Read & Study the Bible Online - Bible Portal
Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Zechariah 12:1-8

Here is, I. The title of this charter of promises made to God's Israel; it is the burden of the word of the Lord, a divine prediction; it is of weight in the delivery of it; it is to be pressed upon people, and will be very pressing in the accomplishment of it; it is a burden, a heavy burden, to all the church's enemies, like that talent of lead, Zech. 5:7, 8. But it is for Israel; it is for their comfort and benefit. As even the fiery law (Deut. 33:2), so the fiery prophecies and fiery... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Zechariah 12:4

In that day, saith the Lord, I will smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness ,.... The meaning is, the enemies of God's people shall be astonished at the failure of their attempts, and be filled with fury and madness because they cannot accomplish their designs; and shall be at their wits' end, not knowing what course to take: perhaps reference is had to the Turkish armies, that shall be brought against Jerusalem to recover it into their possession, which generally... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Zechariah 12:5

And the governors of Judah shall say in their heart ,.... The governors of the rest of the cities in Judea, besides Jerusalem, when they shall observe the armies of the people, their horses and their riders, smitten by the Lord, as above, shall take heart, and be of good courage: and secretly say within themselves, The inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be my strength in the Lord of hosts their God ; that is, they, in the strength of the Lord, shall overcome their enemies, and so be the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Zechariah 12:6

In that day will I make the governors of Judah like a hearth of fire among the wood ,.... As a large hearth of fire, with wood all about it, devours and consumes it; so shall the governors of Judah be to the nations that shall come up against Jerusalem. The Targum renders it, "as a garment of fire among wood:' and like a torch of fire in a sheaf ; of wheat, which presently destroys it; see Obadiah 1:18 , and they shall devour all the people round about, on the right hand and on... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 12:4

I will smite every horse - Some apply this to the wars of the Maccabees with the Syrians; but it is more likely to be a prophecy not yet accomplished. The terms are too strong for such petty and evanescent victories as those of the Maccabees. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 12:5

The governors of Judah - This supposes a union between the two kingdoms of Israel and Judah. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 12:6

Jerusalem shall be inhabited again - This seems to refer to the future conversion of the Jews, and their "return to their own land." read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 12:4

Verse 4 He pursues here the same subject, but in other words, — that multiplicity of means is in God’s hand, by which he can drive away and break down the fury of enemies. By the words horse and its rider, the Prophet, stating a part for the whole, means whatever is strong, and intimates that it can be easily overcome by divine power He says first, I will smite every horse with stupor (155) Military strength, we know, is in horses and horsemen; but he says that the horses would be stunned, and... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 12:5

Verse 5 He still continues the same subject — that however small and feeble the flock of God would be, it would yet have sufficient strength; for the Lord would stand on the side of those who fled to him. Though then Jerusalem was not as yet filled with citizens, and though there was but one city, yet Zechariah testifies that its strength would be invincible; but he speaks of the chiefs of Judah comparatively. Formerly, we know, it had a great number of men, and great armies were raised from... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 12:6

Verse 6 He adds another metaphor for the sake of a further confirmation; for he says, that the chiefs of Judah would be like a melting pot: some render it a hearth, but improperly and without meaning. He afterwards compares them to a flaming torch, and heathen nations to wood and stubble or chaff. The Spirit speaks thus also in other places; and the reason is to be noticed; for when the ungodly assail the Church of God, all things seem to threaten its ruin; but God declares that they shall be... read more

Group of Brands