Mostly, this chapter deals with the Lord’s deliverance of Israel at the end of the tribulation. It looks forward to the time when the eyes of man, as of all the tribes of Israel, shall be toward the Lord (v.1). At this time, the enemies of Israel will either be destroyed or else transformed into admirers and supporters. The prisoners of hope will be released and the Lord will appear over the Israelites to defend them. The chapter ends by declaring the great goodness and beauty of the Lord.

What Does It Say?

1.  The chapter deals with the time when the _________ of man, as of all the tribes of Israel, shall be toward the _________.
2. God promises to encamp about His _________.
3.  The coming King will speak _________ unto the heathen, and His ___________ shall be from sea even to sea.
4. God will raise up the sons of Zion against the sons of __________.
5. “For how great is his ____________, and how great is his ___________!”

What Does It Mean?

1.  Verse 1 states, “The burden of the word of the LORD.” Compare this statement with those found in Habakkuk 1:1The burden which Habakkuk the prophet did see.
   See All...; Zechariah 12:1The burden of the word of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him.
   See All...; Malachi 1:1The burden of the word of the LORD to Israel by Malachi.
   See All.... Why would the word of the Lord be called a burden? In what ways can God’s word be like a heavy load?
2. Verses 11-12 speak of “prisoners of hope” who are taken out a pit wherein is no water. At the time of God’s deliverance, they will be removed from their prison and will receive a double reward. Who do you think these prisoners are? Please give reasons for your answer.
3.  Verse 14 makes four statements about the events at the end of the tribulation: “And the LORD shall be seen over them, and his arrow shall go forth as the lightning: and the Lord GOD shall blow the trumpet, and shall go with whirlwinds of the south.” At least three of these statements match up with events mentioned in Matthew 24:27-31 [27] For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. [28] For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together. [29] Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: [30] And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. [31] And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
   See All..., a passage which deals with the same events. Study both verse 14 and Matthew 24:27-31 [27] For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. [28] For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together. [29] Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: [30] And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. [31] And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
   See All... and see how many connections you can find between the two passages.

What Does It Mean to Me?

1. Verse 9 is at least partially fulfilled in Matthew 21:1-11 [1] And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, [2] Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto me. [3] And if any man say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them. [4] All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, [5] Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass. [6] And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them, [7] And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon. [8] And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. [9] And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. [10] And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this? [11] And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.
   See All.... What does verse 9 reveal about the person and ministry of Jesus Christ? How does each of these facts about Jesus provide a personal blessing for you?
2. In verse 16, God’s people are said to be “as the stones of a crown.” Malachi 3:17And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
   See All... states, “And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.” The jewels (or stones in the crown) are a picture of God’s people. Give some ways in which precious stones can be a type of the people of God. How does 1Peter 2:5Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
   See All... compare to the other verses?

Suggested Memory Verses

Zechariah 9:9Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.
See All..., 16