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The Book of Zechariah
Chapter 12

The 17th and Last Prophecy in the Book of Zechariah.

In Zec.12 through Zec.14 we see the prophetic Second Coming of Christ. Chapter 12 deals with the final siege of Jerusalem and the lifting of that siege. "Jerusalem" is mentioned ten times in this chapter, and "in that day" is mentioned seven times. These two expressions occur again and again. "In that day" is a reference to the "Day of the Lord" which begins with the removal of TRUE believers at the Rapture, followed immediately by the Great Tribulation period, and goes on into the Millennial Kingdom which the Lord Jesus will usher in when He comes again. The Antichrist brings in the Great Tribulation; the Lord Jesus brings in the Millennium. "In that day" and "Jerusalem" are the subjects of this chapter.

What do you think of when you hear the words, "the day of the Lord?" What does it mean to you? "The day of the Lord" is a very important time of the future. It is spoken of about 18 times in the Book of Zechariah alone. It is also in both the Major and the Minor Prophets. "The Day of the Lord" is really is the theme of Joel's book, and Malachi speaks of "- - - the coming of the great and dreadful Day of the Lord" (Mal. 4:5). Day of the Lord: (Job 21:30; Ps.98:9; 110:5; Isa.2:12; 13:6,9,13; 22:5; 34:8; Jer.25:33; 30:7; 46:10; Lam.2:22; Eze.13:5; 30:3; Am.5:18,20; Ob.1:15; Joel 2:1,11,31; 3:14; Zep.1:7,14,18; 2:2-3; Zec.14:1; Mal.4:5; Rom.2:5; 1 Cor.1:8; 5:5; 2 Cor.1:14; 2 Pet.3:10; Jude 1:6; Rev.6:17; 16:14).

"The day of the Lord" is NOT a 24 hour time period! day. 2 Peter 3:8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. (KJV)

All the events that the prophets include in "the Day of the Lord" could NOT possibility happen in a 24-hour day. Some have actually rejected and ridiculed the idea that all the horrendous events spoken of by the prophets and the Book of Revelation could NOT take place in the short time period of the Great Tribulation. But my friend, it is God's Book, and God's Words, and God CANNOT lie (Tit.1:2). So BELIEVE it!

We will see presented to us the Great Tribulation and Jerusalem under siege. This is the time that Jeremiah called "the time of Jacob's trouble" (Jer.30:5-7). Daniel also wrote concerning this time (Dan.12:1). And the Lord Jesus also spoke of this time, and He, Himself labeled it the "great tribulation." Matthew 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. (KJV)

Jerusalem "a cup of trembling" . . . Zec. 12:1-5.

Zechariah 12:1 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. (KJV)

The burden of the word of the Lord for Israel . . . (Zec.9:1). "Burden" is a heavy, sad, grievous and menacing prediction of future evils coming upon a people (Isa.13:1; 15:1; Nah.1:1; Hab.1:1). "The word" . . . is from God Himself, with which Zechariah threatens the Jews. They will come as a heavy burden, which they cannot decline without repentance, nor shake off by their own strength. "For Israel" . . . as touching or concerning them.

Saith the Lord, which stretcheth forth the heavens . . . "like a curtain" (Ps.104:2; Isa.40:22). The vast expanse of Heaven is stretched out as a canopy over the entire Earth. "Saith the Lord" . . . Who gives Promises of great things to a people in a very low state, to raise their hope tells them by His prophet what He has done and intends to do.

