Jerusalem and the cup of trembling. (Zechariah 12:1-2)
The promise, the name, the journey and the hope.
Scripture holds ancient truth and assurance of our times. As in history and in current times the world has its eyes on Israel. Do you ever wonder why? So many are concerned with Israel, their land, their blessing their prophecies, and the God of Israel? We see a pattern over history. There has always been great significance of Israel to the world.
Israel is mentioned in the Bible 2362 times, of which 2284 times in the Hebrew scriptures *(source: oneforisrael.org), regarding the destiny that would come from the 12 tribes.
Babylon is mentioned approximately 280 times in the Bible. The significance and reference so clearly evident in history and prophecy as it relates to Israel. There is lots available on this topic. I will not go into it here.
1st the promise:
Then the name and the Journey:
Israel (Yisreal) literally means – “God contends,” He struggles with God or God prevails.
The expanded portion of scripture with Jacob who wrestles with God.
Genesis 32:23-30 BSB ~
He took them and sent them across the stream, along with all his possessions.
24 So Jacob was left all alone, and there a man wrestled with him until daybreak.
25 When the man saw that he could not overpower Jacob, he struck the socket of Jacob’s hip and dislocated it as they wrestled.
26 Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.”
But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”
27 “What is your name?” the man asked. “Jacob,” he replied.
28 Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men, and you have prevailed.”
29 And Jacob requested, “Please tell me your name.”
But he replied, “Why do you ask my name?” Then he blessed Jacob there.
30 So Jacob named the place Peniel, saying, “Indeed, I have seen God face to face, and yet my life was spared.”
The hope for Israel – Yahweh remembers:
The richness of the 8 visions and vast symbolism, God’s Sovereignty, blessing prophecy, restoration of comforting promises, divine intervention, hope, judgement and the anticipated Messiah found in Zechariah, branch and lineage. Great scripture reading.
Before all prophecy fulfillment, there is the journey:
Eyes on Israel –
Zechariah 12:2-3 KJV~Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem.
3 And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.
Joel 3:1-2 KJV~For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem,
2 I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land.
Scripture being vast and rich with history, truth and future prophecies, we can only touch on the magnitude of what has been written for us. God Bless our land!
