Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Zechariah 12:4
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.
4. astonishment ] This and the two following words, madness, blindness, occur together also in Deu 28:28, in a description of God’s judgments upon Israel, as here upon the armies that gather against Jerusalem.
I will open mine eyes upon ] i.e. will regard with favour. Comp. Psa 32:8.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
In that day, saith the Lord, I will smite every horse with astonishment, stupefying – Zechariah revives the words concentrated by Moses, to express the stupefaction at their ills, which God would accumulate upon His people, if they perseveringly rebelled against Him. Each expresses the intensity of the visitation. The horse and his rider Deut. 27:28 had, through Moses song at the Red Sea, become the emblem of worldly power, overthrown. That song opens; I will sing unto the Lord; for He hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath He cast into the sea Exo 15:1. The scared cavalry throws into confusion the ranks, of which it was the boast and strength.
And on the house of Judah I will open My eyes – In pity and love and guidance, as the Psalmist says, I will counsel, with Mine eye upon thee Psa 32:8, in contrast with the blindness with which God would smite the powers arrayed against them.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Zec 12:4-9
In that day, saith the Lord, I will smite every horse with astonishment
A good time for good people
I.
It is a time when their enemies shall be vanquished. In that day, saith the Lord, I will smite every horse with astonishment, etc.
II. It is a time when their power shall be augmented. The power here promised is–
1. The power of unity. The governors of Judah shall say in their heart, The inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be my strength in the Lord of hosts their God.
III. It is a time when they shall be settled in their home. And Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place, even in Jerusalem. Here they are strangers and pilgrims, and have no abiding city.
IV. It is a time when they shall be blessed with equal privileges.
1. They were to have equal honour. The Lord also shall save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem do not magnify themselves against Judah.
2. They were to have equal protection. In that day shall the Lord defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem, etc. Now, there is a good time coming, when all good people shall have distinguished honour and complete protection. They shall settle down in the heavenly Jerusalem, and what a city is that! (Homilist.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 4. I will smite every horse] Some apply this to the wars of the Maccabees with the Syrians; but it is more likely to be a prophecy not yet accomplished. The terms are too strong for such petty and evanescent victories as those of the Maccabees.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
In that day: see Zec 4:3.
I will smite every horse: horses are of very great use in wars; they were the main strength of Antiochus Epiphanes, his best preparations. With astonishment; a dull, sottish fear and perplexity.
And his rider with madness; an impotency of mind both in the understanding, which is folly and imprudence, and in the will and resolution, which is either cowardice or unconstancy, like madmen that neither know how to resolve or act. God will turn all their counsel into foolishness, their strength into weakness, their courage into fear, and so overturn them all.
I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah; a while I seemed as one that slept or winked at the proceedings of my churchs enemies, yet now I will open mine eyes, and see all that is going forward against them, and I will watch over my people for good; against their enemies, to confound and destroy them and their enterprises: this eye of God open upon his people is his wise, powerful, gracious providence for them, Psa 31:22; Jer 24:6.
I will smite every horse of the people with blindness; all their warriors in their projecting and consults shall be as full of improvidence, and have as little foresight, as a stark blind man hath of sight to see by.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
4. I will smite . . . horseThearm of attack especially formidable to Judah, who was unprovided withcavalry. So in the overthrow of Pharaoh (Exo 15:19;Exo 15:21).
open mine eyes upon . . .Judahto watch over Judah’s safety. Heretofore Jehovah seemedto have shut His eyes, as having no regard for her.
blindnessso as to rushheadlong on to their own ruin (compare Zec 14:12;Zec 14:13).
