Lesson 5: Mount of Olives and Messiah's Coming
Scripture to Read: Zechariah 14:1-21
The Mount of Olives is a truly significant
location in the Scriptures. This two-and-a-half
mile stretch of land across the Kidron Valley
from Jerusalem is not only important in Israel’s
history, but according to the prophet it will be
the place to which the Messiah comes to deliver
Israel from her enemies and rule. Zechariah
said the Mount of Olives will be split in two at
that time and form a great valley, through
which the people may flee their attackers. God
will secure and protect Jerusalem, and the
worship of the true God will be universal.
The Mount of Olives also figured prominently
in the life and ministry of Jesus. He spent days
praying on its hillside, and it was here that he
was arrested. Today the Mount of Olives is a
“must” stop for any visitor to Israel. It affords a
spectacular view of the old city of Jerusalem,
and the Dead Sea can be seen fifteen miles
away. The tomb of David’s son Absalom is also
visible in the valley below.
Study Questions
- Why would the Messiah split the Mount of
Olives in two when He comes?
- According to verses 6-11, what are some of
the blessings that will come when Messiah rules
over the people of Israel and the whole earth?
- The prophet refers to all the nations
observing the Feast of Tabernacles in the
messianic age. Why is this feast appointed for
the nations to observe in the coming age?
- There is one other reference to the Mount
of Olives, found in 2 Samuel 15:30 where King
David was going up the Mount of Olives,
"weeping as he went." Read this chapter and
identify the event that caused David and those
with him such grief.
Something to Think About
God says He will split the kingdoms around the Mount of Olives and punish those that fought
against Jerusalem and Israel. He also says He will surround and seal off Jerusalem and protect it.
Many times this is what God is doing in our lives in a spiritual sense, but we do not always
recognize it. He is sealing us off from our enemies and protecting us with His promise.
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