Bible Commentaries
Zechariah 13

Verse 1

Zec 13:1. That dap means the day designated in Zec 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.

Verse 2

Zec 13:2, Idolatry will have been banished from ancient Israel by the captivity. 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.

Verse 3

Zec 13:3. After the age of miracles has passed it will be false for anyone to claim to have the power of superal prophesying. If some person does so he will be regarded as an impostor and will be opposed even by his parents who have learned better.

Verse 4

Zec 13:4. Not wear a rouarment to deceive. Prophets of the miraculous times wore a special garb, and this means that those who would im¬pose upon others will be forced to shed these garments.

Verse 5

Zec 13:5. This verse is virtually the same as the preceding one.

Verse 6

Zec 13:6. The subject becomes more specific and pertains to Christ personally. 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.

Verse 7

Zec 13:7. Smite the shepherd, etc. refers to Jesus who was to be attacked and leave his disciples in a discouraged and scattered condition. He cited this saying and so applied, it to himself in Mat 26:31.

Verse 8

Zec 13:8-9, The numerical terms are used figuratively, and the meaning is that more people will reject Christ than will accept him and conform to the Gospel.