What can we learn about God's power from Zechariah 14:12? The Setting in Zechariah 14 • The chapter describes the climactic “Day of the LORD,” when the nations gather against Jerusalem. • Verse 12 zooms in on the specific plague God unleashes on those armies: “Their flesh will rot while they stand on their feet, their eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongues will rot in their mouths”. A Snapshot of Divine Power • Instantaneous: The decay happens “while they stand on their feet,” underscoring power that operates without delay. • Targeted: The plague strikes only “the peoples who wage war against Jerusalem,” revealing precision, not random force. • Comprehensive: Flesh, eyes, and tongue—all vital parts—are affected, portraying power over the whole person. • Supernatural: No natural cause can account for flesh decaying in moments; this is direct, miraculous intervention. Key Observations about God’s Power • Absolute Sovereignty—God commands creation at every level, from armies to cellular tissue (Psalm 115:3; Isaiah 45:7). • Protective Might—His power defends His chosen city and people (Zechariah 2:5; Exodus 14:13–14). • Moral Authority—Judgment targets evil aggression; power never detached from holiness (Nahum 1:2–3). • Fearsome Reality—The vivid imagery reminds us that God’s wrath is not symbolic; it is as real as His love (Hebrews 10:31). Parallels in the Rest of Scripture • Exodus plagues (Exodus 9:14): God deploys nature itself to cripple oppressors. • Angel strikes 185,000 Assyrians overnight (2 Kings 19:35): swift, selective judgment. • Herod dies, “eaten by worms” (Acts 12:23): bodily decay as divine sentence. • Revelation 19:21: enemies of Christ slain by “the sword coming out of His mouth.” Personal Takeaways for Today • Worship the Lord’s unlimited power; nothing stands beyond His reach or control. • Rest in His protection; the same power that judges evil keeps His people secure (Psalm 91:7–10). • Live reverently; God’s holiness demands our obedience (1 Peter 1:15–16). • Share the gospel urgently; the coming Day of the LORD calls all people to seek mercy now (2 Corinthians 5:20–21). |
    |