Zechariah 13

Chapter Summary

Zechariah chapter 13 begins with a prophecy of a fountain that will be opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and uncleanness (Zechariah 13:1). The chapter then turns to a condemnation of false prophets, who will be ashamed of their former predictions and will no longer prophesy (Zechariah 13:2-6). The Lord will strike the shepherd, and the flock will be scattered, but a third of the people will be refined like silver and gold, and will call on the Lord's name (Zechariah 13:7-9). The chapter concludes with a promise that on that day, the Lord will remove the names of the idols from the land, and they will no longer be remembered (Zechariah 13:2, 4).

Context for the Chapter

Zechariah chapter 13 is part of a larger section of the book of Zechariah that emphasizes the Lord's plan to restore and redeem His people. The chapter is closely related to Zechariah 12, which speaks of the Lord's plan to pour out a spirit of grace and supplication on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. The chapter is also related to the larger biblical narrative, which emphasizes the importance of spiritual purity and the need for God's people to turn away from sin and idolatry.

Heart Application

As we reflect on Zechariah chapter 13, we are reminded of the importance of spiritual purity and the need to turn away from sin and idolatry. We are also reminded of the Lord's plan to bring about a great redemption, in which His people will be refined like silver and gold, and will call on His name. May we seek to live in the light of this redemption, and to pursue spiritual purity in our own lives.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Zechariah chapter 13 is about the Lord's plan to cleanse His people from sin and idolatry, and to bring about a great redemption. The chapter emphasizes the importance of spiritual purity and the need to turn away from false prophets and idols. On that day, the Lord will remove the names of the idols from the land, and they will no longer be remembered (Zechariah 13:2, 4).

Voices from the Church

“The fountain of cleansing is a symbol of the boundless mercy of God, which is ever ready to cleanse us from all sin and uncleanness.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The false prophets of Zechariah 13:2-6 represent those who claim to speak for God but are actually leading people astray with their false predictions and idolatrous teachings.”

— John Calvin

“The theme of cleansing in Zechariah 13 emphasizes the need for God's people to be purified from sin and idolatry in order to be redeemed.”

— Martin Luther

Outline for Preaching

1. The Fountain of Cleansing (Zechariah 13:1) — The chapter begins with a prophecy of a fountain that will be opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and uncleanness.
2. The Condemnation of False Prophets (Zechariah 13:2-6) — The chapter then turns to a condemnation of false prophets, who will be ashamed of their former predictions and will no longer prophesy.
3. The Striking of the Shepherd (Zechariah 13:7-9) — The Lord will strike the shepherd, and the flock will be scattered, but a third of the people will be refined like silver and gold, and will call on the Lord's name.
4. The Removal of Idols (Zechariah 13:2, 4) — The chapter concludes with a promise that on that day, the Lord will remove the names of the idols from the land, and they will no longer be remembered.
5. The Redemption of God's People (Zechariah 13:1, 7-9) — The chapter emphasizes the Lord's plan to bring about a great redemption, in which His people will be refined like silver and gold, and will call on His name.

Core Doctrines

The Doctrine of Redemption

Zechariah chapter 13 teaches that the Lord has a plan to bring about a great redemption, in which His people will be refined like silver and gold, and will call on His name (Zechariah 13:1, 7-9).

The Doctrine of Spiritual Purity

The chapter emphasizes the importance of spiritual purity, and the need for God's people to turn away from sin and idolatry in order to be redeemed (Zechariah 13:1-2).

The Doctrine of False Prophecy

The chapter condemns false prophets, who claim to speak for God but are actually leading people astray with their false predictions and idolatrous teachings (Zechariah 13:2-6).

The Doctrine of God's Sovereignty

The chapter emphasizes the Lord's sovereignty over all things, including the striking of the shepherd and the scattering of the flock (Zechariah 13:7-9).

