Zechariah Chapter 12
1 A revelation, the LORD's word concerning Israel. The LORD, who stretches out the heavens, and lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of man within him says:
2 "Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of reeling to all the surrounding peoples, and it will also be on Judah in the siege against Jerusalem.
3 It will happen in that day, that I will make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all the peoples. All who burden themselves with it will be severely wounded, and all the nations of the earth will be gathered together against it.
4 In that day," says the LORD, "I will strike every horse with terror, and his rider with madness; and I will open my eyes on the house of Judah, and will strike every horse of the peoples with blindness.
5 The chieftains of Judah will say in their heart, 'The inhabitants of Jerusalem are my strength in the LORD of Armies their God.'
6 In that day I will make the chieftains of Judah like a pan of fire amongst wood, and like a flaming torch amongst sheaves; and they will devour all the surrounding peoples, on the right hand and on the left; and Jerusalem will yet again dwell in their own place, even in Jerusalem.
7 The LORD also will save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of David's house and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem not be magnified above Judah.
8 In that day the LORD will defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem. He who is feeble amongst them at that day will be like David, and David's house will be like God, like the LORD's angel before them.
9 It will happen in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
10 I will pour on David's house, and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplication; and they will look to me whom they have pierced; and they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for his only son, and will grieve bitterly for him, as one grieves for his firstborn.
11 In that day there will be a great mourning in Jerusalem, like the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon.
12 The land will mourn, every family apart; the family of David's house apart, and their wives apart; the family of the house of Nathan apart, and their wives apart;
13 the family of the house of Levi apart, and their wives apart; the family of the Shimeites apart, and their wives apart;
14 all the families who remain, every family apart, and their wives apart.
Footnotes
- Verse 10 (look to me)
- After "me", the Hebrew has the two letters "Aleph Tav" (the first and last letters of the Hebrew alphabet), not as a word, but as a grammatical marker.
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Zechariah Chapter 12 Guide
The second message has to do with things wholly future. The King spoke of in the previous message, whose rejection was there foretold, is now seen coming into His kingdom. This the prophet described in two movements, which are complementary.
In the first he looked at the opposing nations as they will be dealt with in judgment, and at the Israel of God, as she will be restored through the acknowledgment of her true, though rejected, King, and by her own spiritual cleansing.
In the second movement he viewed the same events from the standpoint of the King, beginning with His rejection, and then describing His Coming, day, process, and administration.
The final victories of the King over the nations and the saving of the people of God are described. By the strength of Jehovah operating through His people the strength of the nations is discomfited, and perfect victory is assured. This victory over the nations will issue in the restoration of the spiritual Israel to supremacy under the government of One whom they had pierced.
From "An Exposition of the Whole Bible" by G. Campbell Morgan.
Zechariah Chapter 12 Commentary
Chapter Outline
- Punishment of the enemies of Judah. -- (1-8)
- Repentance and sorrow of the Jews. -- (9-14)
Verses 1-8
Here is a Divine prediction, which will be a heavy burden to all the enemies of the church. But it is for Israel; for their comfort and benefit. It is promised that God will make foolish the counsels, and weaken the courage of the enemies of the church. The exact meaning is not clear; but God often begins by calling the poor and despised; and in that day even the feeblest will resemble David, and be as eminent in courage and every thing good. Desirable indeed is it that the examples and labours of Christians should render them as fire among wood, as a torch in a sheaf, to kindle the flame of Divine love, to spread religion on the right hand and on the left.
Verses 9-14
The day here spoken of, is the day of Jerusalem's defence and deliverance, that glorious day when God will appear for the salvation of his people. In Christ's first coming he bruised the serpent's head, and broke all the powers of darkness that fought against God's kingdom among men. In his second coming he will complete their destruction, when he shall put down all opposing rule, principality, and power; and death itself shall be swallowed up in that victory. The Holy Spirit is gracious and merciful, and is the Author of all grace or holiness. He, also, is the Spirit of supplications, and shows men their ignorance, want, guilt, misery, and danger. At the time here foretold, the Jews will know who the crucified Jesus was; then they shall look by faith to him, and mourn with the deepest sorrow, not only in public, but in private, even each one separately. There is a holy mourning, the effect of the pouring out of the Spirit; a mourning for sin, which quickens faith in Christ, and qualifies for joy in God. This mourning is a fruit of the Spirit of grace, a proof of a work of grace in the soul, and of the Spirit of supplications. It is fulfilled in all who sorrow for sin after a godly sort; they look to Christ crucified, and mourn for him. Looking by faith upon the cross of Christ will cause us to mourn for sin after a godly sort.
From the "Concise Commentary on the Bible" by Matthew Henry.