The focus of Zechariah changes with chapter nine. The Lord pronounced judgment against the neighbor/enemies of Israel. He lists Damascus, Tyre, Sidon and Gaza. The major trade routes of the Middle East passed through the Promised Land, and armies used these routes. The Lord stated that oppressors will not march through, or return, to Israel ever again (Zechariah 9:8).
The promises to Israel continue in chapter ten. We know how the Lord rejected them because of their sin and rebellion, and He allowed them to be conquered and dispersed out of the land. But He is merciful and it will be as if He had never rejected them (Zechariah 10:6). In verses 8 and 9 the Lord says that He will whistle (sharaq Strong’s H3819) for them and gather them from all the places where they were scattered. What a picture of the power of our God! He whistles and those summoned return.
There is an apocalyptic note in chapter ten. The Lord says that Israel will pass through trouble or tribulation (sara Strong’s H6869), but he (Israel) will subdue the sea of trouble (Zechariah 10:11). This parallels the promise made that Israel will be saved out of tribulation in Jeremiah 30:7.
The Last Days language continues in the remaining chapters of Zechariah. The Lord prophesied against a worthless shepherd (11:17) who will be injured by the sword, as in battle. His right eye will be blinded and his arm will be useless. Some believe that this worthless shepherd is the Beast from the Sea announced in the Revelation. This beast, or creature, will have a fatal wound that will be astonishingly healed (Revelation 13:12, 14).
The Lord declared that Jerusalem will be surrounded by armies, but He will make the city like an immovable rock (Zechariah 12:2-3). Whoever tries to move the rock will be injured. (Perhaps a metaphoric hernia?) Chapter twelve also contains the prophecy that Israel will recognize Jesus Messiah and will mourn as one mourns the loss of an only child (12:10).
Chapter fourteen foretells the great events of the Return of the Lord Jesus. The chapter begins with “the Day of the Lord,” and describes how all the nations will be gathered around Jerusalem, and then the Return is described. The Lord will set foot on the Mount of Olives, from which He departed in Acts 1:10-12. The Return is also foretold in the Revelation 19:11-14.
The Day of the Lord will be one, continuous, unique day (14:6-7). The armies gathered against Jerusalem will be struck with a plague that will cause their flesh to rot while they are still standing on their feet (14:12) The armies, in confusion, will attack each other just as they did in the time of King Jehoshaphat (II Chronicles 20:20-24).
Once again, it is prophesied that the wealth of the nations will be gathered in Jerusalem (14:14). The survivors of this supernatural cataclysm will be required to go up to Jerusalem every year to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. If they do not go to Jerusalem, they will receive no rain. (14:16-17).
These verses cause me to think that the surviving remnant of the nations will live near Israel. Perhaps the “world” will be composed of the area portrayed throughout the Bible, the area we know as the Middle East. Otherwise, the transportation logistics of the entire world coming to Israel would be astounding. This is conjecture on my part. The Lord is truly able to achieve His will. (Matthew 19:26)
The Book of Zechariah is such a good confirming Scripture of Last Days prophecy from both the Old Testament and the New Testament. This is not surprising for the Word of God is an integrated document. I am so thankful for the Lord providing us with the Bible. Praise His name forever!