Lessons from Zechariah 13

1. The Importance of Spiritual Purity — The chapter emphasizes the need for God's people to be spiritually pure, and to turn away from sin and idolatry in order to be redeemed.
2. The Dangers of False Prophecy — The chapter condemns false prophets, who claim to speak for God but are actually leading people astray with their false predictions and idolatrous teachings.
3. The Lord's Plan for Redemption — The chapter emphasizes the Lord's plan to bring about a great redemption, in which His people will be refined like silver and gold, and will call on His name.
4. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter emphasizes the Lord's sovereignty over all things, including the striking of the shepherd and the scattering of the flock.
5. The Removal of Idols — The chapter concludes with a promise that on that day, the Lord will remove the names of the idols from the land, and they will no longer be remembered.

Themes from Zechariah 13

1. Redemption — The chapter emphasizes the Lord's plan to bring about a great redemption, in which His people will be refined like silver and gold, and will call on His name.
2. Spiritual Purity — The chapter emphasizes the need for God's people to be spiritually pure, and to turn away from sin and idolatry in order to be redeemed.
3. False Prophecy — The chapter condemns false prophets, who claim to speak for God but are actually leading people astray with their false predictions and idolatrous teachings.
4. God's Sovereignty — The chapter emphasizes the Lord's sovereignty over all things, including the striking of the shepherd and the scattering of the flock.
5. The Removal of Idols — The chapter concludes with a promise that on that day, the Lord will remove the names of the idols from the land, and they will no longer be remembered.

Questions for Meditation

1. What is the significance of the fountain of cleansing in Zechariah 13:1, and how does it relate to our own lives?
2. How can we identify and avoid false prophets, and what are the consequences of following them?
3. What is the meaning of the striking of the shepherd in Zechariah 13:7, and how does it relate to Christ?
4. How can we seek to live in the light of the Lord's plan for redemption, and to pursue spiritual purity in our own lives?
5. What is the significance of the removal of the names of the idols from the land in Zechariah 13:2, 4, and how does it relate to the larger biblical narrative?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Zechariah 13

	Sermon	Description
	Sudden Conversations by Oswald J. Smith	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the prophecy of Zachariah and its fulfillment in the future reign of Jesus Christ. The sermon emphasizes the importance of holiness unto the
	Gethsemane by Alan Redpath	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus. He begins by emphasizing the love of Jesus, who willingly came down to earth to die on th
	Wrong Revival Principles - Part 2 by Jonathan Edwards	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of receiving new revelations from God through impressions or signs. He argues that if a person receives a strong impression or si
	From Simon to Peter #20 - a Major Lesson in Humility by J. Glyn Owen	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the passage in John chapter 13 where Jesus washes the feet of his disciples. The preacher emphasizes the contrast between Jesus' attitude of
	Glimpses of the Future - Part 4 by Derek Prince	This sermon delves into various prophetic glimpses of the future, focusing on events related to Israel, including unique tribulation, the sealing of 144,000 young Israelis, Israel'
	Glimpses of the Future - Part 5 by Derek Prince	This sermon delves into the prophetic Scriptures concerning Jesus, emphasizing how every aspect of His life fulfilled the prophecies, showcasing His submission to the authority of
	From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Zechariah) ch.13 & 14 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the presence of unclean spirits in the world and the need to be aware of their influence. He highlights three main aspects of these unclean s
	Belly Worshippers by Ian Paisley	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the consequences of rejecting Christ and living a life of sin. He warns that those who reject Christ not only face damnation themselves, but
	(Through the Bible) Zechariah 13-14 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker briefly mentions the makeup of the population at the time, but states that he will discuss it in more detail in a future session. He then mentions the b
	The Baptism (Part 2) by Ron Bailey	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the significance of a pivotal moment in history when Jesus came into the world. This moment, symbolized by Jesus' crucifixion, brought about

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Zechariah 13

Matthew Henry's commentary on Zechariah 13 emphasizes the Lord's plan to bring about a great redemption, in which His people will be refined like silver and gold, and will call on His name. Henry notes that the fountain of cleansing in Zechariah 13:1 is a symbol of the cleansing power of Christ's blood, which will be poured out for the forgiveness of sins. He also emphasizes the importance of spiritual purity, and the need for God's people to turn away from sin and idolatry in order to be redeemed. Henry's commentary provides a detailed exposition of the chapter, highlighting the Lord's sovereignty over all things, and the ultimate triumph of His people over their enemies. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?