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The Book of Zechariah
Chapter 13

The Book of Zechariah is an important book, neglected by many. This final section is simply tremendous. I know that I will not do it justice.

In the previous chapters we saw a progress which began with the First Coming of Christ to the Earth. When Jesus entered Jerusalem, He had been sold for 30 pieces of silver. Only a part of Zechariah's prophecy was fulfilled at Jesus' First Coming, which means that the other part will be fulfilled at His Second Coming.

Jesus was rejected as the Good Shepherd who gave His life for the sheep (Jn.ch.10). Another "shepherd" (a false, foolish and evil one) shall come in the future. He has not come yet and will not arrive until the church is removed from the Earth at the Rapture (1 Thes.4:13-18). He will be the false, or "foolish shepherd" who will lead the nation of Israel, as well as the entire world, into the Great Tribulation period. The Antichrist's world dictatorship can only be ended by the coming of Christ to establish His Kingdom upon the Earth. This is what we have before us in chapter 13.The only deliverance from that agonizing time will be the Second Coming of Christ to the Earth when He comes wipe out God's enemies and to establish His Kingdom (Rev.19:11-21). Just Jesus, and Jesus alone can bring peace to this Earth. There will be NO peace until Christ returns (Jer.6:14; 8:11).

There was a Baby born over nineteen hundred years ago, and He is the only hope for permanent peace. He alone can and will bring peace to this Earth. He holds the title "The Prince of Peace" (Isa.9:6). He has a program and a plan to bring in permanent peace. He and He alone will establish the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth.
Christ's Kingdom be characterized by Truth, and by holiness and righteousness. In chapter 14 we will see that even the bells on the horses and the pots and pans in the temple will be holy to the Lord.

The National Cleansing Of Israel . . . Zec.13:1-6

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. (KJV)

This is connected with the close of the twelfth chapter. The mourning penitents are here comforted.

In that day there shall be a fountain opened . . . this verse does not refer to the First Coming of Christ as some claim, for He did NOT open up a fountain to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem "for sin and for uncleanness" at that time. Instead, they totally rejected Him and crucified their Saviour. Rom.10:3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. (KJV)

"A fountain" is God's cleansing power which was opened by Jesus' death on the Cross. At His First Coming Israel rejected their Messiah, their Saviour, so that "fountain" did them no good. So, this fountain will be opened to them at His Second Coming to the Earth. The chapter continues presenting God's program, and we saw in chapter 12 that in this time that the "fountain" will be opened to them, which will be when they realize the fact that Christ was crucified for them.
The Fountain: (Job 9:30-31; Ps.51:2,7; Isa.1:16-18; Eze.36:25-26; Jn.1:29; 19:34-35; 1 Cor.6:11; Eph.5:25-27; Tit.3:5-7; Heb.9:13-14; 1 Jn.1:7; 5:6; 1 Pet.1:18-19; Rev.1:5-6; 7:13-14; 22:1-4).
Jesus IS the Fountain of Life: (Ps.36:9; 87:7; Pro.10:11; 13:14; 14:27; 16:22; Jer.2:12-13; Zec.13:1; Rev.7:17).
Jesus IS the Living Water: (Num.21:16; Ps.36:8; 87:7; 110:7; Song 4:15; Isa.12:3; 32:2; 35:6; 41:18; 43:20; 49:10; 55:1; 58:11; Jer.17:13; 31:9; Eze.47:1-23; Joel 3:18; Zec.14:8; Jn.4:10; 7:37-38; 1 Cor.10:4; Rev.7:17; 21:6; 22:1-21; 22:2,17).
Jesus IS the Water of Salvation: (Isa.12:3-4; 49:10; 55:1; Eze.36:25-26; Jn.4:10; 7:38).

To the house of David, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem . . . this is to be literally understood of the Jews in the latter day, including their great men and the common people, high and low, rich and poor; so spiritually all the family of Christ, the son of David, and of all that belong to the heavenly Jerusalem, even the whole 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).
House of David: (Isa.7:2,13; 22:22; Jer.21:12; Zec.12:7,10; Lk.1:27,69; 2:4).

For sin, and for uncleanness . . . sin IS uncleanness; sin IS an unclean thing, sin HAS defiled all human nature, and nothing can remove the pollution of it EXCEPT the Blood of Christ! Rejection of Christ IS SIN!!! NOT believing God IS SIN!!! (1 Jn.5:10-12).

