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olpo25 said:

I still do not specifically understand why the events in the early part of Zech 14 must take place after the Jews acknowledge Christ in Zech 12:10, that part isn't clicking yet, but if I can look at it in this new way you've shown me, hopefully everything will fall into place.

Olpo5,


Our understanding of the teaching of Zechariah is greatly helped when we recognize that the prophet gives pictures of the future in snapshot fashion, in which the pictures are not placed in any particular sequence. When we read a passage, we see only what is happening in that snapshot, not how it relates to other snapshots. Further, the prophet portrays even the present blessings that Christians enjoy in terms of imagery and customs of Old Testament life.

Zechariah’s visions combine the present and the future in an interwoven fabric that is impossible to tear apart. That is why it is often difficult to ascertain what time period the prophet has in mind. The promises relate to both the immediate audience in Zechariah’s day and also to the distant future. This “telescoping,” or compression of the near and distant future, is a common feature of the prophetic writing.

The welfare and future of Jerusalem as the holy city is a pervasive theme in Zechariah. Several of the visions develop this theme. Chapter 8 presents a picture of Jerusalem, with God in her midst, dwelling in beautiful tranquility. The book ends in chapter 14 developing the theme of the ideal Zion longed for in the Old Testament. Keep in mind that chapter 14 gives us a picture of the coming day of the Lord where judgment and deliverance are carried out. The last part of the book pictures the universal blessing that God will bestow in the final state.

Wes

When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory died, my richest gain I count but loss and pour contempt on all my pride. - Isaac Watts