The King and the Beast

The city in Nehemiah is not left open to chance. Gates are set in order, watchmen appointed, singers and Levites established, and faithful men entrusted with charge. The people are counted, not because names save, but because the Lord gathers His own and teaches them to live as a holy commonwealth. As Theophilus says, “And according as God had, by the prophet Jeremiah, foretold that the people should be led captive to Babylon, in like manner He signified beforehand that they should also return into their own land after 70 years.” The same God who judged also restored; therefore His people must not grow careless after mercy.

Then Zechariah shows the true King entering Zion: not swollen with pride, but meek, righteous, and bringing salvation. Justin says, “Nay, it was prophesied by Zechariah, one of the twelve [prophets], that such would take place, in the following words: ‘Rejoice greatly, daughter of Zion; shout, and declare, daughter of Jerusalem; behold, thy King shall come to thee, righteous, bringing salvation, meek, and lowly, riding on an ass, and the foal of an ass.’” Christ does not come like the beast of Revelation, with blasphemy, terror, and deceitful wonders. One kingdom is guarded by faithful men who fear God; the other compels worship by fear, buying, selling, and lying signs.

So the church must learn whom it serves. We do not admire power because it is loud, nor trust wealth because it is piled high, nor follow marvels because they astonish. We keep the gates of the heart and of the household. We honor the meek King by plain obedience: steadfast prayer, truthful speech, mercy to the poor, refusal of idols, patience under pressure, and fear of God above many.