Clinging to promises is core to being one of the Lord’s people. Some are required to wait a long time to see promises fulfilled (eg Abraham and Sarah), some are called to believe without ever seeing fulfilment (1 Peter 1:10–12). The promise of Messiah fits that pattern. This promise was given through Zechariah to reassure people who were asking, ‘What now?’ Returned from exile with the Temple rebuilt, they were tempted to disillusionment against a background of strong, militaristic powers, including the all-conquering Alexander the Great. The call is to wait and trust.

Ours is also a waiting period. The Messiah has come, but there is still much to be accomplished before God’s enemies are brought to book. Our Messiah is gentle, unpretentious and peace-loving (vs 9,10). But we believe he rules to the ends of the earth (v 10): one day every knee will bow to him. When Zechariah talks about God unleashing his power, it is on behalf of his people. The Lord works to free prisoners (v 11), restore (v 12), protect (v 15), cause rejoicing (v 15), save (v 16) and to enable people to thrive (v 17). He is on our side, his power is wielded so that ‘no weapon forged against you will prevail’ (Isaiah 54:17).

‘King of glory, King of peace, I will love thee … Seven whole days, not one in seven, I will praise thee.’¹

In verses 1–7 God declares judgement on some of Israel’s traditional enemies. The way it is depicted suggests a conquering army moving down from the north. After this, God promises to defend and restore his people. They are urged to rejoice at the coming of a new king. Initially he is described in a way that echoes earlier prophecies of a ‘new David’.² However, whereas the context might imply the coming of a warrior riding a war-horse, this king is ‘lowly’ (v 9)³ and rides a donkey – an animal fit for royalty⁴ but not war. Through him, God will bring peace to Israel and the nations. God promises to liberate those Israelites who are enslaved in exile and urges them to return to the security of their homeland. The Gospel writers saw the beginning of the fulfilment of this prophecy in Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on a donkey.⁵ The phrase ‘blood of my covenant’ (v 11) goes back to the making of the Sinai covenant and was used by Jesus at the Last Supper⁶ when he declared that his death would bring liberation from sin. 

After talk of peace and an end to war, verses 13–17 are surprising because of their war-like imagery. However, much of it is the traditional imagery that is used of appearances of God, as at Sinai. The prophecy is about God saving his people ‘on that day’ (v 16). In the Old Testament, this often refers to the final day of the Lord when he will judge the nations and establish his universal rule. For Christians, this means the second coming of Jesus. A prophecy that gave hope and encouragement to the returned exiles at a difficult time does the same for us – and we have the added assurance of knowing that its fulfilment has begun in Jesus.

Consider what it should mean for you to love and praise God as King in your daily life. How far are you doing this?

¹ George Herbert, 1593–1633  ² Isa 9:7; Jer 23:5  ³ ‘Gentle’ in Matt 21:5  ⁴ 2 Sam 16:2  ⁵ Matt 21:4,5; John 12:14,15  ⁶ Exod 24:8; Matt 26:28