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
In that day, saith the Lord, I will smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness,…. The meaning is, the enemies of God’s people shall be astonished at the failure of their attempts, and be filled with fury and madness because they cannot accomplish their designs; and shall be at their wits’ end, not knowing what course to take: perhaps reference is had to the Turkish armies, that shall be brought against Jerusalem to recover it into their possession, which generally consist of a large cavalry; see Re 9:16:
and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah; which phrase is sometimes used, as expressive of the wrath of God against his enemies, Am 9:4 and, if the house of Judah signifies the same as Judah, joined with the nations of the earth in the siege, Zec 12:2, it must be so understood here; but rather it seems to be different, and to intend those who will inhabit other parts of Judea, and who will be truly the people of God, Jews not only literally, but spiritually; and so is to be interpreted in a good sense, of the divine love to them, care of them, and protection over them; see Job 14:13 and so the Targum paraphrases it,
“and upon those of the house of Judah, I will reveal my power to do them good:”
and will smite every horse of the people with blindness: that is, every rider of them, either with blindness of mind or body, or both. It may be, as the former smiting, mentioned in the beginning of the verse, respects the mind, this may regard the body; so that they shall not see their way, and their hands shall not perform their enterprise.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Judah To Be Strengthened
Verses 4-9:
Deliverance Of The Lord
Verse 4 warns that the Lord will smite in battle, every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness, as they attempt an attack against Judah and Jerusalem. The Lord promises to open His eyes upon or over the house of Judah, his restored people of old, as He smites every horse of the foe with blindness, much as “the horse and his rider,” the Lord overthrew in the Red Sea, as they sought to destroy Israel, as she fled Egypt, Exo 15:19; Exo 15:21. At that hour the Lord will be watching, with protective care, His remnant of Israel, as the enemies destroy one another, Jdg 7:22; 1 Samuel 14; 1 Samuel 20; 1Ki 8:29; Nehemiah 1; Nehemiah 6; Psa 32:8.
Verse 5 asserts that the rulers of Judah and Jerusalem in that day, shall witness from their hearts, when they behold the divinely blinded horses of their foes, that the occupants of Jerusalem are their strength in the Lord of hosts, their God. He who shall dwell in Jerusalem, in His own temple, shall be acknowledged as the source of power for His people in that day, Joe 3:16.
Verse 6 pledges that the Lord will make the rulers, or governors of Judah in that day, to be like an hearth of fire among the wood, to consume it all; And like a torch of fire in a sheaf, to destroy it almost instantly; And they of Judah are assured that they will devour or destroy their foes on either side, and all around them. And Jerusalem, it is pledged of the Lord, shall again be inhabited in her own place, even Jerusalem that belongs to the remnant of the Lord, by covenant pledge, Zec 9:13-15; Zec 10:5-7; Zec 12:2-6; Zec 14:14.
Verse 7 foretells that the Lord will save or deliver the tents of Judah, first, because of her confession of her dependence on Jerusalem. Her tents are now as safe and secure as the city of Jerusalem, their central fortification, with the house of God in her midst. It was also called the house of David, where his kingdom shall have her center, when Jesus reigns upon His throne, Luk 1:32; Isa 9:6-7; Mat 1:1; Luk 3:23; Luk 3:31.
Verse 8 further pledges that the Lord will defend the inhabitants or Jerusalem in that day, so that even the feebler, or weakest among them in that day, will be as an heir of David in strength, even as when he slew Goliath with the little stone, Joe 3:10; 2 Samuel 17; 2 Samuel 8; 2Sa 18:3. And the house of David shall be as God, as the protecting angel of the Lord goes before them, as he did Israel in the wilderness, the highest type of strength and glory from heaven, Exo 23:20; Exo 32:34; Eze 45:7; Eze 45:9.
