Zechariah's Vision of the Coming King (Zechariah 9-14)

A Few Thoughts to Consider

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the state of this world?

If so, this is not a new feeling. As Joyce Baldwin notes, the final six chapters of Zechariah “are very different. Gone are the bold outlines, and instead there are enigmatic references to enemies of former days, grim battles, betrayal, bitter weeping, interspersed with assurances of peace, prosperity and ultimate victory.”^[1] It’s a grim picture.

Still, chapters 9-14 are among the most quoted sections in the passion narratives of the Gospels and the Book of Revelation.^[2] As Baldwin notes, “The book prepares God’s people for the worst calamity they can ever face, the triumph of evil over good. Even God’s representative dies at the hand of evil men. There is no room in Zechariah’s thinking for glib optimism, but when evil has done its worst the Lord remains King, and will be seen to be King by all the nations.”^[3]

The central theme of Zechariah 9-14 is the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of God's kingdom. These chapters include prophetic messages about Israel's future deliverance and restoration, the arrival of a humble and righteous king, and God's ultimate triumph over His enemies. They emphasize divine judgment, the purification of God's people, and the hope of an everlasting kingdom, highlighting God's sovereign plan for redemption and the anticipation of the Messiah. After opening with a series of prophecies against neighboring nations, Zechariah 9:9 says,

Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion!
Shout in triumph, Daughter Jerusalem!
Look, your King is coming to you;
he is righteous and victorious,
humble and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

So, on the one hand, life looks unbelievably bleak. Yet, because of this coming king, there is reason to have hope. As Ralph Smith writes, “The shouting of the people greeting the coming of the king is characteristic of cultic situations. But this situation is different. The king comes riding on a donkey which may suggest humility, rather than on a horse which probably would have been indicative of militarism.”^[4]

He is just and humble. He isn’t coming to conquer; he is coming to save.

A Meditation to PRAY

Praise | Lord, I praise you for your promise of a coming King who brings righteousness and salvation. I thank you for your faithfulness in fulfilling your word and for the hope you provide through your sovereign plan. Your reign is marked by peace and justice, and your love endures forever.

Release | I release my fears and anxieties about the future, trusting in your divine plan. I let go of any reliance on worldly powers and instead look to your eternal kingdom. Help me to surrender my doubts and embrace the peace you offer through your righteous rule.

Ask | I ask for your guidance and wisdom to recognize and follow you, my King, daily. Strengthen my faith so that I can trust in your promises, even when circumstances seem uncertain. Grant me the courage to live out your values of justice, peace, and humility in all that I do.

Yield | I yield my heart to your rule, committing to live as a faithful servant in your kingdom. I surrender my will to your greater purpose, trusting that your plans are for my good and your glory. May my life reflect the righteousness and peace of your coming King, bringing honor to your name.

A Challenge to Act Like Christ