1 The burden of the word of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him.
2 Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah [and] against Jerusalem.
3 And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.
4 In that day, saith the LORD, I will smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness: and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah, and will smite every horse of the people with blindness.
5 And the governors of Judah shall say in their heart, The inhabitants of Jerusalem [shall be] my strength in the LORD of hosts their God.
6 In that day will I make the governors of Judah like an hearth of fire among the wood, and like a torch of fire in a sheaf; and they shall devour all the people round about, on the right hand and on the left: and Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place, [even] in Jerusalem.
7 The LORD also shall save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem do not magnify [themselves] against Judah.
8 In that day shall the LORD defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David [shall be] as God, as the angel of the LORD before them.
9 And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.
10 And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for [his] only [son], and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for [his] firstborn.
11 In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem, as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon.
12 And the land shall mourn, every family apart; the family of the house of David apart, and their wives apart; the family of the house of Nathan apart, and their wives apart;
13 The family of the house of Levi apart, and their wives apart; the family of Shimei apart, and their wives apart;
14 All the families that remain, every family apart, and their wives apart.
Overview of Zechariah Chapter 12
Zechariah Chapter 12 is a prophetic text that focuses on the future of Jerusalem and the people of Israel. It emphasizes themes of divine protection, the significance of repentance, and the ultimate victory of God’s people over their enemies. The chapter is rich in imagery and symbolism, reflecting the eschatological hopes of the Jewish people.
Key Themes
- The Sovereignty of God: The chapter begins by asserting God’s control over the nations and His special relationship with Jerusalem.
- Divine Protection: God promises to make Jerusalem a “cup of trembling” for the surrounding nations, indicating that those who attack it will face dire consequences.
- Repentance and Mourning: The chapter describes a time of mourning for the people of Israel, leading to a deep spiritual renewal and recognition of their past sins.
- The Coming of the Messiah: It hints at the recognition of the Messiah and the resulting transformation of the people.
Detailed Analysis
Verses 1-3: The Divine Declaration
The chapter opens with a declaration from God, emphasizing His role as the creator and sustainer of all. The imagery of Jerusalem as a “burdensome stone” suggests that while it is a source of conflict, it is also a focal point of divine activity.
- God’s sovereignty is established, indicating that He will protect Jerusalem.
- The nations that attempt to lift this burden will find themselves severely injured, symbolizing the futility of opposing God’s will.
Verses 4-9: The Siege of Jerusalem
In these verses, God promises to intervene during a time of siege against Jerusalem. The “spirit of grace and supplication” will be poured out, leading the inhabitants to recognize their need for divine help.
- The imagery of God striking down the enemies of Jerusalem illustrates His active role in the defense of His people.
- The promise of a “fountain opened for sin and uncleanness” signifies a time of spiritual cleansing and renewal.
Verses 10-14: Mourning and Repentance
This section describes a profound period of mourning for the people of Israel, particularly for the “one they have pierced.” This is often interpreted as a reference to the Messiah and the recognition of collective guilt for rejecting Him.
- The mourning is likened to the mourning of Hadad Rimmon, which was associated with deep sorrow and loss.
- The communal nature of this mourning signifies a turning point for the nation, leading to a collective return to God.
Conclusion
Zechariah Chapter 12 presents a powerful vision of hope and redemption for Jerusalem and the people of Israel. Through divine intervention, a promise of protection, and a call to repentance, the chapter encapsulates the eschatological hopes of the Jewish tradition. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing God’s sovereignty and the transformative power of repentance, setting the stage for future restoration and victory.