And layeth the foundation of the earth . . . firm and sure, though upon the seas and floods, upon nothing. Creation: (Gen.1:1; Job 26:7; 26:13; Ps.8:3-4; 24:2; 33:6; 74:17; 89:11; 90:2; 95:5; 102:25; 104:5; 115:15; 119:90; 121:2; 124:8; Pro.3:19-20; 30:4; Isa.37:16; 40:12,22,28; 42:5; 44:24; 45:12,18; 48:13; 57:16; Jer.10:12,16; 14:22; 31:35-37; 32:17; 33:2; 51:15; Amos 9:6; Zec.12:1; Heb.11:3; 2 Pet.3:5)

And formeth the spirit of man within him; the soul of man . . . with all his powers and faculties, gifts and endowments; which is given upon birth, and which He continues daily to form. God created man: (Gen.1:27; Ecc.12:7; Isa.42:5; 43:7; 44:24; Ps.22:9; 51:10; 71:6; 100:3; 119:73; 139:13; Pro.22:2).

He Who has done all this, certainly can do all that He promised to do for Israel, and threatened against Israel's enemies.
Consider these things about God as the Creator of this universe and of everything that is in it.
#1. He is the One "which stretcheth forth the heavens," "like a curtain" (Ps.104:2; Isa.40:22). This declares His glory, and it shows His handiwork. Stretching out the heavens (Isa.42:5; 44:24; 45:12,18).
#2. "And layeth the foundation of the earth." (Isa.48:13; Jer.31:35-37). Laying the foundation of the earth (Ps. 24:2; 102:25; 104:2-5)
#3. He "formeth the spirit of man within him." Man is made in the image of God (Gen.1:27; 2:7; Num.16:22).

Zechariah 12:2 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. (KJV)

Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about . . . Jerusalem, who drank the "cup of trembling" herself, shall be so to her foes. A cup full of liquor which causes to reel, stagger and fall like a drunk man. This means the punishment inflicted by the Lord upon the enemies of His people (Isa.51:17,22; Jer.13:13).

When they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem . . . implying that Judah, as it shares the invasion along with Jerusalem, shall prove "a cup of trembling" to the invaders. Some Jews forced by the foe shall join in the assault on Jerusalem, and shall share the overthrow with the besiegers. (Zec.12:6-7).

"Jerusalem" is mentioned twice here in this one verse, and ten times in this chapter alone. Here we have Jerusalem becoming the very center of the activity which will take place when the Antichrist takes over. Jerusalem shall become the center of attack and of judgment.

When will this take place? "When they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem." When is that? In the last days, in the time that the Lord Jesus called the Great Tribulation period (Mat.24:21). So, this is referring to a future day. But it does have a message and a lesson for us; God will make Jerusalem "a cup of trembling," for all those who concern themselves with it. They will be reeling because of it.

Zechariah 12:3 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. (KJV)

And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people . . . in the times of the heathens afflicting the church. The day of the full accomplishment of this prophecy is a day known only to the Lord. "A burdensome stone" . . . too heavy for them, though many join together to remove it; they shall FAIL! (Jer.31:35-37).

All that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces . . . ALL that attempt to unsettle and remove it shall be pressed down with the weight of it, and be utterly destroyed or, "shall be torn to pieces" as men's hands are cut and torn with rough and heavy stones.

Though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it . . . so safe and secure will the people of God be; He is a "wall of fire round about them" (Zec.2:5), and His glory is forever in the midst of them (Ps.72:19; 97:6; 102:16; 104:31; 113:4-5; Eze.8:4). Even though "all people" turn against Israel, and even though "all people" of this world should burden themselves with her, they shall be "cut in pieces" . . . crushed as when a heavy massive stone falls on a man. Consider: all though the whole world be in league against Jerusalem, they shall NOT be able to stand under the weight of God's great displeasure. Whosoever would be in this league of enemies against God's people, Israel, He shall grind them "to powder" (Mat.21:44; Lk.20:18).

What God is saying is, "Do NOT mess with Israel." WHY will Jerusalem be so prominent and important in the last days? My friend, it is even today, in God's eyes! Even today, Jerusalem has become "a burdensome stone." BUT, we have NOT seen this prophecy fulfilled yet. It will NOT be pretty!

