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Zechariah 14:4
Verse
Context
The Destroyers of Jerusalem Destroyed
3Then the LORD will go out to fight against those nations, as He fights in the day of battle.4On that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half the mountain moving to the north and half to the south. 5You will flee by My mountain valley, for it will extend to Azal. You will flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the LORD my God will come, and all the holy ones with Him.
Sermons
Chuck Smith
J. Vernon McGee
Vance Havner
Zac Poonen
Dwight Pentecost
John W. Bramhall
Mike BickleSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And his feet shall stand - He shall appear in full possession of the place, as a mighty conqueror. And the mount of Olives shall cleave - God shall display his miraculous power as fully in the final restoration of the Jews, as he did when he divided the Red Sea that their forefathers might pass through dry-shod. Some refer this to the destruction of the city by the Romans. It was on the mount of Olives that Titus posted his army to batter Jerusalem. Here the tenth legion that came to him from Jericho was placed. Joseph. De Bello, lib. 6 c. 3. It was from this mountain that our Lord beheld Jerusalem, and predicted its future destruction, Luk 19:41, with Mat 24:23; and it was from this mountain that he ascended to heaven, (Act 1:12), utterly leaving an ungrateful and condemned city. And half of the mountain shall remove - I really think that these words refer to the lines of circumvallation, to intrenchments, redoubts, etc., which the Romans made while carrying on the siege of this city; and particularly the lines or trenches which the army made on Mount Olivet itself.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The object of the cleaving of the mount in two by a fissure or valley (a prolongation of the valley of Jehoshaphat, and extending from Jerusalem on the west towards Jordan, eastward) is to open a way of escape to the besieged (compare Joe 3:12, Joe 3:14). Half the divided mount is thereby forced northward, half southward; the valley running between. The place of His departure at His ascension shall be the place of His return: and the "manner" of His return also shall be similar (Act 1:11). He shall probably "come from the east" (Mat 24:27). He so made His triumphal entry into the city from the Mount of Olives from the east (Mat 21:1-10). This was the scene of His agony: so it shall be the scene of His glory. Compare Eze 11:23, with Eze 43:2, "from the way of the east.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives,.... Where he often was in the days of his flesh, and from whence he ascended to heaven, Luk 21:37 but here he did not appear at the time of the destruction of Jerusalem; wherefore this must refer to a time to come; and seeing it is certain that he will stand in the latter day on the earth, at the time of the resurrection, and will come down from heaven in like manner as he went up; it seems very probable that he will descend upon that very spot of ground from whence he ascended, Job 19:25. The Jews, (e) have a notion, that, at the general resurrection of the dead, the mount of Olives will cleave asunder, and those of their nation, who have been buried in other countries, will be rolled through the caverns of the earth, and come out from under that mountain. This is what they call "gilgul hammetim", the rolling of the dead; and "gilgul hammechiloth", the rolling through the caverns. So they say in the Targum of Sol 8:5. "when the dead shall live, the mount of Olives shall be cleaved asunder, and all the dead of Israel shall come out from under it; yea, even the righteous, which die in captivity, shall pass through subterraneous caverns, and come from under the mount of Olives.'' This is sometimes (f) represented as very painful to the righteous; but another writer (g) removes this objection by observing, that at the time of the rolling through the caverns of the earth, we may say that this rolling will be of no other than of the bone "luz", out of which the whole body will spring; so that this business of rolling will be easy and without pain; but they are not all agreed about the thing itself: Kimchi says (h), "there is a division in the words of our Rabbins, concerning the dead without the land (i.e. of Israel); some of them say that those without the land shall come up out of their graves; and others say they shall come out of their graves to the land of Israel by rolling, and by the way of the caverns; but this verse Eze 37:12 proves that those without the land shall live, as the dead of the land of Israel; for it says, "I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves"; and after that, "and I will bring you into the land of Israel".'' Which is before Jerusalem on the east; a sabbath day's journey from it, about a mile, Act 1:12, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west; and there shall be a very great valley, and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south; and this valley will be made by cleaving and removing the mountain in this manner, to hold the dead together when raised; and this is thought by some to be the same with the valley of Jehoshaphat, called the valley of decision, into which the Heathen, being awakened and raised, will be brought and judged, Joe 3:2. (e) Targum in Cant. viii. 5. (f) T. Bab. Cetubot, fol. 111. 1. (g) Judah Zabarah apud Pocock. Not. Miscell. p. 119. (h) Pirush in Ezek. xxxvii. 12.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
14:4 Jesus ascended into heaven from the Mount of Olives, and the angels’ message to Jesus’ disciples (Acts 1:11-12) implied that he would return in a similar fashion. • Zechariah envisions an earthquake that will split apart the Mount of Olives and create a valley running east and west through the fissure. This valley will become an escape route for Hebrews fleeing Jerusalem during the assault by the nations (Zech 14:5). This event is probably connected to the return of Jesus at the end of the age (see Matt 24; Rev 6:12; 11:13; 16:18).
