Zechariah 12

1 for Israel. “Concerning Israel,” R.V.

2 a cup of trembling. Rather, “a cup of reeling” (R.V.), or, “of staggering.” The nations eagerly gather around Jerusalem as around a bowl which they hope to drain, but the draught fills them with bewilderment and confusion (Isa. ii. 17, 22).

When they shall be in the siege, etc. Lit., “And also in respect of Judah shall it be (a cup of trembling to the nations round about) in the siege against Jerusalem.” Luther’s version suggests what appears to be the true meaning, that the cause and the triumph of Judah shall be one with those of Jerusalem. Cp. v. 7.

3 a burdensome stone. A stone so heavy, that any who attempt to carry it shall be lacerated or bruised (“sore wounded,” R.V.): cp. Matt. xxi. 44.

4. I will open Mine eyes, etc. Rather, “I will open its eyes,” in contrast with “the horses of the peoples,” which shall be blinded.

6 like a hearth of fire among the wood. Rather, “Like a firepan among logs of wood.”

7 the tents of Judah. That is, the rural population. The more obscure and feeble shall be first delivered, that the princes and the citizens may not despise them.

8 as David. The hero of Israel (2 Sam. xvii. 8; xviii. 3).

10 they shall look upon Me whom they have pierced. A better reading is “upon Him.” For the further application of the words, see John xix. 37; Rev. i. 7.

11 the mourning of Hadadrimmon. On account of the death of Josiah: see 2 Kings xxiii. 30; 2 Chron. xxxv. 25, and notes. “Hadadrimmon” (an Assyrian word) was the name of a place near Megiddo.

12,13. David . . . Nathan . . . Levi . . . Shimei. Nathan and Shimei were the son and grandson of David and Levi (see 2 Sam. v. 14; Numb. iii. 18), and are mentioned as representing the subordinate branches of the kingly and the priestly line.