This prophecy fits into a program that is still in the future, but God wants you to know that He was not making an exaggerated statement or idol threat when He said that Jerusalem can become a burdensome stone. What we have seen so far is NOTHING compared to what it will be like in "that day." It seems to me that those in government know very little or nothing at all of what the Bible has to say on this matter, because they keep butting in trying to mess with Israel! God says, "Don't mess with Israel."

Zechariah 12:4 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. (KJV)

In that day, saith the Lord, I will smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness . . . horses were of great use in wars. They were the main strength of Antiochus Epiphanes, his best preparations. "With astonishment" . . . fear and confusion. "And his rider with madness" . . . being helpless and incapable of mind and understanding, which is either cowardice and/or unreliability. God will turn all their counsel and wisdom into foolishness, their strength into weakness, their courage into fear, and so shall be their fall.

And I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah . . . expressing the wrath of God against His enemies (Am.9:4). It may seem for a time that God slept or winked at the actions of His people's enemies, but now He will open His eyes, and see all that is going against them, and He will watch over them for good. He will confound and destroy them and their ventures. This Eye of God shall be open upon His people is His wise, powerful and gracious providence for them (Ps.31:22; Jer. 24:6).

And will smite every horse of the people with blindness . . . every rider of them, all their warriors shall be as a blind man. The meaning is, the enemies of God's people shall be astonished at the utter failure of their attempts, and be filled with fury and madness because they cannot carry out their evil plans (Rev.9:13-21). The horse symbolizes war, and when a horse goes blind and the rider is mad, there certainly shall be great confusion. God says here that when the enemy comes against Israel, He is going to make them ineffective.

Zechariah 12:5 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. (KJV)

And the governors of Judah shall say in their heart . . . when the governors of the rest of the cities in Judea, besides Jerusalem, when they shall see the armies of the people, their horses and their riders, being smitten by the Lord, they shall take heart, and re-gather their courage.

The inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be my strength in the Lord of hosts their God . . . meaning that they, in the strength of the Lord, shall overcome their enemies, and so shall preserve and secure the other cities of Judah from destruction. The governors do NOT place their strength and confidence in the inhabitants of Jerusalem, but are strengthened in and by the Lord their God, from Whom comes all strength, safety and salvation.

In that day Jerusalem will become a refuge for God's people on the Earth. This siege of Jerusalem in which the enemy comes in from every direction is the result of the wrathful activity of Antichrist, but God will intervene on their behalf. Israel has rejected God. WHY will He intervene on their behalf? The answer is in this next section of Scripture.

The victorious restoring of Judah . . . Zec.12:6-9

Zechariah 12:6 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. (KJV)

In that day will I make the governors of Judah like a hearth of fire among the wood . . . like a hearth on which fire is thoroughly kindled with much wood, devours and consumes it; so shall the governors of Judah be to the nations that shall come up against Jerusalem. The more wood that is laid on a hearth, the more is consumed and burnt up: so the enemies of Judah and Jerusalem shall be, no more able to save themselves than the wood cast on a great fire in the hearth can preserve itself.

And like a torch of fire in a sheaf . . . which immediately sets the whole dried sheaf on fire, and it is consumed (Ob.1:18).

And they shall devour all the people round about, on the right hand and on the left . . . this means the utter destruction of the people on all sides. The governors of Judah with their handful of men shall surely and quickly consume their enemies which come upon them.

And Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place, even in Jerusalem . . . upon that very place which was Jerusalem shall the city be built again, and inhabited; and shall continue, even with all the attempts of all the nations of the Earth to destroy it (Jer.30:18).

Zechariah 12:7 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. (KJV)

The Lord also shall save the tents of Judah first . . . the Jews, who will be in other parts of the land living in tents, will be saved first, before the inhabitants of Jerusalem will be saved. "The tents" . . . are maybe the unfenced places, the open country, the shepherd-like cottages or tents of Judah. First the weaker ones are saved, then the stronger.

