Immerse: Prophets - Flipbook - Page 416
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IMMERSE
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PROPHETS
are paired, as are the second and next-to-last elements, and so forth.
Typically, whatever is found at the center of a chiasm is the key point
of emphasis.
Here’s how the first set of messages, containing eight symbolic visions, is structured:
A Riders on four differently colored horses patrol the earth.
B Four horns are knocked down by four blacksmiths.
B Jerusalem is measured, and people who were scattered to
the four winds return to the city.
C The high priest is given new garments and a jewel with
seven facets.
C' A lampstand with seven lamps appears between two olive
trees.
B' A scroll flies through the air.
B' Two women fly through the air and carry away a basket.
A' Riders on four chariots drawn by differently colored horses
patrol the earth.
The visions reveal that the conditions are now right for Israel to recommit to finishing the new Temple: The earth is at peace, Israel’s sins have
been dealt with, and new leadership is in place.
The second set of six messages is also structured as a chiasm. But
this time they are straightforward messages about Israel’s religious fasts
and issues of justice and mercy. Zechariah says it is time to end the fasts
and begin a new season filled with festivals of joy and celebration.
While the first part of the book addresses a present historical moment in Israel’s life, the second part looks ahead to a time when God
will intervene to remove wrongdoing and establish his reign in Jerusalem for the sake of the world. Israel’s story has not ended. A new
Shepherd and King is coming to fulfill God’s purposes. Even though
there will be a dark time of suffering and loss, the end result will be the
long-awaited establishment of God’s peaceful rule and the arrival of his
promised restoration.
