Term Paper on Zechariah 14

I chose to write my term paper for the IHOPKC Module 4 end-times Bible Class on Zechariah 14. This paper has parameters that must be followed. I mostly chose to write on Zechariah 14 due to its clarity on Antichrist-resisting Tribulation-surviving natural-bodied humans on the earth during the Millennial Age. Your questions and comments are welcome.
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Zechariah 14 is a riveting end-time chapter. The entire chapter speaks to future end-time events. In it we read of the wealth of the nations given back to Jerusalem (1, 14), Jerusalem captured and spoiled by all nations, and the LORD fighting against all those that went to war against Jerusalem (2). We read of the Mount of Olives splitting as Jesus stands on it when He comes up from the south to the eastern side of Jerusalem first—preparing the way for the people to flee through a created valley. We find a vague timeline as we read that then the LORD will come (to Jerusalem), and all the holy ones with Him (5). This event ties in nicely with Jude 14-15, 1 Thessalonians 3:13 and 4:17, and possibly Revelation 19:14. Zechariah 14:6 describes a celestial unique day similar to that of Joel 2:30-31, Isaiah 13:10, and Amos 8:9. Verse 8 succinctly juxtaposes with scriptures such as Psalm 46:4 and Revelation 22:1. It is possible that as this river flows from Jerusalem to the east and west that it cleanses the blood-filled water judgments of God (Revelation 16:13).

Zechariah 14:9 presents a glorious transition as the Millennial Age is ushered in: … the LORD will be king over all the earth; in that day the LORD will be the only one, and His name the only one. Verse 10 reveals the ultimate fulfillment of John the Baptist’s message from Luke 3:3-6: the land is leveled to make way for New Jerusalem’s footprint as valleys are raised and mountains are lowered. People will live securely in New Jerusalem, and the curse will be completely eradicated (11).

Verse 12 describes an ominous judgment on the people (and their animals) who warred against Jerusalem. In great panic: their flesh will rot while they stand on their feet, and their eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongue will rot in their mouth. 15 So also like this plague will be the plague on the horse, the mule, the camel, the donkey and all the cattle that will be in those camps.

Zechariah 14:16-19 is the reason I chose to write my term paper on this chapter. I know of no one outside the IHOPKC relationship who knows of or teaches on the natural-bodied Antichrist-resisting surviving Gentiles on the earth during the Millennial Age. This section of scripture reveals with undeniable certainty there are such people. It brings theological force with it, especially when coupled with other scriptures such as Isaiah 60, 65:20, 66:23, and likely Joel 2:32. Without Zechariah 14’s specificity on these natural-bodied Millennial Age humans who are left we would find it more difficult to understand the other scriptures mentioned above. Recently I talked with a former pastor of mine; he admitted that scriptures such as Isaiah 65:20 were difficult to understand. I admit they would be very difficult, if one does not believe in the “surviving resisters.” He is another reason why I chose to write on Zechariah 14. I wanted to lay out a succinct position on these natural-bodied Tribulation survivors that is easy for my friends (and others who may read this) to understand. Zechariah 14 clearly states that there will be people who are left from nations aligned with the Antichrist when he went against Jerusalem during the last revolt of this age. These survivors are required to yearly journey to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to celebrate the Feast of Booths (16). And if they neglect to or refuse to, their land will suffer drought—this is during the Millennial Age! Scripture calls this punishment a plague (18-19). Because of these scriptures one must admit that there are not only the resurrected saints (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) and the “we who are changed” at the last trumpet (1 Corinthians 15:51-52), but also natural-bodied survivors of the Great Tribulation on the earth during the Millennial Age.

All things in the City—New Jerusalem—will be “HOLY TO THE LORD.” This should affect the way we live our lives today—we should live holy and wholly to the LORD in all things. This life is a vapor, which will pass quickly, but we are eternal and should live with eternity as our focus. To lightly paraphrase 2 Peter 3:11-12: Since all these things will be this way, what sort of people ought we to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God. The heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.