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◄ Reproof: Zechariah►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the context of biblical literature, "reproof" refers to correction or rebuke, often delivered by God through His prophets to guide His people back to righteousness. The Book of Zechariah, one of the Minor Prophets in the Old Testament, contains several instances of divine reproof, serving as a call to repentance and spiritual renewal for the Israelites.

Historical Context

Zechariah prophesied during the post-exilic period, around 520-518 BC, a time when the Jewish people were returning from Babylonian captivity and rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. This era was marked by spiritual lethargy and discouragement among the Israelites, who faced opposition and hardship in their efforts to restore their homeland. Zechariah's messages were intended to encourage the people and provide divine guidance.

Reproof in Zechariah

1.Call to Repentance (Zechariah 1:1-6): The book opens with a direct call to repentance. The Lord, through Zechariah, admonishes the people to return to Him, reminding them of the consequences faced by their ancestors due to disobedience.Zechariah 1:3 states, "Therefore tell the people that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Return to Me,’ declares the LORD of Hosts, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the LORD of Hosts." This reproof emphasizes the conditional nature of God's favor, contingent upon the people's willingness to turn from their sinful ways.

2.Vision of the Flying Scroll (Zechariah 5:1-4): In this vision, Zechariah sees a flying scroll, symbolizing the swift and pervasive nature of God's judgment against sin. The scroll contains curses against thieves and those who swear falsely, representing broader categories of sin.Zechariah 5:3 declares, "This is the curse that is going out over the face of all the land, for according to what is written on one side, every thief will be banished, and according to what is written on the other, everyone who swears falsely will be banished." This vision serves as a reproof against moral corruption and a warning of divine justice.

3.Rebuke of False Shepherds (Zechariah 11:4-17): Zechariah delivers a message of reproof against the leaders of Israel, depicted as worthless shepherds who neglect and exploit the flock. The Lord's anger is kindled against these leaders, and He promises to remove them.Zechariah 11:17 warns, "Woe to the worthless shepherd who deserts the flock! May a sword strike his arm and his right eye! May his arm be completely withered, and his right eye utterly blinded!" This passage underscores the responsibility of leaders to care for God's people and the severe consequences of failing in this duty.

4.Reproof and Restoration (Zechariah 8:14-17): While the book contains stern reproofs, it also offers hope for restoration. God acknowledges His past judgments but promises future blessings if the people adhere to truth and justice.Zechariah 8:16-17 instructs, "These are the things you must do: Speak truth to one another, render true and sound judgments in your gates, do not plot evil in your hearts against your neighbor, and do not love perjury, for I hate all these things, declares the LORD." This passage highlights the transformative power of repentance and obedience.

Theological Implications

Zechariah's reproofs are deeply rooted in the covenant relationship between God and Israel. They reflect God's holiness and His desire for His people to live in accordance with His statutes. The reproofs serve as reminders of the consequences of sin but also as invitations to experience God's mercy and restoration. Through Zechariah, God communicates His unwavering commitment to His people, urging them to align their lives with His divine will.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 24:20
And the Spirit of God came on Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, which stood above the people, and said to them, Thus said God, Why transgress you the commandments of the LORD, that you cannot prosper? because you have forsaken the LORD, he has also forsaken you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

"The Prophets of God Helping Them"
... The prophets Haggai andZechariah were raised up to meet the crisis.... The message
of counsel andreproof given through Haggai was taken to heart by the leaders...

"The House of Israel"
... of Israel; so I will save you, and ye shall be a blessing."Zechariah 8:12... The whole
life of Jesus of Nazareth among the Jewish people was areproof to their...

The Baptist's Inquiry and Jesus' Discourse Suggested Thereby.
... voluptuary about to condescend to flatter Herod and retract hisreproof, that he...
This is perhaps prophetically suggested byZechariah"Zechariah 12:8.] ^c 29...

Meditations on the Hindrances which Keep Back a Sinner from the...
... them to do what he commands them to do (Joel 2:28, 29;Zechariah 12:10... and Elizabeth
are said to walk in all the commandments of the Lord withoutreproof (Luke 1...

The Ninth Commandment
... Love no false oath.'Zechariah 8:17. What seest thou?... The devil has taken great
possession of those who dare swear to a lie. Use one. Forreproof....

A Discourse of Mercifulness
... Therefore he is compared to an adamant (Zechariah 7:12) because his heart does not...
So by cuttingreproof when we lance men's consciences and let out the blood...

"And There is None that Calleth Upon Thy Name, that Stirreth up...
... xi.11, and xiv.12,) and in the time of it, Ezekiel 7:18, Micah 3:4,Zechariah
7:3? How... You stopped your ear at hisreproof, God will stop his ear at your request...

"To what Purpose is the Multitude of Your Sacrifices unto Me?...
... of fasting and thanksgiving, works of discipline and government, publicreproof
to sinners... you would be as earnest, if not more, to seek me alone,Zechariah 7:6...

Prophecies Fulfilled
... unto the Lord which among ancient Israel followed messages ofreproof from His... As
God said byZechariah, a spirit of grace and supplication was poured out upon...

Extent of Atonement.
... Turn you at myreproof: behold I will pour out my Spirit unto you, I will make... so
they cried, and I would not hear, saith the Lord of hosts.""Zechariah 7:11...