Zechariah 14:4
The Destroyers of Jerusalem Destroyed
3Then the LORD will go out to fight against those nations, as He fights in the day of battle.4On that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half the mountain moving to the north and half to the south. 5You will flee by My mountain valley, for it will extend to Azal. You will flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the LORD my God will come, and all the holy ones with Him.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(The Word for Today) Isaiah 11:11 - Part 3
By Chuck Smith5.4K25:59ExpositionalISA 11:11ISA 12:2ZEC 14:4MAT 23:39MAT 24:12JHN 19:30ROM 8:22In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the current state of the world and the need for God's intervention. He expresses concern over the increasing wickedness and rebellion against God, as well as the violence and chaos in society. Pastor Chuck longs for the return of Jesus Christ to bring an end to the earth's misery and to gather His people, particularly the Jews, from all corners of the earth. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the biblical prophecies regarding the restoration of the kingdom and encourages believers to seek a deeper understanding of God's plan for the future.
The Time of Armagedon
By J. Vernon McGee4.7K44:21ISA 63:1EZK 38:16ZEC 14:4REV 16:12In this sermon, the preacher discusses the events leading up to the battle of Armageddon as described in the book of Revelation. The sixth angel pours out his bowl upon the river Euphrates, drying up the water to prepare the way for the kings of the east. Three unclean spirits, representing demons, come out of the mouths of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet, gathering the kings of the earth for the battle. The preacher emphasizes the ongoing battle between light and darkness, good and evil, and predicts that this battle is drawing closer. He also quotes George Bernard Shaw, who criticizes the science and ideologies that have led to the decline of faith in Europe. The preacher then references Ezekiel 38, where God brings Russia against Israel to sanctify Himself before the Gentiles. He explains that Russia's blasphemy against God is allowed because people have become desensitized to sin. The sermon concludes with a description of the battle of Armageddon, where Jesus returns on a white horse, judges and makes war in righteousness, and is followed by the armies of heaven. He defeats the nations with a sharp sword and rules them with a rod of iron, displaying the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
Discernment - Part 3
By Vance Havner4.3K34:24Discernment1CH 12:32ZEC 14:4MAT 16:3LUK 3:2LUK 12:56ROM 13:112PE 3:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of discerning the times we live in. He references Matthew 16:3, where Jesus asks if people can discern the signs of the times. He highlights the example of the children of Issachar in the Old Testament who had understanding of the times and knew what Israel ought to do. The preacher also mentions the need to know the seasons and awaken from spiritual sleep. He concludes by stating that we are living in a strange hour and that denying the signs of the times is, in fact, another sign.
Through the Bible - Zechariah
By Zac Poonen3.0K57:39ZEC 8:1ZEC 8:4ZEC 8:14ZEC 8:16ZEC 10:2ZEC 10:6ZEC 11:4ZEC 11:11ZEC 14:4ZEC 14:6ZEC 14:11ZEC 14:21In this sermon, the preacher discusses various visions and messages from the Lord. He emphasizes the importance of true fasting and worship that is focused on pleasing God rather than oneself. The preacher also highlights the Lord's requirements for His people, which include showing mercy, kindness, and not oppressing the poor and vulnerable. The sermon further explores visions of judgment upon those who disobey God's word and the assurance of God's love and protection for His church.