Verse 9 announces that the Lord will seek to destroy, bring to ruin or destruction, all the nations and swoop down to do harm to Jerusalem in that day. With earnest determination, based on His covenant and integrity of character, the Lord recommits Himself to destroy the heathen, or Gentile powers who attempt to destroy Jerusalem, Hag 2:22.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
He pursues here the same subject, but in other words, — that multiplicity of means is in God’s hand, by which he can drive away and break down the fury of enemies. By the words horse and its rider, the Prophet, stating a part for the whole, means whatever is strong, and intimates that it can be easily overcome by divine power
He says first, I will smite every horse with stupor (155) Military strength, we know, is in horses and horsemen; but he says that the horses would be stunned, and the horsemen seized as it were with madness, so that they would destroy themselves, and could do no harm to the Church. He then confirms what he said before — that though the whole world conspired against the Church, there would yet be sufficient power in God to repel and check all their assaults and he mentions stupor, madness, and blindness, that the faithful might know that God can by hidden means either destroy or put to flight all their enemies. Though then God fights not with drawn swords, nor uses the common mode of warfare, yet the Prophet says, that he is prepared with other means to lay prostrate their enemies; for even the most powerful in the world cannot proceed so far as to confound their enemies by blindness and madness; but the Prophet here shows, that though no way appears to us by which God may deliver us, we are yet to entertain firm hope, for he can by his breath destroy all enemies, as he can render then blind, and take from them understanding, and wisdom, and strength.
Then he adds, I will open mine eyes on the house of Judah. A reason is here given why all enemies would be smitten with stupor and madness, because the Lord would have a regard for his Church; for to open the eyes means the same thing as to have a care for a thing. It had seemed good to God to neglect his people for a time, and this neglect was as it were an oblivion. Hence the saints often complain “How longs wilt thou sleep! how long wilt thou close thine eyes! Look down, O Lord, and see.” So in this place Zechariah means that God would yet care for his people, so as to subdue their enemies.
We may hence learn a useful doctrine — that, in the first place, there is nothing better for us than to be gathered under the shadow of God’s protection, however destitute of any fortress the Church may be, yea, were she to have innumerable enemies hostile to her, and to be without any strength to resist them. Though then the Church were thus grievously tried, and be in the midst of many dangers, and exposed even to death, let us learn from this passage that those are miserable indeed who through fear or cowardice separate themselves from her, and that they who call on God, and cast on him the care of their safety, shall be made blessed, though the whole world were mad against them, though the weapons of all nations were prepared for their ruin, and horses and horsemen were assembled to overwhelm them; for the defense of God is a sufficient protection to his Church. This is one thing. Then let us learn to exercise our faith, when God seems to cast us as it were between the teeth of wolves; for though he may not afford any visible aid, yet he knows how to deliver us, and possesses hidden means of help, which we may not perceive, because his purpose is to try our faith and our patience. And lastly, let us learn, that when God connives at our miseries, as though he had forgotten us, yet our hope, founded on him, can never be disappointed; for if we abide among his flock, he will at length open his eyes upon us, he will really show that he cares for our safety. It now follows —
(155) “With astonishing astonishment,” Newcome; “with consternation,” Henderson; rather, “with stunness” or “stupefaction,” a word more suitable to horses. — Ed.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
IN THAT DAY (2) (3) . . . Zec. 12:4-6
RV . . . In that day, saith Jehovah, I will smite every horse with terror, and his rider with madness; and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah, and will smite every horse of the peoples with blindness. And the chieftains of Judah shall say in their hearts, The inhabitants of Jerusalem are my strength in Jehovah of hosts their God. In that day will I make the chieftains of Judah like a pan of fire among wood, and like a flaming torch among sheaves; and they shall devour all the peoples round about, on the right hand and on the left; and they of Jerusalem shall yet again dwell in their own place, even in Jerusalem.
LXX . . . In that day, saith the Lord Almighty, I will smite every horse with amazement, and his rider with madness; but I will open mine eyes upon the house of Juda, and I will smite all the horses of the nations with blindness. And the captains of thousands of Juda shall say in their hearts, We shall find for ourselves the inhabitants of Jerusalem in the Lord Almighty their God. In that day I will make the captains of thousands of Juda as a firebrand among wood, and as a torch of fire in stubble; and they shall devour on the right hand and on the left all the nations round about; and Jerusalem shall dwell again by herself, even in Jerusalem.
