Bible Commentaries
Zechariah 13

Verse 1

Zec 13:1

IN THAT DAY (7) . . . Zechariah 13:1

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.

Zerr: That day (Zechariah 13:1.) means the day designated in Zechariah 12:10 when "they shall look upon me whom they have pierced.” This is one of the most precious prophecies in the Bible because it predicts the “Fountain, filled with blood, drawn from Emanuel’s veins.” It refers to the flow of blood that came from the pierced side of Christ, and poured down upon the ground to satisfy the wrath of God against sin, and made it possible for Him to save mankind from sin and its consequences.

Questions

In the First Day

1. The future glory of the restored Jewish nation was delayed by their _________________.

2. The key to the final chapters of Zechariah is found in the phrase _________________.

3. This term describes two days which from Zechariah’s point of view were both in _________________.

4. The first of these days describes _________________.

5. The second “day” describes _________________.

6. Review the four characteristics of the day of Jehovah. (See introduction of Zechariah.)

7. Zechariah’s first use of “in the day” (Zechariah 3:8-10) refers to _________________.

8. What is the significance of the term Israel in Zechariah 12:1?

9. Why does Zechariah here refer to Jehovah as the creator of the heavens and the earth and the spirit of man?

10. The first period referred to by “in that day” is addressed to and has to do with _________________.

11. The second period referred to as “in that day” has to do with _________________.

12. 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)

13. Israel at the time of Zechariah could be none other than _________________.

14. What of Jerusalem in the time of Messiah’s first coming?

15. What was to be the relationship of the Jews to all nations during the Messianic age?

16. Historically the military action against which the Jews were least effective was the _________________.

17. What is meant by Jehovah smiting the peoples and horses with blindness?

18. Who are “they of Jerusalem?” (Zechariah 12:1)

19. How does Zechariah 12:10 fix this section as being fulfilled in the Messianic age?

20. Compare Zechariah 12:10-14 with John 19:34-37.

21. What is the condition upon which Jews may again become part of God’s true Israel? (cf. Romans 11:17-24)

22. Conversion is always an _________________ experience.

23. How was the mourning over Him who they had pierced fulfilled on Pentecost?

24. Who are “all the families that remain?”

25. In connection with the mourning over Him whom they pierced a ___________ was to be opened for ____________ and _____________.

26. The _________________ opened the fountain.

27. _________________ relates the fountain to sin.

28. _________________ relates the fountain to moral impurity or _________________.

29. _________________ is frequently associated with uncleanness.

30. The _________________ is generally credited with ministering the coup de grace to classic idolatry.

31. What prophecy is condemned during the Messianic age?

32. How does Zechariah 13:6 relate to Him whom they pierced?

33. What is meant by the wounds “between thine arms?”

34. Discuss Zechariah) Zechariah 12:7 in light of Acts 2:23.

35. What nation is symbolized historically by the sword?

36. Jesus could be legally executed by _________________.

37. Compare Zechariah 13:7 to Matthew 26:31 and Mark 14:27.

38. Following the death of Jesus the number of His followers was about _________________.

39. Compare Zechariah 13:9 and 1 Peter 1:6-7.

40. To those who endured persecution, Jehovah gives _________________ and _________________ they acknowledge. Both are _________________.

41. The _____________ is God’s new Israel.

Verses 1-6

Zec 13:1-6

Completed Revelation “In That Day” (Zechariah 13:1-6)

“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. 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” (Zechariah 13:1-2).

In the day that God will cause the nations of the world that oppose Him to drink the cup of His wrath and reel (Zechariah 12:2), when God shall fight against the wicked that come up against His Kingdom (Zechariah 12:3-9), when He shall pour out the spirit of grace upon the righteous who desire it (Zechariah 12:10), and when the people shall mourn over the pierced Son of God (Zechariah 12:10-14). Zechariah continues to build upon the future time frame and even more clearly now identifying the time “in that day” as the time when the Christ would come into the world, be crucified for the sins of mankind, and reign in his Kingdom.

Zechariah tells us that in this day God will open a fountain (the spilled blood of the pierced Savior) that shall make clean that which is unclean (i.e., the remedy for sin / for an association of sin, being defiled and uncleanness see Leviticus 16:16; Leviticus 16:30; Numbers 5:3; Numbers 5:13; Numbers 5:27; Numbers 6:9-11). When sins are forgiven (cf. Hebrews 10:1 ff) all forms of idolatry will be vanished from the true people of God. Unclean spirits and prophets of error will also be passed out of the kingdom of God. While idolatry and false teaching continues today it will never exists within the true church of Jesus Christ.

“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 prophesies” (Zechariah 13:3).

During the time of sins being forgiven and the Christ reigning as king in his kingdom there would come a time when no more prophecy was needed due to the fact that the complete revelation would be made known (Judges 1:3). If there would be no more need for prophecy and revelation it stands to reason that all spiritual gifts would cease (cf. 1 Corinthians 13:1 ff). Miracles confirmed the word of God (Mark 16:20). With this common knowledge a father and mother who had a son who laid claims to being able to prophecy or perform miracles was to be exposed as a liar and such a one would not be worthy to live.

