Page:Visions and Prophecies of Zechariah (Baron, David).djvu/143



S stated in the introduction to the 3rd chapter, the fourth and fifth visions form a new chapter in this series of symbolic prophecies, which, " though in a sense standing by themselves, are in true psychological order, and in the closest possible relation with the wonderful things which had already been unfolded before the pro phet's spiritual sight." We there saw that the fourth vision depicts in a symbolic but very graphic manner the inner salvation of Israel from sin and defilement, answering to tJieir outward deliverance from captivity and oppression set forth in the preceding three visions.

We feel it, however, necessary, even at the risk of being guilty of repetition, to cast once more a brief retrospective glance at the progressive unfolding of God's counsel in relation to Israel, and the establishment of Messiah's Kingdom, in the series of visions which we have already considered.

The first three visions were meant to convey to the prophet, and through the prophet to the people, the " good and comfortable " assurance that God had neither cast off nor forsaken the people which He hath foreknown; that, though they found themselves under the oppressive yoke of Gentile world-power (which was true of the remnant which had returned as well as of the bulk of the nation which was