Uncleanness: (Lev.5:2-3; 7:20-21; 15:2-33; 17:15; 21:1-15; 22:2-8; Num.19:9-22; Eze.36:17,29).
Rejection of Christ: (Ps.2:3; 49:4; Isa.53:3; Mat.8:34; 10:14; 13:57; 21:38; 21:42; 23:37; 27:21; Mk.5:17; 6:3; 8:31; 12:7,10; 15:13; Lk.4:28-29; 9:22; 9:53; 13:34; 17:25; 19:14; 19:27; 20:15,17; 23:18; Jn.1:11; 3:11,32; 5:38,43; 6:36; 7:12; 12:48; 16:9; 18:40; Acts 3:14; 4:11,26; Rom.10:16; Heb.12:3,25; 1 Pet.2:4,7. 2 Jn.1:7).
Prediction of Christ's rejection: (Ps.2:1-3; Acts 4:25-26). (Ps.118:22; Mat.21:42). (Isa.53:1-3; Rom.10:16; Mat.21:33-46; Mk.8:31; Lk.17:25).
Fact of Christ's rejection: (Mat.8:34; 13:54-58; 23:37; Lk.4:28-29; Jn.1:11; 5:43; 10:20; 12:37; 15:18, 20, 24; 1 Cor.1:23; 1 Pet.2:4,7-8).
Results of Christ's rejection: (Mat.10:33; 13:58; Mk.16:16; Lk.10:16; Jn.12:48; Heb.6:6; 10:29; 2 Pet.2:1).
Cause of Christ's rejection: (Mat.27:18; Lk.7:34; Jn.6:60-66; 10:33; 15:25).

We have seen that they are going to "look upon Him." Remember that this is God's Word, and He puts it very definitely, "They shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him" (Zec.12:10). It is going to be a real Day of Atonement for these people when Christ comes in "that day." They are going to be deeply moved, and the Spirit of God will remove the vail from their eyes. Paul tells us that "the vail" can be taken away even today IF they really want to give up their sin. 2 Cor.3:14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. (KJV) . . . But, for the vast majority of Jews, they shall remain "blind" to their Messiah! Spiritually blind: (Isa.28:7; 42:18; 56:10; 59:10; Jer.5:21; Lam.4:14; Eze.12:2; Zep.1:17; Mat.6:23; 8:34; 13:13-15; Mk.8:18; Lk.6:39; Acts 28:26-27; Rom.11:25; 1 Cor.2:13-14; 2 Cor.3:14; 4:4; Eph.4:18; 2 Peter 1:9; Rev.3:17).

Zechariah 13:2 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. (KJV)

And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord of hosts . . . in that day, the day of the Lord, the Great Tribulation period starts "that day." God's Words SHALL come to pass! (Gen.4:14. 9:14; 20:13; 24:14; 27:40; 46:33; 47:24; Ex.3:21; 4:8-9; 12:25-26; 16:5; 22:27; 33:22; Num.5:27; 17:5; 21:8; 33:56; Det.7:12; 11:13,29; 18:19; 28:1,15; 30:1,21; Jos.3:13; 6:5; 8:5; 23:15; 1 Sam.2:36; 10:5; 16:16; 23:23; 25:20; 1 Ki.1:21; 18:12; 19:17; 1 Chron.17:11; Isa.2:2; 3:24; 4:3; 7:18,21-23; 8:21; 10:12,20,27; 11:11; 14:3,24; 16:12; 17:4; 22:7,20; 23:15,17; 24:18,21; 27:12-13; 65:24; 66:23; Jer.3:16; 4:9; 5:19; 12:15-16; 15:2; 16:10; 17:24; 25:12; 27:8; 30:8;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; Nah.3:7; 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 cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered . . . idols of gold, silver, brass and wood; images of the Virgin Mary and supposed departed saints worshipped by the Catholics (Rev.9:20), for at this time "the Great Whore" will fall (Rev.17 & 18), the idolatry of the church of Rome will be at an end, and will never be revived. There shall not only be NO more idolatry, but even the names of the idols shall be forgotten, or be held in such contempt that no person shall ever mention them. Names of idols contemptible: (Ex.23:13; Num.32:38; Deut.12:3; Josh.23:7; Ps.16:4; Jer.10:11; Hos.2:17; Zec.13:2; Eph.5:12).

The Great Whore IS the Catholic church:
http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/False%20Religions/Roman%20Catholicism/the_great_whore.htm
http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/False%20Religions/Roman%20Catholicism/a_woman_rides_the_beast.htm
http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/False%20Religions/Roman%20Catholicism/catholicism_is_of_the_devil.htm
http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/False%20Religions/false_religions.htm
http://www.thebereancall.org

And also I will cause the prophets, and the unclean spirit, to pass out of the land . . . the unclean spirit is that of the devil (Rev.16:13-14), which sets the false prophets to work. Unclean spirits lead to impurity, divination; the lust of the flesh, and of the eye, and the pride of life (1 Jn.2:16). Satan shall have NO part in the hearts and lives of TRUE believers in Christ. God would cleanse Israel of all false prophets, and all false teachers. False prophets: (Deut.13:1,5; 18:20,22; 1 Ki.18:19,29; 22:6,12,22; 2 Ki.3:13; 2 Chron.18:5,21. Neh.6:14; Isa.9:15; 30:10; Jer.2:8; 5:31; 14:14; 20:6; 23:13,16,26,32; 26:11; 27:10; 28:1,15; 29:9,21; Lam.2:14; 4:13; Eze.12:24; 13:2,16; 21:29; 22:25,28; Hos.9:7; Mic.3:5,11; Zep.3:4; Zec.13:3; Mat.7:15,22; 24:11,24; Mk.13:22; Lk.6:26; Acts 13:6; 2 Cor.11:13; 2 Pet.2:1; 1 Jn.4:1).

