A wonderful people.
"And the governors of Judah shall say in their heart, The inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be my strength," etc. In the preceding verses the dominant idea is that of Jerusalem as a city besieged. In these we have a vision of it as a city inhabited (note end of Zechariah 12:6, and the thrice-recurring expression, "the inhabitants of Jerusalem"). And there are three aspects in which, when so regarded, we seem called upon to admire it, viz.
I. JERUSALEM SAFE. See:
1. In the end of Zechariah 12:6, how this condition of safety is described. Jerusalem is spoken of as "inhabited again;" not deserted, i.e. as previously, because of the attacks of its foes. Also as "inhabited again in her own place, even in Jerusalem;" as now, therefore, not even claimed as belonging to any but those who had been identified with it for so many generations.
2. How this description of safety is justified.
II. JERUSALEM HUMBLE. See:
1. Why this humility was secured; viz. because of its vital importance. If either the leaders ("the house of David") or the people should begin to "magnify themselves" on account of those effectual means of defence just described, they would at once be in danger again (Proverbs 28:26; Jeremiah 17:5, Jeremiah 17:6, etc.).
2. How this humility was secured. The beginning of deliverance was to be in something apart from Jerusalem, as it were. In something, also, that at first sight she might be inclined to despise. Such deliverance will, therefore, be like a "soldiers' victory" in its way. Rather, like that deliverance we read of in 2 Kings 7:1-20, which began with certain despised outsiders, and was clearly not their work, but God's. "The Lord shall save the tents of Judah first." Observe the triple emphasis in these words.
III. JERUSALEM STRONG. Strong:
1. Because of the gracious continuance of God's care, Whatever he had already done for his people, so long as they are enabled to remain truly humble and trustful, that he will go on to do still (see Hosea 13:1; Proverbs 18:12; Isaiah 66:2).
2. Because of the abundant results of God's blessing. The very feeblest amongst them should be made, in desire and intention, like the very strongest, in that way, previously known (1 Samuel 13:14; 1 Kings 9:4; 1 Kings 15:3, etc.). The leaders amongst them should be leaders Judaea—persons deserving to be followed as closely and fully as the Angel-Jehovah, of whom we afterwards read, as in 1 Peter 2:21, 1 Peter 2:22; John 13:15; Philippians 2:5; 1 Corinthians 11:1, etc. This state of things (apparently) the complete fulfilment of Deuteronomy 33:29.
Three things, as illustrated here concerning the prophetical Scriptures generally, may be noticed to conclude.
1. Their obscurity in many points. On the one hand, e.g. the specially distinctive mention both of "Jerusalem" and of "Judah," and the singularly local complexion of the end of Deuteronomy 33:6, point us to a literal view of the whole. On the other, the mention of the house of David, which has so long since vanished from sight, and the apparent connection of it with our Divine Redeemer as the true New Testament "David" (Ezekiel 34:1-31.; 37.; Acts 2:29-31), point us almost as strongly to a figurative and spiritual interpretation, Who can decide confidently between them till all is decided by the actual fulfilment of the prophecy?
2. Their plainness in others. That some exceedingly blessed and glorious condition of things, either in the literal or the spiritual Jerusalem—or, it may be, in both together—is here fore-described, who can doubt? What this condition of things is to depend on, and how to be brought about, also seem very plain. This whole prophecy, in short, is at present, as are so many others, like a "proof before letters." We can only guess at present about the name of the landscape which it sets before us, but we can appreciate its loveliness to the full.
3. Their profitableness in all. So far as obscure, they serve to teach us the three great Christian duties of patience before God, humility as to ourselves, and forbearance towards others. So far as plain, they are fitted to animate our hope and sustain our courage and direct both our faith and our walk (2 Thessalonians 3:5; 2 Peter 3:14; Romans 15:4, etc.).