Zechariah 12
BSB1 This is the burden of the word of the LORD concerning Israel. Thus declares the LORD, who stretches out the heavens and lays the foundation of the earth, who forms the spirit of man within him: 2 “Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples. Judah will be besieged, as well as Jerusalem. 3 On that day, when all the nations of the earth gather against her, I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who would heave it away will be severely injured. 4 On that day, declares the LORD, I will strike every horse with panic, and every rider with madness. I will keep a watchful eye on the house of Judah, but I will strike with blindness all the horses of the nations. 5 Then the leaders of Judah will say in their hearts: ‘The people of Jerusalem are my strength, for the LORD of Hosts is their God.’ 6 On that day I will make the clans of Judah like a firepot in a woodpile, like a flaming torch among the sheaves; they will consume all the peoples around them on the right and on the left, while the people of Jerusalem remain secure there. 7 The LORD will save the tents of Judah first, so that the glory of the house of David and of the people of Jerusalem may not be greater than that of Judah. 8 On that day the LORD will defend the people of Jerusalem, so that the weakest among them will be like David, and the house of David will be like God, like the angel of the LORD going before them. 9 So on that day I will set out to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. 10 Then I will pour out on the house of David and on the people of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and prayer, and they will look on Me, the One they have pierced. They will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for Him as one grieves for a firstborn son. 11 On that day the wailing in Jerusalem will be as great as the wailing of Hadad-rimmon in the plain of Megiddo. 12 The land will mourn, each clan on its own: the clan of the house of David and their wives, the clan of the house of Nathan and their wives, 13 the clan of the house of Levi and their wives, the clan of Shimei and their wives, 14 and all the remaining clans and their wives.
Study Notes — Zechariah 12
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Zechariah 12
- Themes from Zechariah 12
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Zechariah 12
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Zechariah 12 begins with a declaration of God's creation of the heavens and the earth, and His special interest in Judah and Jerusalem. The chapter then describes the burden of the Lord concerning Jerusalem, where God will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling and a burdensome stone for all nations. The leaders of Judah will be filled with the Spirit of grace and supplication, and they will look on the One they pierced, mourning for Him as one mourns for an only son. The chapter concludes with the Lord saving the tents of Judah first, so that the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem may not be exalted above Judah. The Lord will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication, so that they will look on Him whom they pierced, and mourn for Him as one mourns for an only son.
Context for the Chapter
Zechariah 12 is part of a larger section in the book of Zechariah that describes the restoration of Jerusalem and the coming of the Messiah. The chapter is a continuation of the themes of spiritual restoration and redemption that are present throughout the book of Zechariah. The chapter also points to the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to His people, and the ultimate triumph of God over all nations. In the larger biblical narrative, Zechariah 12 is connected to other prophecies about the coming of the Messiah and the redemption of God's people, such as Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22.
Heart Application
The chapter calls us to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, who was pierced for the sins of the world. As we look on the One who was pierced, we are filled with the Spirit of grace and supplication, and we mourn for Him as one mourns for an only son. This is a call to personal repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, and to a deeper understanding of God's sovereign control over history and His people's destiny.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Zechariah 12 describes God's plan to redeem Jerusalem and His people, emphasizing the spiritual restoration and the ultimate triumph of God over all nations. The chapter points to the coming of the Messiah, who will bring salvation to God's people. As we look on the One who was pierced, we are filled with the Spirit of grace and supplication, and we mourn for Him as one mourns for an only son. This is a call to personal repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, and to a deeper understanding of God's sovereign control over history and His people's destiny. In Zechariah 12:10, it is written that God will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication, so that they will look on the One they pierced, mourning for Him as one mourns for an only son.
Voices from the Church
“The pierced One is the Lord Jesus Christ, who was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities. As we look on Him, we are filled with the Spirit of grace and supplication, and we mourn for Him as one mourns for an only son.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The Spirit of grace and supplication is poured out on God's people, enabling them to look on the One they pierced and mourn for Him. This is a picture of the redemption that Jesus Christ brings to God's people, and it is a call to repentance and faith in Him.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to God's Plan for Jerusalem (Zechariah 12:1-3) — The chapter begins with a declaration of God's creation of the heavens and the earth, and His special interest in Judah and Jerusalem.
- The Burden of the Lord Concerning Jerusalem (Zechariah 12:4-9) — The chapter describes the burden of the Lord concerning Jerusalem, where God will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling and a burdensome stone for all nations.
- The Mourning of Jerusalem and the Nations (Zechariah 12:10-14) — The chapter describes the mourning of Jerusalem and the nations, where God's people will look on the One they pierced and mourn for Him as one mourns for an only son.
- The Restoration of God's People (Zechariah 12:5-9) — The chapter concludes with the Lord saving the tents of Judah first, so that the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem may not be exalted above Judah. The Lord will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication, so that they will look on Him whom they pierced, and mourn for Him as one mourns for an only son.
- Conclusion (Zechariah 12:10-14) — The chapter concludes with a call to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, who was pierced for the sins of the world. As we look on the One who was pierced, we are filled with the Spirit of grace and supplication, and we mourn for Him as one mourns for an only son.
