Zechariah 12

This chapter belongs to the second half of Zechariah (chapters 9–14). Verse 1 opens the second "burden," the first having begun at Zechariah 9:1. "Burden" translates the Hebrew massa, a weighty oracle solemnly proclaimed. Following the shepherd allegory and the account of the thirty pieces of silver in the preceding chapter, this chapter describes what will happen to Jerusalem "in that day."

Outline

• Verse 1: The LORD, who stretches forth the heavens, lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of man within him, speaks concerning Israel.
• Verses 2–4: The LORD makes Jerusalem a cup of trembling to all the surrounding peoples and a burdensome stone. In that day the LORD strikes the horses and riders of the nations with astonishment and blindness.
• Verses 5–9: The governors of Judah become like a hearth of fire among the wood and a torch of fire in a sheaf, devouring the surrounding peoples. The LORD saves the tents of Judah first, makes even the feeble in Jerusalem like David, and destroys the nations that come against Jerusalem.
• Verses 10–14: The LORD pours out upon the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem the spirit of grace and of supplications. They look upon the one whom they pierced and mourn as for an only son and a firstborn. Their mourning is like the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddo. The families of the house of David, Nathan, Levi, and Shimei, along with their wives, each mourn apart.

Key Verses

• Zechariah 12:3: "And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people." This image symbolizes the destiny of Jerusalem as it stands against the nations.
• Zechariah 12:8: "He that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David." This speaks of the transformation of the people under the LORD's protection.
• Zechariah 12:10: "They shall look upon me whom they have pierced." The New Testament quotes this verse in connection with the cross and the second coming of Christ.

People and Places

• Jerusalem: The city besieged by the nations and the place the LORD protects.
• House of David: The Davidic royal house, which receives the spirit of grace and of supplications.
• Family of Nathan: Some identify this Nathan with the prophet Nathan, but many interpreters take him to be Nathan the son of David (2 Samuel 5:14).
• Families of Levi and Shimei: The priestly line. Shimei is commonly identified as the grandson of Levi and the son of Gershon (Numbers 3:17–18).
• Hadadrimmon: Apparently a place name or personal name in the valley of Megiddo. A widely known interpretation holds that it refers to the mourning for King Josiah, who fell in battle at Megiddo (2 Chronicles 35:22–25). Another view takes it as a mourning rite for the pagan deities Hadad and Rimmon.

Points for Reflection

• The Hebrew text of verse 10 reads "look upon me," which connects the pierced one with the LORD Himself, who is speaking. For this reason, manuscripts and translations differ in wording. The KJV reads "me," whereas the Korean Revised Version (Gaeyeok Hangeul) renders it "him."
• In the New Testament, the Gospel of John quotes this verse (John 19:37) immediately after the scene in which Jesus' side is pierced (John 19:34–35). Revelation 1:7 also applies this verse to the scene of the second coming. Some strands of Jewish tradition are reported to have read this verse in connection with a suffering Messiah ("Messiah son of Joseph").
• Traditions differ in how they interpret the war between Jerusalem and the nations "in that day." Dispensationalism sees it as a future restoration and repentance of national Israel. The covenant theology tradition tends to read it in terms of fulfillment for the whole people of God in Christ.