would start blessing the people again in light of the work being accomplished (Hag. 2:10–19).
4. Dec 18, 520 b.c. 2:20–23. Presented a message to Zerubbabel concerning God’s plan to “shake heaven and earth, ” and the news that Zerubbabel was chosen as a part of God’s purposes (Hag. 2:20–23). Word in life
Buddha leaves his home to begin his study of philosophy. The MacArthur Bible handbook
Then, about Zechariah:
He was a priest who probably had been a child when the Jews began returning to Jerusalem in 536 b.c. He started giving his prophetic messages to the returnees at Jerusalem in 520 b.c., and Zechariah 1–8 is believed to be contemporaneous with Ezra 5–6. Zechariah worked closely with the prophet Haggai (see Hag. 1:1), the governor Zerubbabel (see Hag. 1:12), and especially the scribe Ezra (see Ezra 7:1). Word in life
The Gospels incorporate more passages from Zechariah than from any other prophet. Zechariah was a younger contemporary of Haggai the prophet, Zerubbabel the governor, & Joshua the high priest. Darius I (521–486 b.c.) had passed from the scene and had been succeeded by Xerxes (486–464 b.c.), the king who deposed Queen Vashti & made Esther queen of Persia. Talk thru the Bible
Also that year, from MacArthur's commentary: Zechariah’s opening words are dated from 520 B.C. He is called a young man in 2:4, suggesting that Zechariah was younger than Haggai. The length of his ministry is uncertain; the last dated prophecy (7:1) came approximately two years after the first, making them identical in time with Haggai’s prophecy (520–518 B.C.). Chapters 9–14 are generally thought to come from a later period of his ministry. Differences in style and references to Greece indicate a date of ca. 480–470 B.C., after Darius I (ca. 521–486 B.C.) and during Xerxes’ reign (ca. 486–464 B.C.), the king who made Esther queen of Persia. The MacArthur Bible handbook
Buddha leaves his home to begin his study of philosophy. In 521 b.c., he preaches his first sermon in the holy city of Barnares. Two philosophers of worldwide significance were born (550 & 551 b.c.) & died (480 & 479 b.c.) within 1 year of each other: Guatama Buddha, the originator of Buddhism, & Confucius, the renowned Chinese philosopher. The MacArthur Bible handbook
Ezra:
Ezra is most likely the author of both Ezra and Nehemiah, which might have originally been one book. Ezra is believed to possibly be the author of the books of the Chronicles. It would have been natural for the same author to continue the OT narrative by showing how God fulfilled His promise by returning His people to the land after seventy years of captivity. The MacArthur Bible handbook
Ezra wrote this book probably between 457 b.c. (the event of Ezra 7–10) and 444 b.c. (Nehemiah’s arrival in Jerusalem). During the period covered by the Book of Ezra, Gautama Buddha (c. 560–480 b.c.) is in India, Confucius (551–479 b.c.) is in China, and Socrates (470–399 b.c.) is in Greece. Talk thru the Bible
Nehemiah:
The events in Nehemiah 1 commence late in the year 446 b.c., the 20th year of the Persian king, Artaxerxes (464–423 b.c.). The book follows chronologically from Nehemiah’s first term as governor of Jerusalem ca. 445–433 b.c. (Neh. 1–12) to his second term, possibly beginning ca. 424 b.c. (Neh. 13). Nehemiah was written by Ezra sometime during or after Nehemiah’s second term, but no later than 400 b.c. Several other historical notes are of interest. 1st, Esther was Artaxerxes’ stepmother and could have easily influenced him to look favorably upon the Jews, especially Nehemiah. 2nd, Daniel’s prophetic seventy weeks began with the decree to rebuild the city issued by Artaxerxes in 445 b.c. (cf. chaps. 1, 2). 3rd, the Elephantine papyri (Egyptian documents), dated to the late 5th century b.c., support the account of Nehemiah by mentioning Sanballat the governor of Samaria (Nehemiah 2:19), Jehohanan (Nehemiah 6:18; Nehemiah 12:23), and Nehemiah’s being replaced as governor of Jerusalem by Bigvai (ca. 410 b.c.; Nehemiah 10:16). Finally, Nehemiah and Malachi represent the last of the OT canonical writings, both in terms of the time the events occurred (Mal. 1–4; Neh. 13) and the time when they were recorded by Ezra. Thus, after Malachi, the next messages from God for Israel do not come until over four hundred years of silence had passed, after which the births of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ were announced (Matt. 1; Luke 1, 2). The MacArthur Bible handbook
Meanwhile in other parts of the world, Plato begins to study philosophy under Socrates (407 to 399 b.c.). The MacArthur Bible handbook
Malachi:
Looking at internal evidence exclusively, the date of the prophecy points to the late fifth century B.C., most likely during Nehemiah’s return to Persia ca. 433–424 B.C. (cf. Neh. 5:14; 13:6). Sacrifices were being made at the second temple (1:7–10; 3:8), which was finished in 516 B.C. (cf. Ezra 6:13–15). It is likely that Malachi was written during the period of Nehemiah’s absence, almost a century after Haggai and Zechariah began to prophesy. The MacArthur Bible handbook
Malachi, a prophet in the days of Nehemiah. Malachi is the prelude to 400 years of prophetic silence, broken finally by the words of the next prophet, John the Baptist: “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). Talk thru the Bible
During Malachi's time, the Greeks begin building the temple of Zeus at Olympia and a marble temple in honor of Apollo at Delphi. The MacArthur Bible handbook
My brain hurts  I can't think backwards like you have to in order to see who was first when it's before Jesus' time! Anyway, I think this is the proper timeline for these prophets.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Jul 24, 2019 12:41:23 GMT -5
Good thinking Anna!!!
Oh and before I begin, I actually tried the "I am blessed" to a salesperson today ( I forgot to say it to the first salesperson, and instead said: "I am fine, how are you"
But I remembered with the 2nd, and I got a big smile as a result!
Zechariah 1
A Call to Return to the Lord
Like you said Haggai and Zechariah were contemporaries, and like you said, God was not just interested in the temple but in the people and their hearts and souls.
The word of the Lord came to Zechariah telling the people that God had been angry with them, but now asks them to return to Him and He will return to them.
This reminds me, that tho God is love, he does NOT love our (my) sin, however, forgiveness is available when we turn from our sins (repent) and to God.
In fact, God hates sin ( He calls it evil here).
People today often will say: Well MY god is not judgmental, 'my' god is all about 'love'.
In a sense, what they say is true.....but they are not aware that 'their god' is satan, he is not a god of 'love' but he does not mind their pet sins but rather encourages them.
But God does not 'force' people to come to them, we have to want to and choose to.
God points out His Word remains and outlasts the people.
A Vision of a Horseman
God has angels representatives checking on the affairs of men.
The man by the tree may have been a christophany.
They noted there was 'peace' but not the right kind of peace.
Nevertheless, God gives comforting promises.
A second vision:
A Vision of Horns and Craftsmen
The horns are nations that have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem
However, God has raised up 4 craftsmen to bring judgement on those nations.
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anna
Trials
Posts: 1,995
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Post by anna on Jul 24, 2019 20:55:32 GMT -5
Chapter 2.
Zechariah lifted his eyes yet again and this time saw a man with a measuring line, which I assume is a measuring tape or a measuring stick. Seeing the man Zechariah asked, where are you going, and the man said to him he was going to measure Jerusalem. Interesting, an angel was going to measure Jerusalem, with another angel meeting with the first angel.Then an angel told Zechariah that Jerusalem will be without walls, the Lord will be a wall there and be the glory there.The Lord will bless them that live there.
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Post by Cindy on Jul 25, 2019 9:13:29 GMT -5
Good thinking Anna!!!
Oh and before I begin, I actually tried the "I am blessed" to a salesperson today ( I forgot to say it to the first salesperson, and instead said: "I am fine, how are you"
But I remembered with the 2nd, and I got a big smile as a result!
Zechariah 1
A Call to Return to the Lord
Like you said Haggai and Zechariah were contemporaries, and like you said, God was not just interested in the temple but in the people and their hearts and souls.
The word of the Lord came to Zechariah telling the people that God had been angry with them, but now asks them to return to Him and He will return to them.
This reminds me, that tho God is love, he does NOT love our (my) sin, however, forgiveness is available when we turn from our sins (repent) and to God.
In fact, God hates sin ( He calls it evil here).
People today often will say: Well MY god is not judgmental, 'my' god is all about 'love'.
In a sense, what they say is true.....but they are not aware that 'their god' is satan, he is not a god of 'love' but he does not mind their pet sins but rather encourages them.
But God does not 'force' people to come to them, we have to want to and choose to.
God points out His Word remains and outlasts the people.
A Vision of a Horseman
God has angels representatives checking on the affairs of men.
The man by the tree may have been a christophany.
They noted there was 'peace' but not the right kind of peace.
Nevertheless, God gives comforting promises.
A second vision:
A Vision of Horns and Craftsmen
The horns are nations that have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem
However, God has raised up 4 craftsmen to bring judgement on those nations.