That the glory of the house of David, and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, do not magnify themselves against Judah . . . meaning the principal inhabitants of Jerusalem, would glory over their brethren in other parts of Judea; and say it was owing to them that they were saved and delivered out of the hands of their enemies, IF they were saved first. The glorious citizens of Jerusalem, would not magnify themselves against Judah; would not boast of their power, policy or courage, for that would provoke God, Who was responsible for the victory . . . so that they ALL might magnify their God, and NO one think greatly of themselves.

Zechariah 12:8 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. (KJV)

In that day shall the Lord defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem . . . (Zec.12:3). As he had defended and saved Judah, so will he also defend Jerusalem and its inhabitants against ALL their enemies.

And he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David . . . He that is feeble and reels through weakness, shall be as David, a mighty man of valor. So these, through faith, though weak became strong (1 Sam.17:34-37,45-51; Heb.11:32-34).

And the house of David shall be as God . . . the stronger believers among them, such as are strong in the Lord (Eph.6:10; 1 Jn.2:13-14), in the grace of God, and in the doctrines of the Gospel (2 Cor.4:3-4; 1 Pet.4:17); shall know that they have God with them, for His great grace is upon them, and they will be like Him in goodness, truth and holiness. Grace of God: (2 Chron.30:9; Job 10:12; 22:2-3; Ps.84:11; 94:17-19; 111:4; 116:5; 138:3; 143:11; 145:8-9; Pro.3:34-35; Isa.30:19; Hos.6:3; Joel 2:13; 3:18; Zec.12:10; Jn.1:16-17; Acts 4:33; 11:23; 13:43; 14:26; 15:40; Rom.1:4-5; 3:22-24; 4:4-5; 5:2,6-8,15-21; 9:10-16; 11:5-6; 12:3; 1 Cor.1:3; 3:10; 15:10; 2 Cor.1:2,12; 3:5; 4:15-16; 6:1; 8:1; 9:8,14-15; Gal.1:3,15-16; 2:21; Eph.1:2,5-9,11-12; 2:8-10; 3:7,16; 4:7; 6:10,24; Phil.1:2,19; 2:13; Col.1:2,6; 1 Thes.1:1-2,12; 5:28; 2 Thes.1:2,12; 1 Tim.1:2,14; 2 Tim.1:2,9; Tit.1:4; 3:7; Philemon 1:3; Heb.2:9; 4:16; 12:15; Jam.4:6; 1 Pet.4:10; 1 Peter 5:5,10,12; 2 Pet.1:2; 2 Jn.1:3; Jude 1:24-25; Rev.1:4; 3:10)

As the Angel of the Lord before them . . . meaning Christ, who is the Angel of the covenant, and of the Divine Presence of the Father (Jn.14:8-9); and in Whom the Name of the Lord is; for He is at the Head of His people, and goes before them, as their Leader and Commander, and the Captain of salvation (Mic.2:13). "Before them" . . . these excellent ones of the royal line were to be leaders and commanders in these wars, and in their conduct they should show caution and valor because the Lord was with them.

Zechariah 12:9 And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. (KJV)

And it shall come to pass in that day . . . "that day" is so often mentioned in this chapter, meaning the latter part of the Gospel dispensation, the spiritual reign of Christ. "And it shall come to pass" . . . I love this. God's Words SHALL come to pass! (Isa.2:2; 3:24; 4:3; 11:11; 14:3,24; 17:4; 22:7,20; 27:12-13; 65:24; 66:23; Jer.3:16-17; 4:9; 5:19; 12:15-16; 15:2-3; 16:10; 17:24-26; 25:12-13; 30:8-9; 31:28; 42:4,16; 49:39; Eze.12:25; 24:14; 33:33; 28:10,18; 39:11; 44:17; 47:9-10,22;23; Dan.2:45; Hos.1:5,10; 2:21; Joel 2:28,32; 3:18; Am.6:9; 8:9; Mic.4:1-4; 5:10; Zep.1:8,10,12; Zec.8:13,20; 12:9; 13:2-4,8; 14:6-7,13,16; Mat.24:6; Mk.13:29; Lk.21:7,9,28,31,36; 24:18; Acts 2:17,21; 3:23; Rom.9:26).