Week of Meetings-06 the Old Roman Empire Coming to Life
By Dwight Pentecost2.1K56:18ZEC 14:4MAT 24:22REV 10:11REV 11:15REV 22:20In this sermon, the speaker discusses the vision that Daniel had regarding the future history of Israel until the coming of the Messiah. Daniel saw four winds of heaven striving upon the great sea, and from the sea, four great beasts emerged, each representing something different. The first beast was a lion with eagle's wings, symbolizing royal authority and speed. The second beast was a bear, representing the Persian Empire, and the third beast was a leopard with four heads, symbolizing the Greek Empire. The fourth beast, described differently than the previous ones, was a composite of the previous empires and represented the Roman Empire. The sermon also mentions how the book of Revelation picks up where Daniel 7 left off, discussing an individual who will become the head of the final form of the Roman Empire.
Studies in Zechariah 13 Zechariah 14:
By John W. Bramhall8051:01:02ISA 30:25EZK 43:1ZEC 12:10ZEC 13:7ZEC 14:4MAT 6:33JHN 9:25In this sermon, the preacher discusses the coming glory and victory of the light that will overcome the world's darkest night of history. He emphasizes that there will be physical and human changes throughout the earth in that glorious time, with the light of the moon becoming as bright as the sun. The preacher also mentions the millennial restoration of Israel, specifically focusing on the living waters that will flow out from Jerusalem. He refers to various chapters in the Bible, highlighting different aspects of Christ's role as the cleansing, empowering, judging, crowned, rebuking, restoring, kingly, and blessing one.
01 the Forerunner Message in Isaiah 2
By Mike Bickle331:16:00End TimesJerusalem as the EpicenterISA 2:2ISA 2:10ISA 40:4ISA 60:1ISA 62:1ZEC 14:4MAT 5:14EPH 1:10REV 20:6REV 21:2Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of Isaiah 2 as a foundational text for understanding the end times, highlighting that Isaiah was entrusted with more revelation about the end times than any other prophet. He explains that the forerunner message reveals God's plan to establish Jerusalem as the epicenter of His reign, filled with love and glory, and that the nations will be drawn to it. Bickle encourages critical thinking and interaction among believers to grasp the fullness of God's message, asserting that the end times are not a doom and gloom narrative but a glorious love story. He stresses the importance of understanding the connection between the earthly and heavenly Jerusalems and the role of believers in this divine plan.
Day 78, Mark 13
By David Servant0EZK 38:20ZEC 14:4MAT 24:3MRK 13:26LUK 21:20ACT 12:2David Servant discusses the fulfillment of Jesus' foretelling of the destruction of the temple in 70 A.D. by the Roman Legions, highlighting the disciples' confusion about the timing and the signs of His coming and the end of the age. He explores prophecies from Ezekiel and Zechariah that suggest a future earthquake in Israel could lead to the destruction of a rebuilt temple. David also delves into the interpretation of Jesus' Olivet Discourse, emphasizing that the cataclysmic events and His second coming did not occur by 70 A.D., pointing to a future fulfillment within a generation.
Of the Second Coming of Christ, and His Personal Appearance.
By John Gill0Hope and VigilanceSecond Coming Of ChristZEC 14:4MAT 24:30JHN 14:2ACT 1:111CO 15:521TH 4:162TI 4:1TIT 2:13HEB 9:28REV 1:7John Gill emphasizes the certainty and significance of the Second Coming of Christ, detailing how it will precede the resurrection of the just and the establishment of His kingdom. He explains that Christ's return will be marked by great glory and will fulfill prophecies from the patriarchs and prophets, confirming its inevitability. Gill highlights the dual nature of Christ's coming, both in judgment and in the establishment of His reign, and encourages believers to remain vigilant and prepared for this event. He also discusses the signs that will precede His return and the ultimate purpose of His coming, which includes the full realization of salvation for the saints and the destruction of evil. The sermon serves as a reminder of the hope and expectation that believers should hold regarding Christ's return.
The Gentiles in Relation to the Coming of the Lord.
By William Kelly0EZK 38:2ZEC 12:10ZEC 14:2ZEC 14:4ZEC 14:8ZEC 14:16ZEC 14:20William Kelly preaches about the future events prophesied in the Bible, focusing on the restoration and blessings of Israel, the defeat of the nations gathered against Jerusalem, the pouring out of the Spirit of grace and supplications, the mourning over the pierced Messiah, and the divine judgment on all nations. The prophecies in Ezekiel, Zechariah, and other books point to a time when God will deal with Israel and the Gentiles, bringing repentance, restoration, and blessings. The detailed descriptions of future events, such as the defeat of Gog and Magog, the gathering of nations against Jerusalem, and the splitting of the Mount of Olives, emphasize the certainty and significance of God's plans for the future.