“And it shall come to pass in that day, that the prophets shall be ashamed every one of his vision, when he prophesies; 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” (Zechariah 13:4-6).

At a time when divine revelation would be complete in the Kingdom of God false prophets (teachers) will be made to be ashamed as the righteous compare their words with divine revelation. Herein is the duty of the faithful child of God (cf. 1 John 4:1). Furthermore, we see a picture of the nations of sinful men who affront the church of Christ. The faithful are to put the wicked false teachers to shame with the sword of the Spirit (i.e., truth) (cf. Ephesians 5:11; Titus 1:9) (see study # 19; Testing the spirits of Truth and Error).

The false teacher will be left completely exposed to the point that he shall be embarrassed to admit the things he has taught. He shall deny, lie, and make up stories to cover his sinful past (see study # 20; Exposing False Teachers). Note that when this man is exposed he is made to feel the shame. If we choose, like so many brethren today, to not shame the teacher then he will continue on his merry way.

Verses 2-3

Zec 13:2-3

IN THAT DAY (8) . . . Zechariah 13:2-3

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)

Zerr: Idolatry will have been banished from ancient Israel by the captivity (Zechariah 13:2). Then, passing on to the first part of the age under Christ, the prophet makes another weighty prediction. When the new and final religious system has been fully established, all special and miraculous means will no longer be necessary and hence they will all cease to be used. That is why the prediction is that the (inspired) prophet and the unclean spirits shall pass out of the land. Casting devils out of men required miraculous power, but when the need for miracles ceased to exist there was no longer any occasion for the people to be afflicted with devils. After the age of miracles has passed it will be false for anyone to claim to have the power of superal prophesying (Zechariah 13:3). If some person does so he will be regarded as an impostor and will be opposed even by his parents who have learned better.

Questions

In the First Day

1. The future glory of the restored Jewish nation was delayed by their _________________.

2. The key to the final chapters of Zechariah is found in the phrase _________________.

3. This term describes two days which from Zechariah’s point of view were both in _________________.

4. The first of these days describes _________________.

5. The second “day” describes _________________.

6. Review the four characteristics of the day of Jehovah. (See introduction of Zechariah.)

7. Zechariah’s first use of “in the day” (Zechariah 3:8-10) refers to _________________.

8. What is the significance of the term Israel in Zechariah 12:1?

9. Why does Zechariah here refer to Jehovah as the creator of the heavens and the earth and the spirit of man?

10. The first period referred to by “in that day” is addressed to and has to do with _________________.

11. The second period referred to as “in that day” has to do with _________________.

12. 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)

13. Israel at the time of Zechariah could be none other than _________________.

14. What of Jerusalem in the time of Messiah’s first coming?

15. What was to be the relationship of the Jews to all nations during the Messianic age?

16. Historically the military action against which the Jews were least effective was the _________________.

17. What is meant by Jehovah smiting the peoples and horses with blindness?

18. Who are “they of Jerusalem?” (Zechariah 12:1)

19. How does Zechariah 12:10 fix this section as being fulfilled in the Messianic age?

20. Compare Zechariah 12:10-14 with John 19:34-37.

21. What is the condition upon which Jews may again become part of God’s true Israel? (cf. Romans 11:17-24)

22. Conversion is always an _________________ experience.

23. How was the mourning over Him who they had pierced fulfilled on Pentecost?

24. Who are “all the families that remain?”

25. In connection with the mourning over Him whom they pierced a ___________ was to be opened for ____________ and _____________.

26. The _________________ opened the fountain.

27. _________________ relates the fountain to sin.

28. _________________ relates the fountain to moral impurity or _________________.

29. _________________ is frequently associated with uncleanness.

30. The _________________ is generally credited with ministering the coup de grace to classic idolatry.

31. What prophecy is condemned during the Messianic age?

32. How does Zechariah 13:6 relate to Him whom they pierced?

33. What is meant by the wounds “between thine arms?”

34. Discuss Zechariah) Zechariah 12:7 in light of Acts 2:23.

35. What nation is symbolized historically by the sword?

36. Jesus could be legally executed by _________________.

37. Compare Zechariah 13:7 to Matthew 26:31 and Mark 14:27.

38. Following the death of Jesus the number of His followers was about _________________.

39. Compare Zechariah 13:9 and 1 Peter 1:6-7.

40. To those who endured persecution, Jehovah gives _________________ and _________________ they acknowledge. Both are _________________.

41. The _____________ is God’s new Israel.

Verses 4-6

Zec 13:4-6

IN THAT DAY (9) . . . Zechariah 13:4-6

(Zechariah 13:4-5) 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.

