How can we trust God's justice today, as seen in Zechariah 9:5? The Prophecy and Its Fulfillment Zechariah 9:5: “Ashkelon will see it and be afraid; Gaza will writhe in great agony, and so will Ekron, for her hope will fail; the king will perish from Gaza, and Ashkelon will be uninhabited.” • Zechariah foretold judgment on the Philistine cities—historic enemies of Israel. • Archaeology and ancient records confirm that Ashkelon, Gaza, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gath lost kings, population, and influence under successive conquests (Alexander the Great, the Hasmoneans, Rome). • A literal prophecy spoken around 520 BC materialized with precise detail. This track record anchors confidence that every word God speaks about justice will likewise stand. Why Fulfilled Prophecy Builds Present-Day Trust • Numbers 23:19: “God is not a man, that He should lie.” • Isaiah 46:9-10: He declares “the end from the beginning,” proving He governs history. • Because Zechariah 9:5 happened exactly as spoken, today’s promises of setting every wrong right (Psalm 9:7-8; Revelation 20:11-12) rest on the same infallible foundation. • Justice delayed is never justice denied when the Judge is timeless (2 Peter 3:8-9). God’s Unchanging Character • Deuteronomy 32:4: “All His ways are justice.” • Malachi 3:6: “I, the LORD, do not change.” • The same God who judged Philistia will judge modern evils with equal righteousness; He has not softened toward sin nor forgotten victims. Justice Coupled with Mercy • Zechariah 9:7-8 continues by promising a remnant for the Philistines and protection for Jerusalem—justice and mercy side by side. • At the cross, justice met mercy once for all (Romans 3:25-26). Trusting His justice today means trusting the One who bore judgment for us and will vindicate all who cling to Him. Living Out Confidence in God’s Justice Today • Refuse personal vengeance—“‘Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Romans 12:19). • Pray for persecutors and oppose injustice, knowing ultimate judgment is assured (Micah 6:8). • Endure suffering with hope: “The Judge is standing at the door” (James 5:9). • Share the gospel urgently; God “has fixed a day when He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man He has appointed” (Acts 17:31). Takeaway The literal fulfillment of Zechariah 9:5 is a historical signpost that God’s justice is certain, precise, and unstoppable. Because He kept that word, we can rely on every promise that He will set all things right, reward faithfulness, and punish wickedness—perfectly, wisely, and on His eternal timetable. |
    |