Zechariah 12:4-9

4 In that day," says the LORD, "I will strike every horse with terror, and his rider with madness; and I will open my eyes on the house of Yehudah, and will strike every horse of the peoples with blindness.

5 The chieftains of Yehudah will say in their heart, 'The inhabitants of Yerushalayim are my strength in the LORD of Hosts their God.'

6 In that day I will make the chieftains of Yehudah like a pan of fire among wood, and like a flaming torch among sheaves; and they will devour all the surrounding peoples, on the right hand and on the left; and Yerushalayim will yet again dwell in their own place, even in Yerushalayim.

7 The LORD also will save the tents of Yehudah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Yerushalayim not be magnified above Yehudah.

8 In that day the LORD will defend the inhabitants of Yerushalayim. He who is feeble among them at that day will be like David, and the house of David will be like God, like the angel of the LORD before them.

9 It will happen in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Yerushalayim.

Zechariah 12:4-9 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.