That I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem . . . not to restrain, but to overthrow and destroy them. This seems to refer to Ezekiel chapter 38. "All nations" . . . EVERY nation that comes against, and sets itself up to oppress and/or destroy Jerusalem, God shall completely cut off from being a nation! Destroy them!

In "that day," there shall be a joint, coming together of ALL the nations against Jerusalem, which we clearly see in great detail in the Book of Revelation. All the great prophecies in the Bible are like trains coming into a train station. Every tremendous prophecy, of every TRUE prophet, starts some where else in the Bible, but will end up in the Book of Revelation for its fulfillment!

The repentance of Jerusalem . . . Zec.12:10-14

Zechariah 12:10 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. (KJV)

And I will pour out upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem . . . "and I" God the Father (Acts 2:17-18; Isa.44:3-4; Joel 2:28-29). "Will pour out" . . . in abundance, as a plentiful rain is poured forth on a dry and thirsty ground. "Upon the house of David" . . . that royal family, is literally the whole family of Christ, Christ Who is the Seed of David, and Who is called David their King (Eze.37:24; Hos.3:5). "The inhabitants of Jerusalem" . . . this means all the remnant of the Jews that finally see the Light, and become members of the family of Christ (Jn.1:12-13; 3:3), and to the heavenly Jerusalem, the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in Heaven. Book of Life: (Ex.32:33; Ps.56:8; 69:28; 87:6; Isa.4:3; Dan.7:10; 12:1; Mal.3:16; Lk.10:20; Phil.4:3; Heb.12:23; Rev.3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12,15; 21:27; 22:19).

It is my humble opinion that all people are written in that book in Heaven, because God is "not willing that any should perish" (2 Pet.3:9) . . . BUT . . . when a person consistently rejects God and disobeys His Word, He simply cannot leave that person's name in the Book of Life. Some passages that bring me to this conclusion are: (Ex.34:6-7; Ps.86:15; Isa.30:18; Lk.18:8; Rom.2:4-13; 9:22; 1 Tim.2:4-6; 1 Pet.3:9-12,20; Rev.2:21-23). I believe that God gives each of us "space to repent of her fornication" . . . BUT when "she repented not" . . . that name is blotted out of the Book of Life. I am not highly educated by this world's standards, and I could be wrong, but this is what seems to be to me. Some may ask: "What about Eph.1:4-6?" I believe, without a doubt that God is 'omniscient' and perfectly and eternally knows ALL things that can possibly be known: past, present and future. Since God knows ALL things, He knows ALL those who shall one day accept Christ as the one and only Way of salvation (Jn.14:6; 1 Jn.5:10-12).
See, describing God: . . . . . . . . . http://www.hisservants.org/describing_god_h_s.htm

The Spirit of grace and of supplications . . . meaning the Holy Spirit of God, who is called the "Spirit of grace," not just because He is good, gracious and loving to His people, and IS the Grace given to them . . . but because He is the Author of all grace within them! Without the Holy Spirit, we would not have: faith, hope, love, reverence, repentance, humility, joy, peace, meekness, patience or self-denial. He is the One Who reveals things to us, and He He applies blessings to us, He witnesses all the blessings of grace to us, He composes and dictates our prayers for us, putting words in our mouths as we come before the Majestic One on the Holy Throne in Heaven! "The Spirit of Grace" is the fountain of ALL graces within us, and only He can make us lovely in the Eye of Almighty God. Without the Spirit to purify and beautify us, God will NOT delight in us. If the Spirit of Christ is not in us, we are NOT God's children! Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. (KJV)

And they shall look upon me whom they have pierced . . . (Acts 4:10-11). The Jews nailed Jesus to the tree. They crucified Him! They pierced His hands and feet and His side (Ps.22:16-17; Jn.19:34-37; Rev.1:7). This was done by their ancestors, as He was pierced and wounded for their sins. And now when they in "that day" would be enlightened and convicted by the Spirit of the Lord (Isa.11:2), they shall look to Him by "faith" (Eph.2:8-9) for the pardon of their sins, through His "precious Blood" (1 Pet.1:18-21); for their justification (Rom.3:24-26; 5:1), by His "righteousness" (1 Cor.1:30); and for eternal life and salvation through Him (Jn.3:15-18,36; 5:24; 8:24; 14:6; 1 Jn.5:10-12).