Christ Jesus cast many "devils" out of persons possessed by these, and by His doctrine still casts out Satan today! Devils cast out by Jesus: (Mat.4:24; 8:16,28-34; 12:22; 15:22-29; 17:14-18; Mk.1:23-26 ; 5:2-20; 7:25-30; 9:17-27; 16:9; Lk.4:33-35,41; 8:2-3; 9:37-42).

After the humiliation and conversion of the Jews, foretold in the preceding chapter, they are here promised the full pardon of their sins, and a deliverance from idolatry and false prophets (Zec.13:1-6). Prophecy concerning the death of the Messiah, and the persecution of His disciples (Zec.13:7). The remaining verses may refer to those Jewish converts to Christianity who survived the calamities which their country suffered from the Romans (Zec.13:8-9).

Zechariah 13:3 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. (KJV)

And it shall come to pass, that when any shall yet prophesy . . . when any shall prophesy; whoever he is, IF he would prophesy through an unclean spirit, the Lord shall fully reveal his mind to them and they shall detect and expose the evil one.

Then his father and his mother that begat him . . . his parents, who have a most tender regard unto him, will not encourage him, but, on the contrary, chastise him.

Shall say unto him, Thou shall not live . . . but die, according to the law of God against the false prophet. Deut.18:20 But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. (KJV) . . . Parents shall discourse to him and inform him what the law of Moses said in this case.

For thou speakest lies in the name of the Lord . . . which is the character of the followers of "the man of sin" (2 Thes.2:3), who speak lies in hypocrisy (1 Tim.4:2), pretending that they are of God (2 Tim.3:4-5), when they are of the devil himself (Jn.8:44).

And his father and his mother that begat him shall thrust him through when he prophesieth . . . so great will be their love to God, and to His Truth, that even though he is their son by blood, their hands will either beat him, or put him to death.

Very strong language, but that day is coming. God's TRUE children shall put Him first, as He well should be, but that is not the case in most people (Mat.10:37-38; 22:37). Only a limited "few" put Jesus first in their lives (Mat.7:13-14). They betrayed Jesus the first time He came, and He is being betrayed right now, in our day. There are cults and false teachers everywhere! BUT . . . one sweet day, that shall change! In that future day the Jews are going to be faithful to Him even if the one who prophesies falsely is their own son.

Zechariah 13:4 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: (KJV)

And it shall come to pass in that day, that the prophets shall be ashamed, everyone of his vision, when he hath prophesied . . . the prophets will see their error, and be ashamed, because of the sharp reproofs. The convincing arguments, will have a good effect and they will be ashamed of their wickedness.

Neither shall they wear a rough garment to deceive . . . when I think of a "rough garment" I think of John the Baptist and "his raiment of camel's hair" (Mat.3:4), but I think the prophets all wore similar clothing. Heb.11:37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (KJV)

It seems that the false prophets of that time imitated the TRUE prophets' dress, in order to deceive the people, and pass for true prophets. A rough garment made of goats' hair, coarse wool, or the course pile of the camel, was the ordinary clothing of God's TRUE prophets. And the false prophets wore the same; for they pretended to have the same gifts, and the same spirit, and therefore they wore the same kind of garments. John Baptist had a garment of this kind. They would wear rough and hairy garments, as if they were humble and self denying men. The badge of a prophet (2Ki.1:8; Isa.20:2), marked their frugality in food and attire (Mat.3:4). It is NOT the dress that is here condemned, but the purpose for which it was worn, that being, to conceal wolves under sheep's clothing (Mat.7:15).

Some think that these false prophets may have followed a custom of the idolatrous prophets, who would clothe themselves with the skins of the sacrifices that they offered, and lie on them in their temples, to help them obtain dreams, and be able to foretell the future (Am.2:8).

