In this daily Bible reading the Prophet Zechariah speaks the words God gave him to say in the second year of the reign of Darius, King of Persia. God spoke of Israel saying, “The Lord was very angry with your fathers. Therefore, say to them, “Thus says the Lord of hosts, return to Me, declares the Lord of hosts, that I may return to you, says the Lord of hosts.””
When these words came to Zechariah, Judah had just returned to the land after 70 years of captivity. They had been punished for turning from God. Now, God wanted them to have a new beginning with Him. God wanted to bless them once again. However, He would not bless them unless they turned their hearts back to Him.
Israel’s history has been characterized by being blessed by God when Israel was being obedient to God. Then, when they became prosperous, they turned away from God. God would again punish them, and Israel would turn back to God, pleading for His forgiveness. This scenario has happened many times throughout Israel’s history. God has chastised Israel, but He has not abandoned Israel.
The Bible says that soon, very soon, Jesus will return to the Earth to rule for 1000 years. When this happens, Israel will turn back to God. This time they will not depart from Him.
