The relationship between Zechariah 12 and biblical prophecy being fulfilled in modern-day Israel and Jerusalem cannot be ignored.
What happens when we ignore biblical prophecy? We miss out on all God is saying to us. He speaks to us through His Word, which contains those prophecies, and through the Spirit.
But when we do not understand how passages such as Zechariah 12 and biblical prophecy fit together, we end up not responding to God’s call to be part of Israel’s restoration or prophetic fulfillment, which means we miss out on the blessings that come with it.
God’s Creative Power Released through the Words of Prophet Zechariah
The Word released through the prophet Zechariah highlights God’s creative, sovereign, and powerful control over all events in this world. During these last days, we must look for the mysteries of God’s plan to be revealed.
We see the foundations of these mysteries laid through Old Testament prophecies. We see God’s plan for the end times revealed in them as well.
Even though many in the Church today might miss how these scriptures are relevant to our future and the end times, identifying God’s patterns in them help guide us into our calling and how it fits in with Israel’s restoration.
Israel is a tiny nation that by all logical reason should have little impact on the world. Yet there she is, making headlines every day and being fought over constantly. According to nature’s laws, it makes no sense, but in the spiritual realm, the reason is clear.
- Why should a newly independent nation that is minuscule in size have such a major role in current events?
- How could the small country of Israel, which was birthed barely 70 years ago, be transformed from a barren wasteland into a flourishing landscape?
It is as if something sovereign, that we cannot comprehend, is supernaturally empowering this chosen nation.
What Does a “Cup of Drunkenness” Mean in Zechariah 12?
“Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples, when they lay siege against Judah and Jerusalem.”—Zechariah 12:2 (emphasis added)
Given the fact that Zechariah 12 and biblical prophecy are intertwined, then the “cup of drunkenness” must give us a clue as to how the surrounding peoples will respond and relate to Jerusalem and the land.
The New Living Translation says this…
“I will make Jerusalem like an intoxicating drink that makes the nearby nations stagger when they send their armies to besiege Jerusalem and Judah.”—Zechariah 12:2 (NLT)
God supernaturally protects Israel in such a way that it will cause stumbling and confusion to those who come against her. Don’t we see this today?
How the “Cup of Drunkenness” Is Being Fulfilled Today…
In recent years, there have been a number of peace negotiations made between Israel and her neighbors. Interestingly enough, there were areas that Israel was willing to concede to her neighbors with the exception of one: Jerusalem.
The reason is biblical prophecy—all part of God’s restoration plan—and He remains in control.
Zechariah 12 and Biblical Prophecy | Jerusalem as the “Heavy Stone”
“And it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it.”—Zechariah 12:3 (emphasis added)
Israel choosing not to surrender Jerusalem to her neighbors also reveals the mystery of the city being a “heavy stone.”
Jerusalem Established in Her Own Place…
“And the governors of Judah shall say in their heart, ‘The inhabitants of Jerusalem are my strength in the Lord of hosts, their God.’ In that day I will make the governors of Judah like a firepan in the woodpile, and like a fiery torch in the sheaves; they shall devour all the surrounding peoples on the right hand and on the left, but Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place—Jerusalem.”—Zechariah 12:5-6 (emphasis added)
When the United States declared Jerusalem the capital of Israel, it shifted the physical and political realm to align with the spiritual realm of what is written about Jerusalem in the books of Heaven.
Though nations come against the ancient city, God is in control. He divinely protects her.
How Can We Respond to Zechariah 12 and the Biblical Prophecy of Jerusalem?
Persistently Pray…
- Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May they prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls, prosperity within your palaces.’ For the sake of my brethren and companions, I will now say, ‘Peace be within you.’ Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek your good.”—Psalm 122:6-9
“I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem; they shall never hold their peace day or night. You who make mention of the Lord, do not keep silent.”—Isaiah 62:6
- Pray for the Political Leaders of Israel and the Nations
“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.”—1 Timothy 2:1-3
Participate Prophetically…
“Therefore prophesy concerning the land of Israel, and say to the mountains, the hills, the rivers, and the valleys, ‘Thus says the Lord God:… “But you, O mountains of Israel, you shall shoot forth your branches and yield your fruit to My people Israel, for they are about to come.”’”—Ezekiel 36:6, 8
God promises to restore Israel’s land. And the Bible says the Gentile nations will take an active part in this restoration. You get to decide how you want to take part.
- Will you pray for Jerusalem?
- Will you stand with Israel?
- Will you align with the promises about the Promised Land?
- Will you put roots in the Holy Land?
All of these questions lead to you being a part of fulfilling ancient prophecies about God’s chosen nation.
It is truly amazing to witness how God aligns history to match perfectly with what is written in the Bible. But His story isn’t done yet. More is written and must be fulfilled.
Will we see Israel come to full spiritual and physical restoration in our generation?
That we do not know, but we can trust that the Lord’s timing is perfect, and we each can have an active role in it.
“For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”—Habakkuk 2:3