Zechariah 12:1-9

1 onus verbi Domini super Israhel dixit Dominus extendens caelum et fundans terram et fingens spiritum hominis in eo

2 ecce ego ponam Hierusalem superliminare crapulae omnibus populis in circuitu sed et Iuda erit in obsidione contra Hierusalem

3 et erit in die illa ponam Hierusalem lapidem oneris cunctis populis omnes qui levabunt eam concisione lacerabuntur et colligentur adversum eam omnia regna terrae

4 in die illa dicit Dominus percutiam omnem equum in stuporem et ascensorem eius in amentiam et super domum Iuda aperiam oculos meos et omnem equum populorum percutiam in caecitate

5 et dicent duces Iuda in corde suo confortentur mihi habitatores Hierusalem in Domino exercituum Deo eorum

6 in die illo ponam duces Iuda sicut caminum ignis in lignis et sicut facem ignis in faeno et devorabunt ad dextram et ad sinistram omnes populos in circuitu et habitabitur Hierusalem rursum in loco suo in Hierusalem

7 et salvabit Dominus tabernacula Iuda sicut in principio ut non magnifice glorietur domus David et gloria habitantium Hierusalem contra Iudam

8 in die illo proteget Dominus habitatores Hierusalem et erit qui offenderit ex eis in die illa quasi David et domus David quasi Dei sicut angelus Domini in conspectu eius

9 et erit in die illa quaeram conterere omnes gentes quae veniunt contra Hierusalem

Zechariah 12:1-9 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.