The explanation of the first vision

The meaning of the vision of “a man riding on a red horse” is explained. (1) In verse 12, the angel of the Lord offers an “intercessory prayer” to “the Lord of armies (hosts).” This is an intercessory prayer offered from God the Son to God the Father. “Lord of armies, how long will You take no pity on Jerusalem and the cities of Judah, with which You have been indignant for these seventy years?” These seventy years refer to the period of the Babylonian captivity. This number of years had been prophesied by Jeremiah (ref. Jer. 25:11-12; 29:10). (2) An answer is given from the Lord of hosts. It is “gracious words” (good news), words that bring comfort to the people of Israel. (3) Zechariah is commanded to proclaim aloud seven blessings.

The seven blessings

(1) God loves Jerusalem and Zion with a jealous love. At the root of that love is His covenant with the people of Israel (Ex. 20:5; 34:14; Deut. 5:9). They are the Lord’s people, the Lord’s possession. (2) God is greatly angry with the Gentile nations that have fallen into anti-Jewish sentiment. This theme becomes the subject of the second vision (1:18-21). The phrase “very angry” in verse 15 and “exceedingly jealous” in verse 14 form what is called a chiastic parallelism. God used Assyria and Babylon to judge and discipline the people of Israel (Isa.47:6; 52:4-5). However, these two nations “furthered the disaster.” In other words, they went beyond the limits that God had permitted. (3) God says in verse 16, “I will return to Jerusalem with compassion” (ref. Ezek. 43:5). (4) Furthermore, He promises, “My house will be built in it.” Ultimately, this is a promise that will be fulfilled in the temple of the Millennial Kingdom. (5) It says, “A measuring line will be stretched over Jerusalem.” This is a promise that the rebuilding of Jerusalem will begin. (6) It says, “My cities will again overflow with prosperity” (v 17a). This is a promise that God’s grace will overflow like a spring from Jerusalem and reach the surrounding cities. (7) It also says, “The Lord will again comfort Zion and again choose Jerusalem” (v 17b). This shows that the rebuilding of Jerusalem is clearly God’s will. Even now, God loves His people, Israel. Blessed are the Gentile believers who pray for the salvation of Israel and for the peace of Jerusalem.