Core Doctrines
- Sovereignty of God
- The chapter emphasizes God's sovereign control over history and His people's destiny, declaring that He will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling and a burdensome stone for all nations.
- Redemption
- The chapter points to the coming of the Messiah, who will bring salvation to God's people. The outpouring of the Spirit of grace and supplication will enable God's people to look on the One they pierced and mourn for Him, demonstrating their repentance and faith in Him.
- Repentance
- The chapter calls us to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, who was pierced for the sins of the world. As we look on the One who was pierced, we are filled with the Spirit of grace and supplication, and we mourn for Him as one mourns for an only son.
- Faith
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus Christ, who was pierced for the sins of the world. As we look on the One who was pierced, we are filled with the Spirit of grace and supplication, and we mourn for Him as one mourns for an only son.
Lessons from Zechariah 12
- The Importance of Repentance — The chapter calls us to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, who was pierced for the sins of the world. As we look on the One who was pierced, we are filled with the Spirit of grace and supplication, and we mourn for Him as one mourns for an only son.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereign control over history and His people's destiny, declaring that He will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling and a burdensome stone for all nations.
- The Coming of the Messiah — The chapter points to the coming of the Messiah, who will bring salvation to God's people. The outpouring of the Spirit of grace and supplication will enable God's people to look on the One they pierced and mourn for Him, demonstrating their repentance and faith in Him.
- The Redemption of God's People — The chapter points to the redemption that Jesus Christ will bring to God's people, where they will be filled with the Spirit of grace and supplication, and they will look on the One they pierced, mourning for Him as one mourns for an only son.
- The Call to Faith — The chapter calls us to faith in Jesus Christ, who was pierced for the sins of the world. As we look on the One who was pierced, we are filled with the Spirit of grace and supplication, and we mourn for Him as one mourns for an only son.
Themes from Zechariah 12
- God's Sovereign Control — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereign control over history and His people's destiny, declaring that He will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling and a burdensome stone for all nations.
- Redemption — The chapter points to the coming of the Messiah, who will bring salvation to God's people. The outpouring of the Spirit of grace and supplication will enable God's people to look on the One they pierced and mourn for Him, demonstrating their repentance and faith in Him.
- Repentance — The chapter calls us to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, who was pierced for the sins of the world. As we look on the One who was pierced, we are filled with the Spirit of grace and supplication, and we mourn for Him as one mourns for an only son.
- Faith — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus Christ, who was pierced for the sins of the world. As we look on the One who was pierced, we are filled with the Spirit of grace and supplication, and we mourn for Him as one mourns for an only son.
- The Spirit of Grace and Supplication — The chapter describes the outpouring of the Spirit of grace and supplication on God's people, enabling them to look on the One they pierced and mourn for Him, demonstrating their repentance and faith in Him.
Questions for Meditation
- What does the chapter reveal about God's plan for Jerusalem and His people?
- How does the chapter point to the coming of the Messiah and the redemption He will bring to God's people?
- What is the significance of the Spirit of grace and supplication being poured out on God's people?
- How does the chapter call us to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ?
- What does the chapter teach us about God's sovereign control over history and His people's destiny?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to God's Plan for Jerusalem (Zechariah 12:1-3)
| Zechariah 12:1 | The chapter begins with a declaration of God's creation of the heavens and the earth, and His special interest in Judah and Jerusalem. |
| Zechariah 12:2 | The Lord declares that He will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling and a burdensome stone for all nations. |
2. The Burden of the Lord Concerning Jerusalem (Zechariah 12:4-9)
| Zechariah 12:4 | The Lord declares that He will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling and a burdensome stone for all nations. |
| Zechariah 12:5 | The leaders of Judah will be filled with the Spirit of grace and supplication, and they will look on the One they pierced, mourning for Him as one mourns for an only son. |
3. The Mourning of Jerusalem and the Nations (Zechariah 12:10-14)
| Zechariah 12:10 | The Lord will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication, so that they will look on Him whom they pierced, and mourn for Him as one mourns for an only son. |
| Zechariah 12:11 | The mourning of Jerusalem and the nations will be like the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the plain of Megiddo. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Spirit of grace and supplication being poured out on God's people?
The outpouring of the Spirit of grace and supplication enables God's people to look on the One they pierced and mourn for Him, demonstrating their repentance and faith in Him (Zechariah 12:10).
How does the chapter point to the coming of the Messiah and the redemption He will bring to God's people?
The chapter points to the coming of the Messiah, who will bring salvation to God's people. The outpouring of the Spirit of grace and supplication will enable God's people to look on the One they pierced and mourn for Him, demonstrating their repentance and faith in Him (Zechariah 12:10).
What does the chapter teach us about God's sovereign control over history and His people's destiny?
