God Helps His People Fight Their Battles

Zechariah 9:11–17
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Covenants in Old Testament times were sealed with blood, much like we would sign our name to a contract today. “The blood of thy covenant” (v. 11) may refer to the sacrifices of the mosaic covenant (Ex. 24:8), but could relate back to the Abrahamic covenant which was confirmed with a blood sacrifice (Gen. 15:8-21). God’s faithfulness to His covenants with Israel is His basis for delivering her from worldwide dispersion. The pit referred to in this verse was an empty cistern used as a dungeon where prisoners were frequently detained (Ex. Joseph in Gen. 37:21-24). This is a graphic picture of what God considers Babylon to be like. These exiles were viewed as “prisoners of hope,” (v. 12) looking forward to the time when they would be free from Persia’s control.

After Solomon’s reign, the kingdom was divided into the northern kingdom (called Israel) and the southern kingdom (called Judah). This prophecy says that all of this territory, north and south will someday be reunited. This passage seems to refer to the deliverance Israel experienced when Greece restored a little freedom to them (vv. 13-16). The battle of Israel against their enemies is described poetically in term of a thunderstorm as God directs His people (v. 14). Not only does God empower His people for offense but He is also their defense. They shall consume their enemies that shall fall as the “sling stones” (v. 15) which have missed their aim. God will care for them as a shepherd cares for his flock (vv. 16-17). Before these enemies, they were as sheep in the midst of wolves. If the Lord had not saved them and enabled them to accomplish His bidding, they would have perished.

Application

We can see over and over again in the Old Testament how God fought impossible battles for the Israelites and delivered them. As His child He wants to fight my battles if I will just allow Him to. What battle do I need to turn over to Him today?