Zechariah 12

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 12:2

In Zechariah 12:2, Jehovah himself is introduced as the speaker. Behold, I will Better, Behold, I am about to; the act is imminent (G.-K., 116p). Make Jerusalem a cup of trembling R.V., “of reeling”; a cup or bowl (Exodus 12:22; 1 Kings 7:4-5) that produces trembling or reeling. Jerusalem is pictured as a bowl filled with a tempting drink; eagerly the nations grasp it; but the draught results in their undoing; confused and discomfited they reel and stagger back (compare Habakkuk 2:16;... read more

Daniel Whedon

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 12:3

Zechariah 12:3 reiterates in a different figure the thought of Zechariah 12:2, that Jerusalem will prove the destruction of the nations that attack it. A burdensome stone Some see here an allusion to a custom spoken of by Jerome as existing in the cities of Palestine in his days. Young men were accustomed to test their strength by lifting and throwing heavy round stones. If the prophecy is as late as Marti would make it these practices may have been known in Jerusalem at the time (compare... read more

Daniel Whedon

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 12:4

Zechariah 12:4 describes more minutely the overthrow of the nations announced in figurative terms in Zechariah 12:2-3. In that day When the nations of the earth are gathered against the city. Horse… rider The cavalry, which here represents the entire military force of the enemy. Astonishment,… madness For the former R.V. reads “terror.” The soldiers will be thrown into hopeless confusion, so that they will rush headlong to destruction. Smite… with blindness When this happens to the... read more

Daniel Whedon

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 12:5

As Zechariah 12:5 stands now it seems to describe the effect produced upon the inhabitants of Judah by the divine manifestation against the enemies. They will be inspired with new hope and courage. Governors R.V., “chieftains.” See on Zechariah 9:7. Here as there it seems to denote the divisions rather than the leaders. The inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be my strength in Jehovah of hosts their God Jehovah has chosen Jerusalem as his dwelling place, hence he cannot permit the hostile... read more

Daniel Whedon

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 12:6

6. Jehovah will use the forces of Judah to complete the defeat of the nations. Governors As in Zechariah 12:5. Like an hearth Better, R.V., “like a pan.” Judah will utterly destroy the hostile nations as fire devours wood or dry sheaves. Jerusalem shall be inhabited again R.V., more literally, “shall yet again dwell in their own place.” If the last clause, “even in Jerusalem,” is original, the name is used first of the inhabitants, then of the city. The inhabitants shall again dwell in... read more

Daniel Whedon

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 12:7

7. Jehovah also shall save the tents of Judah first Though the open country is not defended by strong walls, though its villages may be likened to defenseless tents, the outburst of courage to which attention is called in Zechariah 12:5-6 will result in the freeing of the country from enemies, even before the mighty city is delivered. And this is in accord with the divine purpose, for it will prevent boasting on the part of the city over the country. There may have been at this time a... read more

Daniel Whedon

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 12:8

8. In that day When Jerusalem is made a cup of reeling (Zechariah 12:2). Defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem Though Judah will be saved first, Jerusalem also will be delivered; not through the direct interference of Jehovah alone (4), nor through the bravery of Judah (6), but through the efforts of her own inhabitants, who will be endowed with marvelous strength which will make them irresistible. He that is feeble Literally, he that stumbleth; one who is unable to stand without... read more

Daniel Whedon

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 12:9

9. While Jehovah thus equips the inhabitants of Jerusalem for the conflict, his wrath is turned against the nations that plan to attack the city. I will seek to destroy In itself the expression does not assure the fulfillment of the divine purpose (compare Exodus 4:24), but in this case the context makes it plain that Jehovah is determined to carry out his purpose. read more

Daniel Whedon

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 12:10

10. The spirit of grace and of supplications See on Joel 2:28. Grace is, as in many other passages in the Old Testament, the favor shown by Jehovah toward his people (compare Zechariah 4:7). In this passage it is thought of as active within man, making him conscious of wrongdoing and leading him to make supplication for mercy and pardon (compare Romans 2:4, “the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance”). The house of David,… the inhabitants of Jerusalem The former as in Zechariah... read more

Daniel Whedon

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 12:10-14

Penitential mourning and supplication, Zechariah 12:10-14. The blessings vouchsafed in Zechariah 12:1-9 are purely temporal and physical; but with few exceptions the Messianic anticipations of the prophets include spiritual blessings (compare Hosea 14:1-3; Joel 2:27 ff.; Isaiah 4:5-6). Zechariah is no exception to this rule. He also is convinced that the physical victory will be followed by the outpouring of rich spiritual gifts. The fullness of the latter is not touched upon until Zechariah... read more

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