Zerr: Not wear a rough garment to deceive (Zechariah 13:4). Prophets of the miraculous times wore a special garb, and this means that those who would impose upon others will be forced to shed these garments. (See also Zechariah 13:5)

(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)

Zerr: The subject becomes more specific and pertains to Christ personally (Zechariah 13:6). The wounds are those made in His hands and feet. In the house of my friends refers to Judas who was one of the apostles and who caused Jesus to be betrayed.

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 (chalal—pierced) 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!

Questions

In the First Day

1. The future glory of the restored Jewish nation was delayed by their _________________.

2. The key to the final chapters of Zechariah is found in the phrase _________________.

3. This term describes two days which from Zechariah’s point of view were both in _________________.

4. The first of these days describes _________________.

5. The second “day” describes _________________.

6. Review the four characteristics of the day of Jehovah. (See introduction of Zechariah.)

7. Zechariah’s first use of “in the day” (Zechariah 3:8-10) refers to _________________.

8. What is the significance of the term Israel in Zechariah 12:1?

9. Why does Zechariah here refer to Jehovah as the creator of the heavens and the earth and the spirit of man?

10. The first period referred to by “in that day” is addressed to and has to do with _________________.

11. The second period referred to as “in that day” has to do with _________________.

12. 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)

13. Israel at the time of Zechariah could be none other than _________________.

14. What of Jerusalem in the time of Messiah’s first coming?

15. What was to be the relationship of the Jews to all nations during the Messianic age?

16. Historically the military action against which the Jews were least effective was the _________________.

17. What is meant by Jehovah smiting the peoples and horses with blindness?

18. Who are “they of Jerusalem?” (Zechariah 12:1)

19. How does Zechariah 12:10 fix this section as being fulfilled in the Messianic age?

20. Compare Zechariah 12:10-14 with John 19:34-37.

21. What is the condition upon which Jews may again become part of God’s true Israel? (cf. Romans 11:17-24)

22. Conversion is always an _________________ experience.

23. How was the mourning over Him who they had pierced fulfilled on Pentecost?

24. Who are “all the families that remain?”

25. In connection with the mourning over Him whom they pierced a ___________ was to be opened for ____________ and _____________.

26. The _________________ opened the fountain.

27. _________________ relates the fountain to sin.

28. _________________ relates the fountain to moral impurity or _________________.

29. _________________ is frequently associated with uncleanness.

30. The _________________ is generally credited with ministering the coup de grace to classic idolatry.

31. What prophecy is condemned during the Messianic age?

32. How does Zechariah 13:6 relate to Him whom they pierced?

33. What is meant by the wounds “between thine arms?”

34. Discuss Zechariah) Zechariah 12:7 in light of Acts 2:23.

35. What nation is symbolized historically by the sword?

36. Jesus could be legally executed by _________________.

37. Compare Zechariah 13:7 to Matthew 26:31 and Mark 14:27.

38. Following the death of Jesus the number of His followers was about _________________.

39. Compare Zechariah 13:9 and 1 Peter 1:6-7.

40. To those who endured persecution, Jehovah gives _________________ and _________________ they acknowledge. Both are _________________.

41. The _____________ is God’s new Israel.

Verses 7-9

Zec 13:7-9

The will of God is that the good shepherd be

killed and the sheep scattered yet called back

to God through the Gospel Message (Zechariah 13:7-9)

“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” (Zechariah 13:7-8).

God calls for the sword of death to come upon His shepherd who has been identified as the Christ at Zechariah 11:1-14; Zechariah 12:10. To do so will bring forth the spirit of grace and of supplication (Zechariah 12:10) and will open the “fountain for sin and for uncleanness” (Zechariah 13:1). The death of the shepherd brings about eternal blessings for God’s kingdom. The apostle Peter said, “him being delivered up by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye by the hand of lawless men did crucify and slay:” (Acts 2:23). God’s plan to redeem man came before the foundations of the world (cf. Ephesians 1:3 ff).

Jesus quoted from this verse; i.e., Zechariah 13:7 at Matthew 26:31 in relation to his death causing a scattering of the sheep. Peter boldly tells the Lord that he would never be offended or deny the Christ; however, as Jesus predicted Peter denied the Lord three times that night. God’s hand would be turned against His people that He may test their spirit to see who truly loves Him. Many would not (will not) pass the test and fall away as the give heed to the desires of the world (cf. 1 John 2:16-17). Spiritual death would consequently come to two thirds of all mankind’

“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” (Zechariah 13:9).

The apostle Peter said that the saints of God would be tried and purified by trials as gold and silver (1 Peter 1:6-7). The apostle Paul said that, “through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). If passing through the fiery trials of life is the only way into heaven then let us all rejoice when going through them (cf. James 1:2 ff) (see study # 21).

To call upon the name of God is to invoke the Lord for help in time of our greatest need. We may call upon the Lord during times of trials and afflictions and we may call upon the name of the Lord when we have sinned against Him. The point being that the true purified people will put their trust in Jehovah God and none other (see Joel 2:32).