Zechariah 12:1-3

The Lord Will Give Salvation

1 1The burden of the word of the LORD concerning Israel: Thus declares the LORD, 2who stretched out the heavens and 3founded the earth and 4formed the spirit of man within him:
2 "Behold, I am about to make Jerusalem 5a cup of staggering to 6all the surrounding peoples. The siege of Jerusalem 7will also be against Judah.
3 8On that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples. 9All who lift it will surely hurt themselves. And 10all the nations of the earth will gather against it.

Zechariah 12:1-3 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO ZECHARIAH 12

This chapter contains a prophecy of the defence, protection, and salvation of the church of God; and of the effusion of the Spirit; and of the conversion of the Jews in the latter day. It begins with a title and preface, describing the power of God, from the creation of the heavens and earth, and soul of man, Zec 12:1 then follows the subject matter of the prophecy, in a way of judgment upon the enemies of the people of God, and in a way of salvation to them. The judgments on their enemies are signified by various metaphors; by Jerusalem's being a cup of trembling, a burdensome stone, and a hearth, and torch of fire to them, Zec 12:2,3,6. The effects of which are to them astonishment, madness, blindness, and utter destruction; and to the people of God confidence in him, salvation from him, and strength and protection by him, Zec 12:4,5,7,8 and, at the same time that God will destroy all the enemies of his people, he will pour out his Spirit upon his chosen ones among the Jews. The consequence of which will be, their faith in Christ, signified by looking to him whom they have pierced; and their repentance towards God, expressed by mourning; and this illustrated by mourning for an only and firstborn son, Zec 12:9,10 and which is further illustrated by the mourning for Josiah in the valley of Megiddon; and by an enumeration of the several families in Jerusalem, that should separately mourn on this account, Zec 12:11-14.

Cross References 10

  • 1. See Nahum 1:1
  • 2. See Isaiah 42:5
  • 3. Isaiah 48:13
  • 4. See Isaiah 42:5
  • 5. Isa. 51:17, 22, 23
  • 6. [Zechariah 14:2]
  • 7. [Zechariah 14:14]
  • 8. Zechariah 13:1, 2, 4; Zechariah 14:4, 6, 8; Isaiah 2:11
  • 9. [Matthew 21:44; Luke 20:18]
  • 10. [See ver. 2 above]
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.