In 536 b.c. Cyrus the Persian gave the people the right to return from the Babylonian captivity to their homeland in Judah and to build their holy temple in Jerusalem. Thus, the remnant of the captivity returned under Zerubbabel, the political leader; under Joshua, the priestly leader; under Ezra, the scribe; and under Nehemiah, who had been the prime minister at the court of Shushan, the Persian capital. This holy remnant, thus seeking to restore the worship of the true God in Jerusalem and to recreate the political life of Judah, was encouraged by God’s messengers, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. Out of the Babylonian captivity came three great establishments by which God has blessed our world. 1st, the Jews were never idolatrous again. 2nd, the synagogue was born, and from the synagogue came the church. The services of the synagogue are the same type of services we have today. 3rd, from the captivity came the canon of the Holy Scriptures. Out of tears and suffering came our greatest blessing, “The Scarlet Thread of Redemption.” The Open Bible
What you wrote was good but there's a lot more too it. It was more then just Haggai and Zechariah that were contemporaries though. Ezra and Nehemiah were also there during this time as well as a number of others we read about in the Bible, but who weren't prophets, such as Joshua the high priest, Zerubbabel, Xerxes, Esther, and others.
When people say that their god is all about love and isn't judgemental, they've obviously have a very mixed up view of love. The way they speak of it, means that if their child is about to stick his hand in a fire, that they'd let him do so, because they're not judgemental. So they'll let their child decide for himself if the fire will burn him. How insane is that???? Of course the fire will burn him, and what mother that loves her child would allow such a thing if they could stop it? Well, God loves us and He knows that our sins will hurt us badly. Like little children though, we still want to stick our hands in the fire. True love does all the can to stop the child from doing so. And our God does all He can to stop us, without taking away our freedom to choose whether we will obey Him or not.
Yes, in the vision, the man, who is identified as Angel of the Lord in verse 11, is Jesus. The red horse represents war, the white horse victory, and the myrtle trees represent Israel. A similar picture is found in Rev 6:1–8. No one is sure what the other horse represents, but maybe it's the same as the black one in Revelation. These horses are about to gain a victorious judgment. The next verses show how God's angels patrol the earth, fight the enemy when necessary, and then report to Jesus to tell Him about it. The Angel of the Lord, Jesus, then intercedes for Israel with the Father. That's a wonderful picture of what Jesus is doing for us in His office of High Priest right now! We're not told what the Father's reply was; only that His words were comforting and loving. Finally the interpreting angel tells us what the Father says - That He's a jealous God and was angry with Israel for their sins against Him and punished them, but that now He's angry with the nations that have abused Israel, and now He's going to defend them. Zechariah 1:16–17 are prophecies that will be completely fulfilled at our Lord's 2nd coming, but were partially fulfilled about 4 years after the prophecy.
Yes, the horns are the nations that have scattered Israel. This prophecy too has some to do with the Lord's 2nd coming. I'll let MacArthur explain about the craftsmen though: our craftsmen. The word is literally the term for stone workers, metal workers, and wood workers—those who shape material with hammers and chisels. These “hammers” represent the nations which overthrow the 4 horns (v. 18). As with the 4 beasts of Da 7, each empire is overthrown by the subsequent one, the last being replaced by Messiah’s kingdom (cf. Da 2:44; 7:9–14, 21, 22). Babylon was hammered in a night attack by the Medo-Persians (539 B.C.). With the victory of Alexander over Darius in 333 B.C. at Issus, the Greeks hammered the Medo-Persian “horn.” In the second century B.C., the Roman hammer fell and one by one the nations fell (Israel in 63 B.C.). The Roman Empire, revived in the last days, according to Daniel, will be hammered by the returning Messiah (cf. Dan 2:34, 35, 45). The MacArthur study Bible
Go ahead and do chapter 2 next even though Marlene as already spoken about it.
Chapter 2.
Zechariah lifted his eyes yet again and this time saw a man with a measuring line, which I assume is a measuring tape or a measuring stick. Seeing the man Zechariah asked, where are you going, and the man said to him he was going to measure Jerusalem. Interesting, an angel was going to measure Jerusalem, with another angel meeting with the first angel.Then an angel told Zechariah that Jerusalem will be without walls, the Lord will be a wall there and be the glory there.The Lord will bless them that live there.  Marlene, I hope you don't mind, but I want to wait until Barbara tells us about chapter two before I add anything. With each book we study, we each do the same chapter instead of taking turns. Actually, it's Barbara that does each chapter. My job is to correct anything that's wrong (which hasn't happened as far as I can remember lol) and then to add anything she may have missed that's important to that chapter. We also try to focus on how we can apply what we've learned in the chapter to our own lives too. |
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anna
Trials
Posts: 1,995
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Post by anna on Jul 25, 2019 10:51:48 GMT -5
Yes Cindy, that is good. It is good that Barbra can well express herself as to how to apply what we've read to her own life. I am enjoying reading and learning, doing this in prayer with the Lord, but I am not one to express my thoughts as well. We will all do well and be blessed from the reading of the word of the Lord together.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Jul 25, 2019 12:50:40 GMT -5
I can't tell you Anna how excited I am you joined us....it is so cool to have another sister studying with us!!
Zechariah 2
I am thinking this angel who says he is going to measure Jerusalem is one of those two part prophecies kind of.
Jerusalem and the temple was going to be re-built then, but I am thinking this might also be for yet the future.
In any case this was to encourage them, when things were as yet still small and shabby in their eyes.
As you know from time to time, I bemoan old age in kind of the same way, but God has encouraged me ( and all Christians) we will have a new body ( it won't grow old but best of all it will no longer ever be bothered again by sin).
It is interesting to me, what is probably going on all the time in the angelic realm, doing God's bidding. Tho in general we do not see this, nevertheless it goes on. so what appears to be a higher angel comes and talks with one of seemingly lower rank and and said to him, “Run, say to that young man ( thus we know he was a young prophet).
In a sense Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls ( it is that way today) but again, I think this is either mainly or mostly or totally for the future?
In any case, God is going to be it's protection. If God is our protection, we have no need of wall or anything else really.
So the people are to come out of the lands of their captivity and flee to where God is. Just as we are to separate ourselves from the 'world' of ever increasing sins, and flee to Jesus our protector and provider.
God said: "he who touches you touches the apple of his eye"
I think this means whatever evil a person, nation etc. might do to God's chosen people, will be done to them....therefore it would behoove them, not to do evil to God's people.
God says he will threaten those enemies, who hurt his people, first, and then will come judgment.
God's people can have joy and sing, because God will be in their midst.
"many nations shall join themselves to the Lord in that day, and shall be my people"
This seems to be the church age....
Sometimes it 'seems' like God is 'sleeping' and then arises....of course we know He never ever sleeps, it only 'seems' like He is not involved in the affairs of humans, but in fact, He always is and so He was then.
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Post by Cindy on Jul 26, 2019 9:33:34 GMT -5
Yes Cindy, that is good. It is good that Barbra can well express herself as to how to apply what we've read to her own life. I am enjoying reading and learning, doing this in prayer with the Lord, but I am not one to express my thoughts as well. We will all do well and be blessed from the reading of the word of the Lord together.
I can't tell you Anna how excited I am you joined us....it is so cool to have another sister studying with us!!
Zechariah 2
I am thinking this angel who says he is going to measure Jerusalem is one of those two part prophecies kind of.
Jerusalem and the temple was going to be re-built then, but I am thinking this might also be for yet the future.
In any case this was to encourage them, when things were as yet still small and shabby in their eyes.
As you know from time to time, I bemoan old age in kind of the same way, but God has encouraged me ( and all Christians) we will have a new body ( it won't grow old but best of all it will no longer ever be bothered again by sin).
It is interesting to me, what is probably going on all the time in the angelic realm, doing God's bidding. Tho in general we do not see this, nevertheless it goes on. so what appears to be a higher angel comes and talks with one of seemingly lower rank and and said to him, “Run, say to that young man ( thus we know he was a young prophet).
In a sense Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls ( it is that way today) but again, I think this is either mainly or mostly or totally for the future?
In any case, God is going to be it's protection. If God is our protection, we have no need of wall or anything else really.
So the people are to come out of the lands of their captivity and flee to where God is. Just as we are to separate ourselves from the 'world' of ever increasing sins, and flee to Jesus our protector and provider.
God said: "he who touches you touches the apple of his eye"
I think this means whatever evil a person, nation etc. might do to God's chosen people, will be done to them....therefore it would behoove them, not to do evil to God's people.
God says he will threaten those enemies, who hurt his people, first, and then will come judgment.
God's people can have joy and sing, because God will be in their midst.
"many nations shall join themselves to the Lord in that day, and shall be my people"
This seems to be the church age....
Sometimes it 'seems' like God is 'sleeping' and then arises....of course we know He never ever sleeps, it only 'seems' like He is not involved in the affairs of humans, but in fact, He always is and so He was then.
The angel who is surveying in this vision is most likely the Lord Jesus.
