Zechariah 14:7
It will be a day known only to the LORD, without day or night; but when evening comes, there will be light.
It will be a day
This phrase indicates a specific, divinely appointed time. In Hebrew, the word for "day" is "yom," which can refer to a literal 24-hour period or a longer, indefinite period of time. In the prophetic context, this "day" is often associated with the "Day of the LORD," a time of divine intervention and judgment. This emphasizes God's sovereignty over time and history, reminding believers that God has a plan and purpose for every moment.

known only to the LORD
The Hebrew word for "known" is "yada," which implies an intimate, comprehensive understanding. This phrase underscores the mystery and exclusivity of God's knowledge. It reassures believers that while the future may be uncertain to humanity, it is fully known and controlled by God. This calls for trust in God's omniscience and His perfect timing.

without day or night
This phrase suggests a departure from the normal cycles of time as we understand them. In the Hebrew context, "day" (yom) and "night" (layil) are part of the created order established in Genesis. The absence of these cycles points to a supernatural event, a time when God's presence transcends natural laws. It symbolizes the breaking in of God's eternal kingdom, where His light dispels all darkness.

but when evening comes
The mention of "evening" (Hebrew: "ereb") typically signifies the end of a day, a time of closure and rest. However, in this context, it paradoxically introduces a new beginning. This phrase suggests that what seems like an ending in human terms is, in God's plan, a transition to something greater. It encourages believers to see beyond immediate circumstances to the hope of God's ultimate redemption.

there will be light
Light (Hebrew: "or") is a powerful biblical symbol of God's presence, truth, and salvation. In the creation narrative, light is the first thing God calls into existence, separating it from darkness. Here, the promise of light at evening signifies the triumph of God's glory over chaos and evil. It assures believers of the coming of God's kingdom, where His light will illuminate all things, bringing clarity, peace, and eternal joy. This prophetic vision inspires hope and perseverance, reminding Christians of the promise of Christ, the Light of the World, who will one day return to establish His everlasting reign.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Zechariah
A prophet in the Old Testament who conveyed God's messages to the people of Israel, particularly concerning the future and the coming of the Messiah.

2. Jerusalem
The central place in Zechariah's prophecies, often symbolizing God's presence and the focal point of eschatological events.

3. The LORD
The sovereign God who orchestrates the events described in Zechariah, emphasizing His control over time and creation.

4. The Unique Day
A prophetic event described as unlike any other, marked by divine intervention and transformation of natural order.

5. Light at Evening
Symbolic of God's presence and victory, overcoming darkness and bringing clarity and hope.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over Time
The unique day is known only to the LORD, reminding us that God is in control of history and the future. We can trust His timing and plan.

Light in Darkness
The promise of light at evening signifies hope and victory over darkness. As believers, we are called to reflect God's light in a dark world.

Eschatological Hope
Zechariah's prophecy points to a future fulfillment in Christ's return. This hope should inspire us to live faithfully and expectantly.

Symbolism of Light
Light represents God's presence, truth, and salvation. We are encouraged to walk in the light, embracing God's truth in our daily lives.

Anticipation of God's Kingdom
The prophecy invites us to anticipate the full realization of God's kingdom, motivating us to participate in His redemptive work now.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of a "unique day" known only to the LORD challenge our understanding of God's control over time and events?

2. In what ways can we reflect the light of Christ in our communities, especially during times of darkness or uncertainty?

3. How does the promise of light at evening in Zechariah 14:7 encourage you in your personal walk with God?

4. What connections can you draw between Zechariah 14:7 and the descriptions of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21-22?

5. How can the themes of light and darkness in Zechariah 14:7 inform our understanding of spiritual warfare and the Christian life?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 1
The creation account where God separates light from darkness, establishing His authority over time and nature.

Revelation 21-22
Describes the New Jerusalem where there is no need for the sun or moon because God's glory provides light, paralleling the unique day in Zechariah.

John 8:12
Jesus declares Himself as the Light of the World, connecting to the theme of divine light overcoming darkness.

Isaiah 60
Prophecies about the future glory of Zion, where the Lord will be an everlasting light, echoing the themes in Zechariah.