There are two things that interest me here. First, when the Lord comes the false prophets will be ashamed, deeply convicted, of their deceptive "vision." They will be disgraced because the Lord Jesus has come and made liars out of every one of them. The second thing that we see is that "neither shall they wear a rough garment to deceive." The garment worn by prophets was a mantle of rough, un-tanned sheepskin or goatskin or a cloak of camel's hair. When Esau was born it is said that he looked like this kind of hairy garment! Gen. 25:25 And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau. (KJV)

The prophet Elijah wore this type of mantle, and it was this mantle that fell upon his successor, Elisha. It was a particular garment which distinguished a man as a TRUE prophet of God, and the false prophets will feel guilty about trying to impersonate a TRUE prophet. Zechariah was not introducing something new, but saying something that was very familiar to the people of his day.

Zechariah 13:5 But he shall say, I am no prophet, I am an husbandman; for man taught me to keep cattle from my youth. (KJV)

But he shall say, I am no prophet . . . this is the renewed man's renunciation of his former course of life, and his promise to take up his own calling, and become an honest man. The men who were false prophets will go back to the farm where they belong.

I am an husbandman . . . the false prophet will now put on the clothing of a "husbandman" (farmer), and work for his bread; for he will not be able to support himself, as before, by preaching falsely; because NO one will buy what he is selling in "that day" (Rev.18:11). They will confess their former ignorance, and be content to work for their living. Zechariah gives us a vivid picture of how people shall rid themselves in any way possible, of all suspicion of prophesying falsely.

Zechariah 13:6 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. (KJV)

And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? . . . this continues the account of the renewed prophet, and supposes, what is usual, that some will inquire what was the meaning of the marks or impressions on his hands, whether they were not such as appropriated him to an idol, or declared him a professed diviner.
If you have never pretended to be a prophet, where did those wounds come? The hands were held up to ward off the blows, and so were "thrust through" between the bones of the hand (Zec.13:3). Stoning was the usual punishment; "thrusting through" was also a fit retribution on one who tried to "thrust Israel away" from the Lord (Deut.13:1-11); and perfects the type of Messiah, condemned as a false prophet, and pierced with "wounds in His Hands and His Feet" (Lk.24:39-41; Jn.20:20,25). This is an indirect prophecy of Christ (Zec.13:7).

Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends . . . the Holy Spirit in Zechariah refers indirectly to Messiah, wounded by those whom He came to befriend, who should have been His friends (Ps.22:16; 41:9; Pro.27:6; Mat.26:48; Mk.3:21; 14:44; Lk.22:47-48; Jn.1:11; 13:18; 18:35; 19:14-16; 20:27; Rom.9:1-5; Zec.12:10).

Wounds in the hands were not punishment which parents would inflict on false prophets. They were the horrendous punishment of the cross, those which were sustained by the Messiah. He lived. He is alive! (Lk.24:34; Jn.2:22; Acts 1:22; 2:23-24,32; 3:14-15,26; 4:2,10,33; 5:30; 10:39-41; 13:30; 17:2-3,31; Rom.1:4; 6:4; 1 Cor.15:14; Rev.1:18; 2:8).

The most literal interpretation of the "wounds in the hands" harmonizes with the piercing before His death, and the smiting of the Good Shepherd which shall follow here in Zechariah, and of Whom David also prophesied, "They pierced My Hands and My Feet" (Ps.22:16).

What a horrendous, blasphemous, sacrilegious, profane murder! Such agonizing "wounds" from huge nails were inflicted on a perfectly innocent Jesus, in the house of supposed friends, those who should have loved Him. But, they who inflicted those wounds, loved Him NOT. I think that the greatest tragedy of the ages can be expressed in just eleven words in Jn.1:11. "He came unto His own, and His own received him not." What a picture we have of unbelief!

2 Cor. 3:14-15 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. 15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. (KJV) . . . Notice where the vail is! "Upon the heart." Jesus is a complete Stranger to ALL those people who do not know Him as Saviour. Zechariah speaks of this SO well! When Christ came the first time, they did NOT know Him. There is a striking contrast between the First and Second Comings of Christ. Redemption and reconciliation was the reason for His First Coming, while revelation and recognition is the reason for His Second Coming. His First Coming ended in murder. His Second Coming shall be a manifestation of the Messiah, Whom they murdered, but is alive!

The Smitten Shepherd And The Scattered Sheep . . . Zec.13:7-9

Zechariah 13:7 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. (KJV)

Awake, O sword, against my shepherd . . . many interpretations of this. But, as I see it, the Father did foretell by His prophet Zechariah about 490 years beforehand, so that these wounds are NOT marks of an impostor, but testimonies of the Truth, and that He, Jesus, IS the Messiah. The "sword" DID "awake" and do its dirty work just as Zechariah predicted! Jesus died on the cross, put there by supposed friends and family (Jews). The "sword" came "against my shepherd" . . . who is the faithful Shepherd, and will lay down his life for my sheep (John ch.10); who became Man (Jn.1:14), that He might be God's Servant and die (Isa.42:1; 49:5; Mat.12:18; 20:28; Mk.10:45; Lk.12:37; 22:27; Jn.13:4-5; Phil.2:7).