When we're told that Jerusalem will be a city without walls due to the great number of men and livestock in it, this is a fantastic prophecy! It has never been fulfilled yet, even though Jerusalem isn't totally enclosed by walls now. The fulfillment of this prophecy will be in the Millennial Kingdom, but there will also be a false fulfillment of it during the reign of the Antichrist! (Ezekiel 38:8–12).
“And I myself will be a wall of fire around it,’ declares the LORD, ‘and I will be its glory within.’” (Zechariah 2:5) This too is referring to the end of AntiChrist's rule when Jesus will rescue Jerusalem from him and also to the Millennial Kingdom, especially at the end when Satan is attacking Jerusalem for the last time with all the people he's perverted.
When He tells them to come out of their lands of captivity, He's again speaking of the current time only. I love what you said about this: "Just as we are to separate ourselves from the 'world' of ever increasing sins, and flee to Jesus our protector and provider." Whenever I see words about our captivity, it makes me think of how we're captive to sin, and need Jesus to rescue us.
“For this is what the LORD Almighty says: “After he has honored me and has sent me against the nations that have plundered you—for whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye—” (Zechariah 2:8) This is the Father sending the Lord Jesus to judge the Nations of the Gentiles in His Second Coming. (The sheep and goats judgement in Matt. 25:31–46) The phrase "the apple of His eye" simply means that they are greatly cherished by the Lord.
No, it's not the church age. Again, the last verses are speaking about the Millennial Kingdom (and what we spoke about earlier concerning who would be saved then!) Look at it closely: ““Shout and be glad, O Daughter of Zion. For I am coming, and I will live among you,” declares the LORD. “Many nations will be joined with the LORD in that day and will become my people. I will live among you and you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me to you. The LORD will inherit Judah as his portion in the holy land and will again choose Jerusalem. Be still before the LORD, all mankind, because he has roused himself from his holy dwelling.”” (Zechariah 2:10–13) So once again we see that it's not just Israel that concerns the Lord, but all people, and that many gentiles, making up many nations, will be honored to live in the Millennial Kingdom, which means they were saved during the tribulation. But this won't change God's promise to Israel either. They will still be the head of all the nations and His chosen ones to teach everyone about Him, and He Himself will rule from Jerusalem. The Lord’s coming to live among Israel is messianic, referring to the time when the Messiah will come to rule on the throne of David. Let me quote Wiersbe on this too:
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Jul 26, 2019 11:50:08 GMT -5
Zechariah 3
This is really interesting because it tells us that satan accuses the brethren to God. In this case he accuses Joshua the High Priest to God.
Of course, Joshua like any human is a sinner so in a sense satan is not wrong, but it reminds me of the pot calling the kettle back. satan is so evil and yet he points out the sins of humans....amazing pride!
And so God rebukes the devil. the Lord also points out that Joshua is a brand plucked from the fire? That makes me think of the fires of Hell, where unless we choose to love God we are destined to eternity in Hell.
However, some are plucked out of that and Joshua is one of many!!
The Lord says:
"Remove the filthy garments from him.” And to him he said, “Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you".
This is what Jesus has done for us, removed all our filthy sins ( by paying for them on the cross) and thus taking them away....but that is not all....
He goes on to say:
"I will clothe you with pure vestments"
We are clothed with Christ righteousness, and so when God sees us, He does not see our filth but rather Jesus righteousness!!
I am not sure about the turban ( perhaps to change our sinful thoughts?)
However, after we are saved from the 'fire' we are to: "If you will walk in my ways and keep my charge".
God also promises: "behold, I will bring my servant the Branch" ( I think this is a promise of Jesus).
But I do not understand this verse....so maybe one of you have an idea:
" For behold, on the stone that I have set before Joshua, on a single stone with seven eyes".
Another promise God gives is:
"I will remove the iniquity of this land in a single day"
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anna
Trials
Posts: 1,995
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Post by anna on Jul 27, 2019 1:19:53 GMT -5
Chapter 3
verses 1 and 2 And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.2. And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?
It reminds me of the experience that Michael the archangel had in Jude 9 -Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
So yes Satan is the accuser of the brethren.
Verse 7 If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou will keep my charge...A charge can mean the cost of something. When you are “in charge,” it means that you are in command of everything. And when you are “in charge of,” it means that you have a specific responsibility.
Zechariah 3
added this comment later
"And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him."
The reason why Satan stands at the right hand to resist Joshua is because in the culture of the Middle East the right hand is work or their works. Satan can not resist God, once God sends a declaration out nothing can strip that declaration, but Satan can stop a person from receiving his declaration.
3:3-4 Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. 4 The angel said to those who were standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes.” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put fine garments on you.”The clothing represents Joshua's iniquity.
We must be careful of judging another person because God can change the garment of anyone He chooses to. Judgement is in the mind, just because a person holds their mouth from saying something doesn't mean they are not judging. Who are we to judge another when we are full of iniquity ourselves. We live in a constant judgmental world. The Father's word is reality and the world is just some construct of mankind's doings, and Satan's influence. The world is not reality, people go to work in a system that mankind has made for himself and their dream and their hopes are within a bubble that mankind has constructed, they can not go outside of that bubble. Jesus calls us to go outside of that bubble, calls us to repentance and into the fold. We should never look to go back into the bubble. The only way a person can look back is if that place is still in their heart. If the Lord is in a person's heart they look forward to the Lord.
Now that Joshua put on clean clothes, Satan is no long there beside him, now an angel of the Lord is standing by Joshua.
So if Joshua does this then he will receive the reward that comes with being in the will of God.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Jul 27, 2019 11:43:33 GMT -5
Zechariah 4
In chapter 4 we read of A Vision of a Golden Lampstand
The prophet was asleep when the angel was sent to him again. Which in itself is encouraging. The prophet didn't do anything because he was asleep, but God arranged to come to his aid and encourage him.
So often we think it is all on us for every detail for things to go right. And tho we are to obey and be servants of God, it is His plans and by His power and Spirit.
The lampstand is all gold and has 7 bowls and an endless supply of oil so the light won't go out. This was by Divine provision. I am thinking the lampstand is a symbol of the temple ( or church) and is to shine out God's glory to the world.
I really like this verse:
"Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts."
it kind of goes with what I was saying when we often ( and often in pride) think we are the movers and shakers of the earth.....but no, it is God.
And anything ( a mountain of opposition) that tries to stand in the way of God's plans will be leveled! And it will bring joy and grace to God's people ( who may have been discourage or in fear of the mountain of opposition).
Furthermore, this temple seemed puny in comparison to Solomon's! But God does not look at temples, churches, people, etc. based size, strength etc. and so if God calls anything or anyone precious, who are we to disagree.
Also encouraging is that God can use small things, small steps and so on.
And God says they will rejoice.
I am not sure what the 7 eyes mean except 7 often symbolizes perfection or completion in scripture.
The angel asks : "Dost thou not know what these mean?"
Well, I am not sure I do.....but on the other hand, that is something we believers have been blessed with being able to do....learn and study God's word.....what we are doing here.
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anna
Trials
Posts: 1,995
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Post by anna on Jul 27, 2019 21:48:41 GMT -5
Chapter 4
An angel came again to the high priest Joshua and woke him out of his sleep, showed him a vision, and asked him what does he see, he said a candlestick of gold and a bowl on top of it, seven lamps, seven pipes. I think those are vessels for the house of the Lord, that it is God's will and timing for it to be built.
The angel answered and said, not by might, not by power, but by my spirit saith the Lord of hosts. Scripture that is also given in the New Testament. So the old and the New Testament saints are to understand the will of God for God's chosen people.
That is interesting, grace unto the headstone, I think that means to give reverence to the Lord, to fear the Lord.
I don't know what to comment about the rest of the scriptures, except candlesticks can be the churches and olives trees would be two witnesses or two prophets.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Jul 28, 2019 10:39:46 GMT -5
Zechariah 5
There are 2 visions in chapter 5, the first is A Vision of a Flying Scroll
God's Word points to just 2 of the sins, stealing and lies which were rampant, in case they were wondering why they were being so severely punished. These had been clearly defined in the 10 commandments, so it was not like they were unaware they were sinning.
And there was no escaping as God's judgement and punishment could just as easily find them in their homes ans in the fields etc.
The second vision has to do with A Vision of a Woman in a Basket
The woman symbolizes wickedness. I am not sure if the fact she is covered in a basket means she is not able to release her full wickedness on the Jews or.....
But then 2 woman with stork wings ( MacArthur pointed out this was an unclean bird and so they represent demons)
who protect thus wickedness and fly her to Shinar ( Babylon) where a house will be built for it.
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anna
Trials
Posts: 1,995
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Post by anna on Jul 28, 2019 22:16:55 GMT -5
Chapter 5
The prophet saw a flying scroll. A warning about stealing and swearing.
Then the prophet saw the ephah of iniquity.
This describe what an ephah is. An ephah, in Amos 8:5 Saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit? Amos 8:5
Prophet Joshua saw the ephah and saw a talent of lead and a woman sitting in the midst of the ephah. The woman represents a sinful church or a corrupt age,the prophet said, this is wickedness. After the prophet threw the lead weight on to the ephah, the ephah was carried away between the earth and heaven, the woman was carried away to Babylonia.
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Post by Cindy on Jul 29, 2019 11:08:52 GMT -5
Zechariah 3
This is really interesting because it tells us that satan accuses the brethren to God. In this case he accuses Joshua the High Priest to God.
Of course, Joshua like any human is a sinner so in a sense satan is not wrong, but it reminds me of the pot calling the kettle back. satan is so evil and yet he points out the sins of humans....amazing pride!
And so God rebukes the devil. the Lord also points out that Joshua is a brand plucked from the fire? That makes me think of the fires of Hell, where unless we choose to love God we are destined to eternity in Hell.
However, some are plucked out of that and Joshua is one of many!!
The Lord says:
"Remove the filthy garments from him.” And to him he said, “Behold, I have taken your iniquity away from you".
This is what Jesus has done for us, removed all our filthy sins ( by paying for them on the cross) and thus taking them away....but that is not all....
He goes on to say:
"I will clothe you with pure vestments"
We are clothed with Christ righteousness, and so when God sees us, He does not see our filth but rather Jesus righteousness!!
I am not sure about the turban ( perhaps to change our sinful thoughts?)
However, after we are saved from the 'fire' we are to: "If you will walk in my ways and keep my charge".
God also promises: "behold, I will bring my servant the Branch" ( I think this is a promise of Jesus).
But I do not understand this verse....so maybe one of you have an idea:
" For behold, on the stone that I have set before Joshua, on a single stone with seven eyes".
Another promise God gives is:
"I will remove the iniquity of this land in a single day"
Did what I wrote in my other reply help at all?
Chapter 3
verses 1 and 2 And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.2. And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?
It reminds me of the experience that Michael the archangel had in Jude 9 -Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
So yes Satan is the accuser of the brethren.
Verse 7 If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou will keep my charge...A charge can mean the cost of something. When you are “in charge,” it means that you are in command of everything. And when you are “in charge of,” it means that you have a specific responsibility.
So if Joshua does this then he will receive the reward that comes with being in the will of God.
Zechariah 4
In chapter 4 we read of A Vision of a Golden Lampstand
The prophet was asleep when the angel was sent to him again. Which in itself is encouraging. The prophet didn't do anything because he was asleep, but God arranged to come to his aid and encourage him.
So often we think it is all on us for every detail for things to go right. And tho we are to obey and be servants of God, it is His plans and by His power and Spirit.
The lampstand is all gold and has 7 bowls and an endless supply of oil so the light won't go out. This was by Divine provision. I am thinking the lampstand is a symbol of the temple ( or church) and is to shine out God's glory to the world.
I really like this verse:
"Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts."
it kind of goes with what I was saying when we often ( and often in pride) think we are the movers and shakers of the earth.....but no, it is God.
And anything ( a mountain of opposition) that tries to stand in the way of God's plans will be leveled! And it will bring joy and grace to God's people ( who may have been discourage or in fear of the mountain of opposition).
Furthermore, this temple seemed puny in comparison to Solomon's! But God does not look at temples, churches, people, etc. based size, strength etc. and so if God calls anything or anyone precious, who are we to disagree.
Also encouraging is that God can use small things, small steps and so on.
And God says they will rejoice.
I am not sure what the 7 eyes mean except 7 often symbolizes perfection or completion in scripture.
The angel asks : "Dost thou not know what these mean?"
Well, I am not sure I do.....but on the other hand, that is something we believers have been blessed with being able to do....learn and study God's word.....what we are doing here.
You said, "so if God calls anything or anyone precious, who are we to disagree." which is very true! Yet He calls YOU precious and beautiful, and me too, and yet we have the nerve to argue with Him about that!
The eyes “(These seven are the eyes of the LORD, which range throughout the earth.)”” (Zechariah 4:10) are just another way of referring to God being all seeing.
The question he asks isn't about the eyes, it's about the two olive branches: “Again I asked him, “What are these two olive branches beside the two gold pipes that pour out golden oil?” He replied, “Do you not know what these are?” “No, my lord,” I said.” (Zechariah 4:12–13) and he gives you the answer in the very next verse: “So he said, “These are the two who are anointed to serve the Lord of all the earth.”” (Zechariah 4:14) Let me quote MacArthur here as I don't have time to explain it myself:
The two olives trees (Zechariah 4:3, Zechariah 4:11) represent the kingly and priestly offices in Israel through which the blessing of God was to flow. The two olive branches (Zechariah 4:12) are the two men who occupied the supreme positions in those offices at that time: Zerubbabel, as a descendant of David, and Joshua, the High-Priest, a descendant of Eleazar. Together, they foreshadow the Messiah, in whom these two offices are combined (cf. Zechariah 6:13; Ps 110) and who is the true source of blessing to make Israel the light to the nations (cf. Is 60:1–3). They had positions of responsibility in service to “the Lord of the whole earth,” a millennial term that points to the final kingdom (cf. Mic 5:4). The MacArthur study Bible
Did they remind you of this too? “And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth.” (Revelation 11:3–4)
Chapter 4
An angel came again to the high priest Joshua and woke him out of his sleep, showed him a vision, and asked him what does he see, he said a candlestick of gold and a bowl on top of it, seven lamps, seven pipes. I think those are vessels for the house of the Lord, that it is God's will and timing for it to be built.
The angel answered and said, not by might, not by power, but by my spirit saith the Lord of hosts. Scripture that is also given in the New Testament. So the old and the New Testament saints are to understand the will of God for God's chosen people.
That is interesting, grace unto the headstone, I think that means to give reverence to the Lord, to fear the Lord.
I don't know what to comment about the rest of the scriptures, except candlesticks can be the churches and olives trees would be two witnesses or two prophets.
Zechariah 5
There are 2 visions in chapter 5, the first is A Vision of a Flying Scroll
God's Word points to just 2 of the sins, stealing and lies which were rampant, in case they were wondering why they were being so severely punished. These had been clearly defined in the 10 commandments, so it was not like they were unaware they were sinning.
And there was no escaping as God's judgement and punishment could just as easily find them in their homes ans in the fields etc.
The second vision has to do with A Vision of a Woman in a Basket
The woman symbolizes wickedness. I am not sure if the fact she is covered in a basket means she is not able to release her full wickedness on the Jews or.....
But then 2 woman with stork wings ( MacArthur pointed out this was an unclean bird and so they represent demons)
who protect thus wickedness and fly her to Shinar ( Babylon) where a house will be built for it.
curse. The scroll, symbolizing the law of God, is a figure for a curse or punishment on all who disobeyed it and for blessing on all who obeyed it (cf. Dt 27:26; 28:15–68). A similar picture is presented in Rev 5:1–9; 10:1–11. everyone who steals … everyone who swears. Written on both sides, the scroll probably contained the Ten Commandments, not just two. The two singled out, the third and eighth, are most likely representative of all commands of God’s law, for which Israel was guilty of violations (cf. Jas 2:10). It has an immediate message to those of Zechariah’s time that God will root out and destroy the sinners who reject His Word; but it also has a future message for Israel and the world prior to Messiah’s kingdom (cf. Eze 20:33–38; Mt 25:31–46). There is no escape from the judgment of God. His Word will enter the place of sinners and remain there until it has accomplished its purpose (Is 55:10, 11), which will be particularly true in the kingdom. The promise of the land in Dt 30:1–10 will be fulfilled in the future day, as will consuming judgment (cf. Rev 6–19). The MacArthur study Bible
Zechariah 5:5–11 The previous vision dealt with the purging of sinners from the land. This seventh vision of a woman in a basket continues the theme, focusing on the removal of the whole sinful system from Israel, which will happen before the kingdom comes (cf. Eze 20:38). The wicked system is represented as a basket with a woman held captive inside under a lead cover. An ephah (basket) was smaller than a bushel, holding about 5 gallons. Like the flying scroll (cf. vv. 1–4), this was obviously enlarged for the purpose of the vision. The people of Israel are seen as pieces of grain, perhaps indicating that the wickedness is particularly materialistic. This was a sin that Israel picked up in Babylon, and it has influenced them through the centuries until removed by the Messiah in the last days. This secular commercialism is central to the final world system (cf. Rev 18).
Zechariah 5:7–8 woman. Inside the basket was sitting a woman, personifying this final wickedness (cf. Rev 17:3–5), which is not dormant, since the lead cover is required to restrain it in the basket (cf. 2Th 2:6–8).
Zechariah 5:9 two women … wind in their wings. Since storks are unclean birds (Lv 11:19; Dt 14:18) these must be agents of evil, demonic forces, protective of the wicked secularism, who set up the final system of evil. God allows them to set up the world system that the Lord destroys when He returns (cf. Rev 19:11–16).
Zechariah 5:11 Shinar. The destination of the women bearing the basket was Shinar, an older word designating Babylon (cf. Ge 10:10). The older word is used possibly to recall the Tower of Babel as a symbol of opposition against God (cf. Ge 11:2). There it will be placed in a “temple” and set on a base or pedestal as an idol. Again the vision is unmistakably looking forward to the final Babylon of Rev 17, 18 at the second coming of Christ (cf. Mal 4:1–3). The MacArthur study Bible
Notice all the references to the Millennium and Second Coming.
Chapter 5
The prophet saw a flying scroll. A warning about stealing and swearing.
Then the prophet saw the ephah of iniquity.
This describe what an ephah is. An ephah, in Amos 8:5 Saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit? Amos 8:5
Prophet Joshua saw the ephah and saw a talent of lead and a woman sitting in the midst of the ephah. The woman represents a sinful church or a corrupt age,the prophet said, this is wickedness. After the prophet threw the lead weight on to the ephah, the ephah was carried away between the earth and heaven, the woman was carried away to Babylonia.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Jul 29, 2019 11:31:55 GMT -5
Zechariah 6
A Vision of Four Chariots
This is another vision, there are 4 chariots and horses of different colors. The horses kind of reminds me of the horses in Revelation, and these like those are bringing judgement.
The red could be a symbol of blood, and black death, white victory and dapple?
"the four winds of heaven, after presenting themselves before the Lord of all the earth"
Seems pretty clear to be angels.
These 4 angels are going to the North and South ( and then to the whole world) to bring God's judgement.
I think I can learn from the prophet it's okay to ask questions and have a teachable spirit.
Also, it may have seemed to men a long time had passed before God acted and gave judgement, because, I think most people are not go at waiting patiently on the Lord's timing. I know I am not!
But, nevertheless, God does have set times and when that time comes, action is exactly right and at the right time. Not an easy lesson for me to learn ( if I ever will sigh!)
I think the vision was to give hope ( and the hope can be for us also, as we live in a world seemingly spiraling down into more and more sin, our enemies are very busy.....but we know God wins and will fight our battles.
Which brings us to the
The Crown and the Temple
Joshua is a type of the future of the Messiah....who will be both King and Priest ( something the Jews always kept separate).
He will bring peace.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Jul 29, 2019 11:44:09 GMT -5
I am so sorry Cindy.....Yes!! Absolutely all your contributions are extremely helpful!!
I apologize, I do that to Leonard almost every night.
He makes wonderful suppers, and I just eat them...............................
and finally he will have to ask:
" Is it ok?"
Huh? gobble gobble slurp slurp
Oh! Oh yes, it's wonderful!!
I get so busy enjoying what you both bring to me, I forget ( that's probably not the right word)
to say thank you and how helpful you both are!!!
What would I do without either of you?
I know, I have the Lord, but I mean you both are so special.
I will try be more specific in what really stands out of what you write...but really all of it!! LOL
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anna
Trials
Posts: 1,995
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Post by anna on Jul 30, 2019 7:51:25 GMT -5
Chapter 6
Here is a scripture that shows how I am feeling. Romans 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
I feel I am struggling to study the Bible, but this that we write will help when reading again the book of Zechariah.
Four chariots of divine judgment. Now I am looking at pictures of horses, the color bay is a reddish brown color, red black and white. Different colors of the horses means divine judgment. These are 4 spirits from heaven that go to different locations on the earth.
The crowning of the prophet Joshua. The Lord said to Joshua take captivity those that come from Babylon. Joshua receives a crown made out of silver and gold and also 4 other men receive crowns. The man whose name is the Branch shall build the temple of the Lord, Joshua will sit on his throne. The council of peace will be there with Joshua. Joshua is told to diligently obey the voice of the Lord his God.
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Post by Cindy on Jul 30, 2019 11:44:27 GMT -5
Zechariah 6
A Vision of Four Chariots
This is another vision, there are 4 chariots and horses of different colors. The horses kind of reminds me of the horses in Revelation, and these like those are bringing judgement.
The red could be a symbol of blood, and black death, white victory and dapple?
"the four winds of heaven, after presenting themselves before the Lord of all the earth"
Seems pretty clear to be angels.
These 4 angels are going to the North and South ( and then to the whole world) to bring God's judgement.
I think I can learn from the prophet it's okay to ask questions and have a teachable spirit.
Also, it may have seemed to men a long time had passed before God acted and gave judgement, because, I think most people are not go at waiting patiently on the Lord's timing. I know I am not!
But, nevertheless, God does have set times and when that time comes, action is exactly right and at the right time. Not an easy lesson for me to learn ( if I ever will sigh!)
I think the vision was to give hope ( and the hope can be for us also, as we live in a world seemingly spiraling down into more and more sin, our enemies are very busy.....but we know God wins and will fight our battles.
Which brings us to the
The Crown and the Temple
Joshua is a type of the future of the Messiah....who will be both King and Priest ( something the Jews always kept separate).
He will bring peace.
You know, it might help you, if when you're reading you would ask yourself if the passage reminds you of something else in the Bible. Seeing how we just talked about 4 horses in the 1st chapter, I would think that this one would remind you of that passage and would also remind you of the horses in Revelation too. Remembering that, can help us realize what the prophesy is about. Like Zechariah 1:8, this too is similar to Rev 6:1–8. All 3 passages are about judgement coming. Then in this chapter, Zechariah asks what these horses represent. The angel answers: “The angel answered me, “These are the four spirits of heaven, going out from standing in the presence of the Lord of the whole world.” (Zechariah 6:5) Again, doesn't that too sound familiar? It sounds similar to what we were told in Zechariah 1:10-11. "Lord of all the earth" is a Millennial title for Jesus. So these "spirits" serve God and have gone to do His bidding by bringing His judgements to the earth. (again, like in Revelation.) This particular prophesy also has a near and far fulfillment. The near one was one in which Israel's enemies would see God's wrath. The far one will be during the Tribulation when all the nations will be under God's wrath. And that of course includes at the Lord's Second Coming when He Himself finishes the war and saves Israel and those Gentiles that have lived through the Tribulation.
I'm not sure which version you're reading but verse 8 is translated differently by the different translations:
NASB95 | Zec 6:8 Then He cried out to me and spoke to me saying, “See, those who are going to the land of the north have appeased My wrath in the land of the north.”
NIV | Zec 6:8 Then he called to me, “Look, those going toward the north country have given my Spirit rest in the land of the north.” Although the words are different, both mean the same thing. God is saying that because of the judgement of His enemies His wrath is over, and can be at rest. This is most likely referring to the far prophecy of the fall of Babylon toward the end of the Tribulation which is in Revelation 17 and 18. yes, the second vision is all about Jesus being both King and priest. Verses 12-15 tell us 8 important things about the Messiah the Branch. I'll quote MacArthur on this one.
1) He will come from Israel (Zechariah 6:12);
2) He will build the millennial temple (Zechariah 6:12b, Zechariah 6:13a);
3) He will be glorious (Zechariah 6:13);
4) He will be king and priest (Zechariah 6:13);
5) He makes peace (Zechariah 6:13);
6) He opens the kingdom to Gentiles (Zechariah 6:15a);
7) He will corroborate God’s Word (Zechariah 6:15b); and
8) He demands obedience (Zechariah 6:15c). This, as always, is the essential matter. After Israel believes, the Messiah will come to set up His kingdom (cf. Zechariah 12:10–13:1; Zechariah 14:9–21). Faith and cleansing must come first. The MacArthur study Bible
In Zechariah 6:12 we also learn that while Zerubbabel will build the restoration temple, the Messiah, Jesus, will build the final Temple, which tells us again that it's speaking of the Second Coming.
Most of the versions translate the original of Zechariah 6:14 to say that the crown was to be put into the Temple (not given to someone) and the reason for it to be put there was as a reminder of how devoted the exiles who had returned to help build the Temple were and to remind them that the Messiah would come. As far as the 4 different names go, the first three are names of exiles that were there at the time this was written and the last name is another name for Zephaniah's son, Josiah. (which would encourage them and give them hope.)
I am so sorry Cindy.....Yes!! Absolutely all your contributions are extremely helpful!!
I apologize, I do that to Leonard almost every night.
He makes wonderful suppers, and I just eat them...............................
and finally he will have to ask:
" Is it ok?"
Huh? gobble gobble slurp slurp
Oh! Oh yes, it's wonderful!!
I get so busy enjoying what you both bring to me, I forget ( that's probably not the right word)
to say thank you and how helpful you both are!!!
What would I do without either of you?
I know, I have the Lord, but I mean you both are so special.
I will try be more specific in what really stands out of what you write...but really all of it!! LOL
You're very special to me too hon! 
Chapter 6
Here is a scripture that shows how I am feeling. Romans 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
I feel I am struggling to study the Bible, but this that we write will help when reading again the book of Zechariah.
Four chariots of divine judgment. Now I am looking at pictures of horses, the color bay is a reddish brown color, red black and white. Different colors of the horses means divine judgment. These are 4 spirits from heaven that go to different locations on the earth.
The crowning of the prophet Joshua. The Lord said to Joshua take captivity those that come from Babylon. Joshua receives a crown made out of silver and gold and also 4 other men receive crowns. The man whose name is the Branch shall build the temple of the Lord, Joshua will sit on his throne. The council of peace will be there with Joshua. Joshua is told to diligently obey the voice of the Lord his God.