Part 25: Pretribulationalism (Continued)
By John F. Walvoord0ISA 65:20EZK 20:34ZEC 14:4MAT 25:311CO 3:142CO 5:101PE 5:4REV 22:12John F. Walvoord preaches on the necessity of an interval between the translation of the church and the establishment of the millennial kingdom, supported by a careful study of Scripture. The argument is based on four lines of evidence: intervening events in heaven, intervening events on earth, the nature of the judgment of the Gentiles, and the nature of the judgment of Israel. The interval is crucial for various events to unfold, including the judgment seat of Christ for believers, the regathering and judgment of Israel, and the judgment of the Gentiles, all pointing to the need for a generation of believers to enter the millennial kingdom.
The Lord's Return
By H.J. Vine0PSA 72:19ZEC 12:10ZEC 14:4MAT 24:42PHP 3:201TH 4:161JN 4:14H.J. Vine preaches about the imminent return of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the certainty of His second coming as promised in the Bible. Believers are encouraged to eagerly anticipate His arrival, being watchful and prepared for the glorious moment when the Lord will descend from heaven with a shout. The sermon highlights the significance of Christ's return in fulfilling prophecies, bringing salvation to the world, and establishing His reign on earth, leading to the ultimate glorification of His followers and the restoration of Israel.
The Fact of the Redeemer's Return
By A.W. Pink0Hope and AnticipationThe Second Coming of ChristZEC 14:4MAL 4:2JHN 14:3ACT 1:11ROM 5:201CO 11:262CO 5:211TH 4:16HEB 10:37REV 22:20A.W. Pink emphasizes the certainty of the Redeemer's return, outlining three key facts from the New Testament: Christ's first coming, the Holy Spirit's presence, and the promise of His return. He explains that Christ's return will occur in two stages: first, to gather His saints, and second, to establish His kingdom on earth. Pink highlights the significance of this promise for both the church and the world, urging believers to await this glorious event with hope and anticipation. He draws parallels between the lives of Joseph and Solomon as types of Christ's return, illustrating the fulfillment of God's promises throughout Scripture.
Zechariah 14:10
By Chuck Smith0Spiritual WarfareSecond Coming Of ChristZEC 14:4PHP 2:10Chuck Smith discusses the prophetic significance of Zechariah 14:10, focusing on the second coming of Christ. He emphasizes that Jesus will stand on the Mount of Olives, splitting it to create a new valley and healing the Dead Sea, marking His triumphant return. Smith contrasts Christ's first coming, where He was rejected, with His second coming, where every knee will bow and acknowledge Him as King over all the earth. He highlights the ongoing spiritual conflict between God's kingdom of light and Satan's kingdom of darkness, urging believers to recognize the necessity of submitting to God's reign. Ultimately, Smith expresses hope for a future where one God rules over all, restoring harmony to creation.