And even against the man that is my fellow, saith the Lord of hosts . . . the human side of Christ is meant by "the man." I am a firm believers that He often appeared in human form in the Old Testament. "My fellow" is God's equal (Jn.10:30). "Man," as the Lord of Host's "fellow" speaks of Christ, Man with us and God with His Father (Jn.10:38; 17:21-23). "Angel of the Lord" was a heavenly being sent by God to deal with humans as His personal agent. Many identify Old Testament appearances to be the pre-incarnate Christ of the New Testament. (Gen.16:7,10; 18:1-33; 22:15; Ex.3:1-22; 14:19; 33:11; Num.20:7-12; 22:23; Judg.2:1; 13:3; Isa.63:9)

Smite the Shepherd . . . this Great and Good Shepherd shall be smitten (Mat.26:31). He shall die for His sheep, and before His death, He would suffer much for them.
http://www.hisservants.org/jesus_agony_h_s.htm
http://www.hisservants.org/death_of_jesus_h_s.htm

And the sheep shall be scattered . . . because of fear, because there was NO one to look after them. This was what happened with the apostles, who, upon the seizure of Christ, were scattered from Him and one another, thus this prophecy was fulfilled. Matthew 26:31 Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. (KJV)

And I will turn my hand upon the little ones . . . some say that this means God will turn His Hand against the little ones, "smite" them too, for so our Lord forewarned: "If they have persecuted Me they will also persecute you" (Jn.15:20). "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated Me, before it hated you" (Jn.15:18). "Ye shall be hated of all men for My name's sake" (Mat.10:22; Lk.21:17). "They will deliver you up to the councils and scourge you in the synagogues; and ye shall be brought before governors and kings for My name's sake" (Mat.10:17-18; Lk.21:12). "They shall deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all men for My name's sake" (Mat.24:9). He also said to the Scribes and Pharisees, "I send unto you prophets and wise men and scribes, and some of them ye shall kill and crucify, and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues and persecute them from city to city, that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth" (Mat;23:34-35). This has been fulfilled . . . BUT, not in full! This shall also be in the Great Tribulation period too.

Some others say of these "little ones" the opposite, He shall turn His Hand in their favor, for protection. Little Ones: (Mat.10:42; 18:6,10,14; Mk.9:42; Lk.17:2). The "little ones" . . . Jeremiah speaks of "the least of the flock" (Jer.49:20), and the Lord said, "fear not, little flock" (Lk.12:32). These may be little and weak in themselves but mighty in Him and His grace.

"Smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered" refers to the Lord Jesus Christ! We know this because Jesus Himself states it. Mat.26:31 Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. (KJV) . . . He literally applies this to Himself!

Many today greatly doubt that God has a future purpose for Israel. Please do not join with this WRONG crowd! In the prophecies that we have here that relate to His First and Second Comings of Christ, did the Lord Jesus ever lie? NO! Zechariah is right on track when referring to Him when he said, "Smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered." And when Christ comes the Second time, the Jews will ask, "What are these wounds? Why do You have these nail prints, in Your hands?" And His answer will be, "I received these in the house of My friends." And, as we clearly saw in chapter 12, "They shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son." This will be the great Day of Atonement for the Jewish people, and most surely, it is for a future time yet to come.

The final two verses of this wonderful chapter refer to the Great Tribulation period, which is the time of agony for all those who shall go through it.

Zechariah 13:8 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. (KJV)

And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the Lord . . . this could be a prediction of the great slaughter Titus made among the Jews. http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/14412-titus

But it also is a prediction of the horrors of the Great Tribulation period, see bottom of page on what happens during the Great Tribulation. Multitudes shall perish. "In all the land" means the whole world.

Two parts therein shall be cut off and die . . . all hypocrites, idolaters, cultists, and 'outward' worshippers shall be killed. Rev.3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. (KJV) . . . Jesus says that only the TRUE believers shall be "kept" by Him. "Two parts" . . . (Rev.16:19), I do not think this is precisely two thirds, but means the greater part of the people by far.

This shall possibly be the last struggle of the beast of Rome (Rev.13:12-15), but will be twice dead, plucked up by the roots; will die to the profession of religion, and be cut off from the people of God, and have no more a name with them (Rev.17 & 18).

But the third shall be left therein . . . the few names in Sardis (Rev.3:4), which have not defiled their garments; the hundred forty and four thousand that will stand with Christ, and by him, on Mount Zion, being redeemed from among men (Rev.7:4; 14:1-5).

Two-thirds of the Jewish nation were to perish and a third would survive, possibly from the context (Zec.14:2-9), which has not yet been fulfilled.

Zechariah 13:9 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. (KJV)

And I will bring the third part through the fire . . . God will bring these into tribulation, or great distress, comparable to fire (Dan.12:1; Rev.11:7).