1 Thessalonians 5
Encourages believers to be children of light, living in anticipation of the Lord's return, which aligns with the hope in Zechariah's prophecy.
A Surprising GloryHomiletic ReviewZechariah 14:7
Aged People's ServiceGeorge H. Hubbard.Zechariah 14:7
At Evening Time it Shall be LightCampbell Fair.Zechariah 14:7
EvensongG. Victor Macdona.Zechariah 14:7
Glorious EndingsW. H. Luckenbach.Zechariah 14:7
Light At EveningA. K. H. Boyd, D. D.Zechariah 14:7
Light At Evening TideZechariah 14:7
Light At Evening TimeZechariah 14:7
Light At Evening TimeF. Hastings.Zechariah 14:7
Light At Evening TimeCharles Haddon Spurgeon Zechariah 14:7
Light At EventideWilliam Hurd.Zechariah 14:7
Light At SundownT. De Witt Talmage, D. D.Zechariah 14:7
Lux E TenebrisHomilistZechariah 14:7
The Light of EveningMorgan Dix.Zechariah 14:7
The Sunset GlowJ. F. Carson, D. D.Zechariah 14:7
Dark and Bright Periods in Human LifeD. Thomas Zechariah 14:6, 7
The Day of DaysW. Forsyth Zechariah 14:6, 7
People
Azel, Benjamin, Uzziah, Zechariah
Places
Azal, Corner Gate, Egypt, Gate of Benjamin, Geba, Jerusalem, Mount of Olives, Rimmon, Tower of Hananel
Topics
Change, Continuous, Daytime, Evening, Evening-time, Eventide, Lord's, Nightfall, Nighttime, Pass, Unbroken, Unique
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Zechariah 14:6

     4812   darkness, God's judgment
     4827   frost

Library
Light at Evening Time
This, then, shall be the subject of my present discourse. There are different evening times that happen to the church and to God's people, and as a rule we may rest quite certain that at evening time there shall be light. God very frequently acts in grace in such a manner that we can find a parallel in nature. For instance, God says, "As the rain cometh down and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, even so shall my word be, it shall not return unto me void, it shall accomplish that which
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857

Light at Evening Time
AS WE read the Scriptures, we are continually startled by fresh discoveries of the magnificence of God. Our attention is fixed upon a passage, and presently sparklets of fire and glory dart forth. It strikes us; we are struck by it. Hence these bright coruscations. Our admiration is excited. We could not have thought that so much light could possibly lie concealed within a few words. Our text thus reveals to us in a remarkable manner the penetration, the discernment, the clear-sightedness of God.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 62: 1916

A Peal of Bells
The text, as you perceive, deals with horses which were unclean under the Jewish law yet, in the day spoken of in the text, the horses themselves shall be purged from commonness or uncleanness, and their harness shall be dedicated to God as certainly as the vestments of the High Priest himself. It will be a happy day indeed when the men who deal with horses, too often a race anything but honest and upbeat shall exhibit in their common transactions a consecration to God, so that on the horses' furniture
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 7: 1861

24TH DAY. Eventide Light.
"He is Faithful that Promised." "At evening-time it shall be light."--ZECH. xiv. 7. Eventide Light. How inspiring the thought of coming glory! How would we rise above our sins, and sorrows, and sufferings, if we could live under the power of "a world to come!" Were faith to take at all times its giant leap beyond a soul-trammelling earth, and remember its brighter destiny. If it could stand on its Pisgah Mount, and look above and beyond the mists and vapours of this land of shadows, and rest on
John Ross Macduff—The Faithful Promiser

That all Troubles are to be Endured for the Sake of Eternal Life
"My Son, let not the labours which thou hast undertaken for Me break thee down, nor let tribulations cast thee down in any wise, but let my promise strengthen and comfort thee in every event. I am sufficient to reward thee above all measure and extent. Not long shalt thou labour here, nor always be weighed down with sorrows. Wait yet a little while, and thou shalt see a speedy end of thine evils. An hour shall come when all labour and confusion shall cease. Little and short is all that passeth
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

Sanctified Commonplaces
In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, Holiness unto the Lord; and the pots in the Lord's house shall be like the bowls before the altar. Yea, every pot in Jerusalem and in Judah shall be holiness unto the Lord of hosts.' (Zechariah xiv. 20, 21.) What I have to say may not strike some of you as setting forth any very high or exalted truth, but I am satisfied as to its being a very important matter. I want to talk to you about the sanctification of the commonplace things in life.
T. H. Howard—Standards of Life and Service

The Girdle of the City. Nehemiah 3
The beginning of the circumference was from 'the sheep-gate.' That, we suppose, was seated on the south part, yet but little removed from that corner, which looks south-east. Within was the pool of Bethesda, famous for healings. Going forward, on the south part, was the tower Meah: and beyond that, "the tower of Hananeel": in the Chaldee paraphrast it is, 'The tower Piccus,' Zechariah 14:10; Piccus, Jeremiah 31:38.--I should suspect that to be, the Hippic tower, were not that placed on the north
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The Evening Light
This chapter is an article written by the author many years after she had received light on the unity of the church. It will acquaint the reader with what is meant by the expression "evening light." "At evening time it shall be light." "And it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark: but it shall be one day which shall be known to the Lord, not day, nor night: but it shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light" (Zechariah 14:6,7). The expression
Mary Cole—Trials and Triumphs of Faith

