Page:Visions and Prophecies of Zechariah (Baron, David).djvu/370



354 VISIONS AND PROPHECIES OF ZECHARIAH

and brings more " glory " to Him, than the " vessel of large quantity " when not so fully surrendered. And as with our persons, so with our gifts. The " small offerings " from those who have but little, and to whom the giving implies real sacrifice for His blessed Name s sake, are at least equally if not more precious in His sight than the " large offerings " from those who have much. Above all, it is the motive which Jehovah, "by whom actions are weighed" (not counted or measured), takes into account.

III. The Battle Bow

It is generally agreed that every one of the four terms used in this verse (phinnah, " corner " ; yathed, " nail " ; qesheth milchamah, " battle bow " ; and noges, " ruler " or " exactor ") are all used metaphorically, and denote persons, or, as I verily believe, one Person, who Himself fulfils these different functions. The last two terms bring before us an aspect of the Messiah s character which will be manifest at His Second Coming. Then He will be the " Battle bow " the mighty and skilful Archer, who shall send forth His " sharp arrows " in the heart of the king s enemies, " whereby the people shall be made to fall under Him." *

This is an aspect of Christ s character on which men do not like to dwell ; but let it not be forgotten that the same prophet, Isaiah, who pictures Him in the 5 3rd chapter as the suffering Lamb of God, who " as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, openeth not His mouth," describes Him in the 63rd chapter as clothed in majesty, marching forth in the greatness of His strength to take vengeance on the nations : " Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in tJie winefat? I have trodden the winepress alone, and of the peoples there was no man with Me : yea, I trod them, in Mine anger, and trampled them in My fury ; and their lifeblood is sprinkled upon My garments, and I have stained all My raiment " 2 - an Old Testament vision which will be fulfilled at " the revelation

1 Ps. xlv. 5. - Isa. Ixiii. 2-4 (R.V.).