And will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried . . . their graces, principles and their profession of Him shall be tried. All their dross shall be removed! They shall be purged and purified. The saints will live more holy and pure lives, symbolized by the two witnesses ascending up into Heaven (Rev.11:12-13).

They shall call on my name . . . this day IS coming! EVERY knee shall bow to Jesus! EVERY tongue shall confess Jesus is the Messiah! (Isa.45:23; Rom.14:11; Phil.2:10).

And I will hear them . . . God shall then hear their prayers, and give an answer to them. When they shall pray in His Name, He will receive their prayer (Jn.14:13-14).

I will say, It is my people . . . the Lord will make it clear to them and others that the Jews are His special, peculiar and covenant people, by calling them out of Babylon (Rev.18:4); by bestowing His favors upon them; and by granting His Presence with them, and too, by the witnessing of His Spirit to them (Rom.8:16; 2 Cor.1:22; 5:5; Gal.4:6). Israel, God's people: http://www.hisservants.org/israel_h_s.htm

And they shall say, The Lord is my God . . . they shall know Him to be their covenant God and Father, and claim Him as Messiah, and acknowledge Him as such; which is the greatest happiness that can be enjoyed (Ps.144:15).

Prophecies of Christ, and their fulfillment.

There are a multitude of prophecies concerning the Messiah (Christ) in the Old Testament that have been fulfilled. There are still some that have NOT been fulfilled, BUT . . . they SHALL be fulfilled perfectly and exactly as they are recorded in the Holy and inspired Word of God. Jesus is God, and the Bible proves it over and over again!
http://www.hisservants.org/is_jesus_god_h_s.htm
http://www.judgmentcoming.org/j_c_is_jesus_god.htm

PROPHECY, Concerning Messiah, and Fulfillment:

#1. Gen.3:15 / Gal.4:4
#2. Gen.12:3; 18:18; 22:18; / Acts 3:25; Gal.3:8
#3. Gen.2:16-17; 17:7; 17:19; / Lk. 1:55; 1:72-74
#4. Deut. 18:15; 18:18; / Acts 3:22-23
#5. Ps.2:1-2; / Acts 4:25-26
#6. Ps.2:7; / Acts 13:33; Heb.1:5; 5:1-14
#7. Ps.8:2; / Mat.21:16
#8. Ps.8:4-6; /Heb.2:6-8
#9. Ps.16:8-11; / Acts 2:25-28; 2:31
#10. Ps.16:10; / Acts 13:35
#11. Ps.22:1; / Mat.27:46; Mark 15:34
#12. Ps.22:18; / Mat.27:35; Mk.15:24; Lk.23:34; Jn.19:24
#13. Ps.22:22; / Heb.2:12
#14. Ps.31:5; / Lk. 23:46
#15. Ps.41:9; / Jn.13:18; Acts 1:16
#16. Ps.45:6-7; / Heb.1:8-9
#17. Ps.68:18; / Eph.4:8-10
#18. Ps.69:21; / Mat.27:48; Mk.15:36; Lk.23:36; Jn.19:28-29
#19. Ps.69:25; Ps.109:8; / Acts 1:20
#20. Ps.95:7-11; / Heb.3:7-11; 4:3; 4:5-7
#21. Ps.102:25-27; / Heb.1:10-12
#22. Ps.110:1; / Mat.22:44; Mk.12:36; Lk.20:42; Acts 2:34-35; Heb.1:13
#23. Ps.110:4; / Heb.5:1-14
#24. Ps.118:22-23; / Mat. 21:42; Mk.12:10-11; Lk.20:17; Acts 4:11
#25. Ps.118:25-26; / Mat.21:9; Mk.11:9; Jn.12:13
#26. Ps.132:11; Ps.132:17; Lk.1:69; / Acts 2:30
#27. Isa.7:14; / Mat.1:23
#28. Isa. 9:1-2; / Mat. 4:15-16
#29. Isa.9:7; Dan. 7:14; 7:27; / Lk.1:32-33
#30. Isa.11:10; / Rom.15:12
#31. Isa.25:8; / 1 Cor. 15:54
#32. Isa.59:20-21; / Rom.11:26-27
#33. Isa.28:16; / Rom.9:33; 1 Pet.2:6
#34. Isa.40:3-5; / Mat.3:3; Mk.1:3; Lk.3:4-6
#35. Isa.42:1-4; / Mat.12:17-21
#36. Isa.49:6; / Lk. 2:32; Acts 13:47-48; 26:23
#37. Isa.53:1; / Jn 12:38; Rom.10:16
#38. Isa.53:3-6; / Acts 26:22-23
#39. Isa.53:4-6; 53:11; / 1 Pet.2:24-25
#40. Isa.53:4; / Mat. 8:17
#41. Isa.53:9; / 1 Pet.2:22
#42. Isa.53:12; / Mk.15:28; Lk.22:37
#43. Isa.54:13; / Jn.6:45
#44. Isa.55:3; / Acts 13:34
#45. Jer. 31:31-34; / Heb. 8:8-12; 10:16-17
#46. Hos.1:10; /Rom.9:26
#47. Hos.2:23; / Rom. 9:25; 1 Pet.2:10
#48. Joel 2:28-32; / Acts 2:16-21
#49. Amos 9:11-12; / Acts 15:16-17
#50. Mic.5:2; / Mat. 2:5-6; Jn.7:42
#51. Hab.1:5; / Acts 13:40-41
#52. Hag.2:6; / Heb.12:26
#53. Zech. 9:9; / Mat.21:4-5; Jn.12:14-15
#54. Zech. 11:13; / Mat.27:9-10
#55. Zech. 12:10; / Jn. 19:37
#56. Zech. 13:7; / Mat. 26:31; 26:56; Mk.14:27; 14:50
#57. Mal.3:1; / Mat.11:10; Mk 1:2; Luke 7:27
#58. Mal.4:5-6; / Mat.11:13-14; 17:10-13; Mk. 9:11-13; Lk.16-17
There are more. This is just a sample. Check them out. Read the Old Testament prophecy, then read the fulfillment in the New Testament. Quite amazing! But then ~Jesus is Amazing!~
See the Book of Revelation for prophecies yet to be fulfilled.

