Zechariah 12:1

1. The burden of the word of Jehovah for Israel R.V., “concerning Israel.” The heading of the entire section Zechariah 12:1 to Zechariah 14:21, prefixed probably by the collector of the Minor Prophets, who, finding the prophecies without a title, prefixed the words to indicate their general contents (see on Zechariah 9:1; compare Malachi 1:1). The oracle itself begins with Zechariah 12:2. It is introduced by 1b; primarily by “Thus saith Jehovah,” to which is added a reference to the creative power of Jehovah, in order to make the utterance more impressive. No matter how wonderful the promises may seem, a God who can create the heavens and the earth will surely be able to fulfill them. The words, therefore, serve the same purpose as Amos 4:13; Amos 5:8-9; Amos 9:5-6 (see there; compare Isaiah 42:5).

Stretcheth forth Compare Genesis 1:6-8.

Layeth the foundation Compare Genesis 1:9-10; Psalms 24:2.

Formeth the spirit Compare Genesis 2:7. Some recent commentators consider 1b a later insertion.