The Lord promised to bless Jersalem. He loved Zion and her enemies made Him angry. The day would come when old men would sit around while children played, this seemed impossible, but Zephaniah told the people it would happen because God would make it so. The Lord wanted to be kind to His people and he told them again to be honest, judge fairly, seek peace, and be good to each other. The Lord had Zechariah tell the people that when they fasted that it was to be a joyful celebration. People from all around would want to live as God's people.
The Lord would punish His enemies. He pronounced judgement against Hadrach, Damascus, Hamath, Tyre and Sidon. Ashkelon and Gaza would tremble in fear. Philistia wouldn't feel so proud of itself anymore. God would protect the temple and no one would mistreat His people ever again. The Lord told the people about the coming king. He would come on a donkey and he would break weapons and bring peace. His kingdom would reach across the world. The Lord would rescue the captives in other lands, and He would protect His people and they would thrive.
When crops need rain, we should pray to God. Idols and fortune tellers have failed. Rulers have been cruel to the people and they will be punished. Strong leaders would come from His flock. God would bring the people home and answer their prayers. God would strenthen His people and they would follow Him.
The enemies of Israel would fall like trees in the forest. The Lord had Zechariah tend sheep. He used two sticks to tend the sheep. One he named "Mercy" and the other "Unity". Zechariah became impatient with three shepherds who didn't like him and said he didn't care what happened to the sheep. Then he broke "Mercy" to show that the Lord had cancelled His agreement with the people. Zechariah told the shepherds to pay him his wages and he'd be on his way, so they paid him 30 pieces of silver. The Lord told him to throw it in the temple treasury, so he did. Then he broke "Unity", breaking the ties between Judah and Israel. Then the Lord told him to act like a worthless shepherd, taking the best and not caring for the weak.
The Lord told Zechariah that He made heaven and earth and humans. He would make other nations unable to defeat Jerusalem. In fact, He would wipe out any nations which attacked Jerusalem. The Lord would make the descendants of David and the people of Jerusalem feel deep sorrow when they see the one they pierced with a spear. They would all grieve bitterly.
There would be a fountain for Jerusalem where David's descendants could wash away their sin and guilt. The Lord would get rid of all the idols. Also, prophets would be done away with - no more telling lies in the name of God. They would be ashamed that they ever said they were prophets. The Lord told Zechariah that the people would be winnowed to 1/3 of their size and purified. When they call His name, he would answer them. God would call them His people and they would call Him their God.
Tomorrow finish the Old Testament!
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