ESV | Zec 6:14 And the crown shall be in the temple of the LORD as a reminder to Helem, Tobijah, Jedaiah, and Hen the son of Zephaniah.
NASB95 | Zec 6:14 “Now the crown will become a reminder in the temple of the LORD to Helem, Tobijah, Jedaiah and Hen the son of Zephaniah.
If you're reading the KJV, I can see where you'd be confused as it's the only one that uses the plural of "crowns" instead of the singular. But the word in the original language is clearly singular. (I looked it up myself to be certain.) Most of the versions translate the original to say that the crown was to be put into the Temple (not given to someone) and the reason for it to be put there was as a reminder of how devoted the exiles who had returned to help build the Temple were and to remind them that the Messiah would come. As far as the 4 different names go, the first three are names of exiles that were there at the time this was written and the last name is another name for Zephaniah's son, Josiah.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Jul 30, 2019 12:02:00 GMT -5
Zechariah 7
Now that 'finally' ( from man's point of view), things are starting to look up, they wonder if they need to continue weeping and fasting, as they had done for years ( after the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple)?
But God asks: "When you fasted and mourned in the fifth month and in the seventh, for these seventy years, was it for me that you fasted"?
This suggests to me, it had become a 'duty' and not done from real worship, sincerity etc.
God could be asking this very question of me....is it for me, or for self-centered reasons.
it is easy to deceive ourselves, so we greatly need this reminder.
In fact God says: "And when you eat and when you drink, do you not eat for yourselves and drink for yourselves?"
Now God goes on to say the things that ought to be done:
"Render true judgments,
show kindness and mercy to one another,
do not oppress the widow,
the fatherless,
the sojourner,
or the poor,
and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart.”
However its the next 2 verses that are soooo sad.....
"But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder and stopped their ears that they might not hear.
They made their hearts diamond-hard lest they should hear the law and the words that the Lord of hosts had sent by his Spirit through the former prophets. "
This a was willful turning away.
Wow! With Diamond hard hearts.....sort of like today!!!
Sadder still are the next verse:
"I called, and they would not hear,
so they called, and I would not hear"
And God had scattered them throughout the nations, and their land became desolate.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Jul 30, 2019 12:08:08 GMT -5
I did say at least this:
"The horses kind of reminds me of the horses in Revelation" LOL
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anna
Trials
Posts: 1,995
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Post by anna on Jul 30, 2019 21:09:32 GMT -5
I added comment today to chapter 3, what I added is in color blue.
Chapter 7
King Darius ruled for 36 years, in the 4th year of King Darius, the word of the Lord came to Zechariah. Two men were sent to the house of God to pray before the Lord, and to speak to the priest and prophets.They questioned if they should fast and the Lord spoke to Zechariah questioning their motives for fasting, did they fast for the right reason and did they hear the word of the Lord that the former prophet spoke to them? Zechariah was to tell the men to execute true judgement, show mercy and compassion. Imagine not evil in your hearts or as in the new testament says, 2 Corinthians 10:5 " Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalt itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;" They decided not to listen to those words that Zechariah said to them, so the Lord scattered those people to areas where the land then became desolate.
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Post by Cindy on Jul 31, 2019 11:36:53 GMT -5
Zechariah 7
Now that 'finally' ( from man's point of view), things are starting to look up, they wonder if they need to continue weeping and fasting, as they had done for years ( after the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple)?
But God asks: "When you fasted and mourned in the fifth month and in the seventh, for these seventy years, was it for me that you fasted"?
This suggests to me, it had become a 'duty' and not done from real worship, sincerity etc.
God could be asking this very question of me....is it for me, or for self-centered reasons.
it is easy to deceive ourselves, so we greatly need this reminder.
In fact God says: "And when you eat and when you drink, do you not eat for yourselves and drink for yourselves?"
Now God goes on to say the things that ought to be done:
"Render true judgments,
show kindness and mercy to one another,
do not oppress the widow,
the fatherless,
the sojourner,
or the poor,
and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart.”
However its the next 2 verses that are soooo sad.....
"But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder and stopped their ears that they might not hear.
They made their hearts diamond-hard lest they should hear the law and the words that the Lord of hosts had sent by his Spirit through the former prophets. "
This a was willful turning away.
Wow! With Diamond hard hearts.....sort of like today!!!
Sadder still are the next verse:
"I called, and they would not hear,
so they called, and I would not hear"
And God had scattered them throughout the nations, and their land became desolate.
Yes, God wanted them to think about why they were fasting. They were really fasting out of self pity, not out of sorrow and repentance for their sins which had caused their Temple to be burned down and the people deported to Babylon. Here's where it says what actually happened at that time: “On the seventh day of the fifth month, in the nineteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, Nebuzaradan commander of the imperial guard, an official of the king of Babylon, came to Jerusalem. He set fire to the temple of the LORD, the royal palace and all the houses of Jerusalem. Every important building he burned down. The whole Babylonian army, under the commander of the imperial guard, broke down the walls around Jerusalem. Nebuzaradan the commander of the guard carried into exile the people who remained in the city, along with the rest of the populace and those who had gone over to the king of Babylon.” (2 Kings 25:8–11) It had become a duty of sorts, but when they fasted, it was more about them feeling sorry for themselves instead of being sorry for their sins. Then when God asks about their eating and drinking, He's showing them that they even do that to show off to others so others will think they're really religious. And like you said, these are things we need to keep in mind as well.
When God tells them what they should be doing, He's saying what He says to us in James 2:14–24 - (especially James 2:22) that faith without deeds is dead. In other words, when someone is really saved, their actions show it.
When God says they turned away etc in Zechariah 7:11–14, He's not talking about the people at that time, but rather speaking of their fathers, who's sins were the cause of the Babylonian's conquering them. Yes, it is a lot like now, isn't it?I did say at least this:
"The horses kind of reminds me of the horses in Revelation" LOL
I added comment today to chapter 3, what I added is in color blue.
Zechariah 3
added this comment later
"And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him."
The reason why Satan stands at the right hand to resist Joshua is because in the culture of the Middle East the right hand is work or their works. Satan can not resist God, once God sends a declaration out nothing can strip that declaration, but Satan can stop a person from receiving his declaration.
3:3-4 Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. 4 The angel said to those who were standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes.” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put fine garments on you.”The clothing represents Joshua's iniquity.
We must be careful of judging another person because God can change the garment of anyone He chooses to. Judgement is in the mind, just because a person holds their mouth from saying something doesn't mean they are not judging. Who are we to judge another when we are full of iniquity ourselves. We live in a constant judgmental world. The Father's word is reality and the world is just some construct of mankind's doings, and Satan's influence. The world is not reality, people go to work in a system that mankind has made for himself and their dream and their hopes are within a bubble that mankind has constructed, they can not go outside of that bubble. Jesus calls us to go outside of that bubble, calls us to repentance and into the fold. We should never look to go back into the bubble. The only way a person can look back is if that place is still in their heart. If the Lord is in a person's heart they look forward to the Lord.
Now that Joshua put on clean clothes, Satan is no long there beside him, now an angel of the Lord is standing by Joshua.
So if Joshua does this then he will receive the reward that comes with being in the will of God.
Chapter 7
King Darius ruled for 36 years, in the 4th year of King Darius, the word of the Lord came to Zechariah. Two men were sent to the house of God to pray before the Lord, and to speak to the priest and prophets.They questioned if they should fast and the Lord spoke to Zechariah questioning their motives for fasting, did they fast for the right reason and did they hear the word of the Lord that the former prophet spoke to them? Zechariah was to tell the men to execute true judgement, show mercy and compassion. Imagine not evil in your hearts or as in the new testament says, 2 Corinthians 10:5 " Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalt itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;" They decided not to listen to those words that Zechariah said to them, so the Lord scattered those people to areas where the land then became desolate.
I love what you said about Chapter 7, especially linking it to 2 Corinthians! But on the last sentence....as I explained to Barbara, God wasn't speaking to the people alive at that time, He was speaking of the people who were alive when He had the Babylonians conquer Israel and take them captive, for it was their sins that caused Him to discipline them that way. |
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Jul 31, 2019 12:59:42 GMT -5
I too agree with Anna, but also with you.
Harsh judgement, especially hypocritical is not compassionate or helpful.
And yet, we are to judge not only sin in ourselves, but others ( always with love).
Otherwise, we are allowing them to go to Hell if we turn a blind eye to sin, and that is not loving.
I think maybe we judge the sin, and yet, still love the person. For example, someone who is a pedophile, we must judge and even report to authorities,....tho they are those who would say we should not judge them....but I think we have to go by what God says, rather than what man says.
Zechariah 8
God had great concern for His people was wrathful against those who had done them harm ( but because they had been so unfaithful).
I found it interesting that: "Jerusalem shall be called the faithful city, and the mountain of the Lord of hosts, the holy mountain". The people in it had been very sinful to the point God 'left' it for a time.
This also kind of seems to be one of those 2 times prophecies....one immediate and one for the millennium.
I always love it when God says:
"they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in faithfulness and in righteousness.”
