Chuck Smith discusses the significance of Zechariah 9:9, emphasizing the inefficiencies of human governments and the longing for a just king. He reflects on Israel's history, noting their transition from a theocracy to a monarchy, which ultimately led to their downfall due to corrupt rulers. Smith highlights the ideal traits of a king—justice, salvation, and humility—while lamenting the rejection of Jesus, the promised king, who established a spiritual kingdom despite being rejected by the nation. He concludes with the hope of Christ's return to rule with power and glory, offering a righteous kingdom to those who seek peace and love.

"THY KING COMETH" Intro: Man has tried many forms of government. Each system has its flaws. Our democratic form has become so bulky and expensive it's becoming increasingly more difficult to support it. A monarchy is the most efficient form. I. THE HISTORY OF ISRAEL. A. They began as a theocracy. 1. Moses in touch with God led the people. 2. People conscious that God was ruler. B. Period of Judges. 1. Basically same system, God ruling through an appointed man. No dynastics established. 2. During this period attempt to make Gideon king. C. The people finally insisted upon a monarchy. 1. God viewed it as a rejection of His rulership. 2. There was a deterioration of the monarchs. 3. The nation finally fell to Babylon. D. The nation had been without a king for a hundred years when Zechariah wrote this promise. 1. During this time nation ruled in part by high priest. 2. This was to continue for 500 more years, before prophesy was fulfilled. 3. The people were again looking for a king. II. THE PROBLEMS OF A MONARCHY. A. Potential of greatness, but depends on monarch. B. If monarch bad, it could be horrible. 1. Monarchs were not always fair. a. They had their favored set so others had to suffer. b. They could rule with wrong motives. c. "He is lust." 2. The monarch could be ruled by self interest. a. History has countless stories of such. b. Their primary concern is their own lukery, they care little for the people they rule. c. The results were disastrous for the common people. d. The people became slaves. e. Having salvation. 3. Monarchs were often arrogant and proud. a. They would not admit to a mistake thus the people would have to suffer intolerably. b. They had no concern for the people's feelings. c. "Lowly." C. What ideal traits for a king. 1. Just. 2. Having salvation. 3. Lowly. Ill. THE KING REJECTED. A. This promised king came. 1. The events of Palm Sunday. 2. The religious rulers conspired to kill Him. a. He was a threat to every corrupt system. b. Jesus is a threat to every corrupt system. c. When any man or system tries to get rid of Jesus Christ you can be certain they are corrupt. Their corruption is threatened by Jesus. B. The rejected King established a spiritual Kingdom. 1. Though the nation rejected Him as their king, many individuals bowed their knee before Him. 2. He established His throne in the hearts of man. a. No longer ruled by cruel tyrant of my own lust. b. No longer ruled by selfish ambitions. 3. His reign is just, free, lowly. 4. World not seen the last of Him. C. He shall come again in power and great glory. 1. Rule the nations. 2. Destroy all the opposition. 3. Those who desire to live in love and peace in a righteous kingdom shall live and reign with Him on this earth.