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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 12:8

In that day shall the Lord defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem ,.... As with a shield against their enemies; and such is the Lord to all his people; he is their shield to protect them; he keeps and guards them by his power; he encompasses them about with his favour, as with a shield; and gives unto them the shield of salvation; all which will eminently appear to be the case of the Jews at this time: and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David ; they that have the most... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 12:8

He that is feeble among them - shall be as David - Here is a marked difference between Judaism and Christianity. So clear, full, and efficient shall be the salvation of believers under the Gospel that the feeblest among them shall be as strong, as full of courage, and as successful as David when he went against Goliath. The least in the kingdom of heaven was greater than John the Baptist. And the house of David - as the angel of the Lord - The family the Church of the true David, the... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 12:8

Verse 8 He goes on with the same subject; and he says that God would be like a shield to protect the Jews. For though the verb יגן, igen, is used here, yet as it is derived from מגן, megen, which means a shield, that metaphor is to be understood here, — even that the Jews, though without power and without warlike instruments, would yet be safe under the protection of God, for he being their shield would be sufficient. And God is here indirectly opposed to all kinds of fortresses which men too... 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 12:4-9

A good time for good people. "In that day, saith the Lord, I will smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness: and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah, and will smite every horse of the people with blindness," etc. These words, which are confessedly difficult if not impossible to interpret correctly (for some say they are to be taken literally, others spiritually; some historically, others prophetically), may be fairly used to illustrate a good time for good... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Zechariah 12:5-8

A wonderful people. "And the governors of Judah shall say in their heart, The inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be my strength," etc. In the preceding verses the dominant idea is that of Jerusalem as a city besieged. In these we have a vision of it as a city inhabited (note end of Zechariah 12:6 , and the thrice-recurring expression, "the inhabitants of Jerusalem"). And there are three aspects in which, when so regarded, we seem called upon to admire it, viz. I. JERUSALEM SAFE .... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Zechariah 12:8

He that is feeble (literally, that stumbleth ) among them .. shall be as David. God shall endue the inhabitants of Jerusalem with marvellous strength and courage, so that the weakest among them shall be a hero such as David, who killed the lion and bear and overcame the giant (comp. Psalms 18:32 ). The house of David shall be as God ( Elohim ). The chiefs of the theocracy shall be endowed with supernatural might, the expression, "as God," being explained in the next clause.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Zechariah 12:8

True greatness. I. NOT INHERITED , BUT PERSONAL . II. NOT IN CIRCUMSTANCES , BUT CHARACTER . III. NOT IN SELF - AGGRANDIZEMENT , BUT IN SOCIAL USEFULNESS . IV. NOT BOUND BY HUMAN WEAKNESS , BUT RISING TO THE GLORY OF DIVINE STRENGTH . V. NOT RESTRICTED TO INDIVIDUALS , BUT THE COMMON POSSESSION OF THE GOOD VI. NOT LIMITED TO EARTH , BUT LEADING TO THE HONOURS OF ... read more

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