ADONAI [the LORD] will then be King over all the earth. In that day ADONAI will be Echad [One] and His Name Echad. Zechariah 14:9, TLV
Echad—One? Shabbat Shalom! Those who love delving into the book of Revelation will love Zechariah. Reading today’s chapter will give us the flavor of the last book of the Bible. Zechariah is based on eight visions, four messages, and two “burdens.” Like Haggai, Zechariah’s book was written to the returnees from the Babylonian exile to encourage them to rebuild the Temple.
But Zechariah has a decidedly different voice. He speaks more of the Messianic future. Even describing a “pierced” Messiah besting Israel’s enemies.
“Then I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication, when they will look toward Me whom they pierced. They will mourn for him as one mourns for an only son and grieve bitterly for him, as one grieves for a firstborn.” Zechariah 12:10, TLV
Today’s verse is a triumphant reminder that Sar Shalom [the Prince of Peace] would one day reign in echad [one] with His Father as King over the earth.
Important Difference
The use of the Hebrew word Echad is significant.
Yachid is Hebrew for One in the singular. Like I have one apple.
Echad means a composite one—unity. Such as when a man and woman are married, they become Echad–one (Genesis 2:24).
“I and the Father are one.” John 10:30, TLV
The Shemah [literally means, “hear”] is the centerpiece prayer of Judaism. Spoken twice per day.
שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ יְהוָה אֶחָֽד׃
“Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.” Deuteronomy 6:4, TLV
In this essential prayer that is the essence of Judaism, the word used for one is echad—not Yachid.
Trinity?
I have a bugaboo about using the word trinity to describe what we humans could never comprehend on this earth. The echad of God. Throughout the TANAKH [the Old Testament] there are clear indications that ADONAI is more than one—yet is one. Physical manifestations on earth demonstrated that unity of one. What I know is there is a hierarchy of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Beyond that? I seek to know more about their character and love and follow Yeshua’s example.
Messianic Prophecies
Speaking of Yeshua, knowing that the Bible foretold—prophesied—of His coming, examining those prophecies become even more exciting. Likewise, those prophecies that have yet to be fulfilled keep us watchful and energized and inspired to serve and worship.
Don’t you love how the Messianic prophecies, such as this verse, are fulfilled in our Messiah Yeshua (Jesus)? He will return and reign! Halleluyah!
Think More About It
I love insights like this, don’t you? Still, how does this knowledge help in our journeys? What takeaways are meaningful and inspiring? As always, I love your insights and comments and testimonies.
Until tomorrow, may knowledge bring us closer to our LORD.
Praying for Israel
Surely I trust that I will see the goodness
of ADONAI in the land of the living.
Wait for ADONAI.
Be strong, let Your heart take courage,
and wait for ADONAI. Psalm 27:13-14, TLV
Waiting. If you have been following the painfully slow release of the hostages, you may be feeling anxious and frustrated like the rest of us. It might be so uncomfortable that we ignore the news, the social media posts from Israel—especially the faces of the Bibas family. Waiting in trust doesn’t mean ignoring. It means being aware and being strong. Being prayerful. Trusting.
Even now, the tears and grief of those families who won’t be reunited with their loved ones fill my eyes. Trying to keep at bay the fear and anger of what might be can only happen when I lift my eyes and trust to ADONAI. Join me? Shabbat Shalom and God bless.
