Zec_9:9. The Joyful Appearance of Zion’s King
"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion: shout, O daughter of Jerusalem; behold, thy King cometh unto thee; he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt, the foal of an ass."’97Zec_9:9.
This is one of those striking predictions delivered concerning the Messiah, the Saviour of the world. The fulfilment, of this Scripture is stated in the following passage of the Gospel by Mat_21:1-6. It is also confirmed in the Gospel by Joh_12:13. The kingly office of Jesus is frequently stated in the Holy Scriptures. As such, he was typified by Melchisedec, and David, and Solomon. Hence, he is called the King of Glory, the King of Israel, the King of kings. God says of him, by David, "I have set my king upon my holy hill of Zion." Jeremiah says of him, "A king shall reign and prosper." Daniel says, "A mighty king shall stand up to rule," &c. Then, Zechariah, looking through the vista of prophecy, exclaims, "Rejoice," &c. The text refers to Christ’s spiritual administration. Observe, we are referred,
I. To the regal Office of the Redeemer.
II. To the peculiar Features of his Character.
III. The joyful Reception which should be given to him, "Rejoice," &c.
I. To the regal Office of the Redeemer.
That this office belongs to Jesus, has been abundantly established in the introductory remarks and quotations given. There are four ideas we associate with royalty.
1. Supreme dignity.
The king is considered as the head of the nation. Now, Jesus is the head of his spiritual empire. Men have been greatly exalted in the church of God, as Moses, Elijah, Solomon. But Jesus is the Lord of that house in which Moses was a servant. He is Elijah’s Lord; and a greater than Solomon. All honor and glory belong to him. He is above all, the Lord of all. Fairer than the sons of men; and greater than the angels. In all things he hath the preeminence. See Heb_1:3; Eph_1:20. As a king,
2. He possesses legislative authority.
That is, the right of enacting laws for the regulation of his kingdom. Hence God spake from heaven, and said, "This is my beloved Son, hear ye him." Hence, his sermon on the mount evinced his authority, Mat_5:21-43, &c. So also the people were astonished, because he spoke with authority, &c. It is also written, "The Father loveth the Son," &c. "All power is given," &c. As a king,
3. His riches are immense.
He is Lord and proprietor of all things Riches of nature are all his. Riches of glory belong to him. His treasures are boundless, inexhaustible, and eternal. But kings have dominion;
4. So he has universal dominion.
A king by right, and in name, without subjects, is only a shadow. Christ’s absolute rule extends to the highest heaven, and to the lowest hell, and to the whole universe. But in his mediatorial character, he has dominion over his church. He dwells in Zion; administers all her affairs; receives her homage; subdues her enemies; extends her borders; and shall do so, till his kingdom fills the whole earth
"Jesus shall reign where’er the sun," &c.
Notice,
II. The peculiar Features of his Character.
1. He is just.
Personally immaculate. Made in the likeness of sinful flesh, yet holy, undefiled, &c. His life was one exhibition of it. His enemies attested it. Judas: "1 have betrayed," &c. The wife of Pilate warned of God, &c. Pilate said, "I am innocent of the blood of this just man." His death was a display of justice. He died to justify the law. His kingdom is based on justice. His spiritual laws are all based on justice. His kingdom is righteousness, and peace, and joy, &c. He makes all his subjects just.
2. He is lowly.
If dignity and greatness could be advanced as a cause for lofty feelings, &c., then Jesus would have ample reason for being so; but, behold his condescension. Parents, birthplace, disciples. Those with whom he mingled, &c. "Come unto me," &c. "For I am meek," &c. So it was illustrated in the case, when the text was fulfilled. God prohibited the introduction of horses into Judea, to prevent training for war and self-confidence. See Psa_20:7. Solomon first introduced them. Christ came not, therefore, in a chariot, or on the horse of war, but riding on an ass, &c.
3. Having salvation.
This is the climax. This was his great design. The leading object. "Call his name Jesus." "He came not to condemn," &c. He saved from bodily maladies, demoniacal possessions; and from the guilt of iniquity and sin. Having salvation. In himself. Having it only; having it in abundance; having it for gratuitous communication.
III. The joyful Reception we should give him.
1. Rejoice in his equity and justice.
He will fulfil his word. Perform all his promises.
2. Rejoice that he is lowly.
He will not despise the poor and wretched. "He will not break the bruised reed," &c. "Nor despise the day of small things."
3. Rejoice that he has salvation.
Do people rejoice when a deliverer appears, to deliver from the oppressor? "He comes to preach deliverance," &c. Does the patient rejoice in the approach of an infallible physician, &c.? Does the prodigal rejoice when he hears his father’s forgiving voice?
Application
1. Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.
2. Let the penitent receive Christ, and be happy.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS