Zechariah 13
OGCCHAPTER XLI
IN THE FIRST DAY
The future glory of the restored nation of the Jews, predicted in chapter ten (see comments), was to be delayed in its accomplishment by their rejection of the Good Shepherd, the dissolving of the covenant between the nation and Jehovah, and the prolonged dispersion following the defeat of Bar Cocheba, the self-acclaimed Messiah in 135 A.D. Chapter s 12, 13, and 14 actually compose a single unit of thought which climaxes Zechariah’s prophecy in a blaze of apocalyptic eschatology, some of which is nearly impossible to understand clearly. The key to these final Chapter s is found in the phrase in the day which is repeated no less than sixteen times throughout the passage.
This unit of thought is expressed in regard to two days, which from Zechariah’s point of view remained in the future. The first day and its happenings comprise Zechariah 12:3 to Zechariah 13:7 and prefigures the Messianic age.
The final day of the Lord is described in the final chapter, Zechariah 14:1-21.
It will be helpful here to go back and read the comment on yom YHWH (the day of Jehovah) in the Introduction to Zechariah, Chapter XIX. We noted there four characteristics of that day: (1) the judgement of Israel, Judah and the nations of the pre-Christian world. (2) the deliverance and preservation of the remnant during and after the captivity. (3) the first coming of the Messiah and (4) the second coming of the Messiah and His final judgement of all men and nations.
To understand Zechariah’s in that day, we must be alert to all four elements.
The term first appears in Zechariah in chapter three, Zechariah 3:10. There it refers to the time when Jehovah will bring forth His Servant, The Branch. In that day, everyone will invite his neighbor under the vine and under the fig tree. The intention is obviously to describe a time of peace and plenty. The significant aspect here is the sending of the Branch and the removal of the iniquity of the land in one day. (Zechariah 3:8-10)
As we saw in our study of that passage (see comment) in that day here referred to the coming of the living stone and true priest in whom God will remove the sins of His people and invite their neighbors to share the fruits of the Messianic Presence.
Chapter XLI*Questions
In* the First Day
The future glory of the restored Jewish nation was delayed by their _________________.
The key to the final Chapter s of Zechariah is found in the phrase _________________.
This term describes two days which from Zechariah’s point of view were both in _________________.
The first of these days describes _________________.
The second day describes _________________.
Review the four characteristics of the day of Jehovah. (See introduction of Zechariah.)
Zechariah’s first use of in the day (Zechariah 3:8-10) refers to _________________.
What is the significance of the term Israel in Zechariah 12:1?
Why does Zechariah here refer to Jehovah as the creator of the heavens and the earth and the spirit of man?
The first period referred to by in that day is addressed to
and has to do with _________________.
The second period referred to as in that day has to do with _________________.
- Several things are said to be going to happen in the Messianic age. Each is introduced by in that day. They are:
a.
In that day (1)
b.
In that day (2)
c.
In that day (3)
d.
In that day (4)
e. In that day (5)
f.
In that day (6)
g.
In that day (7)
h.
In that day (8)
i.
In that day (9)
Israel at the time of Zechariah could be none other than _________________.
What of Jerusalem in the time of Messiah’s first coming?
What was to be the relationship of the Jews to all nations during the Messianic age?
Historically the military action against which the Jews were least effective was the _________________.
What is meant by Jehovah smiting the peoples and horses with blindness?
Who are they of Jerusalem? (Zechariah 12:1)
How does Zechariah 12:10 fix this section as being fulfilled in the Messianic age?
Compare Zechariah 12:10-14 with John 19:34-37.
What is the condition upon which Jews may again become part of God’s true Israel? (cf. Romans 11:17-24)
Conversion is always an _________________ experience.
How was the mourning over Him who they had pierced fulfilled on Pentecost?
Who are all the families that remain?
In connection with the mourning over Him whom they pierced a ___________ was to be opened for ____________ and _____________.
The _________________ opened the fountain.
_________________ relates the fountain to sin.
_________________ relates the fountain to moral impurity or _________________.
_________________ is frequently associated with uncleanness.
The _________________ is generally credited with ministering the coup de grace to classic idolatry.
What prophecy is condemned during the Messianic age?
How does Zechariah 13:6 relate to Him whom they pierced?
What is meant by the wounds between thine arms?
Discuss Zechariah) Zechariah 12:7 in light of Acts 2:23.
What nation is symbolized historically by the sword?
Jesus could be legally executed by _________________.
Compare Zechariah 13:7 to Matthew 26:31 and Mark 14:27.
Following the death of Jesus the number of His followers was about _________________.
Compare Zechariah 13:9 and 1 Peter 1:6-7.
To those who endured persecution, Jehovah gives _________________ and _________________ they acknowledge
Both are _________________.
The _____________ is God’s new Israel.
Zechariah 13:1
IN THAT DAY (7). Zechariah 13:1
K.V. In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleanness. LXX. In that day every place shall be opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for removal and for separation.
COMMENTS
In connection with the mourning over Him Whom they pierced, a fountain is to be opened for sin and uncleanness. Sin is transgression against the law of God. Uncleanness is that condition of one’s soul which makes him unfit for the presence of God. The death of David’s Branch (cp. Zechariah 3:8 and Zechariah 6:12) Who is seen here in the hour of His death (pierced) provides the fountain for sin and uncleanness.
Jesus-’ understanding of the Old Testament was that the Christ should suffer, and rise again the third day. When this has been done, repentance and remission of sins is to be preached in His name. (cf. Luke 24:44-47)
The death and resurrection opened the fountain. The preaching of repentance, which is a deliberate decision for the will of God by one who has stood against it, relates the fountain to sin which is a transgression of the Law. Remission of sins, which is God’s answer to the moral impurity resulting from sin, relates the fountain to uncleanness. An entire volume could be written showing, from Scripture, that this fountain is the blood of Jesus.
Chapter XLI*Questions
In* the First Day
The future glory of the restored Jewish nation was delayed by their _________________.
The key to the final Chapter s of Zechariah is found in the phrase _________________.
This term describes two days which from Zechariah’s point of view were both in _________________.
The first of these days describes _________________.
The second day describes _________________.
Review the four characteristics of the day of Jehovah. (See introduction of Zechariah.)
Zechariah’s first use of in the day (Zechariah 3:8-10) refers to _________________.
What is the significance of the term Israel in Zechariah 12:1?
Why does Zechariah here refer to Jehovah as the creator of the heavens and the earth and the spirit of man?
The first period referred to by in that day is addressed to
and has to do with _________________.
The second period referred to as in that day has to do with _________________.
- Several things are said to be going to happen in the Messianic age. Each is introduced by in that day. They are:
a.
In that day (1)
b.
In that day (2)
c.
In that day (3)
d.
In that day (4)
e. In that day (5)
f.
In that day (6)
g.
In that day (7)
h.
In that day (8)
i.
In that day (9)
Israel at the time of Zechariah could be none other than _________________.
What of Jerusalem in the time of Messiah’s first coming?
What was to be the relationship of the Jews to all nations during the Messianic age?
Historically the military action against which the Jews were least effective was the _________________.
What is meant by Jehovah smiting the peoples and horses with blindness?
Who are they of Jerusalem? (Zechariah 12:1)
How does Zechariah 12:10 fix this section as being fulfilled in the Messianic age?
Compare Zechariah 12:10-14 with John 19:34-37.
What is the condition upon which Jews may again become part of God’s true Israel? (cf. Romans 11:17-24)
Conversion is always an _________________ experience.
How was the mourning over Him who they had pierced fulfilled on Pentecost?
Who are all the families that remain?
In connection with the mourning over Him whom they pierced a ___________ was to be opened for ____________ and _____________.
The _________________ opened the fountain.
_________________ relates the fountain to sin.
_________________ relates the fountain to moral impurity or _________________.
_________________ is frequently associated with uncleanness.
The _________________ is generally credited with ministering the coup de grace to classic idolatry.
What prophecy is condemned during the Messianic age?
How does Zechariah 13:6 relate to Him whom they pierced?
What is meant by the wounds between thine arms?
Discuss Zechariah) Zechariah 12:7 in light of Acts 2:23.
What nation is symbolized historically by the sword?
Jesus could be legally executed by _________________.
Compare Zechariah 13:7 to Matthew 26:31 and Mark 14:27.
Following the death of Jesus the number of His followers was about _________________.
Compare Zechariah 13:9 and 1 Peter 1:6-7.
To those who endured persecution, Jehovah gives _________________ and _________________ they acknowledge
Both are _________________.
The _____________ is God’s new Israel.
Zechariah 13:2-3
IN THAT DAY (8). Zechariah 13:2-3
RV. And it shall come to pass in that day, saith Jehovah of hosts, that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered; and also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land. And it shall come to pass that, when any shall yet prophesy, then his father and his mother that begat him shall say unto him, Thou shalt not live; for thou speakest lies in the name of Jehovah; and his father and his mother that begat him shall thrust him through when he prophesieth. LXX. And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord of hosts, that I will utterly destroy the names of the idols from off the land, and there shall be no longer any remembrance of them: and I will cut off the false prophets and the evil spirit from the land. And it shall come to pass, if a man will yet prophesy, that his father and his mother which gave birth to him shall say to him, Thou shalt not live; for thou hast spoken lies in the name of the Lord: and his father and his mother who gave him birth shall bind him as he is prophesying.
COMMENTS
Still referring to the Messianic age, Jehovah promises that the names of idols will be cut out of the land and forgotten. Idolatry is frequently associated with uncleanness. (e.g. Ezekiel 36:25 cp. Romans 1:18 ff)
The preaching of the Christian gospel is generally credited with ministering the coup de grace to the classic idolatry which had been a constant blight on the Jews throughout their pre-Christian history. Excepting for the shrines of Catholicism, one will search the holy land in vain for such practices today.
The prophecy condemned here is false prophecy. The passage is a sort of paraphrase of Deuteronomy 13:6-10; Deuteronomy 18:20 which roundly condemns false prophets. Should any utter such prophecies he would incur the wrath of his own parents. The loyalty of Messiah’s people to Him will exceed the tenderest natural affections. (cp. Matthew 10:37 and Luke 14:26)
Chapter XLI*Questions
In* the First Day
The future glory of the restored Jewish nation was delayed by their _________________.
The key to the final Chapter s of Zechariah is found in the phrase _________________.
This term describes two days which from Zechariah’s point of view were both in _________________.
The first of these days describes _________________.
The second day describes _________________.
Review the four characteristics of the day of Jehovah. (See introduction of Zechariah.)
Zechariah’s first use of in the day (Zechariah 3:8-10) refers to _________________.
What is the significance of the term Israel in Zechariah 12:1?
Why does Zechariah here refer to Jehovah as the creator of the heavens and the earth and the spirit of man?
The first period referred to by in that day is addressed to
and has to do with _________________.
The second period referred to as in that day has to do with _________________.
- Several things are said to be going to happen in the Messianic age. Each is introduced by in that day. They are:
a.
In that day (1)
b.
In that day (2)
c.
In that day (3)
d.
In that day (4)
e. In that day (5)
f.
In that day (6)
g.
In that day (7)
h.
In that day (8)
i.
In that day (9)
Israel at the time of Zechariah could be none other than _________________.
What of Jerusalem in the time of Messiah’s first coming?
What was to be the relationship of the Jews to all nations during the Messianic age?
Historically the military action against which the Jews were least effective was the _________________.
What is meant by Jehovah smiting the peoples and horses with blindness?
Who are they of Jerusalem? (Zechariah 12:1)
How does Zechariah 12:10 fix this section as being fulfilled in the Messianic age?
Compare Zechariah 12:10-14 with John 19:34-37.
What is the condition upon which Jews may again become part of God’s true Israel? (cf. Romans 11:17-24)
Conversion is always an _________________ experience.
How was the mourning over Him who they had pierced fulfilled on Pentecost?
Who are all the families that remain?
In connection with the mourning over Him whom they pierced a ___________ was to be opened for ____________ and _____________.
The _________________ opened the fountain.
_________________ relates the fountain to sin.
_________________ relates the fountain to moral impurity or _________________.
_________________ is frequently associated with uncleanness.
The _________________ is generally credited with ministering the coup de grace to classic idolatry.
What prophecy is condemned during the Messianic age?
How does Zechariah 13:6 relate to Him whom they pierced?
What is meant by the wounds between thine arms?
Discuss Zechariah) Zechariah 12:7 in light of Acts 2:23.
What nation is symbolized historically by the sword?
Jesus could be legally executed by _________________.
Compare Zechariah 13:7 to Matthew 26:31 and Mark 14:27.
Following the death of Jesus the number of His followers was about _________________.
Compare Zechariah 13:9 and 1 Peter 1:6-7.
To those who endured persecution, Jehovah gives _________________ and _________________ they acknowledge
Both are _________________.
The _____________ is God’s new Israel.
Zechariah 13:4-6
IN THAT DAY (9). Zechariah 13:4-6
RV. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the prophets shall be ashamed every one of his vision, when he prophesieth; neither shall they wear a hairy mantle to deceive: but he shall say, I am no prophet, I am a tiller of the ground; for I have been made a bondman from my youth. And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds between thine arms? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends. LXX. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the prophets shall be ashamed every one of his vision when he prophesies; and they shall clothe themselves with a garment of hair, because they have lied. And one shall say, I am not a prophet, for I am a tiller of the ground, for a man brought me up thus from my youth. And I will say to him What are these wounds between thine hands? and he shall say, Those with which I was wounded in my beloved house.
COMMENTS
The false prophet shall himself be ashamed of his calling and his vision. In Acts 19:13-20, Luke records a detailed description of one incident when this became literally true. Following their conversion at the preaching of Paul, certain false prophets, whom Luke describes as practicing magical arts, repented of their false teaching and burned their own books.
(Zechariah 13:6) Here is another clear prediction of the crucified Messiah. Its presence in this particular context, just following the reference to false prophets could be misleading. Him in this verse refers not to the false prophet, but to Him Whom they have pierced. (Zechariah 12:10)
The wounds between thine arms are a vivid description of the scourging suffered by Jesus. The word is makkah and means a wound made by a stroke or blow.
We are reminded of Isaiah 53:5, He was wounded (chalalpierced) for our transgression and by His stripes we are healed,
He was wounded in the house of His friends. To quote a cliche, with friends like that, He needed no enemies!
Chapter XLI*Questions
In* the First Day
The future glory of the restored Jewish nation was delayed by their _________________.
The key to the final Chapter s of Zechariah is found in the phrase _________________.
This term describes two days which from Zechariah’s point of view were both in _________________.
The first of these days describes _________________.
The second day describes _________________.
Review the four characteristics of the day of Jehovah. (See introduction of Zechariah.)
Zechariah’s first use of in the day (Zechariah 3:8-10) refers to _________________.
What is the significance of the term Israel in Zechariah 12:1?
Why does Zechariah here refer to Jehovah as the creator of the heavens and the earth and the spirit of man?
The first period referred to by in that day is addressed to
and has to do with _________________.
The second period referred to as in that day has to do with _________________.
- Several things are said to be going to happen in the Messianic age. Each is introduced by in that day. They are:
a.
In that day (1)
b.
In that day (2)
c.
In that day (3)
d.
In that day (4)
e. In that day (5)
f.
In that day (6)
g.
In that day (7)
h.
In that day (8)
i.
In that day (9)
Israel at the time of Zechariah could be none other than _________________.
What of Jerusalem in the time of Messiah’s first coming?
What was to be the relationship of the Jews to all nations during the Messianic age?
Historically the military action against which the Jews were least effective was the _________________.
What is meant by Jehovah smiting the peoples and horses with blindness?
Who are they of Jerusalem? (Zechariah 12:1)
How does Zechariah 12:10 fix this section as being fulfilled in the Messianic age?
Compare Zechariah 12:10-14 with John 19:34-37.
What is the condition upon which Jews may again become part of God’s true Israel? (cf. Romans 11:17-24)
Conversion is always an _________________ experience.
How was the mourning over Him who they had pierced fulfilled on Pentecost?
Who are all the families that remain?
In connection with the mourning over Him whom they pierced a ___________ was to be opened for ____________ and _____________.
The _________________ opened the fountain.
_________________ relates the fountain to sin.
_________________ relates the fountain to moral impurity or _________________.
_________________ is frequently associated with uncleanness.
The _________________ is generally credited with ministering the coup de grace to classic idolatry.
What prophecy is condemned during the Messianic age?
How does Zechariah 13:6 relate to Him whom they pierced?
What is meant by the wounds between thine arms?
Discuss Zechariah) Zechariah 12:7 in light of Acts 2:23.
What nation is symbolized historically by the sword?
Jesus could be legally executed by _________________.
Compare Zechariah 13:7 to Matthew 26:31 and Mark 14:27.
Following the death of Jesus the number of His followers was about _________________.
Compare Zechariah 13:9 and 1 Peter 1:6-7.
To those who endured persecution, Jehovah gives _________________ and _________________ they acknowledge
Both are _________________.
The _____________ is God’s new Israel.
Zechariah 13:7-9
EPILOGUE TO THE FIRST DAY. Zechariah 13:7-9
RV. Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith Jehovah of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered; and I will turn my hand upon the little ones. And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith Jehovah, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein. And I will bring the third part into the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried. They shall-call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my People; and they shall say, Jehovah is my God.
LXX. Awake, O sword, against my shepherds, and against the man who is my citizen, saith the Lord Almighty: smite the shepherds, and draw out the sheep: and I will bring mine hand upon the little ones. And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the Lord, two parts thereof shall be cut off and perish; but the third shall be left therein. And I will bring the third part through the fire, and I will try them as silver is tried, and I will prove them as gold is proved: they shall call upon my name, and I will hear them, and say, This is my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God.
COMMENTS
(Zechariah 13:7) When Peter preached the first recorded sermon following the resurrection, he pointed out that the suffering of Jesus had been by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God. (Acts 2:23) Here is evidence to support that claim.
Jehovah of hosts,* i.e.* the God of the covenant, gives specific orders that the sword awake against the shepherd. We have seen that the good shepherd of Zechariah is indeed the Christ (see on Zechariah 11:10 -ff). That this Christ is Jesus, Who was crucified by the Romans is evidenced by the particular weapon named to symbolize those who were to smite Him. Many ancient powers were symbolized by their most characteristic weapon,* e.g.* Persia by the bow, Egypt by the chariot, Greece by the lance and phalanx, etc. Rome is characterized by the short sword. Because of prevailing circumstances at the time of Jesus trial, He could be legally executed only by Rome, since the Jews were denied the right of capital punishment. (There is much question concerning the legality of Jesus-’ trials, but there is no doubt His execution was performed by Romans.)
Jesus Himself applied this, verse to His own death. (Matthew 26:31, Mark 14:27). At His arrest, His disciples fled or followed afar, off. During and after His crucifixion all but John were in hiding, and John apparently joined the others just following His death. The sheep were indeed scattered when the Shepherd was smitten.
Here is further evidence that in that day in this section applies to the day of the Messiah rather than to the time of the end.
(Zechariah 13:8) After the death and resurrection of Jesus, the number of his followers was greatly reduced. Apparently there were five hundred who could be counted as disciples (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:6). One hundred twenty were present when the church was born on Pentecost (cf. Acts 1:15). If one adds the three thousand baptized that day, the number totals some three thousand, six hundred. It was a small group indeed, compared to the six hundred thousand Jewish males who formed the original flock. (Exodus 12:37).
(Zechariah 13:9) The few followers of Jesus in the early days of the church soon found themselves the object of the most savage religious persecution ever, to that time, raised against a people. Peter described this persecution in words borrowed from Zechariah 13:9. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, ye have been put to grief in manifold trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold that perisheth though it is proved by fire, may be found unto praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:6-7)
There is no doubt the early church interpreted these verses in reference first to Jesus and then to themselves. To those who endured persecution, Jehovah gives recognition that they are His people. They acknowledge Jehovah as their God. Both terms, people and Jehovah, are covenant terms. The church is God’s new Israel!
Chapter XLI*Questions
In* the First Day
The future glory of the restored Jewish nation was delayed by their _________________.
The key to the final Chapter s of Zechariah is found in the phrase _________________.
This term describes two days which from Zechariah’s point of view were both in _________________.
The first of these days describes _________________.
The second day describes _________________.
Review the four characteristics of the day of Jehovah. (See introduction of Zechariah.)
Zechariah’s first use of in the day (Zechariah 3:8-10) refers to _________________.
What is the significance of the term Israel in Zechariah 12:1?
Why does Zechariah here refer to Jehovah as the creator of the heavens and the earth and the spirit of man?
The first period referred to by in that day is addressed to
and has to do with _________________.
The second period referred to as in that day has to do with _________________.
- Several things are said to be going to happen in the Messianic age. Each is introduced by in that day. They are:
a.
In that day (1)
b.
In that day (2)
c.
In that day (3)
d.
In that day (4)
e. In that day (5)
f.
In that day (6)
g.
In that day (7)
h.
In that day (8)
i.
In that day (9)
Israel at the time of Zechariah could be none other than _________________.
What of Jerusalem in the time of Messiah’s first coming?
What was to be the relationship of the Jews to all nations during the Messianic age?
Historically the military action against which the Jews were least effective was the _________________.
What is meant by Jehovah smiting the peoples and horses with blindness?
Who are they of Jerusalem? (Zechariah 12:1)
How does Zechariah 12:10 fix this section as being fulfilled in the Messianic age?
Compare Zechariah 12:10-14 with John 19:34-37.
What is the condition upon which Jews may again become part of God’s true Israel? (cf. Romans 11:17-24)
Conversion is always an _________________ experience.
How was the mourning over Him who they had pierced fulfilled on Pentecost?
Who are all the families that remain?
In connection with the mourning over Him whom they pierced a ___________ was to be opened for ____________ and _____________.
The _________________ opened the fountain.
_________________ relates the fountain to sin.
_________________ relates the fountain to moral impurity or _________________.
_________________ is frequently associated with uncleanness.
The _________________ is generally credited with ministering the coup de grace to classic idolatry.
What prophecy is condemned during the Messianic age?
How does Zechariah 13:6 relate to Him whom they pierced?
What is meant by the wounds between thine arms?
Discuss Zechariah) Zechariah 12:7 in light of Acts 2:23.
What nation is symbolized historically by the sword?
Jesus could be legally executed by _________________.
Compare Zechariah 13:7 to Matthew 26:31 and Mark 14:27.
Following the death of Jesus the number of His followers was about _________________.
Compare Zechariah 13:9 and 1 Peter 1:6-7.
To those who endured persecution, Jehovah gives _________________ and _________________ they acknowledge
Both are _________________.
The _____________ is God’s new Israel.