COMMENTS
During the time of the Messiah the Jews would struggle with all nations. Jehovah will sustain them in the struggle and they shall yet again dwell in their own place. (see comment above on Zec. 10:6)
Please note this is to be during the time of the Messiah, i.e. in the Messianic age.
IN THAT DAY (2) . . . Zec. 12:4-5
Historically, that form of attack against which the Jewish defense had proved least effective was a cavalry charge. It was this from which Jehovah had miraculously delivered them in the exodus. (cf. Exo. 15:19-21) God promises symbolically to protect the Jews in their weakness. He will open His eyes and watch over them.
At the same time He will smite the horse of the peoples with blindness. Those who seek to destroy the Jews will plunge blindly to their own destruction. We have seen a classic example of this in our day in Nazi Germany.
The strength of the Jews over the centuries of the Christian era has been their regard for Jehovah worship, here symbolized by the name of Jerusalem, the center of monotheism.
IN THAT DAY (3) . . . Zec. 12:6-7
In the day of Judahs restoration to her homeland, though small, she will consume the enemies that surround her.
They of Jerusalem, i.e. the Jews who are true to the worship of Jerusalem, shall again dwell in their own place, even Jerusalem. It is interesting to note that in the establishment of the Jewish state at present, the Orthodox Jews are virtually all gathered in a self-imposed ghetto in the city of Jerusalem.
Chapter XLIQuestions
In the First Day
1.
The future glory of the restored Jewish nation was delayed by their _________________.
2.
The key to the final chapters of Zechariah is found in the phrase _________________.
3.
This term describes two days which from Zechariahs point of view were both in _________________.
4.
The first of these days describes _________________.
5.
The second day describes _________________.
6.
Review the four characteristics of the day of Jehovah. (See introduction of Zechariah.)
7.
Zechariahs first use of in the day (Zec. 3:8-10) refers to _________________.
8.
What is the significance of the term Israel in Zec. 12:1?
9.
Why does Zechariah here refer to Jehovah as the creator of the heavens and the earth and the spirit of man?
10.
The first period referred to by in that day is addressed to
and has to do with _________________.
11.
The second period referred to as in that day has to do with _________________.
12. Several things are said to be going to happen in the Messianic age. Each is introduced by in that day. They are:
a.
In that day (1)
b.
In that day (2)
c.
In that day (3)
d.
In that day (4)
12.
e. In that day (5)
f.
In that day (6)
g.
In that day (7)
h.
In that day (8)
i.
In that day (9)
13.
Israel at the time of Zechariah could be none other than _________________.
14.
What of Jerusalem in the time of Messiahs first coming?
15.
What was to be the relationship of the Jews to all nations during the Messianic age?
16.
Historically the military action against which the Jews were least effective was the _________________.
17.
What is meant by Jehovah smiting the peoples and horses with blindness?
18.
Who are they of Jerusalem? (Zec. 12:1)
19.
How does Zec. 12:10 fix this section as being fulfilled in the Messianic age?
20.
Compare Zec. 12:10-14 with Joh. 19:34-37.
21.
What is the condition upon which Jews may again become part of Gods true Israel? (cf. Rom. 11:17-24)
22.
Conversion is always an _________________ experience.
23.
How was the mourning over Him who they had pierced fulfilled on Pentecost?
24.
Who are all the families that remain?
25.
In connection with the mourning over Him whom they pierced a ___________ was to be opened for ____________ and _____________.
26.
The _________________ opened the fountain.
27.
_________________ relates the fountain to sin.
28.
_________________ relates the fountain to moral impurity or _________________.
29.
_________________ is frequently associated with uncleanness.
30.
The _________________ is generally credited with ministering the coup de grace to classic idolatry.
31.