What will happen in the Great Tribulation?

#1. Rev.4:1-2. John, symbol of the church is taken to Heaven.
#2. Dan.9:27 Antichrist signs a covenant for 7 years with Israel. This begins the Great Tribulation.
#3. Rev.6:1-2. 1st seal judgment: rider on a white horse (Antichrist) promises world peace and establishes his one-world government.
#4. Rev.6:3-4. 2nd seal judgment: introduces a great world war.
#5. Rev.6:5-6. 3rd seal judgment: ushers in famine (aftermath of war).
#6. Rev.6:7-8. 4th seal judgment: outcome of this war is death of 1/4 of the world population, probably more than a billion people.
#7. Rev.6:9-11. 5th seal judgment: introduces martyrdom of those converted by the preaching of the 144,000 Jewish witnesses described in Chapter 7. MANY will receive Christ but will be killed by the government leader and the Harlot (chapter 17). Evangelism will be in the hands of the Jews in the Tribulation.
#8. Rev.6:12-17. 6th seal judgment: displays God’s wrath (righteous anger). God will produce an earthquake such as has never been seen before; so terrible people pray for rocks to fall on them.
#9. Rev.8:1-5. 7th seal judgment: introduces the “Seven Trumpet Judgments” which ends the first quarter of the Tribulation period and prepares for a worse period to come.
#10. Rev.8:7. 1st trumpet judgment: 1/3 of all trees and grass will be burned up by hail, fire, and blood cast upon the Earth.
#11. Rev. 8:8-9. 2nd trumpet judgment: a great mountain of sulfur falls into the seas, destroying 1/3 of all the living creatures in it and the ships in the sea.
#12. Rev.8:10-11. 3rd trumpet judgment: a huge star or meteor called “wormwood” (bitter) falls on all fresh waters, poisoning the waters. Millions die.
#13. Rev.8:12. 4th trumpet judgment: God causes the sun, moon and stars to produce 1/3 less light, causing a depressing darkness.
#14. Rev.8:13. A special angel flies around the Earth, warning much worse is yet to come.
#15. Rev.9:1-12. 5th trumpet judgment: Hideous demon-like creatures like scorpions or locusts are freed from the bottomless pit. They do not have power to kill, only to torture, so badly, that people will beg to die, but death will not come.
#16. Rev.9:13. 6th trumpet judgment: 200,000,000 horsemen (demon possessed death angels) kill 1/3 of all people on Earth which probable occurs between the 40th and 42nd month of the first part of the Tribulation. This will bring the world population down to about 50 %.
#17. Rev.11:3-14. Two supernatural Witnesses appear and prophesy for 1,260 days.
#18. Rev.11:15. 7th trumpet judgment: introduces some tremendous events that take place in chapters 12-18, and will bring on the worst judgments yet; the vial judgments.
#19. Rev.17:1-18. Describes the destruction of the “Harlot” (false religious system), which merges ALL the religions of the world during the first half of the Tribulation (which will easily take place after the true church, born again believers, are raptured or taken to Heaven). The Harlot will be so powerful, it dominates both Antichrist (the beast) and the ten kings at that time. But, because this false church is hated so much by the Antichrist, he will make war on her and completely destroy her.
#20. 13:1-3. During the process of killing the Harlot (Mystery Babylon), Antichrist receives a “deadly wound” that is miraculously healed. It seems he comes back to life again (imitating our Lord Jesus). Some think when Satan is cast down from Heaven (chapter 12), where he has been “the accuser of the brethren,” he now resurrects Antichrist to an even more vicious life.
#21. Rev.13: 4-10. Antichrist, now resurrected, forces everyone on the whole Earth to worship him and him alone.
#22. Rev. 13:11-18. The False Prophet will now replace the slain religious system (the Harlot), forcing everyone to worship the Antichrist and his image or be killed. Everyone will be compelled to receive Antichrist’s mark (666), in order to hold a job, buy, sell, go to a doctor or hospital, etc. Anyone who takes a stand for Christ and refuses the mark will be killed. But once anyone accepts this mark, they are doomed for Hell. God turns His back on all with Antichrist’s mark.
#23. Rev.16:1-2. 1st vial judgment: huge, terrible, agonizing sores break out on all who reject Christ, on all those who accept the 666 mark.
#24. Rev. 16:3. 2nd vial judgment: is poured out on the sea, turning it to “blood as of a dead man” and every living creature in the sea died.
#25. Rev. 16:4. 3rd vial judgment: will turn rivers and fresh waters to blood.
#26. Rev.16:8-9. 4th vial judgment: will intensify the sun’s heat so drastically that ungodly men will blaspheme the Name of God.
#27. Rev.16:10-11. 5th vial judgment: causes darkness to engulf the throne of the Antichrist and his entire kingdom. The sores will continue relentlessly, producing such agony that people will gnaw their tongues because of the excruciating pain. They will still persist in blaspheming God, and refuse to repent.
#28. Rev. 16:13-16. 6th vial judgment: sends lying demon spirits to rulers of the world, causing them all to unite at “the battle of that great day of God Almighty” (better known as the Battle of Armageddon).
#29. Rev.16:17-21. 7th vial judgment: results in the righteous judgment of Almighty God that destroys the entire world system. It judges ALL unsaved people to the extreme. There will be a terrible earthquake; there has never been such an earthquake since the creation of human beings worse than this! Huge hailstones, each weighing as much as a hundred pounds, will fall from the sky on people, who will curse God because of the plague of hail. Even though people know it is God who is in total control, they still refuse to repent and turn to Him.
#30. Rev.18:1-24. The destruction of commercial and governmental Babylon. This possibly happens during the 7th vial judgment (verse 19), just before the Earth’s final judgment. The rule of Antichrist comes to an end (total collapse), but it paves the way for the last event. The best is yet to come!
#31. Rev.19:11-21. The awesome and glorious appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, coming in great power as King of kings and Lord of lords to set up His 1000 year reign!

