3. The argument of the Prophecy.
Therefore, thus Zechariah, being about to recall the people to repentance, and being about to fortify them against the threatening temptations and afflictions, and being about to confirm them in their faith and expectation of Christ, vigorously exhorts them to repentance, and typically figures the Majesty of Christ interceding before God, and the mercy of God restoring the Church, nations hostile to the Church, the renewal of the latter and overthrow of the former, the good things belonging to Christ and the Church, reproof against wicked Jews, and sanctification in Christ of believers living everywhere. To those asking concerning fasting, he rather urges holiness of life, and rejoicing in the Lord. Finally, he foretells the advent of Christ by most evident signs, and pours forth prophecies concerning the Kingdom of Christ so clear and manifest, that in that matter he ought not to be reckoned less admirable and Evangelical than Isaiah.