9:1–14:21 Section
These chapters include messages of judgement and messages of hope. In many ways they are like messages recorded in other books of prophecy.
The judgement was against the nations that were around the land of Judah. God promised to destroy the nations that attacked his people. This included the nations that treated the family line of Jacob badly. It also included all people groups that were proud and that didn’t respect God. God promised to destroy them on the day of the Lord. This was described using apocalyptic writing.
The judgement was also against many of the leaders of God’s people. These leaders didn’t follow God’s example for rulers. God compared them to a foolish shepherd. God’s judgement against them would be terrible.
The messages of hope were about the time when God will rule completely as King. Some people will be left alive after the time of judgement. They are the ones who recognise that God is the only true God. They will worship only God and obey him. This includes people from Jacob’s family line. It also includes people from all nations. They will all be considered God’s people. God will be the shepherd who takes care of his people. God will stop all wars and there will be peace everywhere on earth.
Water that gives life will flow from Jerusalem. This was also called the water of life or living water. Ezekiel also talked about water flowing out from Jerusalem (Ezekiel 47:1–12). The city of Jerusalem in these messages was like the new Jerusalem described in Revelation chapter 21.
Many years later these messages of hope helped Jesus’ followers. The messages helped them understand Jesus’ life and work. New Testament writers understood many of these messages as prophecies about Jesus. This was the case for the king riding on a donkey. It was the case for the faithful shepherd that God’s people killed. It was the case for the one they pierced and mourned over. It was the case for the fountain that washed away their sins.