WHY . . . the TRIBULATION??

For each and everything God does, He has an ultimate purpose. So, too, with the horrendous Great Tribulation period. Just what will it accomplish? He has more than one reason in mind!

#1. Time (now on Earth) as we know it, will come to an end. Daniel introduces the events that climax the consummation of time. Daniel 9:24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. [KJV]

From Adam to the Rapture, God’s grace has and shall flow freely. He has given all people the opportunity to believe Him, accept His Son, and worship Him willingly. Our time on Earth is a testing period; will we turn to Him? or will we reject Him and His marvelous grace? He gives us every opportunity!

#2. It will fulfill Israel’s prophecies. Many prophecies about Israel are not yet fulfilled. They have returned to their land, and have been recognized as a nation in 1948 (see Ezekiel ch.36 & 37). But rebuilding the temple and restarting to offer sacrifices will be completed during the Great Tribulation.

#3. To shake man’s false sense of security. A steadfast and prospering world makes people think they can "do it themselves." They don’t need God, is their attitude! So it will take earthquakes, plagues, famine, and death, to shake their confidence in their own powers, so that when they hear the Gospel, preached by the 144,000 Jewish evangelists, they may be more receptive to the Message.

#4. To force people to a decision: Christ? OR Antichrist? One main and very important reason for the Great Tribulation, is to give billions the one last chance to make up their mind: will it be Jesus? Will they accept Him? Or will they continue to reject Him and run to the horrendous impostor . . . the Antichrist? Those who do accept Christ during these most traumatic judgments by God, will receive the mark of God on their forehead (Rev.7:3). But, when they do, they will be headed for martyrdom. Satan, the Antichrist, the False Prophet and the Harlot (Mystery Babylon, false religious system) ALL hate Christ intensely! There will be MANY Tribulation saints killed during this awful time period. But, eternity in Heaven is much to be desired, rather than a very short-lived traumatic life on Earth during the Tribulation. Better still, if you have not accepted Christ as your Saviour and Lord, do it NOW! In doing so, you will NOT have to be concerned about the Tribulation. You will NOT go through it! For when Jesus comes at the Rapture (1 Thes. 4: 13-18), you will go with Him to Heaven then!

Book of Zachariah

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