Zechariah 12:4-9

4 On that day, says the LORD, I will strike every horse with confusion and its rider with madness. I will keep my eyes open for the house of Judah; I will strike blind every horse of the peoples.

5 The chieftains of Judah will say to themselves, We are strong; the inhabitants of Jerusalem will say, The LORD their God of heavenly forces is strong.

6 On that day I will place the chieftains of Judah like a pot on a wood fire and like a burning torch among the bundles of grain. They will devour all the surrounding nations to the right and the left. Jerusalem will dwell again in its place, in Jerusalem.

7 The LORD will first deliver the tents of Judah so that the splendor of David's house and the splendor of Jerusalem's inhabitants won't overshadow Judah.

8 On that day the LORD will protect the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Anyone among them who stumbles on that day will become like David, and David's house will become like God, like the LORD's messenger in front of them.

9 On that day I intend to destroy all the nations who come against Jerusalem,

Zechariah 12:4-9 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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Heb uncertain