The chapter emphasizes God's sovereign control over history and His people's destiny, declaring that He will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling and a burdensome stone for all nations (Zechariah 12:2-3).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zechariah 12:10 → John 19:37 | The piercing of the Messiah is referenced in both Zechariah 12:10 and John 19:37, highlighting the fulfillment of prophecy in the death of Jesus Christ. |
| 2 | Zechariah 12:10 → Revelation 1:7 | The mourning of Jerusalem and the nations is also referenced in Revelation 1:7, where it is written that every eye will see Him, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. |
| 3 | Zechariah 12:1 → Genesis 1:1 | The declaration of God's creation of the heavens and the earth in Zechariah 12:1 is reminiscent of the creation account in Genesis 1:1. |
| 4 | Zechariah 12:2 → Isaiah 51:22-23 | The declaration that God will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling and a burdensome stone for all nations is similar to the prophecy in Isaiah 51:22-23, where it is written that God will make the nations drink from the cup of His wrath. |
| 5 | Zechariah 12:4 → Ezekiel 38:4 | The prophecy of the nations being gathered against Jerusalem is also referenced in Ezekiel 38:4, where it is written that God will bring the nations against Israel. |
| 6 | Zechariah 12:5 → Joel 2:28-32 | The outpouring of the Spirit of grace and supplication is also referenced in Joel 2:28-32, where it is written that God will pour out His Spirit on all flesh. |
| 7 | Zechariah 12:6 → Obadiah 1:17-21 | The prophecy of the house of Judah being like a firepot among the pieces of wood is similar to the prophecy in Obadiah 1:17-21, where it is written that the house of Jacob will be a fire and the house of Joseph a flame. |
| 8 | Zechariah 12:7 → Isaiah 40:1-2 | The prophecy of the Lord saving the tents of Judah first is reminiscent of the prophecy in Isaiah 40:1-2, where it is written that God will comfort His people and speak kindly to them. |
| 9 | Zechariah 12:8 → Psalm 118:22-23 | The prophecy of the Lord saving the tents of Judah first is also referenced in Psalm 118:22-23, where it is written that the stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. |
| 10 | Zechariah 12:10 → Acts 2:37-38 | The outpouring of the Spirit of grace and supplication is also referenced in Acts 2:37-38, where it is written that the people were cut to the heart and asked what they should do to be saved. |
Sermons on Zechariah 12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Meet Your Psychiatrist: He Makes You Rich by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of serving others with grace. He references First Corinthians 15:9-10, where Paul acknowledges his unworthiness but recognizes |
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One Messiah, Two Comings by Jacob Prasch | In this sermon, the speaker begins by quoting a verse from the Bible that declares the power and authority of the Lord. He then relates this verse to the current situation in Jerus |
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The Cosmic Setting by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing and opposing the spirit power realm that seeks to manipulate and possess individuals and societies. The church |
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Genesis #24 Ch. 42-45 the Revelation of Joseph by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, Chuck Missler discusses the events that take place in Genesis chapters 42 through 45. He begins by highlighting the significance of two verses that summarize all of |
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Praying in the Closet by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of praying in the secret place, highlighting the need for individual, intimate prayer with God. It addresses the current darkness and uncertai |
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(Genesis) Genesis 43:31-34 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Joseph and his brothers from the book of Genesis. He highlights the moment when Joseph reveals himself to his brothers after yea |
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The Abrahamic Faith (2 of 2) by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and maintaining the covenant with God. They highlight how divorce within the church reflects a loss of the se |
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Dvd 16 the Time of Jacobs Trouble by Art Katz | This sermon delves into the prophetic insights regarding God's dealings with the Jewish people in the last days, focusing on the time of Jacob's trouble as foretold in Jeremiah 30. |
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Commanded of God by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the significance of the last days and the events that will unfold. He highlights the need for the church to b |
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Canadian Revival by Bill Mcleod by Bill McLeod | This sermon emphasizes the power of prayer and revival, recounting stories of how prayer, repentance, and seeking God's presence led to transformation and revival in churches and i |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Zechariah 12
In Zechariah 12, we see the Lord's plan for the redemption of His people, where He will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication, so that they will look on Him whom they pierced, and mourn for Him as one mourns for an only son. This chapter is a call to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, who was pierced for the sins of the world. As we look on the One who was pierced, we are filled with the Spirit of grace and supplication, and we mourn for Him as one mourns for an only son. The chapter emphasizes God's sovereign control over history and His people's destiny, declaring that He will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling and a burdensome stone for all nations. The outpouring of the Spirit of grace and supplication is a picture of the redemption that Jesus Christ will bring to God's people, and it is a call to personal repentance and faith in Him. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
God's Sovereign Control
The chapter emphasizes God's sovereign control over history and His people's destiny. God declares that He will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling and a burdensome stone for all nations, and that He will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication.
The Mourning of Jerusalem
The chapter describes the mourning of Jerusalem and the nations, where God's people will look on the One they pierced and mourn for Him as one mourns for an only son. This mourning is a picture of repentance and faith in the Messiah.
The Coming of the Messiah
The chapter points to the coming of the Messiah, who will bring salvation to God's people. The outpouring of the Spirit of grace and supplication will enable God's people to look on the One they pierced and mourn for Him, demonstrating their repentance and faith in Him.