God encourages the people to be strong ( and build the temple). Before, there was no peace, but now there shall be.
In fact, God once again says: "Fear not, but let your hands be strong.”
Things have really changed for the better.
And God answers the question about the fasts, they will now be cheerful and joyful feasts.
Then it really does seem to talk about the millennium when it says:
"In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you."
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anna
Trials
Posts: 1,995
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Post by anna on Jul 31, 2019 16:06:20 GMT -5
Chapter 8
God's intent to restore Jerusalem
The Lord said, I was jealous for Zion. Zion the location as the source of "joy" mentioned in the Psalm as the Temple Courtyard, a refuge, a sanctuary. This reminded me of words from a prayer you posted Cindy, where you said, " We thank you that we do not have to go in search of you, because you are the God who comes looking for us."
The Lord said I will return to Zion and dwell with them, old men and old women and children playing in the streets and everyone is safe. Sounds like a paradise. What a lovely oneness, where the Lord said, they shall be my people and I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness. Makes me think of the love and peace there is in heaven. Let your hands be strong, they feel secure and satisfied. The people will be prosperous. The Lord tells the people to be honest and show love to one another.
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Post by Cindy on Aug 1, 2019 11:13:16 GMT -5
I too agree with Anna, but also with you.
Harsh judgement, especially hypocritical is not compassionate or helpful.
And yet, we are to judge not only sin in ourselves, but others ( always with love).
Otherwise, we are allowing them to go to Hell if we turn a blind eye to sin, and that is not loving.
I think maybe we judge the sin, and yet, still love the person. For example, someone who is a pedophile, we must judge and even report to authorities,....tho they are those who would say we should not judge them....but I think we have to go by what God says, rather than what man says.
Zechariah 8
God had great concern for His people was wrathful against those who had done them harm ( but because they had been so unfaithful).
I found it interesting that: "Jerusalem shall be called the faithful city, and the mountain of the Lord of hosts, the holy mountain". The people in it had been very sinful to the point God 'left' it for a time.
This also kind of seems to be one of those 2 times prophecies....one immediate and one for the millennium.
I always love it when God says:
"they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in faithfulness and in righteousness.”
God encourages the people to be strong ( and build the temple). Before, there was no peace, but now there shall be.
In fact, God once again says: "Fear not, but let your hands be strong.”
Things have really changed for the better.
And God answers the question about the fasts, they will now be cheerful and joyful feasts.
Then it really does seem to talk about the millennium when it says:
"In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you."
 She was such a sweetheart... she listened and agreed with me that the Lord was right and she shouldn't do it. BUT she felt she had no other option so went ahead and did it anyway. It was the worst decision she ever made.  They soon got married and within days, the man began to beat her and became very controlling, often not allowing her to leave the house. She wound up getting a divorce in order to save her life, as he was so abusive. He had also pretended to be saved before they were married, but afterward she found out he was catholic and didn't know the Lord at all. I felt so awful for her, but I was glad that I had obeyed the Lord, even though it was hard and even though I felt hypocritical.
Zechariah 8
Zechariah 8 is almost completely about the Millennial Kingdom and onward. Only 7 of the 23 verses are about the present time. They are:
Zechariah 8:9–11. They speak of the present time and the recent past when their sins caused them to be judged and taken to Babylon, but now the Lord says things will be different for them, so they should build the Temple.
Then Zechariah 8:14–17 are again encouraging them in the present time and telling them what they need to do in order to avoid judgement again. “These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts; do not plot evil against your neighbor, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this,” declares the LORD.” (Zechariah 8:16–17) These are things that also relate to us of course.
Zechariah 8:19 actually answers the questions the delegation asked the Lord in Zechariah 7:3. But this too is for the Millennial Kingdom and not the present time! By the way, all the fasts that Israel help (and still hold to) were self imposed, God did not tell them to fast at those times. He only told them to fast on the Day of Atonement. So, He was saying, when Messiah comes the times of their sorrow and fasting would be turned to times of joy and gladness. But notice that at the end of the verse He also tells them (and us!) to love Truth and peace. Jesus is the Truth, and He is the Prince of Peace! Remember what Isaiah says about Jesus and what He will be called during the Millennial Kingdom? It's one of those mixed prophecies of both the 1st and 2nd coming: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government is on His shoulders and He shall be called, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God!, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6) I've always loved that, especially the part about Him being my wonderful counselor, because He really is that, even now!
Notice too: “And many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the LORD Almighty and to entreat him.”” (Zechariah 8:22) The previous verse speaks of many people from many cities, but this one makes it obvious that it is speaking of Gentiles that live during the Millennial Kingdom and are saved. The only way they could get there was to be saved during the Tribulation or to be born to someone who was saved during the Tribulation. Then, to make it even more obvious, and to remind Israel that their promises will be fulfilled, He says, “This is what the LORD Almighty says: “In those days ten men from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, ‘Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.’ ”” (Zechariah 8:23) So these are Gentiles, who the Jews of that time hated and the Gentiles of that time hated the Jews. For them to hear from God Himself that when Messiah comes, the Gentiles will look up to the Jews and want to be taught by them, and be friends with them, was an amazing promise, almost unbelievable, (to the Jews, to this day!)!
Keep your eyes open to these things when reading the prophets especially, although, believe it or not, there are passages in the rest of the OT as well! Chapter 8
God's intent to restore Jerusalem
The Lord said, I was jealous for Zion. Zion the location as the source of "joy" mentioned in the Psalm as the Temple Courtyard, a refuge, a sanctuary. This reminded me of words from a prayer you posted Cindy, where you said, " We thank you that we do not have to go in search of you, because you are the God who comes looking for us."
The Lord said I will return to Zion and dwell with them, old men and old women and children playing in the streets and everyone is safe. Sounds like a paradise. What a lovely oneness, where the Lord said, they shall be my people and I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness. Makes me think of the love and peace there is in heaven. Let your hands be strong, they feel secure and satisfied. The people will be prosperous. The Lord tells the people to be honest and show love to one another. |
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Aug 1, 2019 12:47:31 GMT -5
Zechariah 9
Now comes the word of the Lord against various nations, cities or places.
This will help insure Israel's protection and safety.
And even tho Tyre and Sidon are very wise....in human terms, but nothing compares to God.
Trye had built an almost impregnable fortress...until it wasn't, because God choose the date of it's destruction.
When that happened other nations became greatly afraid.
God removing blood and abominations from their teeth and mouth seemingly had to do with idol worship and/or maybe they cruel violent savagery.
God repeats He will be their guardian.
Then we move to:
The Coming King of Zion
v.9
Seems to point to Jesus and His 1st coming ("humble and mounted on a donkey").
But then v. 10
Seems to switch to the future when God says: "I will "...
as in the future, I will ----- ------
and He will bring peace in the millennium.
God always remembers His covenant with Israel.
Then the Jews will be as soldiers/warriors for God, which was to have been their original purpose....spreading the good news of their Messiah to the world.
The Lord Will Save His People
The victory is not in their own power ( nor is it in ours or mine).
God fights the actual battle.
How great is their God and our God.
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anna
Trials
Posts: 1,995
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Post by anna on Aug 1, 2019 19:09:30 GMT -5
Zechariah chapter 9 The coming of the King.
The burden of the word of the Lord or in other words, the prophets when speaking the word of the Lord carried a burden. The servant of God means business. So at this time, the word was to be in favor of Damascus and against the land of Hadrach, Tyrus and Zidon, these three lands bordering near each other.
Rejoice daughter of Zion, shout daughter of Jerusalem, behold the King cometh to you. The King is just, and having salvation, lowly, riding on a donkey ( that is prophesying about Jesus). Jesus will speak peace and the Word will go out to all the earth. The Lord their God will save them in that day as the flock of his people: for they shall be as stones of a crown. Great is the goodness of the Lord and great is the beauty of the Lord.
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Post by Cindy on Aug 2, 2019 10:26:40 GMT -5
Zechariah 9
Now comes the word of the Lord against various nations, cities or places.
This will help insure Israel's protection and safety.
And even tho Tyre and Sidon are very wise....in human terms, but nothing compares to God.
Trye had built an almost impregnable fortress...until it wasn't, because God choose the date of it's destruction.
When that happened other nations became greatly afraid.
God removing blood and abominations from their teeth and mouth seemingly had to do with idol worship and/or maybe they cruel violent savagery.
God repeats He will be their guardian.
Then we move to:
The Coming King of Zion
v.9
Seems to point to Jesus and His 1st coming ("humble and mounted on a donkey").
But then v. 10
Seems to switch to the future when God says: "I will "...
as in the future, I will ----- ------
and He will bring peace in the millennium.
God always remembers His covenant with Israel.
Then the Jews will be as soldiers/warriors for God, which was to have been their original purpose....spreading the good news of their Messiah to the world.
The Lord Will Save His People
The victory is not in their own power ( nor is it in ours or mine).
God fights the actual battle.
How great is their God and our God.