What prophecy is condemned during the Messianic age?
32.
How does Zec. 13:6 relate to Him whom they pierced?
33.
What is meant by the wounds between thine arms?
34.
Discuss Zechariah) Zec. 12:7 in light of Act. 2:23.
35.
What nation is symbolized historically by the sword?
36.
Jesus could be legally executed by _________________.
37.
Compare Zec. 13:7 to Mat. 26:31 and Mar. 14:27.
38.
Following the death of Jesus the number of His followers was about _________________.
39.
Compare Zec. 13:9 and 1Pe. 1:6-7.
40.
To those who endured persecution, Jehovah gives _________________ and _________________ they acknowledge
Both are _________________.
41.
The _____________ is Gods new Israel.
Fuente: College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
(4) Horseviz., of the enemy. (Comp. Deu. 28:28 with Deu. 30:7.)
Open mine eyes.Comp. 1Ki. 8:29.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
Zec 12:4 describes more minutely the overthrow of the nations announced in figurative terms in Zec 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 enemies they will be unable to distinguish between friend and foe, and they will turn their swords against their own fellows (Jdg 7:22; 2Ki 6:18; compare Deu 28:28).
Of the people Better, R.V., “peoples.” Meanwhile Jerusalem will be safe.
I will open mine eyes In watchful care, so that no harm can come near (1Ki 8:29; Psa 32:8).
The house of Judah Jerusalem and Judah. Marti omits the last clause, as also Zec 12:5, and reads following “the house of Judah” Zec 12:6. In this way he gets rid of several troublesome clauses, while at the same time the thought connection is improved; but in the absence of all external evidence many will hesitate to accept the suggestion. To make the reading smoother he omits also Zec 12:7-8.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Zec 12:4. I will smite every horse, &c. The cavalry, the elephants, the numerous armies of the enemy shall be put to flight, and defeated by a small number of foot, and those ill-armed. Instead of people we may read nations.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Zec 12:4 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.
Ver. 4. I will smite every horse with astonishment ] Great is the strength of the horse and the rage of his rider: Jehu marched furiously; Bajazet, the Great Turk, of his fierce and furious riding was surnamed Gilderun, or Lightning; but God can make the Egyptians to appear men, and not gods, and their horses flesh, and not spirit; “When the Lord shall but stretch out his hand” (and that is no hard matter of motion), “both he that helpeth shall fall and he that is helped shall fall down, and they shall all fail together,” Isa 31:8 . See Psa 76:5-6 “An horse is a vain thing for safety,” Psa 33:17 , though a warlike creature full of terror; but safety or victory is of the Lord, Pro 21:31 “In nothing be terrified,” saith the apostle, Phi 1:28 . The Greek word is a metaphor from horses when they tremble and are sore frightened; as it happened in the Philistines’ army, when the angels made a bustle among the mulberry trees, 2Sa 5:24 ; in the Syrians’ army, when the angels likewise made a hurrying noise in the air, of chariots, of horses, and of a great host, 2Ki 7:6 ; in the army of Sennacherib, when at God’s sole rebuke “both the chariot and horse were cast into a dead sleep,” Psa 76:6 . Lastly, in the German wars against Zisca and the Hussites in Bohemia, where God smote every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness; such a panic terror seized upon the enemies of the truth, though they came in with three potent armies at once, that they fled before ever they looked the enemy in the face. How this prophecy was literally fulfilled to the Maccabees, see 2Ma 10:30 .
And I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
astonishment = the panic. Compare Deu 28:28.
open Mine eyes upon = regard with favour.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Zec 12:4-7
IN THAT DAY (2) (3) . . . Zec 12:4-7
During the time of the Messiah the Jews would struggle with all nations. Jehovah will sustain them in the struggle and they shall yet again dwell in their own place. (see comment above on Zec 10:6) Please note this is to be during the time of the Messiah, i.e. in the Messianic age.
