What happensPermalink
God calls His people to return to Him rather than repeat their ancestors’ disobedience. Zechariah sees horsemen who report the earth is at rest while Jerusalem remains devastated. The angel of the Lord asks how long God will withhold mercy after seventy years of judgment. God answers that He is jealous for Jerusalem and has returned to it with mercy; His temple will be rebuilt and His cities will again prosper. Zechariah then sees four horns representing the powers that scattered God’s people and four craftsmen sent to overthrow them.
Why it mattersPermalink
God’s former judgments came just as His prophets warned, but judgment will not have the final word. God calls His people back to Himself and promises to return to Jerusalem in mercy. The nations may presently seem secure while God’s people suffer, but He has not abandoned them: He will restore Jerusalem and judge the powers that harmed His people.
Key versePermalink
Therefore say to them, Thus declares the Lord of hosts: Return to me, says the Lord of hosts, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts.