Zacarias 13
Steven Cole · Citado em PreceptAustin
Zacarias 13
Cole - God is the only one who can open a fountain for cleansing, and He has done so by killing His Shepherd (Zech 13:7a). In Zechariah 11:1-17, Zechariah pictured the false shepherds of Israel in contrast with the Good Shepherd. In our text, the contrast seems to be that just as the false prophet endeavored to turn people from God, but was slain by his father, so the true prophet would be slain by His Father to turn people to God (Charles Simeon, Expository Outlines on the Whole Bible). Echoing the language of Isaiah 53:1-12 (and Ps 22:15), which says that Messiah would be smitten of God and crushed by God, Zechariah pictures God as calling for the implement of death (sword) against His Shepherd, Whom He also calls, “the man, My Associate.” In the garden, with reference to Himself, Jesus cited the phrase, “Strike the Shepherd that the sheep may be scattered,” just before the disciples all left Him and fled (Mt. 26:31). Woven into Zechariah 13:7 are several crucial theological concepts. First, God’s Shepherd, Jesus Christ, is both man and God. He had to take on our flesh in the incarnation or He could not die for the sins of the fallen human race. But in so doing, He did not cease to be what He is from eternity, the fulness of God (Col. 2:9). “Associate,” in Hebrew, is used only in Leviticus, and in all cases of an equal, an associate, or neighbor (Unger, p. 232). The great German scholar, C. F. Keil, says that “God would not apply this epithet to any godly or ungodly man whom He might have appointed shepherd over a nation.” He goes on to state that this term means “community of physical or spiritual descent.” The one whom God calls His neighbor “cannot be a mere man, but can only be one who participates in the divine nature, or is essentially divine” (Commentary on the Old Testament). Jesus, speaking of Himself as the Good Shepherd who would lay down His life for the sheep, said in the same context, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). The Jews recognized it as a claim to deity and took up stones to stone Him. They should have fallen at His feet in worship! There is a sense in which evil men crucified the Good Shepherd, and they are accountable for doing so. But at the same time, such evil men, acting according to their own sinful choices, only fulfilled the sovereign purpose of God to provide a substitute for our sins (Acts 2:23; 4:27-28). By putting His own Son to death in the place of sinners, God can be both just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus (Rom. 3:26). That God would strike His own Son for our sins shows both His great love for us and His utter intolerance of sin. Thus Zechariah has shown that we all need God’s fountain to cleanse us from sin and impurity (Zech 13:1). Those who are cleansed from sin will be zealous to separate themselves from it (Zech 13:2-6). God Himself is the only one who can open a fountain for cleansing from sin, and He has done so by killing His Shepherd, Jesus Christ (Zech 13:7a). (Zechariah 13:1-9 God's Fountain for Cleansing) Although in context this text speaks of the true believers in the remnant of the nation of Israel, Charles Simeon applies these truth to true believers of all ages - It is no uncommon thing for persons to receive their first serious impressions by means of some afflictive dispensation: many must say with David, “Before I was afflicted I went astray.” But, in whatever way they are converted to God, they seldom continue long in his service without experiencing some temporal or spiritual affliction. God, who is a wise physician, knows what is most conducive to the health of our souls. He sees that there is much “folly bound up in our hearts, and that nothing but the rod of correction can effectually drive it out.” He sees it necessary “to try us, as gold, and to purify us as silver,” that we may both manifest what we are, and become what we should be. If we be only superficial Christians, who, like “the stony-ground hearers, have no root in ourselves,” we shall “be offended as soon as tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word:” but if we be “Israelites indeed,” the trial of our faith, which is much more precious than gold, which, though it stand the trial of fire, yet perisheth at last, will be found to praise, and honour, and glory in the day of his appearing [Note: 1 Peter 4:12; 1 Peter 1:6-7.].” Besides, the very best have much amiss within them, which escapes their notice, till “God counsels them in the night season” of affliction, and discovers to them the hidden abominations of their hearts. On this account especially the saints have testified with one consent that they have found it “good to be afflicted;” and have seen reason to bless God more for their heaviest trials, than for their richest comforts ZECHARIAH QUOTES IN NT RELATED TO MESSIAH ZECHARIAH SUBJECT NT PASSAGES Zechariah 9:9 Behold, your king is coming to you; He is just and endowed with salvation, Humble, and mounted on a donkey, Even on a colt, the foal of a donkey Matthew 21:5 Zechariah 11:13 “Throw it to the potter, that magnificent price at which I was valued by them.” So I took the thirty shekels of silver and threw them to the potter in the house of the LORD. Matthew 27:9 Zechariah 12:10 they will look on Me whom they have pierced; and they will mourn for Him, as one mourns for an only so John 19:37 Zechariah 13:7 “Strike the Shepherd that the sheep may be scattered" Matthew 26:31 Zechariah 13:8 "It will come about in all the land," Declares the LORD, "That two parts in it will be cut off and perish; But the third will be left in it. two parts in it will be cut off and perish: Zec 11:6-9 De 28:49-68 Isa 65:12-15 66:4-6,24 Eze 5:2-4,12 Da 9:27 Mal 3:1,2,5 4:1-3 Mt 3:10-12 21:43,44 22:7 23:35-37 24:21 Lu 19:41-44 20:16-18 21:20-24 23:28-30 1Th 2:15,16 Rev 8:7-12 Rev 16:19 But the third will be left in it: Zec 14:1,2 Isa 6:13 Jer 30:11 Joe 2:31,32 Am 9:8,9 Mt 24:22 Mk 13:20 Ro 9:27-29 11:1-5 TWO THIRDS CUT OFF ONE THIRD LEFT Declares the LORD - Klein writes "The seemingly unobtrusive phrase “declares the LORD” translates the important prophetic formula nĕʾum YHWH. This significant expression predominates in prophetic writings to reiterate the divine origins and therefore the consummate authority of the message the prophet delivered. This occurrence of nĕʾum YHWH represents the final occurrence in chap. 13 (cf. Zech 13:2, 7), an important emphasis in a chapter focusing on sweeping eschatological events." (NAC) Note that while some see a similarity with Ezek 5:2, 12 it is only superficial in the sense that Ezekiel was speaking in the context of the Babylonian exile and when he mentions the third ("One third you shall burn in the fire"), he is describing their destruction not their deliverance. In stark contrast, in Zechariah 13:8-9, the third describes those in the nation of Israel in the last days who will be delivered by Yahweh. In short, the passages are not parallel texts. It is interesting that Zechariah 13 begins and ends with emphasis on purification (Zech 13:1, 8, 9) and these passages are clearly related. It will come about in all the land," Declares the LORD - He is speaking of the last days, in that day, Day of the Lord, specifically that segment that is known as the Great Tribulation (Begins - Mt 24:15-note, named - Mt 24:21-note), AKA the Time of Jacob's Distress (Jeremiah 30:7-note) or AKA "a time of distress" (Da 12:1-note). This period of the Day of the Lord corresponds to the last 3.5 years of Daniel's Seventieth Week during which time the Campaign of Armageddon will be waged and be brought to an abrupt termination when the King o kings returns (Rev 19:11-16-note) and defeats all of His and Israel's enemies (Rev 19:17-21-note). Daniel depicts this final destruction of the Gentile nations by Messiah as a Stone (Messiah) that returns to crush Nebuchadnezzar's statue which symbolizes all of the anti-God, anti-Christ nations of the world. After crushing the Gentile kingdoms Messiah establishes His Millennial Kingdom (Da 2:34-35-note, Da 2:44-45-note). The prophet Daniel spoke about this time writing... Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distress (Heb = tsarah; Lxx = thlipsis the same word used by Jesus in His phrase "The Great Tribulation" [thlipsis megale]) such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued....7 I heard the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, as he raised his right hand and his left toward heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time (synonymous time phrases = 1260 days, 42 months, "middle of the week"); and as soon as they finish shattering the power of the holy people (ISRAEL), all these events will be completed. 8 As for me, I heard but could not understand; so I said, “My lord, what will be the outcome of these events?” 9 He said, “Go your way, Daniel, for these words are concealed and sealed up until the end time. 10 “Many (OF ISRAEL) will be purged, purified and refined (ZECHARIAH IS QUANTIFYING HOW "MANY" = 1/3), but the wicked will act wickedly; and none of the wicked will understand, but those who have insight will understand. (Da 12:1, 7-10-note) The Hebrew word for left (yathar) is also translated remnant. In context, then Zechariah is prophesying about the doctrine of the remnant, that portion of the Chosen People who throughout the centuries have placed their faith in the Messiah and who will enter the Kingdom of God. The remnant of Israel has always been relatively small and in this case represents one-third of the Jews who are alive at the Time of Jacob's Distress (Jer 30:7). As Daniel described them, they are the third that will be purged, purified and refined during the last 3.5 years of Daniel's Seventieth Week. Left (03498)(yathar) refers to one portion of a quantity which has been divided and generally refers to the smaller part remaining. Remnant can mean that which is spared, preserved, escaped, survived, and thus that which is not in a condition of danger or death. The idea of the remnant is “those being left” or “having escaped,” especially a portion of a community which has escaped a devastating calamity and will form the basis for a new community. Yathar refers to one portion of a quantity which has been divided. Generally it is the smaller part. The Septuagint translates left with the verb hupoleipo which means to be left, left behind, be remaining (used in Ro 11:3-note where Paul quotes Elijah's lament "I alone am left," from 1 Kings 19:10). Related Resources: See Paul's description in Romans 11:5ff - see commentary See study of another Hebrew word for "remnant" (07604) sha'ar/sa'ar That two parts in it will be cut off and perish - Cut off means they will be killed and perish speaks of their eternal destiny when they will be told "Depart from Me, all you evildoers" (Lk 13:27-note) and be sent to the outer darkness (Mt 8:12), outside the Kingdom of God, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Lk 13:28-note), away from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His power (2 Th 1:7-9). See discussion of Eternal Punishment. Cut off is the same verb karath used in Zechariah 13:2 describing God's action against the idols in the land. But the third will be left in it - The third (one-third) refers to those in Israel, specifically those who have looked with mourning and repentance on Messiah "whom they have pierced; and they will mourn for Him, as one mourns for an only son, and they will weep bitterly over Him." (Zech 12:10-note). The third will come to the ever flowing fountain of spiritual life (Zech 13:1-note), the blood of the Lamb that flows from Emmanuel's veins, and will receive and repent and believe and experience cleansing from their sins and impurity, and experiencing the truth described in Isaiah's invitation "Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD, “Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool." (Isa 1:18) In short, the third that is the remnant of "All Israel" who will be saved in that day (see Ro 11:26-note). Spurgeon So, in the times of God’s fiercest judgments, he has a remnant according to the election of grace who shall escape the sword, because that sword has been awakened against him who was their Representative, their Surety, and who stood as Substitute in their place. NET Note - The fractions mentioned here call to mind the affliction of God’s people described by Ezekiel, though Ezekiel referred to his own times whereas Zechariah is looking forward to a future eschatological age. Ezekiel spoke of cutting his hair at God’s command (Ezek 5:1–4) and then of burning a third of it, striking a third with a sword, and scattering the rest. From this last third a few hairs would survive to become the nucleus of a new Israel. It is this “third” Zechariah speaks of (v. 9), the remnant who will be purified and reclaimed as God’s covenant people. Zechariah 13:9 "And I will bring the third part through the fire, Refine them as silver is refined, And test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, And I will answer them; I will say, 'They are My people,' And they will say, 'The LORD is my God.'" And I will bring the third part through the fire: Ps 66:10-12 Isa 43:2 1Co 3:11-13 1Pe 4:12 b Refine them as silver is refined: Job 23:10 Pr 17:3 Isa 48:10 Mal 3:2,3 Jas 1:12 1Pe 1:6,7 They will call on My name Zec 10:6 12:10 Ps 34:15-19 50:15 91:15 Isa 58:9 65:23,24 Jer 29:11,12 Ho 2:21-23 Joel 2:32 Ac 2:21 Ro 10:12-14 They are My people,' And they will say, 'The LORD is my God: Zec 8:8 Lev 26:12,44,45 De 26:17-19 Ps 144:15 Isa 44:1-6 Jer 30:22 Jer 31:33 32:38 Eze 11:20 36:28 37:27 Ho 2:23 Mt 22:29-32 Heb 8:10 Rev 21:3,4,7 It breaks my heart to read modern commentators relate these great prophecies to the Church instead of relating them to the nation of Israel, to whom they are plainly and clearly addressed. To relate them to the Church is simply to read with "theological sunglasses" that are "tinted" with the false teaching of "spiritual Israel" (see also spiritual Israel and an example of how the literal truth is twisted). And sadly many of those in the reformed movement (which I highly respect for their generally very orthodox theology especially in soteriology), espouse the false teaching of "replacement theology." POSB - Verses 8 and 9 continue to speak of coming judgment. In addition, they reveal a fundamental truth: what man means for evil, God means for good. Put another way, the evil that man plans or does is used by God to accomplish His good and perfect will. This is exactly what happened on the cross at Calvary. It is also what will happen in the Great Tribulation when many nations band together to conquer and destroy Israel. Suffering beyond anything the world has ever known will be brought about by the antichrist—in these very last days. Not only will the invading nations bring destruction upon themselves but they will also accomplish the plan of God. Through these nations’ evil assault, the nation of Israel and the entire world will be purged and refined. And I will bring the third part through the fire - "I will" identifies this passage through the fire as God's sovereign, supernatural work of salvation in context speaking of the nation of Israel who will experience the "fire" of the Great Tribulation, the time of Jacob's Trouble. As to the identity of the third they are clearly Jews, but whether they include the 144,000 Jews in Rev 7:1-8, Rev 14:1-5 is debatable and will not be further addressed in these notes. In Numbers 31 we read of a purification by fire, where Eleazar the priest required the captured goods from the Midianite battle to be purified by the fire everything that can stand the fire, you shall pass through the fire, and it shall be clean, but it shall be purified with water for impurity. But whatever cannot stand the fire you shall pass through the water. (Nu 31:23) NET Note - Purification by fire is unique to this event. Making these metallic objects "pass through the fire" was not only a way of purifying (burning off impurities), but it seems to be a dedicatory rite as well to the LORD and his people. The aspect of passing through the fire is one used by these pagans for child sacrifice. The expression to pass through “the fire” also appears frequently in the Old Testament as a figure for affliction and judgment Malachi 3:2-3-note “But who can endure the day of His coming (SECOND COMING)? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap. “He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the LORD offerings in righteousness. Moody Bible Commentary - Having told those who doubted God’s justice that the Messiah would indeed come, Malachi also reminded them that judgment would fall not just on their enemies but on them as well. No one can endure the day of His coming. When Messiah comes in judgment, He will purify all, from the sons of Levi to all Judah and Jerusalem (Ed: This is clearly that terminal event to which Zech 12:10 and Zech 13:8-9 refer). Isaiah 43:2 “When you (Jacob...Israel - Isa 43:1) pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.
Zacarias 13
Cole - You’ve been working out in the yard on a hot summer day. Your sweaty body has attracted the dirt like a magnet. You’re caked with grime. You need to attend a wedding that afternoon, so you go inside, put on your best clean clothes, and head out the door. Wait a minute! What’s missing? A shower! Nobody would just change clothes without first washing off the dirt and sweat. When you’re hot and dirty, nothing feels better than a shower. This physical picture has a spiritual analogy, but there’s a difference. The entire human race reeks of sin in the presence of the holy God. But because we all smell the same, we tend not to notice how foul we really smell. Many go their entire lives without sensing their need for cleansing from sin. Others may think that their good works cover the foul odor of their sin, and so they put on their clean clothes without showering. But the Bible has great news: God has graciously provided a fountain for sinners to be cleansed so that they may become His holy people. That’s the message of Zechariah 13, which is closely connected with chapter 12. We saw there how God promised to save His people according to His purpose. The primary interpretation of these verses is with reference to the Jews (“the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem,” Zechariah 12:10; 13:1). God promises to pour out on them “the Spirit of grace and of supplication, so that they will look on Me whom they have pierced; and they will mourn for Him, as one mourns for an only son” (Zech 12:10). When Zech 13:1 begins, “In that day,” it refers to that day of great mourning in Jerusalem (Zech 12:11). Just prior to the second coming of Jesus Christ, God will pour out His Spirit on the Jews, so that, as Paul puts it, “all Israel will be saved” (Rom. 11:26). But since the Gentiles have now been made partakers of the New Covenant through the gospel (Ro 11:12-24; 15:8-12), the promises of Zechariah 12 & 13 apply to all people. For us, as well as for the Jews, God has opened a fountain for sin and for impurity. Everyone who is dirty and defiled by sin may come to God’s fountain for cleansing. Zechariah 13 makes four points: 1. We all need God’s fountain to cleanse us from sin and impurity (Zech 13:1). “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Ro 3:23). If we compare ourselves with ourselves, we may conclude that we’re not very dirty: “I’m cleaner than the criminals in prison. I’m cleaner than the people who hang out in bars. I’m cleaner than my neighbor who doesn’t go to church. I’m cleaner than my family members, who have numerous faults that I could tell you about. I’m cleaner than those hypocrites who go to my church. Sure, I’ve got my faults, but I’m not filthy!” But then, like Isaiah, we get a glimpse of the Lord, high and lifted up, and of the holy angels who never cease proclaiming, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts,” and instantly we cry out, “I am undone!” One of the first evidences that God’s Spirit is at work in your heart is that you recognize your sinfulness in the presence of the holy God and your need for cleansing. Note three things about God’s fountain: A. God’s fountain stems from His grace. Israel pierced the Messiah whom God sent to save them (Zech 12:10)! They did not deserve His mercy or forgiveness, but God graciously provided a fountain to cleanse from sin and impurity. The Hebrew word for “sin” comes from a root meaning, “to miss” (Merrill Unger, Zechariah: Prophet of God’s Glory [Zondervanj p. 222). It is used of sins against other people and of sins against God. The word for “impurity” designates “that which is to be fled from or shunned” (ibid.). It was used of the ceremonial defilement of women on their menstrual cycle and of the defilement that came from touching a dead body. Together these words show that we all have missed God’s standard of holiness in our relationships with Him and with one another. And, our sins are repugnant and offensive to God. To try to cover our sins with our good works would be like putting on clean clothes over a filthy body. If we are to be forgiven and cleansed, it can only come through God’s undeserved favor, His grace. Augustus Toplady put it this way in his hymn, “Rock of Ages”: Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee; Let the water and the blood, From Thy wounded side which flowed, Be of sin the double cure, Save from wrath and make me pure. Not the labor of my hands Can fulfill Thy law’s demands; Could my zeal no respite know, Could my tears forever flow, All for sin could not atone; Thou must save, and Thou alone. Nothing in my hand I bring, Simply to Thy cross I cling; Naked, come to Thee for dress; Helpless, look to Thee for grace; Foul, I to the fountain fly; Wash me, Savior, or I die. While I draw this fleeting breath, When my eyes shall close in death, When I soar to worlds unknown, See Thee on Thy judgment throne. Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee. B. God’s fountain is inexhaustible. We don’t often see natural fountains or springs in dry Northern Arizona, but there is an impressive one at Fossil Springs. As I recall, it pours forth over a million gallons of water every day, feeding Fossil Creek. A fountain like that is fed from huge underground aquifers, so that it keeps flowing, even in times of drought. That is a picture of God’s inexhaustible fountain for sin and for impurity. It flows and flows and flows. God has grace greater than all of our sins! You may be thinking, “But you don’t know how terrible some of my past sins were!” True, but God does know, and He opened this fountain for sin and for impurity. That fountain cleansed the sins of David, an adulterer and murderer. It cleansed the sins of wicked King Manasseh, who practiced witchcraft, offered his sons in the fire to false gods, and led Judah into horrible sin. It cleansed the sins of the chief of sinners, who described himself as “a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor.” But he went on to say, “the grace of our Lord was more than abundant” (1 Tim. 1:13-15, italics mine). That same inexhaustible grace is available to you. Charles Spurgeon (“The Open Fountain,” Zechariah 13:1) points out that it would be ludicrous for someone to protest, “I can’t bathe because I am too filthy!” It would be equally ridiculous to say, “I need to clean up myself before I come to this fountain!” God provides the fountain to cleanse the most foul, dirty, defiled sinners. Their dirt can never pollute this fountain, because it just keeps on flowing to wash away all of our filth. C. God’s fountain must be applied individually. This fountain won’t do you any good if you look at it and think, “I wish my wife and kids would get under that water!” It won’t do you any good to stand there and think, “It probably would be refreshing to plunge in.” To receive the benefit of God’s fountain, you must look to Jesus and recognize that your sins put Him on the cross. As God’s Spirit opens your eyes to your true guilt before Him, you will mourn. But don’t stop there! Let that mourning motivate you to jump into God’s fountain. You’ve got to apply it individually to your heart. The instant that you do, you will know the joy of God’s forgiveness. I like the outdoors, but I’m not a true outdoorsman, because I can’t stand to go for days without a shower. True outdoorsmen can hike for days with a heavy pack, sweating in the same underwear without taking a shower. Some of them are hearty enough to jump in a snow-fed stream to wash off, and I’ve done that when I was desperate. But I’m only good for a night or two in the backcountry before I am desperate for a warm shower. To enter a relationship with the holy God, we must come to His fountain to cleanse us from our sins. And, we should take frequent showers to wash off the defilement of the sins that we commit after salvation. As 1 John 1:9 promises, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Come often to God’s fountain! (Zechariah 13:1-9 God's Fountain for Cleansing) William Cowper’s famous hymn, “There is a fountain filled with blood" is based on Zechariah 13:1 Olney Hymns, by William Cowper, There is a fountain fill'd with blood Drawn from Emmanuel's veins; And sinners, plunged beneath that flood, Lose all their guilty stains. The dying thief rejoiced to see That fountain in his day; And there have I, as vile as he, Wash'd all my sins away. Dear dying Lamb, Thy precious blood Shall never lose its power, Till all the ransom'd church of God Be saved, to sin no more. E'er since, by faith, I saw the stream Thy flowing wounds supply, Redeeming love has been my theme, And shall be till I die. Then in a nobler, sweeter song, I'll sing Thy power to save; When this poor lisping, stammering tongue Lies silent in the grave. Lord I believe Thou hast prepared (Unworthy though I be) For me a blood-bought free reward, A golden harp for me! 'Tis strung and tuned for endless years, And form'd by power divine, To sound in God the Father's ears No other name but Thine. One of my favorite hymns by Charles Wesley is Arise My Soul, Arise (or this beautiful more traditional version) which speaks of the cleansing power of the fountain from Emmanuel's veins Arise, my soul, arise; shake off thy guilty fears; the bleeding Sacrifice in my behalf appears: before the throne my Surety stands, before the throne my Surety stands: my name is written on His hands. 2 He ever lives above, for me to intercede, His all-redeeming love, His precious blood to plead; His blood atoned for all our race, His blood atoned for all our race, and sprinkles now the throne of grace. 3 Five bleeding wounds He bears, received on Calvary; they pour effectual pray'rs, they strongly plead for me: "Forgive him, O forgive," they cry, "Forgive him, O forgive," they cry, "Nor let that ransomed sinner die!" 4 The Father hears Him pray, His dear anointed One; He cannot turn away the presence of his Son; His Spirit answers to the blood, His Spirit answers to the blood, and tells me I am born of God. 5 My God is reconciled; His pard'ning voice I hear; He owns me for His child; I can no longer fear; with confidence I now draw nigh, with confidence I now draw nigh, and, "Father, Abba, Father," cry. Ira Sankey records the following account of the amazing power of the Gospel as articulated in Wesley's words in Arise My Soul, Arise:(O, for hymns so richly laden with Gospel truth in the modern church, so rich that men and women are saved even by singing the words!)... First published in 1742 under the title, “Behold the Man,” this became one of the most useful of Charles Wesley’s numerous hymns. In universal use in English countries, and translated into many languages, it has been the direct instrumentality in the conversion of thousands of souls. It has found expression in the exultant cry on the lips of many a dying saint. “I have a record,” said a Wesleyan missionary laboring in the West Indies, “of two hundred persons, young and old, who received the most direct evidence of the forgiveness of their sins while singing “Arise, my soul.’ The conversion of the greater number of these persons took place while I was a missionary abroad.” (from Story of Gospel Hymns by Ira Sankey, 1907) Zechariah 13:2 "It will come about in that day," declares the LORD of hosts, "that I will cut off the names of the idols from the land, and they will no longer be remembered; and I will also remove the prophets and the unclean spirit from the land. I will cut off the names of the idols from the land: Ex 22:13 De 12:3 Jos 23:7 Ps 16:4 Isa 2:18,20 Eze 30:13 36:25 Eze 37:23 Ho 2:17 14:8 Mic 5:12-14 Zep 1:3,4 2:11 I will also remove the prophets: 1Ki 22:22 Jer 8:10-12 23:14,15 29:23 Eze 13:12-16,23 14:9 Mic 2:11 Mt 7:15 2Co 11:13-15 2Pe 2:1-3,15-19 1Jn 4:1,2 Rev 19:20 the unclean spirit from the land: Mt 12:43 Lu 11:20 Rev 16:13,14 18:2 20:1-3 THE LAND PURGED OF IDOLS AND FALSE PROPHETS It will come about in that day," declares the LORD of hosts - That day is the Day of the Lord, specifically that aspect known as the Great Tribulation (Begins - Mt 24:15-note, named - Mt 24:21-note) which the prophet Jeremiah called the Time of Jacob's Distress (Jeremiah 30:7-note) and the prophet Daniel called "a time of distress" (Da 12:1-note). And that day in context speaks of the beginning of Messiah's Millennial reign at which time any and all usurpers to God's rightful role as Sole Supreme Sovereign (idols and false prophets) will be completely eliminated Declares the LORD of hosts - God said it, that settles it! Jehovah Sabaoth, LORD of hosts (of armies) is God’s Name for man’s extremity, those times when we have reached our end, finding ourselves impotent, in turmoil, embroiled in real spiritual warfare (which by the way we are always in whether we realize it or not!) and with no other source of help (cp Jehovah Ezer: The LORD our Helper). So meditate deeply on the truths revealed in the magnificent, sufficient Name of Jehovah Sabaoth and you will find that you will be enabled to "Stand firm (aorist imperative) therefore, having girded your loins with truth" regarding the LORD of hosts (Eph 6:14- note) Zechariah had spoken of the spiritual havoc spread by the idols and purveyors of lies in Zech 10:2 - "For the teraphim speak iniquity, And the diviners see lying visions and tell false dreams; They comfort in vain. Therefore the people wander like sheep, They are afflicted, because there is no shepherd." But now in the Millennium the Jews will have the Good Shepherd. Criswell points out that "Idolatry disappeared during the Babylonian captivity, but will be revived during the Tribulation (Da 9:27; 11:31; Mt. 24:15; 2 Th. 2:4; Rev. 13:4, 11-18)." (Believer's Study Bible) McComiskey on the significance of even cutting off the names of the idols - The “name” of an idol is what gives cognitive reality and identity to it, transforming even a rude pillar into an object that the mind invests with spiritual reality and energy. An image is not a representative of deity until the mind designates it as such. Thus, the reference to the erasing of the idols’ names from the memories of the people shows that it is this cognitive value that the text envisions. Once an object bore the name of a god, it took on a spiritual energy that could affect human consciousness and society in general. In this way, early Israel’s toleration of idols led to societal decay (see the Exposition of Hos. 2:19). (The Minor Prophets) Eugene Merrill - As part and parcel of the cleansing—indeed, as its manifestation—is the cutting off of the very names of the idols that Israel and Judah had embraced so frequently in the course of their history. The verb “to cut off” (כָּרַת, karath) is particularly poignant here because it is the technical term used to describe the making of a covenant (בְּרִית כָּרַת, kārat běrît), that is, “to cut a covenant.” Israel had broken the covenant time and time again, particularly in the worship of other gods in idolatry. Now YHWH has restored the covenant relationship and will “cut off” the names of the idols. This means not only to do away with them by some destructive act such as that of Elijah on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:38–40), but to remove their very remembrance from the minds and hearts of the people (Zech 13:2; cf. Hos. 2:19).(Exegetical Commentary) That I will cut off the names of the idols from the land and they will no longer be remembered - The NIV is a bit mild in translating this as banish. The verb is more literally to Cut off means that God will utterly destroy (the meaning of the verb exolethreuo used in the Septuagint to translate "cut off") all idolatry when He returns as Israel's Deliverer (Ro 11:26-note). Notice not only will He destroy the actual physical idols but even their names, so that they won't even be able to remember the names of the idols! That's what I call a divine "clean sweep!" purging the minds of men so that they will not even be able to recall these names, but rather will recall only the Name of Jesus, the Name above every name (Php 2:9-11) and worship Him alone in the glorious Millennium. Compare Hosea 2:17. Notice the "I will" indicating it is God Himself Who will eradicate the idols even has He had predicted in Micah (circa 750-686 B.C) even before the exile to Babylon... “I will cut off (karath = same verb as Zech 13:2) your carved images And your sacred pillars from among you, So that you will no longer bow down To the work of your hands. 14 “I will root out (THINK OF WEEDS YOU CAN ONLY ERADICATE BY PULLING UP THEIR ROOTS!) your Asherim from among you And destroy your cities. (Micah 5:13-14-note) Comment: This prophecy speaks of the coming Messianic Kingdom (Micah 5:4ff-note where "He" = Messiah) and thus directly parallels Zechariah's prophecy. The phrase cut off the names speaks of complete and utter destruction much like happened to Achan in Joshua 7 when not only was he cut off because of his sin (Joshua 7:20-21) but his entire family was eliminated with him, so that there was no one to carry on his name. His name was forever completely cut off! (Joshua 7:24-25) and they placed a heap of stones and named it the valley of Achor so that Israel would not forget (Josh 7:26)! That's the idea in this passage! God's point is clear and reiterates His words of Isaiah 44:6 "Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: ‘I am the first and I am the last, And there is no God besides Me." The Millennial Kingdom will have One God and give no place to sham gods.
Zacarias 13
Cole - Cleansing from sin should lead to separation from sin (Zech 13:2-6). Again the Lord repeats the phrase, “that day” (Zech 13:2, 4), which refers to the day just prior to Christ’s return, when He will make Jerusalem a cup of reeling to the peoples around and destroy the nations that come against her (Zech 12:2, 9). Also, in that day the Jews will mourn over their sin of crucifying Messiah (Zech 12:10-11). At that time, God declares that He will completely cut off idolatry, false prophets, and the unclean spirit that is behind such false prophecy (Zech 13:2 is the only occurrence of “unclean spirit” in the O.T.). The thrust of these verses is that those who have received God’s cleansing from sin must also be zealous to separate themselves from every form of sin. Or, in Paul’s words, “Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Cor. 7:1). We dare not continue in sin that grace might abound! The sin of idolatry in its most blatant form involves worshiping man-made statues or images as if they were God. While that sin may be much more prevalent in other countries, it is right here in Flagstaff, where we have an entire store devoted to selling idols! But, as J. I. Packer argues in Knowing God ([IVP, p. 39), the commandment not to make graven images also forbids worshiping the true God by images that supposedly represent Him. Packer shows how such images dishonor God by obscuring His glory and mislead men by conveying false ideas about God (pp. 40-41). Packer goes further: “It needs to be said with the greatest possible emphasis that those who hold themselves free to think of God as they like are breaking the second commandment (p. 42, italics his). In other words, when people say, “I don’t like to think of God as Judge; I like to think of Him as my loving Father,” they are guilty of idolatry, because they are making God into their own image. We aren’t free to pick and choose which aspects of God’s attributes we like. We must submit to the revelation that God has given of Himself in His Word. Any deviation from that is idolatry. Coupled with idolatry is false prophecy or false teaching, which is invariably demonically instigated. Being fallible humans, none of us teach the Bible infallibly. We should strive for greater accuracy and understanding, but in this life, we all will fall short. But there is a vast difference between errors or misunderstandings on minor points of doctrine and errors that pervert the nature of God and His salvation. Satan, the great deceiver, has always had his false teachers who infiltrate the ranks of God’s people to lead astray the unsuspecting. We live in a day where even the evangelical church is downplaying the importance of sound doctrine. We hear statements such as, “Doctrine divides. Let’s come together on the things we agree on, not on the areas that divide us. They will know that we are Christians by our love, not by our doctrine.” (Zechariah 13:1-9 God's Fountain for Cleansing) Zechariah 13:3 "And if anyone still prophesies, then his father and mother who gave birth to him will say to him, 'You shall not live, for you have spoken falsely in the name of the LORD'; and his father and mother who gave birth to him will pierce him through when he prophesies. his father and mother who gave birth to him will say to him: Ex 32:27,28 Dt 13:6-11 18:20 33:9 Mt 10:37 Lu 14:26 2Co 5:16 THE PENALTY FOR FALSELY PROPHESYING And if anyone still prophesies, then his father and mother who gave birth to him will say to him, 'You shall not live, for you have spoken falsely in the name of the LORD'; and his father and mother who gave birth to him will pierce him through when he prophesies - The fact that parents will kill their own son emphasizes God's intense hatred of this sin which will absolutely not be tolerated in the Millennium. In Zechariah 13:2 God will carry out the initial purging of false prophets from His Kingdom, but after that it will be the job of the parents to purge them from the land. This is the ultimate "hatred" and separation that Christ brings into a family as He described in Luke 14 “If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. (Lu 14:26-note) The Law was clear on the fate of one who has spoken falsely in the Name of the LORD... “If your brother, your mother’s son, or your son or daughter, or the wife you cherish, or your friend who is as your own soul, entice you secretly, saying, ‘Let us go and serve other gods’ (whom neither you nor your fathers have known, 7 of the gods of the peoples who are around you, near you or far from you, from one end of the earth to the other end), 8 you shall not yield to him or listen to him; and your eye shall not pity him, nor shall you spare or conceal him. 9 “But you shall surely kill him; your hand shall be first against him to put him to death, and afterwards the hand of all the people. 10 “So you shall stone him to death because he has sought to seduce you from the LORD your God who brought you out from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 11 “Then all Israel will hear and be afraid, and will never again do such a wicked thing among you. (Dt 13:6-11) You have spoken falsely in the name of the LORD - The truth of this verse is good to remember today, for not everyone who speaks in the Name of Jehovah is speaking truth no matter how erudite, charismatic or theologically credentialed! Paul gives good advice commanding Do not despise (present imperative with a negative) prophetic utterances. 21 But examine (dokimazo in the present imperative) everything carefully; hold fast (present imperative) to that which is good; 22 abstain (present imperative) from every form of evil. (1 Th 5:20-22-note) Pierce him through when he prophesies- Death was the penalty required in the OT for prophesying falsely (Dt 13:6–11; 18:20–22). Eugene Merrill on pierce (daqar) The same verb occurs not only in Zech 12:10 but in Nu 25:8 where an Israelite man and Midianite woman, engaged in a pagan act of sexual intercourse designed to facilitate the worship of Baal at Peor (Nu 25:1–3), were slain by being thrust through with a spear. The conceptual connections between that incident and the idolatry and false prophetism of Zech. 13:1–6 are quite apparent.(Exegetical Commentary) Pierce (01856)(daqar) means to pierce through by a weapon resulting in death. This is the same verb used in Zechariah 12:10-note when the Jews will look on Him Whom they pierced on the Cross. Steven Cole - The Lord commends the fact that in this day when He removes false prophets from Israel, parents will pierce through even their own son when he prophesies falsely in the name of the Lord! “Pierce through” is the same Hebrew word used for piercing Messiah in 12:10. The Jews would have immediately thought of Deuteronomy 13:6-11, where Moses directed that “if your brother ... or your son or daughter, or the wife you cherish, or your friend who is as your own soul” entice you to serve other gods, not only were you not to listen to them. Moses said that you were not to pity him, spare him or conceal him, but rather, to kill him! I am not suggesting that we are to apply such commandments literally, of course! We are not a theocratic nation, bound by such laws. But these commands should impress on us the importance of God’s truth and increase our zeal to hold firmly to sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict (Titus 1:9). False teaching on the fundamentals of the faith is not just a different way of looking at things. It is eternally destructive to the souls of people. We must love God and His Word of truth so fervently that by way of comparison, we hate our father, mother, wife, children, brothers, and sisters, and even our own lives (Luke 14:26). (Zechariah 13:1-9 God's Fountain for Cleansing) Zechariah 13:4 "Also it will come about in that day that the prophets will each be ashamed of his vision when he prophesies, and they will not put on a hairy robe in order to deceive; the prophets will each be ashamed of his vision when he prophesies: Jer 2:26 Mic 3:6,7 they will not put on a hairy robe in order to deceive: 2Ki 1:8 Isa 20:2 Mt 3:4 11:8,9 Mk 1:6 Rev 11:3 FALSE PROPHETS ATTEMPT TO ESCAPE PUNISHMENT Also it will come about in that day that the prophets will each be ashamed of his vision when he prophesies, and they will not put on a hairy robe in order to deceive - Because it would cost them their life, (1) the false prophets will jettison their "prophet garb," (cf 2 Ki 1:8, Mt 3:4), (2) lie about their occupation (Zech 13:3) claiming to be tillers of the ground (Zech 13:5), and (3) will lie when asked about their scars (on chest or back, Zech 13:6), claiming others did this to them, when the truth was that they had cut themselves in worship of their false gods (cf 1 Ki 18:28). Ashamed (0954)(bosh from root = “to become pale” or “to blush”) When failure or sin occurs, there is a disconcerting feeling, a flushing of the face. Always take a moment to ponder what is being explained.Bosh often occurs in contexts of humiliation. It is the feeling of public disgrace. The confusion, embarrassment, or dismay when things do not turn out as expected. Merrill notes that in the present context bosh means "shame in the sense of a refusal to divulge what one knows or has seen." NET Note on a hairy robe - The “hairy garment of a prophet” (אַדֶּרֶת שֵׁעָר, ’adderet she’ar) was the rough clothing of Elijah (1 Kgs 19:13), Elisha (1 Kgs 19:19; 2 Kgs 2:14), and even John the Baptist (Matt 3:4). Yet, אַדֶּרֶת alone suggests something of beauty and honor (Josh 7:21). The prophet’s attire may have been simple the image it conveyed was one of great dignity. Merrill on hairy robe - The “hairy garment” (שֵׂעָר אַדֶּרֶת, ʾadderet śē`ār) was the distinctive attire of many of the OT prophets, notably Elijah. He wrapped his face in such an apparel when confronted by the living God at Horeb (1 Kings 19:13) and, on transferring his office to Elisha, did so by casting the hairy cloak upon him (19:19). He used it also to part the Jordan River (2 Kings 2:8), a feat Elisha was able to duplicate using the same cloak (2:14). John the Baptist, a NT prophet in the tradition of Elijah, was recognized as such by his clothing of camel’s hair (Matt. 3:4). (Exegetical Commentary) Spurgeon on hairy robe - Imitating Elijah’s garb the false prophets hoped to win the attention of the people by the roughness of their dress; but all this would be dropped for the people would be so well instructed that they would refuse to hear the false prophet. POSB - Think of the astounding contrast between false gods and the one and only true God (Yahweh, Jehovah). To say that the difference is infinitely greater than that between night and day still falls short of its mark. There simply is no comparison—for the one is absolutely real and the others are utterly false. There can be only one true God, only one true Creator. This is declared repeatedly and consistently in God’s Word, and it is imprinted in the hearts and minds of every human being. Sadly, though, there is so much deception in this area that sin has blinded the eyes of the masses. People see what they want to see and hear what they want to hear. But it will not be so forever. Zechariah prophesies of a time when all false prophets will look upon the Savior and be utterly ashamed of their lives and deception, their animosity and rejection of Christ. They will face their Creator and know without a doubt that there is no other God than the LORD; and there is no Savior other than Jesus Christ. But it will be too late to escape. Scripture says the only future for them will be the wrath of God (Ro 1:18-23, Isaiah 45:9-12, Isaiah 45:18). Charles Feinberg - As wolves in sheep’s clothing, the false prophets had donned the apparel of the true messenger of God. The genuine prophets wore this garment to show their frugal manner of life; it was also in keeping with their mournful pronouncements. (Note 1 Ki 19:13, 19; 2 Ki 1:8; 2:8, 13; Mt 3:4; and Mk 1:6.) The false prophets will fear to make known their false revelations and will not be able to deceive the people with the wearing of the garment of the prophet of God. They will not hesitate to cover up their evil activity by resorting to lying. In verses 5 and 6 we have a description of the detection of one of the false prophets. He is accused by one of the people of being a false prophet and of speaking falsely in the name of the Lord. He knows that such a charge may well result in the forfeiture of his life by those zealous for the name and glory of the Lord. (The Minor Prophets) Steven Cole - In 13:4-6, Zechariah illustrates how God will purge the land of false prophets. These men will be ashamed and will put off their hairy robes that they had worn to deceive people into thinking that they were true prophets. They will renounce their role as prophet and say instead that they were workers in the soil, sold as a slave in their youth. But then someone notices the wounds between his arms (lit., “hands”; probably referring to his chest). Most likely, these were the wounds that false prophets inflicted on themselves in the frenzy of their worship or prayers (1 Kings 18:28; Jer. 47:5; 48:37). The false prophet’s response is subject to several interpretations. He may be making an excuse to dodge judgment, saying that he was wounded either by his parents or by friends (Hebrew = “those who love me”) in some accidental manner. Or, the wounds may have been inflicted by parents or friends out of loving discipline (Calvin’s view). Or, he is admitting that the idols were formerly his friends, but he now renounces them, either in repentance or out of fear of reprisal. Whatever the interpretation of the illustration, the overall point of this section is that God will purge all sin from those who profess His name, and that we should be quick to judge all sin in our own lives. But, lest we fall into the common error that salvation is a matter of our own efforts to purge our lives from sin, Zechariah abruptly comes back to the only way that a fountain for cleansing can be opened. (Zechariah 13:1-9 God's Fountain for Cleansing) Zechariah 13:5 but he will say, 'I am not a prophet; I am a tiller of the ground, for a man sold me as a slave in my youth.' I am not a prophet: Am 7:14 Ac 19:17-20 FALSE PROPHETS WILL GIVE FALSE IDENTITY but he will say, 'I am not a prophet; I am a tiller of the ground, for a man sold me as a slave in my youth - The false prophets do what they are skilled at -- they tell falsehoods! They continue to try to deceive by claiming they are farmers, not false prophets! We used to tell our children when their lie was so overt "Liar, liar, pants on fire!" These false prophets pants are surely on fire! Merrill on I am - The repetition of the first person independent personal pronoun אֲנֹכִי (ʾǎnōkî), “I,” suggests the vigor of his protestations. Literally, he will say, “Not a prophet am I; a worker of the soil am I!” That farming is not a recent occupation, he says, is evident from the fact that he has been a bondman from the days of his youth. Those who have known him know better, however, and one will ask, “If you are no prophet, how do you explain these wounds on your chest?” (v. 6) His answer is a feeble lie, “I got them in the house of friends.” (Exegetical Commentary) These false prophets ultimately are deceived as Paul writes describing the "last days" (2 Ti 3:1) "But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving (active voice = willful choice) and (continually) being deceived (passive voice = no choice, but the consequence of their active choice)." (2 Ti 3:13-note)
Zacarias 13
Cole - Those whom God cleanses from sin He purifies through the fires of affliction (Zech 13:7b-9). The scattering of the sheep after the Shepherd is struck down refers initially to the apostles’ reaction to Jesus’ arrest. Beyond that, it refers to the dispersion of the Jewish nation after Titus destroyed Jerusalem in A.D. 70. Then God says that He will turn His hand “against the little ones” (NASB, NIV). The phrase can also be translated, “bring my hand back over the little ones.” It is used to express either judgment or salvation, depending on the context (Keil, p. 398). In light of Zech 13:8-9, it probably here refers to God’s protection of the remnant of Jewish believers, both in history and especially during the Great Tribulation, when the majority of the nation (“two parts,” a general term for the majority) will perish, but God will bring the third part through the fire to refine them. The final result is, “They will call on My name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are My people,’ and they will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’” Again, while the primary interpretation of these verses is for the Jews, the truth of these verses certainly applies to all of God’s people. He promises to preserve us, even though He takes us through the refining fires of affliction, so that we will share His holiness (Ed: cf Hebrews 12:10-11). I know that you can say with me that while affliction is never pleasant, it is during such times that I call upon the Lord with more intensity than at other times. When He answers me, He gives the assurance that I am one of His people, and I can then testify to others that He is my God. As the great hymn, “How Firm a Foundation,” puts it: When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie, My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply. The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine. Here are some questions to ask yourself to apply these verses: Have you come in faith to the fountain of Jesus Christ and His shed blood to cleanse your heart from sin and impurity? Are you regularly confessing and forsaking your sin in accordance with God’s Word? Are you looking daily to Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who was willing to be put to death for your sins? Are you striving to grow in holiness? Are you growing to love and submit yourself to all of God’s truth and growing to hate false teaching? Are you submitting to God as He refines you through trials, calling out to Him as your God, and knowing His assurance that you are His child? If you feel dirty, remember that God’s fountain doesn’t maintain business hours. It is always open. As sinners, we may come for cleansing as often as needed, so that we may become a people for God’s own possession, set apart for Him. (Zechariah 13:1-9 God's Fountain for Cleansing) Again Charles Simeon applies the refining and testing through the fire to all believers - Though God brings his dearest children into the fire, he does not leave them there; he engages to bring them “through” it. While they are yet in it, he will be with them, that they may not be burned [Note: Isaiah 43:2.]: yea, “he will sit by them as a refiner and purifier of silver,” to watch the process which he has ordained for their good [Note: Malachi 3:3.]. He knows what heat is requisite for the accomplishment of his gracious purposes; and, when their dross is purged out, he will bring them forth as “vessels of honour meet for their Master’s use [Note: Job 23:10.].” Be patient then under your trials, knowing from whom they proceed, and for what blessed ends he has appointed them: and be rather solicitous to have your troubles sanctified than removed. Only let them drive you to a throne of grace, and not, as they too often do, discourage you from drawing nigh to God. Let them make you more earnest in seeking an assured confidence in his love, and an increasing meetness for his glory. Then shall you in due time be numbered with those blessed spirits, “who came out of great tribulation, and made their robes white in the blood of the Lamb.” Nor need you fear but that the “eternal weight of glory” which you shall possess, shall abundantly compensate “the light and momentary afflictions” which you endured in the way to it.