IN THAT DAY (2) . . . Zec 12:4-5
Historically, that form of attack against which the Jewish defense had proved least effective was a cavalry charge. It was this from which Jehovah had miraculously delivered them in the exodus. (cf. Exo 15:19-21) God promises symbolically to protect the Jews in their weakness. He will open His eyes and watch over them. At the same time He will smite the horse of the peoples with blindness. Those who seek to destroy the Jews will plunge blindly to their own destruction. We have seen a classic example of this in our day in Nazi Germany. The strength of the Jews over the centuries of the Christian era has been their regard for Jehovah worship, here symbolized by the name of Jerusalem, the center of monotheism.
Zerr: The reference to the horse pertains to the siege because the cavalry was used to support the movement (Zec 12:4-6). God was going to smite them of the heathen because of what they had done to Jerusalem. The demonstration of Gods power (Zec 12:5) will produce encouragement in the heart of the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
IN THAT DAY (3) . . . Zec 12:6-7
In the day of Judahs restoration to her homeland, though small, she will consume the enemies that surround her. They of Jerusalem, i.e. the Jews who are true to the worship of Jerusalem, shall again dwell in their own place, even Jerusalem. It is interesting to note that in the establishment of the Jewish state at present, the Orthodox Jews are virtually all gathered in a self-imposed ghetto in the city of Jerusalem.
Zerr: That day all through these verses refers to the time when the promised favors should be accomplished for Judah and Jerusalem (Zec 12:6). All of the things predicted throughout this chapter and onward have a twofold bearing. The first applies to ancient Jerusalem and her triumph over her heathen foes. Then, following a practice so often observed in the prophetic writings, the verses look far beyond and after the ancient experiences of fleshly Israel to the time of Christ and the New Testament age.An evil condition so common was for the people to be imposed on by the leaders in Jerusalem (Zec 12:7). The Lords influence will be to save the tents of Judah (the common people), so that the glory and advantage of the inhabitants of Jerusalem shall not impose on them. In the government of Christ there will not be any partiality as to true greatness. This was taught bv Him while on earth in Mat 20:25-28.
Questions
In the First Day
1. The future glory of the restored Jewish nation was delayed by their _________________.
2. The key to the final chapters of Zechariah is found in the phrase _________________.
3. This term describes two days which from Zechariahs point of view were both in _________________.
4. The first of these days describes _________________.
5. The second day describes _________________.
6. Review the four characteristics of the day of Jehovah. (See introduction of Zechariah.)
7. Zechariahs first use of in the day (Zec 3:8-10) refers to _________________.
8. What is the significance of the term Israel in Zec 12:1?
9. Why does Zechariah here refer to Jehovah as the creator of the heavens and the earth and the spirit of man?
10. The first period referred to by in that day is addressed to and has to do with _________________.
11. The second period referred to as in that day has to do with _________________.
12. Several things are said to be going to happen in the Messianic age. Each is introduced by in that day. They are:
a. In that day (1)
b. In that day (2)
c. In that day (3)
d. In that day (4)
e. In that day (5)
f. In that day (6)
g. In that day (7)
h. In that day (8)
i. In that day (9)
13. Israel at the time of Zechariah could be none other than _________________.
14. What of Jerusalem in the time of Messiahs first coming?
15. What was to be the relationship of the Jews to all nations during the Messianic age?
16. Historically the military action against which the Jews were least effective was the _________________.
17. What is meant by Jehovah smiting the peoples and horses with blindness?
18. Who are they of Jerusalem? (Zec 12:1)
19. How does Zec 12:10 fix this section as being fulfilled in the Messianic age?
20. Compare Zec 12:10-14 with Joh 19:34-37.
21. What is the condition upon which Jews may again become part of Gods true Israel? (cf. Rom 11:17-24)
22. Conversion is always an _________________ experience.
23. How was the mourning over Him who they had pierced fulfilled on Pentecost?
24. Who are all the families that remain?
25. In connection with the mourning over Him whom they pierced a ___________ was to be opened for ____________ and _____________.
