Daily Devotions
Zechariah
"The burden of the word of the LORD"
Text: Zechariah 9:1
THE ESTABLISHING OF A NATION
It is obviously not easy to establish a nation. Israel’s history revealed that it struggled much to establish itself in Canaan.
A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF ISRAEL’S HISTORY
The following thumbnail view may help us understand the problems that Israel faced in the days of Zechariah.
1. The conquest of the land of Canaan
Joshua led Israel to conquer the land to establish their nations (Book of Joshua). The reason for Joshua’s success was his faith in the LORD. God was their Commander-in-Chief.
2. Conquered by their enemies
After the death of Joshua and the loss of good leadership, Israel was overrun by the very people they had conquered! (Book of Judges)
3. The United Monarchy
The first King was Saul but he failed to establish the nation. David was the king who established Israel as a kingdom.
4. The Divided Monarchy
Sadly, two generations after King David, Israel became two separate entities. They never managed to become united.
5. Many were the enemies of Israel
They seized every opportunity to attack Israel and Judah, the Northern and Southern kingdoms.
A SPECIAL PROMISE GIVEN
The LORD gave a special word of promise to Judah through the prophet Zechariah.
“The burden of the word of the LORD
Against the land of Hadrach,
And Damascus its resting place
(For the eyes of men
And all the tribes of Israel
Are on the LORD).”
Zechariah 9:1
1. “The burden of the word of the LORD”
The word “burden” described how “heavy” the message felt, at times. Zechariah had to battle the problem of unbelief that prevailed in the Land.
2. “The eyes of men and all the tribes of Israel are on the LORD”
This is as it should be! Damascus was the capital of Syria. Syria was actually a confederation of nations, of which Hadrach was a part. Faith in the LORD was necessary for victory!