Zechariah 9:14-17--The LORD Will Save His People

Zechariah 9:14-17
English Standard Version

The LORD Will Save His People
14 Then the LORD will appear over them,
    and his arrow will go forth like lightning;
the LORD God will sound the trumpet
    and will march forth in the whirlwinds of the south.
15 The LORD of hosts will protect them,
    and they shall devour, and tread down the sling stones,
and they shall drink and roar as if drunk with wine,
    and be full like a bowl,
    drenched like the corners of the altar.

16 On that day the LORD their God will save them,
    as the flock of his people;
for like the jewels of a crown
    they shall shine on his land.
17 For how great is his goodness, and how great his beauty!
    Grain shall make the young men flourish,
    and new wine the young women.

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The LORD is coming not just as Conquering King, but as Savior for His people.  We have seen this somewhat already in the first time He came to save His people from their sins.  Yes, He will come to judge the living and the dead, but in the broader view of things, He is coming to save His people from the power and presence of sin and to permanently fix the brokenness caused by sin.

When all the armies of the earth come against them, the LORD will be their Shield and Defender--none of the attack of their enemies will harm them.  He will then make His attack and it will be swift like lightning and will hit its mark--all the enemies of the LORD and the LORD's people will be destroyed.  The people of God will have courage that is found not in wine like many soldiers of that day, but by being filled with the Spirit of the LORD.

On that day, He will be like a Shepherd who saves and defends His sheep.  For His flock are like the jewels of a crown to Him.  He will clothe them in righteousness and make them holy so that they will reflect His glory.  Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised!  He is beautiful beyond description--too marvelous for words! He will bring forth an abundance of grain and new wine so that everyone will have their fill and be satisfied and will rejoice that man is again at peace and in perfect union with the LORD.