The Glory of the Cross (The Present Spiritual Realities of Zechariah 14)
By Hans R. Waldvogel0The CrossThe Reign of ChristZEC 14:4ZEC 14:8Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the transformative power of the cross, portraying it as the throne of God from which victory over death is proclaimed. He explains that Jesus' sacrifice opened a new way for believers to be reconciled with God, allowing His reign to manifest in their hearts rather than in an external kingdom. Waldvogel urges the congregation to recognize Jesus as the King of their lives, stressing that true salvation comes from accepting His lordship and living in accordance with His teachings. He warns against the dangers of false doctrines and the complacency of sin, calling for a deeper understanding of the Gospel and a commitment to live fully for God. Ultimately, he highlights that the cross is not just a historical event but a present reality that empowers believers to experience the fullness of life in Christ.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And his feet shall stand - He shall appear in full possession of the place, as a mighty conqueror. And the mount of Olives shall cleave - God shall display his miraculous power as fully in the final restoration of the Jews, as he did when he divided the Red Sea that their forefathers might pass through dry-shod. Some refer this to the destruction of the city by the Romans. It was on the mount of Olives that Titus posted his army to batter Jerusalem. Here the tenth legion that came to him from Jericho was placed. Joseph. De Bello, lib. 6 c. 3. It was from this mountain that our Lord beheld Jerusalem, and predicted its future destruction, Luk 19:41, with Mat 24:23; and it was from this mountain that he ascended to heaven, (Act 1:12), utterly leaving an ungrateful and condemned city. And half of the mountain shall remove - I really think that these words refer to the lines of circumvallation, to intrenchments, redoubts, etc., which the Romans made while carrying on the siege of this city; and particularly the lines or trenches which the army made on Mount Olivet itself.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The object of the cleaving of the mount in two by a fissure or valley (a prolongation of the valley of Jehoshaphat, and extending from Jerusalem on the west towards Jordan, eastward) is to open a way of escape to the besieged (compare Joe 3:12, Joe 3:14). Half the divided mount is thereby forced northward, half southward; the valley running between. The place of His departure at His ascension shall be the place of His return: and the "manner" of His return also shall be similar (Act 1:11). He shall probably "come from the east" (Mat 24:27). He so made His triumphal entry into the city from the Mount of Olives from the east (Mat 21:1-10). This was the scene of His agony: so it shall be the scene of His glory. Compare Eze 11:23, with Eze 43:2, "from the way of the east.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives,.... Where he often was in the days of his flesh, and from whence he ascended to heaven, Luk 21:37 but here he did not appear at the time of the destruction of Jerusalem; wherefore this must refer to a time to come; and seeing it is certain that he will stand in the latter day on the earth, at the time of the resurrection, and will come down from heaven in like manner as he went up; it seems very probable that he will descend upon that very spot of ground from whence he ascended, Job 19:25. The Jews, (e) have a notion, that, at the general resurrection of the dead, the mount of Olives will cleave asunder, and those of their nation, who have been buried in other countries, will be rolled through the caverns of the earth, and come out from under that mountain. This is what they call "gilgul hammetim", the rolling of the dead; and "gilgul hammechiloth", the rolling through the caverns. So they say in the Targum of Sol 8:5. "when the dead shall live, the mount of Olives shall be cleaved asunder, and all the dead of Israel shall come out from under it; yea, even the righteous, which die in captivity, shall pass through subterraneous caverns, and come from under the mount of Olives.'' This is sometimes (f) represented as very painful to the righteous; but another writer (g) removes this objection by observing, that at the time of the rolling through the caverns of the earth, we may say that this rolling will be of no other than of the bone "luz", out of which the whole body will spring; so that this business of rolling will be easy and without pain; but they are not all agreed about the thing itself: Kimchi says (h), "there is a division in the words of our Rabbins, concerning the dead without the land (i.e. of Israel); some of them say that those without the land shall come up out of their graves; and others say they shall come out of their graves to the land of Israel by rolling, and by the way of the caverns; but this verse Eze 37:12 proves that those without the land shall live, as the dead of the land of Israel; for it says, "I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves"; and after that, "and I will bring you into the land of Israel".'' Which is before Jerusalem on the east; a sabbath day's journey from it, about a mile, Act 1:12, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west; and there shall be a very great valley, and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south; and this valley will be made by cleaving and removing the mountain in this manner, to hold the dead together when raised; and this is thought by some to be the same with the valley of Jehoshaphat, called the valley of decision, into which the Heathen, being awakened and raised, will be brought and judged, Joe 3:2. (e) Targum in Cant. viii. 5. (f) T. Bab. Cetubot, fol. 111. 1. (g) Judah Zabarah apud Pocock. Not. Miscell. p. 119. (h) Pirush in Ezek. xxxvii. 12.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
14:4 Jesus ascended into heaven from the Mount of Olives, and the angels’ message to Jesus’ disciples (Acts 1:11-12) implied that he would return in a similar fashion. • Zechariah envisions an earthquake that will split apart the Mount of Olives and create a valley running east and west through the fissure. This valley will become an escape route for Hebrews fleeing Jerusalem during the assault by the nations (Zech 14:5). This event is probably connected to the return of Jesus at the end of the age (see Matt 24; Rev 6:12; 11:13; 16:18).