The prophet Zechariah speaks for God among the Israelites who returned from exile in Babylon to rebuild the city of Jerusalem, its temple, and its people as a religious community. These events happen around 520-515 B.C.
Two hundred years later Alexander the Great conquers the Middle East and Greek culture with its array of gods erodes Jewish religious practice. In this later era unknown writers add six chapter to the book of Zachariah’s prophecies, among them Sunday’s verses. These verses speak to people weary of war. They envision the messiah as a humble man of peace who rides into town on a donkey rather than as a warrior leader in a chariot.
This king spreads peace to the nations rather than conquer them. Christians identify this leader with Jesus. In fact, Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem echoes this vision of a leader of peace (Matthew 21.1-9).
A king comes in peace.
Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion!
Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem!
Lo, your king comes to you;
triumphant and victorious is he,
humble and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
He will cut off the chariot
from Ephraim
and the war horse from Jerusalem;
the battle bow shall be cut off,
and he shall command peace
to the nations; his dominion
shall be from sea to sea,
and from the River
to the ends of the earth.
Zechariah 9.9-10
- To whom can you come in peace this week?