Ancient rabbis noticed that there are two very different pictures of the Messiah in the Old Testament. Some passages speak of a conquering military hero to bring in an everlasting kingdom (e.g., Dan. 7:13–14). Others depict a humble and suffering Messiah (e.g., Isa. 53:3–5; Zech. 9:9). To explain this seeming contradiction, some rabbis taught that if Israel was worthy, the Messiah would come with the clouds in heaven victoriously. But if Israel was unworthy, He would come lowly and riding upon a donkey.

Both pictures of the Messiah are true. In His first coming, Jesus came humbly as a suffering servant. In His second coming, the Lord Jesus will arrive victoriously to set up His eternal kingdom. Zechariah’s prophecy includes elements of both Jesus’ first and second coming.

Many world rulers in history have been known as oppressive tyrants. But Zechariah describes the Messiah in quite different terms. He is described as “lowly and riding on a donkey” (9:9). This prophecy was fulfilled on Palm Sunday (Matt. 21:5). This humble Messiah would usher in true peace among the nations and rule over all the earth (v. 10). “Peace” refers not just to the absence of conflict, but to a state of well-being and wholeness. The Messiah would bring in the kind of world that God originally intended for humanity. At this time, all of God’s promises to Israel would be fulfilled (vv. 14–17).

Zechariah’s words remind us that our ultimate hope is secure in the coming of the Lord Jesus. This has already been partially fulfilled by His first coming, so we can be confident that He will keep His promise to return (Rev. 22:12).

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