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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

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 12:7

Verse 7 The Prophet teaches us again, — that there is no need of helps when God stretches forth his hand to preserve his people; for he is alone abundantly sufficient. And the design of the verse is to show, that the Jews were to learn to acquiesce in God alone, though they might find themselves destitute of every earthly assistance; for when God purposes to save, he needs no help, as we have said; nor does he borrow any, as he by himself is fully sufficient. But by the word, Tabernacles, the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Zechariah 12:1

The burden of the word of the Lord for ( concerning ) Israel . This is the title of the second oracle, corresponding to that at the head of Zechariah 9:1-17 . Though the literal Israel has been rejected, as we saw in the last "burden," a new people of God. arises ( Hosea 1:10 ), the Messianic theocracy, which is also called Israel, whose fortunes the prophet herein delineates, describing its probation, its contests, triumph, and development. The body is like its Head; as the good... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Zechariah 12:1

The universe. "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." This chapter, and on to Zechariah 12:6 of the following, most expositors regard as referring to Israel's conflict and victory, conversion and ultimate holiness. The first verse announces how the conflict against Jerusalem and Judah will result in the conquest of all enemies. The passage before... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Zechariah 12:1-4

A wonderful siege. "The burden of the word of the Lord for Israel, saith the Lord," etc. These three concluding chapters seem to refer to one principal topic ("the burden of the Lord for Israel, " Zechariah 12:1 ) and to one principal time (see the thirteen times repeated expression, "in that day"). The general preface or introduction to the special succession of wonders which they announce to us is contained in Zechariah 12:1 , setting forth, as it does, the wonder working nature... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Zechariah 12:1-9

§ 1. The prophet proceeds to announce Israel's conflict with heathen powers. Hostile nations gather together against Jerusalem, but shall themselves be overthrown; for the people and their leaders, trusting in the Lord, overcome all opposition. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Zechariah 12:1-9

The security of Zion. I. MIGHT OF HER KING . The worlds of matter and of mind are under his control. If so, there is no such thing as chance. Then whatsoever God has promised he will certainly perform. Then to trust and to obey God must be the great end of our being. God's friends are blessed ( Zechariah 12:2 , Zechariah 12:4 ). His enemies, intoxicated by pride, muster for the fight. They are discomfited and driven back in headlong rout. Blindness seizes them, terror... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Zechariah 12:2

A cup of trembling; a bowl of reeling— a bowl whose contents cause staggering and reeling, ὡς πρόθυρα σαλευόμενα , "as tottering porticoes"; superliminare crapulae (Vulgate). This Jerome explains to mean that any one who crosses the threshold of Jerusalem in hostile guise shall totter and fall. Jerusalem is the capital and type of the Messianic theocracy; the hostile powers of the world crowd round her, like thirsting men round a bowl of wine; but they find the drought is fatal to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Zechariah 12:2-3

Sin self-punishment. "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. 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." There is in this passage a principle by which the Governor of the world punishes malicious men. That principle is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Zechariah 12:3

A burdensome stone. Jerusalem shall prove to all the nations that attack it a weight not only too heavy to lift, but one which, itself remaining unhurt, shall wound and injure those who attempt to carry it. Jerome supposes here an allusion to a custom in the towns of Palestine, which prevailed to his day (and, indeed, in Syria even now), of placing round stones of great weight at certain distances, by lifting which the youths tested their bodily strength. But we do not know that this custom... read more

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