We as Christians can have absolutely NO doubt that this Passage is speaking of Christ Jesus. All those who have received the Holy Spirit, shall look upon Jesus with an eye of faith, and turn to Him with love, obeying Him and watching for His Coming. Watching: (Mat.24:42-43; 25:13; Mk.13:33-37; 14:38; Luke 12:37-39; 21:36; 1 Cor.16:13; Eph.6:18; Col.4:2; 1 Thes.5:6; 2 Tim.4:5; 1 Pet.4:7; Rev.3:3). Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; (KJV)

Spiritual hope: (Ps.9:18; 16:9; 31:24; 33:18,22; 38:15; 39:7; 43:5; 71:5,14; 78:5-7; 119:49-50; 119:74.81,116; 119:166-167; 130:7; 146:5; Pro.10:28; 13:12; 14:32; 23:18; 24:14; Isa.38:18; Jer.17:7; Lam.3:21,24,26; Hos.2:15; Joel 3:16; Zec.9:12; Acts 23:6; 24:14-15; 26:7-8; 28:20; Rom.4:18; 5:2,5; 8:24-25; 12:12; 15:4,13; 1 Cor.13:7,13; 15:19; 2 Cor.3:12; 4:8; Gal.5:5; Eph.1:12,18; 4:4; Phil.1:20; Col.1:5,23,27; 1 Thes.1:3; 5:8; 2 Thes.2:16; 1 Tim.1:1; Tit.1:2; 2:13; 3:7; Heb.3:6; 6:11,18-19; 7:19; 11:1; 1 Pet.1:3,13,21; 3:15; 1 Jn.3:3).

And they shall mourn for him as one mourneth for his only son . . . grieve and lament the crucifying the Lord Jesus Christ, not only as the sinful, cruel act of their fathers, BUT because their sins had a share in it too, as do ours! "As one mourneth for his only son" . . . with a very deep, continued sorrow, true sorrow, such as would be the sorrow of a father in the death of his only son, retaining it inwardly, and express it outwardly. They shall mourn: (Jer.6:26; Am.8:10; Mat.24:30; 26:75; Acts 2:37).

And shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn . . . this speaks the inward affection of the mourner; there may be tears in some cases without grief or bitterness in the spirit, but here both are joined together. True repentance will bitterly lament the sins which brought sorrows and shame upon our Lord. Sin is a bitter thing, and always brings on bitter repentance. Crucifying the Lord Jesus Christ, was not just a sinful, cruel act of their fathers, but as looking back on it, know that they too, with their sins also had a share in it.

When the church is removed from the Earth at the Rapture (1 Thes.4:13-18), the Holy Spirit does not leave the Earth, but He will have a different job. He will do what He was doing in the Old Testament; He will "come upon" certain people. Zechariah tells us that there is to be a pouring out of the Spirit upon the remnant that will be back in the land. When that pouring out of the Spirit takes place, the Jews shall finally recognize Christ as their Saviour, their Messiah!

In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit "came upon men" (Num.11:25; 24:2; Judg.3:10; 6:34; 1 Sam.16:13). When Jesus was on Earth, the Holy Spirit was "with men" in the Form of Jesus the Man. After Pentecost, the Holy Spirit "indwelled men" (Jn.14:16-17,23; Rom.5:5; 8:9; 1 Cor.2:12; 3:16).

