Title: Restoration of Israel (Zechariah 09:11-17)
Content Introduction
1. The content of Zechariah 9:11-17 prophesies the future restoration of Israel. This was fulfilled through a Gentile king named Alexander.
2. Alexander is an outstanding king who died at the young age of 33. He occupied most of Europe. However, due to his death, the territory was divided into three.
3. He built a city in every country he occupied. In particular, in Egypt, he built a city called Alexandria after him. Wherever he went, he transmitted Greek culture there. So Greek became the official language of Europe. This was the source of the future publication of the Septuagint, which translated the Old Testament into Greek.
4. After Alexander's death, the land of Judah was ruled by a man named "Antiochus Epiphanes". He was a very vicious politician.1) A statue of Zeus, Olympus from Greek mythology, was erected in the Jerusalem Temple to be sacrificed.
2) Pigs, forbidden in the law, were caught and sprinkled with pig blood mixed with the sacrifice.
3) The Sabbath was abolished. Circumcision was forbidden, and sports facilities were installed in the basement of the temple. Daniel 11:31 and 12:11 records the atrocities of Antiochus. This was December 25, 167 B.C. It was a matter of work.
5. The destruction of Jerusalem brought about great changes. Among them, the Jewish independence movement was actively developed. A priest named Matatius organized an organized independence movement with his five sons and his followers. His primary goal was to get rid of Antiochus Epiphanes, but he dies. Peace was enjoyed for years.
7. Today's words should be viewed as prophecies about the Maccabees era.
I. Israel resisted Greece (11-15).
A. The Maccabee period was prophesied.
1. God used Judah and Ephraim as bows. "God made Zion like a warrior's sword" He made it strong so that no one could be defeated.
2."Four children" means Israel, and "Greek children" refers to those who are loyal to Greek culture.
3. It is an event presented as a model for one assumption, but it must be remembered that this event led history.
4. Some say that Jesus was a zealot of the Maccabees, but this is unfounded.
B. It will go horribly.
1. In addition to using Judah as his bow, He also used lightning, thunder, and even the whirlwind of the south.
2. When God is for His beloved children, He gives grace by mobilizing all the things He has created in this way.
II. Victory and peace came (16-17).
A. He saves Israel.
1. Just as a shepherd saves his flock, God saves the people he loves. For this purpose, God used the Maccabees.
2. God transformed the warriors of the past into shepherds and flocks. It was to save them.
3. Israel was humanly impossible to regenerate. It was like a bare tree with only one last leaf left.
4. Humanly, there was only despair. There was absolutely no hope. But he saved them. This is the power of the gospel.
B. He gave me prosperity.
1. He said how great his prosperity and beauty were. Not only did he save him, but he also gave him glory. They recaptured Jerusalem and enjoyed great joy. did.
2. The boy expressed his glory and joy, saying, “The boy is strong with grain, and the virgin with new wine.” Now he is satisfied. did.
3. God gave them the harmony of beauty. He made them enjoy joy and praise.
4. God has prepared this kind of grace for us even now. Let's receive it by faith and enjoy it.