Zechariah 13

¹ 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.

² And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD 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.

³ 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 the LORD: and his father and his mother that begat him shall thrust him through when he prophesieth.

⁴ And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the prophets shall be ashamed every one of his vision, when he hath prophesied; neither shall they wear a rough garment to deceive:

⁵ But he shall say, I [am] no prophet, I [am] an husbandman; for man taught me to keep cattle from my youth.

⁶ And [one] shall say unto him, What [are] these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, [Those] with which I was wounded [in] the house of my friends.

⁷ Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man [that is] my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.

⁸ And it shall come to pass, [that] in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off [and] die; but the third shall be left therein.

⁹ And I will bring the third part through 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, The LORD [is] my God.

Overview of Zechariah Chapter 13

Zechariah Chapter 13 is a prophetic text that addresses themes of purification, the role of the shepherd, and the future restoration of Israel. The chapter is part of the larger context of Zechariah, which contains messages of hope and restoration for the Jewish people after their return from exile. This chapter specifically focuses on the cleansing of sin and the consequences of false prophecy.

Key Themes

• Purification and Cleansing: The chapter begins with a promise of a fountain being opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, symbolizing the cleansing of sin and impurity.
• Rejection of False Prophets: It emphasizes the importance of discerning true prophecy from falsehood, highlighting the consequences for those who mislead the people.
• The Shepherd and the Sheep: The chapter references the fate of the shepherd and the scattering of the sheep, which symbolizes the suffering of the people and the impact of leadership on the community.
• Restoration and Hope: Despite the themes of judgment and purification, there is an underlying message of hope for the future of Israel and the coming of a time when God will be present among His people.

Verse-by-Verse Analysis

1. Verse 1: “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.”
   • This verse signifies a time of spiritual renewal and cleansing, indicating that God will provide a means for the people to be purified from their sins.
   • The imagery of a fountain suggests an abundant and continuous flow of grace and mercy.
2. Verses 2-3: “And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord 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.”
   • These verses highlight the eradication of idolatry and false prophecy, emphasizing God’s desire for His people to worship Him alone.
   • The removal of unclean spirits indicates a complete purification of the spiritual environment of Israel.
3. Verses 4-6: “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 the Lord…”
   • This section illustrates the seriousness of false prophecy and the societal consequences that will follow.
   • The rejection of false prophets by their own families signifies a deep societal change where truth is valued over tradition.
4. Verse 7: “Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the Lord of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered…”
   • This verse is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of the suffering of Christ, the Good Shepherd, and the scattering of His followers.
   • The imagery of the sword represents divine judgment and the consequences of leadership failures.
5. Verses 8-9: “And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the Lord, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein.”
   • These verses speak of a remnant that will survive the coming trials, emphasizing God’s faithfulness to preserve a portion of His people.
   • The concept of a remnant is significant in biblical theology, representing hope and continuity of God’s covenant with His people.

Theological Implications

• God’s Sovereignty: The chapter underscores God’s control over history and His active role in the purification of His people.
• Judgment and Mercy: It balances themes of judgment against sin with the promise of mercy and restoration for those who turn back to God.
• Messianic Prophecy: The references to the shepherd and the suffering of the sheep are seen as prophetic foreshadowing of the coming Messiah, who would ultimately fulfill these roles.

Conclusion

Zechariah Chapter 13 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of spiritual purity, the dangers of falsehood, and the hope of restoration for God’s people. It emphasizes God’s commitment to cleansing His people and the ultimate triumph of truth and righteousness in the face of adversity.