Today TRUE Christians are indwelt by the Spirit of God (Rom.8:9). You do NOT have to seek Him! You do NOT have to be sinless to have the Holy Spirit (Rom.3:10;23). The only thing that you must do is to believe God (1 Jn.5:10), come as the sinner you are to Christ Jesus and accept and receive Him as your Saviour. Since God has been so gracious to me, I have no objection to His being gracious to the Jews or anyone else!

Zechariah 12:11 In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem, as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon. (KJV)

In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem . . . "in that day" when the Jews shall know, own and mourn for their sins and for that GREAT sin in crucifying the Lord of glory (Jam.2:1; Acts 4:10; 1 Cor.2:8). There shall be a very great mourning; the greatest that the Jews have ever experienced. Great numbers shall be awakened, convinced and converted, and brought to TRUE repentance. "A great mourning" . . . a universal repentance of Israel.

As the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon . . . here, as in Zec.12:10, the bitterness of their mourning is shown to be private; one by one cases of mourning. It shall also be great public mourning, the greatest recorded in all Jewish history, some comparing with the violent death in battle with Pharaohnechoh king of Egypt of the good King Josiah, whose reign had been the only glimmer of brightness for the period from Hezekiah to the downfall of the state (2 Ki.23:29-30; 2 Chron.35:22-27).

"In that day" . . . this phrase repeated again! Remember, it means "the Day of the Lord." The Day of the Lord begins when the church leaves at the Rapture and the Great Tribulation period begins, and it will continue on through the Millennial Kingdom of Christ, to the time when all rebellion is put down (Rev.20:1-3,7-10), and the ETERNAL Kingdom begins. The eternal Kingdom literally continues the thousand year Kingdom of Christ, except NO more evil or NO more devil ever again, and the Eternal Kingdom NEVER ends!

Zechariah 12:12 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; (KJV)

And the land shall mourn . . . meaning the inhabitants of it; not only Jerusalem, but the land of Judea, and the people everywhere. This is the mourning of the Messiah . . . on His account. The Jews from every country where they dwelt, meeting in Jerusalem, shall be "pricked at heart," and shall mourn because of the crucified Messiah (Acts 2:5,37,41).

Every family apart . . . although the mourning will be widespread and public, it will not be in the body of the whole people together, but individually and separate. "Apart" . . . retirement and seclusion are needed for deep personal religion and mourning.

The family of the house of David apart, and their wives apart . . . the men by themselves, and the women by themselves, which is according to the custom of the Jews in public worship. "Wives apart" . . . Jewish females worship separately from the males (Ex.15:1,20). Those that belong to the family of David shall mourn because of the Jews' long rejection of the King Messiah, Jesus the son of David, the Saviour, whom God raised up of his seed. This family, descended from David should have done more to keep Christ alive, but they did not, and since they forgot Him, neglected to do their duty to Him alive, they now remember Him, and do their duty towards Him, dead. They shall truly mourn.

The family of the house of Nathan apart, and their wives apart . . . David and Nathan . . . represent the highest and lowest of the royal order. This is not Nathan, the prophet (2 Sam.7:2), but a younger son of David (2 Sam.5:14; Lk.3:31). "Their wives apart" . . . this was the way the Jews mourned, by shutting themselves up, withdrawing from company and pleasure. Here, wives retire to grieve their sin and their fathers' sin in rejecting Christ. There were some of this family who believed in Christ, and mourned, when the Gospel was first brought to the Jews before it was carried to the Gentiles (Rom.1:16; 2:9-10).

Some interpreters say that this is not Nathan the son of David, the brother of Solomon, but is Nathan the prophet, who will mourn because the Jews have so much slighted Jesus the great Prophet, Whom the Lord raised up in Israel, His doctrines and His ordinances. Personally, I do not agree with that. I think Nathan was David's son.

