1012. What Habakkuk, Zephaniah and Haggai Say About Israel's Restoration and Christ As King

What Habakkuk, Zephaniah and Haggai Say About Israel's Restoration and Christ As King

"The Lord hath taken away thy judgments, He hath cast out thine enemy: the King of Israel, even the Lord, is in the midst of thee: thou shalt not see evil any more" (Zep_3:15)

1. In Hab_1:5, we see Israel's scattering among the nations. While Israel is thus dispersed, God works among the nations (see Act_13:38-42). Habakkuk, however, sees the earth filled with the knowledge of the Lord, He calls it the knowledge of the Glory of the Lord. This is the Second Coming. To-day (see 2Co_4:3-4) satan is doing all possible to keep this Gospel of the Glory from being preached or believed.

2. Zephaniah brings a clear note. Follow the reading of chapter Zep_3:14-17 : "Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem. * * The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in His love, He will joy over thee with singing." And mark you, this prophecy is to be true of Israel when it is said to Jerusalem, "Fear not," and "at that time will I bring you again, * * I will make you a name and a praise among all people of the earth, when I turn back your captivity."

3. Haggai closes with the striking picture of the future punishment of Gentile power and the restoration of Israel. "And I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms, and I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the heathen; * * In that day, saith the Lord of Hosts, will I take thee, O Zerubbabel, * * for I have chosen thee, saith the Lord of Hosts.

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR