Focusing on the Facts
1. What is one reason that Israel has drawn the attention of the world (see p. 1)?
2.What is a primary reason for Israel’s reappearance as a nation (see p. 1)?
3.What will happen to Israel’s tragic history on the day of her future political and spiritual victory (see p. 1)?
4.What is the future world war that will include a siege of Jerusalem commonly called (see p. 1)?
5.What are two reasons the nations of the world will converge on Israel during the Tribulation (see p. 2)?
6.Upon whom does the prophecy of Zechariah 12 focus (see p. 2)?
7.What does God’s use of the first person in Zechariah 12 signify? What confidence does it provide (see p. 2)?
8.What will happen to the nations that lay siege against Jerusalem (see p. 3)?
9.In prophetic literature, what does the phrase “in that day” usually refer to (see p. 4)?
10.Although Satan will entice the nations to come against Israel, whose plan is that in accord with (see p. 4)?
11.Identify the four armies present at the Battle of Armageddon (see p. 5).
12. How will God begin His shielding of Israel, according to verse 4 (see p. 6)?
13.What will the governors of Judah turn from and to as their resource during the invasion of Israel (see p. 6)?
14. What will enable Jerusalem to “be inhabited again in her own place” (v. 6; see p. 7)?
15.Why will God first deliver the inhabitants outside of Jerusalem (see p. 7)?
16.During the siege of Jerusalem, whom are its inhabitants compared to and why (v. 8; see p. 7)?
17.What will God do to the armies that attack Jerusalem at the end of the Tribulation (v. 9; see p. 8)?
18.Whom will Israel look upon as their victor? Why will that be a cause of mourning (vv. 10-14; see p. 8)?
19.What’s the one sin a person must repent of to be saved (see p. 9)?
20.What effect will the contrition of the aristocratic and privileged families of Israel have on the rest of the people (see p. 9)?
21.What will God pour upon the faithful remnant of Israel? What does that indicate (v. 10; see p. 9-10)?
22.What doctrines concerning God and Christ are implied in verse 10 (see p. 10)?
Pondering the Principles
1.Before declaring how He would protect Israel, the Lord identified Himself as the One “who stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him” (Zech. 12:1). That is precisely the assurance Israel will need when faced with seemingly unbeatable odds. When you encounter trials, do you acknowledge God’s power as the Creator of the universe and the One who gave us life? Memorize Jeremiah 32:17, which says, “Ah Lord God! Behold, Thou hast made the heavens and the earth by Thy great power and by Thine outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for Thee” (NASB). When you face obstacles that appear insurmountable, recall that verse as you look at things from the perspective of the Creator of the Universe.
2.Israel’s recognition of Christ as her Messiah at the end of the Tribulation is one of the most dramatic examples of repentance in the Bible. Consequently Zechariah 12 is a wonderful chapter to share with your Jewish friends, relatives, neighbors, or co-workers. Rather than being someone they might assume to be indifferent or antagonistic toward the Jewish people, you have the opportunity to demonstrate that you believe the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will fulfill His promises to His people. Pray that you might lead them to mourn over their rejection of their Messiah, and be comforted by the One who has opened a fountain of salvation for anyone who will repent of the sin of unbelief and turn to Jesus Christ. Not only may your words provide a sense of hope for them, but they will also let them know that God has not forgotten Israel but plans to make that nation the victorious focal point of the world.
“This article originally appeared here at Bible Bulletin Board.”