They shall mourn "apart" meaning it will be done in a private manner. Such repentance is something that many of us even today need to do privately. Their sorrow shall be so deep, disturbing and distressing, that every one will avoid each other, and vent their grief and distress in private seclusion. Even husbands and wives shall separate from each other in this terrible time of mourning, as they were obliged to do by law in certain circumstances (1 Cor.7:5).

Zechariah 12:13 The family of the house of Levi apart, and their wives apart; the family of Shimei apart, and their wives apart; (KJV)

The family of the house of Levi apart, and their wives apart . . . the priestly tribe was the most bitter and fierce persecutors of Christ. They hired the traitor, Judas (Mat.26:14,47-49), they hunted for witnesses against Jesus (Mat.26:59-62); and the high priest condemned Him to die (Mat.26:65-66).

For all of this, they shall one day stand before God, as chief mourners for their injustice and cruelty to Christ. Here is one particular branch of Levi's family mentioned, the family of Shimei (1 Chron.6:17; 23:10). These two families had been so terribly guilty; now they themselves mourn for Him, lament the horrible sin, and submit to His Kingdom, which their fathers refused to do (Isa.45:23; Rom.14:11-12; Phil.2:10-11). In this family, where most were bitter, bloody enemies of Christ, some did believe in Him, and mourned for Him. Remnant: (Isa.1:9; Joel 2:32; Zec.13:8-9; Rom.9:27; 10:11; 11:5; Rev.12:17).

The family of Shimei apart, and their wives apart . . . this is not Shimea the son of David (1 Chron.3:5), because his family is figured in with the family of David. Levi and Shimei . . . the highest and lowest of the priestly order (Num.3:18,21). Their example and that of the royal order would influence the rest of the people.
There are four "houses" named in Zec.12:12-13; two belong to the house of David . . . the kingly line and two belong to Levi, the priestly line.
#1. The house of David (2 Sam.7)
#2. House of Nathan (Lk. 3:31)
#3. House of Levi (Num. 3:17)
#4. House of Shimei (Num. 3:18)

Zechariah 12:14 All the families that remain, every family apart, and their wives apart. (KJV)

All the families that remain . . . meaning those that will be in be alive in those times. All that remain after the fiery ordeal, in which two-thirds shall fall (Zec.13:8-9).

Every family apart, and their wives apart . . . the whole nation shall mourn, and the whole nation shall be "born at once," be converted, and know that Jesus IS their Messiah, and all Israel shall be saved (Isa.66:8; Rom.11:26).
Isaiah 66:8 Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children. (KJV)

The day spoken of here, is the day of Jerusalem's deliverance, that glorious day when God will appear for the salvation of His people. In Christ's First Coming, He "bruised the serpent's head" (Gen.3:15). He broke all "the powers of darkness" (Eph.6:12), that fought against God's kingdom among men.

In His Second Coming, He will completely destroy these demonic powers (Rev.19:11-21), when He shall put down ALL opposing rule, principality, and power. Death itself shall be "swallowed up" in that victory (1 Cor.15:54). The Holy Spirit is gracious and merciful! He is the Author of ALL grace and holiness. He is "the Spirit of grace and of supplications" (Zec.12:10). He shows people their ignorance, guilt, need, sin and danger. When this "day" comes, the Jews will KNOW who the crucified Jesus was . . . that being their Messiah! They shall then look by faith to Him, and mourn with deepest sorrow, not only in public, but in private, deep in the depths of their hearts, each one separately. There shall be a holy mourning, the effect of the pouring out of the Spirit (Joel 2:28-29; Zec.12:10), a mourning for sin, which shall bring forth faith in Christ, qualifying them for joy in the Lord. This mourning is a fruit of the Spirit of grace (Mat.5:3-4), proof of the Holy Spirit in the soul (Rom.8:9-10). This is fulfilled in ALL who sorrow for sin, as they look to the crucified Christ, and mourn for Him. We ALL need to look by faith (Eph.2:8-9) upon the cross of Christ, for that will cause us to truly mourn and repent of sin in our lives.

Book of Zachariah

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