This is one of those passages in which you can clearly see its reference to the Lord Jesus Christ, especially v. 9 which find its fulfillment in Christ entering Jerusalem.
Verses 1-8 Most Evangelical commentators rightly take this to be a reference to Alexander the Great, the great Grecian conqueror. Judah was surrounded by various enemies. In the NE was the land of Syria, to the North Phoenicia (modern-day Lebanon) and you would find Philistia in the SW (similar to today's Gaza strip). These nations and cities did not necessarily have the power they used to but they remained as formidable foes.
Practical Observations •Notice v. 1, how he has an eye on all mankind and all the tribes of Israel. His harsh words are against those opposed to His people. Notice also v. 8, how God will guard His people. God knows everyone and will render to each man accordingly, mercy and justice. •Notice, no man or nation is as secure as they think are, especially in their sins. •Notice v. 7, how God can turn and convert His enemies into His people. We too were like the Philistines and practicing abominable things but God had mercy on us. Many of us have become "a remnant for our God" (v. 7). But doesn't this verse also hint at the way God changes people? Their life and lifestyle changes: That is what God does through the gospel. First point: what Israel needed was not another king like the ones before. The prophets prophesied about a King in the line of David but their prophecies always exceeded anything Israel had experienced. God was telling them a true faithful righteous king is what they needed, one that could exert power and peace on a global scale.
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Dr. Mark Herzer has been the pastor of Christ Covenant Presbyterian Church (P.C.A.) in Warminster, PA since 1997. Before this, he was ordained to labor as an Assistant Pastor of Korean United Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia (1992-1995). He received his M.A.R. and Ph. D....