26. The _________________ opened the fountain.
27. _________________ relates the fountain to sin.
28. _________________ relates the fountain to moral impurity or _________________.
29. _________________ is frequently associated with uncleanness.
30. The _________________ is generally credited with ministering the coup de grace to classic idolatry.
31. What prophecy is condemned during the Messianic age?
32. How does Zec 13:6 relate to Him whom they pierced?
33. What is meant by the wounds between thine arms?
34. Discuss Zechariah) Zec 12:7 in light of Act 2:23.
35. What nation is symbolized historically by the sword?
36. Jesus could be legally executed by _________________.
37. Compare Zec 13:7 to Mat 26:31 and Mar 14:27.
38. Following the death of Jesus the number of His followers was about _________________.
39. Compare Zec 13:9 and 1Pe 1:6-7.
40. To those who endured persecution, Jehovah gives _________________ and _________________ they acknowledge. Both are _________________.
41. The _____________ is Gods new Israel.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
that day: Zec 12:3, Zec 12:6, Zec 12:8, Zec 12:9, Zec 12:11, Isa 24:21
I will smite: Zec 10:5, Zec 14:15, Deu 28:28, 2Ki 6:14, 2Ki 6:18, Psa 76:5-7, Eze 38:4, Eze 39:20
I will open: Zec 9:8, 1Ki 8:29, 2Ch 6:20, 2Ch 6:40, 2Ch 7:15, Neh 1:6, Isa 37:17, Jer 24:6, Dan 9:18, Act 17:30
Reciprocal: Psa 76:6 – both Jer 51:21 – General Joe 3:2 – will plead Zep 3:19 – I will undo Zec 14:13 – a great
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Zec 12:4. The reference to the horse pertains to the siege because the cavalry was used to support the movement. God was going to smite them of the heathen because of what they had done to Jerusalem.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Zec 12:4-5. In that day This expression, in the prophetical writings, is of large extent, and not only signifies that particular point of time last spoken of, but some time afterward. I will smite every horse with astonishment Many commentators explain this of the victories which Judas Maccabus gained over Antiochuss captains, whose chief force consisted in cavalry. But, as Archbishop Newcome observes, the language is much too strong, as it is also Zec 12:6-9, to denote the successes of the Maccabees against the Seleucid. This prophecy therefore, he thinks, remains to be accomplished. And many commentators, who are of the same opinion, consider it as a prediction of victories that will be obtained over Gog and Magog by the Jews, upon their restoration to their own land. One circumstance in favour of this interpretation is, that Gog and Magog are represented, Eze 38:15, as riders on horses. And if by that people the Turks be intended, we know that they have been, and still are, famous for their cavalry, wherein chiefly the strength of their armies consists. But it is here foretold, that in order to their discomfiture God will send such distraction among their horses and their riders, and throw them into such a state of confusion, that they shall fall foul one upon another,
(see Zec 14:13,) and not be able to distinguish between their friends and their foes. And I will turn mine eyes upon the house of Judah I will have an especial concern for their preservation. And the governors of Judah shall say in their heart Shall say within themselves, The inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be my strength in the Lord The text here, says Blayney, has been supposed corrupt, and many attempts have been made to amend it. But, without any alteration, it well expresses the sentiments of the men of Judah, concerning the interest they had in the safety of Jerusalem and its inhabitants, on which their own strength and security depended in a great degree; so that they would, of course, be influenced to bring that assistance, the efficacy of which is set forth in the verse that follows.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
The Lord would cause the weapons that Israel’s enemies used to destroy the city to be ineffective, and He would make the hostile soldiers crazy (cf. Deu 28:28; Jdg 5:22). In this way He would watch over the house of Judah (the Israelites; cf. Psa 32:8; Psa 33:18).