Three Inscriptions with one Meaning
'Thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave upon it ... HOLINESS TO THE LORD.'--EXODUS xxviii. 36. 'In that day there shall be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD.'--ZECH. xiv. 20. 'His name shall be in their foreheads.'--REV. xxii. 4. You will have perceived my purpose in putting these three widely separated texts together. They all speak of inscriptions, and they are all obviously connected with each other. The first of them comes from the ancient times of the institution
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The River of Egypt, Rhinocorura. The Lake of Sirbon.
Pliny writes, "From Pelusium are the intrenchments of Chabrias: mount Casius: the temple of Jupiter Casius: the tomb of Pompey the Great: Ostracine: Arabia is bounded sixty-five miles from Pelusium: soon after begins Idumea and Palestine from the rising up of the Sirbon lake." Either my eyes deceive me, while I read these things,--or mount Casius lies nearer Pelusium, than the lake of Sirbon. The maps have ill placed the Sirbon between mount Casius and Pelusium. Sirbon implies burning; the name of
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The Prophet Amos.
GENERAL PRELIMINARY REMARKS. It will not be necessary to extend our preliminary remarks on the prophet Amos, since on the main point--viz., the circumstances under which he appeared as a prophet--the introduction to the prophecies of Hosea may be regarded as having been written for those of Amos also. For, according to the inscription, they belong to the same period at which Hosea's prophetic ministry began, viz., the latter part of the reign of Jeroboam II., and after Uzziah had ascended the
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

In the Temple at the Feast of Tabernacles.
(October, a.d. 29.) ^D John VII. 11-52. ^d 11 The Jews therefore sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he? [It was now eighteen months since Jesus had visited Jerusalem, at which time he had healed the impotent man at Bethesda. His fame and prolonged obscurity made his enemies anxious for him to again expose himself in their midst. John here used the word "Jews" as a designation for the Jerusalemites, who, as enemies of Christ, were to be distinguished from the multitudes who were in doubt
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Evening of the Third Day in Passion-Week - on the Mount of Olives: Discoures to the Disciples Concerning the Last Things.
THE last and most solemn denunciation of Jerusalem had been uttered, the last and most terrible prediction of judgment upon the Temple spoken, and Jesus was suiting the action to the word. It was as if He had cast the dust of His Shoes against the House' that was to be left desolate.' And so He quitted for ever the Temple and them that held office in it. They had left the Sanctuary and the City, had crossed black Kidron, and were slowly climbing the Mount of Olives. A sudden turn in the road, and
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

A vision of the King.
ONE of the most blessed occupations for the believer is the prayerful searching of God's holy Word to discover there new glories and fresh beauties of Him, who is altogether lovely. Shall we ever find out all which the written Word reveals of Himself and His worthiness? This wonderful theme can never be exhausted. The heart which is devoted to Him and longs through the presence and indwelling of the Holy Spirit to be closer to the Lord, to hear and know more of Himself, will always find something
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory

The Promise to the Patriarchs.
A great epoch is, in Genesis, ushered in with the history of the time of the Patriarchs. Luther says: "This is the third period in which Holy Scripture begins the history of the Church with a new family." In a befitting manner, the representation is opened in Gen. xii. 1-3 by an account of the first revelation of God, given to Abraham at Haran, in which the way is opened up for all that follows, and in which the dispensations of God are brought before us in a rapid survey. Abraham is to forsake
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

The Prophet Joel.
PRELIMINARY REMARKS. The position which has been assigned to Joel in the collection of the Minor Prophets, furnishes an external argument for the determination of the time at which Joel wrote. There cannot be any doubt that the Collectors were guided by a consideration of the chronology. The circumstance, that they placed the prophecies of Joel just between the two prophets who, according to the inscriptions and contents of their prophecies, belonged to the time of Jeroboam and Uzziah, is
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Zechariah
CHAPTERS I-VIII Two months after Haggai had delivered his first address to the people in 520 B.C., and a little over a month after the building of the temple had begun (Hag. i. 15), Zechariah appeared with another message of encouragement. How much it was needed we see from the popular despondency reflected in Hag. ii. 3, Jerusalem is still disconsolate (Zech. i. 17), there has been fasting and mourning, vii. 5, the city is without walls, ii. 5, the population scanty, ii. 4, and most of the people
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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