Zechariah 12:1-4

Jerusalem to Be Attacked

1 The burden of the word of the LORD concerning Israel. Thus declares the LORD who 1 stretches out the heavens, 2 lays the foundation of the earth, and 3 forms the spirit of man within him,
2 "Behold, I am going to make Jerusalem a 4cup that causes reeling to all the peoples around; and when the siege is against Jerusalem, it will also be against 5Judah.
3 "It will come about in that day that I will make Jerusalem a heavy 6stone for all the peoples; all who lift it will be 7severely injured. And all the 8nations of the earth will be gathered against it.
4 "In that day," declares the LORD, "I will strike every horse with bewilderment and his rider with madness. But I will watch * over the house of Judah, while I strike every horse of the peoples with blindness.

Zechariah 12:1-4 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 8

  • 1. Isaiah 42:5; Isaiah 44:24; Jeremiah 51:15
  • 2. Job 26:7; Psalms 102:25, 26; Hebrews 1:10-12
  • 3. Isaiah 57:16; Hebrews 12:9
  • 4. Psalms 75:8; Isaiah 51:22, 23
  • 5. Zechariah 14:14
  • 6. Dan 2:34, 35, 44, 45
  • 7. Matthew 21:44
  • 8. Zechariah 14:2

Footnotes 4

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