Zechariah 12

Chap. XII. Ver. 1—14. A prophetic burden against Judah and Jerusalem.—If the siege referred to in verse 2, be that of Jerusalem by the Romans, it had a remarkable fulfilment in the effects which the scene had on the invading general (Titus) and his army, who were shocked at the madness and obstinacy of the Jews in destroying themselves and one another, as we shall hereafter more particularly remark. (See on (Matthew 24)) Many commentators, however, consider this prediction as referring to an event at a far greater distance, ((Revelation 20:9).) when, indeed, it may be more signally accomplished. (See note.) The tenth verse is quoted by St. Matthew as referring to our Saviour, who was pierced upon the cross; and such lamentation no doubt took place, when, after St.

Peter had charged the Jews with killing ‘the Prince of life,” the Spirit of grace was poured out from on high, and many thousands were subsequently converted to Christianity. St. John, however, assures us, that another day is coming, when ‘every eye shall see” the Saviour, they especially “ who pierced him”—meaning the descendants of his murderers—“ and all the kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him.” The text will then receive its complete accomplishment. (See (Revelation 1:7).) When this mourning is said to be of every family apart, perhaps it must not be taken literally; but implies that it shall not be a general ceremonial mourning only; but private, distinct, and in-

Notes on the verses

Chap. XII. Ver. 1. The burden.—See note on (Isaiah 17:1). Ver. 2. A cup of trembling.— An inebriating and stupifying potion…. Jerusalem shall strike the nations with dread and astonishment.” Newcome. {Some consider this as predicting the victories of the Maccabees over Antiochus; but that persecutor never besieged Jerusalem; and the language is much too strong to denote their successes. It is probable that the accomplishment of it is still future; and will take place after the return of the Jews to their own land. |— Bagster. Ver, 3. A burdensome stone.—Heb. “ A stone of burden.” “* Jerome has explained this, by informing us that it was an ancient custom, and then observed in the cities, towns, and villages, to have large round stones, which the young men took up, as an exercise of their strength; some raising them as high as the knee, some as high as the breast, and others above the head, with their arms.”

Dr. Boothroyd.—All that burden themselves with it shall be cut.— Newcome, ‘* Wounded.’”? Compare (Matthew 21:44). Ver. 4. Every horse with astonishment—Or “ terror.” We do not understand this prediction; and as it is generally reckoned among those yet unaccomplished, we shall not attempt to force a meaning on it. ‘ Ver. 6. Like a hearth of fire.—This is supposed to refer to clearing the woods by fire; the common practice in some countries. Ver. 8. He that is feeble-—This may imply, either weakness of body, or dejection in mind.—As God, as the angel of the Lord —Does not this imply, that the illustrious person usually styled ‘‘the Angel of the Lord,”’ was also himself God? The language, however, as applied to Judah, is hyperbolical.

Ver. 10. They shall look upon ME.—(That this relates to the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth, and to his being pierced by the soldier’s spear, we have the authority of the inspired apostle John in affirming; and this application agrees with the opinion of some of the ancient Jews, who interpret it of Messiah the son of David, as Moses Hadarson, on (Genesis 28)though Jarchi and Abarbanel refer it to the death of Messiah the son of Joseph, whom they say was to be the suffering Messiah, while the former is to be the triumphant Messiah.|—Bagster. Newcome says, 36 MSS. and two editions read (with (John 19:34).) ‘Upon Him;” the difference only half a letter. So Dr. Boothroyd. Dr. Pye Smith, however, remarks, that the majority of MSS.

and those of the highest antiquity, and all the ancient versions, consent in the common reading, ‘‘ upon ME.”’ Ver. 11. As the mourning of Wadadrimmon.—Probably for king Josiah.