Zechariah 13

Zechariah 13:1

IN that day] namely; when the Messias shall be come into the world A sountaine] namely; The grace of God in remission of sinnes and regeneration of Spirit shall be proffered to all Believers in Christ. A figure taken from the Waters of the Temple, and th washings according to the Law.

Zechariah 13:2

The Prophets] namely; The false prophets; by which are meant all seducers and teachers of lies Uncleane spirit] namely; the Divels wicked and uncleane inspirations.

Zechariah 13:3

Shall yet] A represention of the spirit of knowledge, discretion and zeale in Christs true Church, to discerne false doctrines and oppose them. Figurative termes, taken from that which was commanded to false Prophets: Deut. 13. 5, 6. and 17. 2.

Zechariah 13:4

The Prophets] All false doctrine and worship of former times, shall be beaten backe by the cleare light of the Gospel Shall they weare] They shall not dare to counterfeit the true Prophets, who used to weare such kindes of garments: 2 King. 1. 8. Isaiah 20:2. Matth. 3. 4.

Zechariah 13:6

Shall say unto him] If it appeares that he hath passed through the Church’s Discipline, because hee hath been a seducer, hee shall confesse it, and give God the glory: approving of the Churches severity, used for his correction. A representation of the wonderfull power of Gods Spirit and light, in convincing and correcting the ministers of error: See Acts 8. 13. and 19. 18, 19.

Zechariah 13:7

Osword] True it is, that for a time my Church shall be an enemy to all manner of false doctrine and false teachers: but there shall likewise come a time, in which by my secret providence Christs true Ministers; according as hee himselfe was slaine by the Jewes for a false Prophet; shall also be persecuted and slaine: whence shall follow a great dispersion of Believers and of Churches in the world. Hee seeme to have an especiall relation to the times of Antichrist My Shepheard] Christ, as well in his owne person, as in the persons of his faithfull Ministers. My Fellow] To shew the unity of Essence, and union of the will of the Father, and the Sonne the Mediator: See upon Isaiah 5:1. Jeremiah 11:15. John 10. 30. and 17. 22 And I will] In this generall description, I will gather together, and preserve mine Elect, who are poore and weake, according to the world. See Zech. 11. 7. 11.

Matth. 18. 10, 14. Isaiah 2:5.

Zechariah 13:8

Tw parts] The greatest part of the world which beare the name of Christians shall follow Antichrist, and shall perish: See Rev. 13. 14. and 17. 8 The third] namely; The Elect which are the lesser number.

Zechariah 13:9

I will bring] I will try the faith and constancie of mine Elect by many afflictions.