Ok, this is a mixed bag of undated prophesies. I'll mostly be sharing what MacArthur and other pastors say about this. The first one in Zechariah 9:1-8 is interestingly considered to be about the famous Greek conqueror, Alexander the Great’s victories. It's given about 200 years before he marched through Palestine. (which most don't realize he did.) He provides an analogy of Christ returning to judge the nations and save Israel at the end of the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21).
Verses 3 and 4 are about Tyre which is an island about a half mile off shore. Because of that, and it's walls which were 150 feet high, it thought it was invincible. MacArthur says, the Assyrian Shalmaneser besieged it for 5 years and failed to conquer it. Nebuchadnezzar tried for 13 years unsuccessfully. But Alexander, God’s judgment instrument, using the rubble of the mainland city destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar, built a causeway out to the island and destroyed it in 7 months (ca. 334–332 B.C.). The MacArthur study Bible
Then in verses 5 and 6, we see this terrified the cities of Philistia, and Alexander the Great was able to conquer them as well.
“I will take the blood from their mouths, the forbidden food from between their teeth. Those who are left will belong to our God and become leaders in Judah, and Ekron will be like the Jebusites.” (Zechariah 9:7) This judgment put an end to idolatry for many Philistines who turned to the God of Israel. In the imagery of this verse, the nation is seen as a man with blood in his mouth (from eating sacrifices to idols) and abominations (the other defiled food of idol worship) which are removed. The picture is of conversion to worship the true God. The MacArthur study Bible
The Jebusites were the people who lived in Jerusalem before David conquered it. They became worshippers of God and part of Israel, which is what this prophecy is saying will happen with the Philistines in the Millennium.
Zechariah 9:8 is God's promise to protect Jerusalem, which He did when Alexander came to conquer it. I like the way MacArthur explains this so I'll quote what he says: The supernatural and lasting protection here promised must anticipate the Second Advent of Messiah, whose coming is the subject through the rest of this message. The transition from Alexander to Christ can be understood in this way: If God can use a pagan king to judge the nations and save Israel, how much more will He use His righteous Messiah? So v. 8 bridges to the final judgment and deliverance of Messiah. The MacArthur study Bible
Zechariah 9:9 is speaking of the 1st coming of Jesus and verse 10 is about His 2nd coming and the start of the Millennial Kingdom, as you said. In verse 9 we also see 4 things that describe our Lord: 1) He's King; 2) He's just; 3) He brings salvation; and 4) He's humble.
Verse 11 shows us that the reason Israel will be so blessed isn't because they've done right or that they're good or anything like that. It's only because of the covenant God made with Abraham.
Verses 13 - 15 show us that God will protect them supernaturally and that He will empower them like He did during the Exodus. There was a near fulfillment of this prophecy when the Maccabees defeated the Greeks, but the final, complete fulfillment will come at the 2nd Coming, when Jesus will save Jerusalem from the Antichrist! MacArthur says the first fulfillment was just a preview of what's to come, lol, I like that as it reminds me of other "previews" the Lord's given us! Verse 15 could easily predict the futility of Armageddon against our all powerful God! (Rev 16:12–16; Rev 19:11–16) The blood of those who fight against the Lord and Israel will be all over Israel that day, like it says in Revelation too: “They were trampled in the winepress outside the city, and blood flowed out of the press, rising as high as the horses’ bridles for a distance of 1,600 stadia.” (Revelation 14:20) That's about 180 miles! This is also spoken of in Zechariah 14:1–5. We see that Israel will be attacked by the antichrist, and Jerusalem may well be partially taken, but that will only last for minutes or hours, just until our Lord returns with us with Him, and He saves the day! Then besides all the blood, the bodies will be piled all over the place (of unbelievers) and God will call the birds to feast on them. As you said, they couldn't win the war against the antichrist, only God could do so, and that's true for us every day. We need to let God guide us and do for us, instead of constantly trying to prove what we can do.
“The LORD their God will save them on that day as the flock of his people. They will sparkle in his land like jewels in a crown. How attractive and beautiful they will be! Grain will make the young men thrive, and new wine the young women.” (Zechariah 9:16–17) What a beautiful image of what the now saved nation of Israel will look like! They will sparkle because they've been cleansed of their sins and be like jewels in our Lord's crown, and they will finally be safe in God's land, the land the Lord gives to them. Zechariah chapter 9 The coming of the King.
The burden of the word of the Lord or in other words, the prophets when speaking the word of the Lord carried a burden. The servant of God means business. So at this time, the word was to be in favor of Damascus and against the land of Hadrach, Tyrus and Zidon, these three lands bordering near each other.
Rejoice daughter of Zion, shout daughter of Jerusalem, behold the King cometh to you. The King is just, and having salvation, lowly, riding on a donkey ( that is prophesying about Jesus). Jesus will speak peace and the Word will go out to all the earth. The Lord their God will save them in that day as the flock of his people: for they shall be as stones of a crown. Great is the goodness of the Lord and great is the beauty of the Lord.
I apologize for not going into more detail on the first prophecy when I was replying to Barbara. I'll try to do better next time!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,383
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Post by fearnot on Aug 2, 2019 12:22:28 GMT -5
Thank you for all your help and added information, and picking up the slack from me.
I am sorry I am lagging, I have been extra tired,
watching 3 children ( 2 who are not as easy as Devon)
is a bit more than I am used to....I know it is not an excuse tho).
Anyway, I am not sure if this is any better as I am still kind of weary.
Zechariah 10
The Restoration for Judah and Israel
The people are told to ask God for blessings ( of rain in this case)
Jesus tells us in the NT to ask in His name ( in His will and in faith, and do not ask wrongly, and keep His commandments)
And in James 4:2 it says, we do not receive because we don't ask.
So a lesson for me as well...be it rain or whatever ( salvation for loved ones)>
The strange thing is ( at least for me), and perhaps for these people, is they did not make prayer their first choice. I sadly often think of it after too much time has gone by, and actually to my way of thinking, any time that has gone by is too much time.
That they had to basically be reminded to pray for rain, is kind of a sad statement ( as it is for me, it also a show of a lack of faith and respect to God).
But then.....
Oh no...it mentions household gods....what??? Surely they did not carry these into captivity and carried them back to Israel????
In any case they additionally listened to diviners that:
diviners see lies;
they tell false dreams
and because of it the people wandered like sheep.
This reminds me of what is in movies, TV, videos, video games, etc.
Then it gives this:
"they are afflicted for lack of a shepherd".
( I was thinking that, in a way, they still are afflicted until the day they accept Jesus as their Messiah).
So the people of those days, and many today, close the door to God's favor and blessings by themselves. Jesus knocks but if they don't answer and open the door, He does not force Himself on them.
However, great judgement comes upon those that are shepherds ( wicked priests, wolves in sheep's clothing, false prophets etc.) who do not lead their flock to safety, and rulers who are corrupt etc etc.
Nevertheless God cares for His flock and will make provision for the safety and victory....they will be like 'his majestic steed in battle'.
Now He speaks of Jesus as the:
cornerstone, ( we see this in the NT Jesus as the cornerstone the builder's rejected)
without the cornerstone the building is without a firm foundation
( this of course is true spiritually, which is what it means here...tho its true in building building, a house or any building needs a firm foundation or it will fall into ruin)>
Also in this passage Jesus is like a tent peg,
and the battle bow, ( for conquering in war)
so with Jesus as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the battles they fight will be victorious....so that even foot soldiers will win over men on horses ( because they have God on their side).
The next few verses are so uplifting for all who have walk away, been lead astray etc.
They can come back
"I will bring them back because I have compassion on them,
and they shall be as though I had not rejected them,
for I am the Lord their God and I will answer them."
When God says He will answer them, I assume that they may have been praying, but the main thing to me is God has compassion.
Then God says:
"“I will whistle for them and gather them in,
for I have redeemed them,
and they shall be as many as they were before."
He is going to call them back to Israel but more so to Himself ( this is probably those who survived the tribulation and go into the millennium).
It talks about all the countries they have been scattered to, and they surely have been.
Finally this most upbeat promise:
"I will make them strong in the Lord,
and they shall walk in his name,”
declares the Lord."
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I can't think backwards like you have to in order to see who was first when it's before Jesus' time! Anyway, I think this is the proper timeline for these prophets. 
Marlene, I hope you don't mind, but I want to wait until Barbara tells us about chapter two before I add anything. With each book we study, we each do the same chapter instead of taking turns. Actually, it's Barbara that does each chapter. My job is to correct anything that's wrong (which hasn't happened as far as I can remember lol) and then to add anything she may have missed that's important to that chapter. We also try to focus on how we can apply what we've learned in the chapter to our own lives too. 
She was such a sweetheart... she listened and agreed with me that the Lord was right and she shouldn't do it. BUT she felt she had no other option so went ahead and did it anyway. It was the worst decision she ever made. 
They soon got married and within days, the man began to beat her and became very controlling, often not allowing her to leave the house. She wound up getting a divorce in order to save her life, as he was so abusive. He had also pretended to be saved before they were married, but afterward she found out he was catholic and didn't know the Lord at all. I felt so awful for her, but I was glad that I had obeyed the Lord, even though it was hard and even though I felt hypocritical.
!!
