Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Zechariah 13:2
And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, [that] I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered: and also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land.
2. I will cut off ] Forgiveness (Zec 13:1) is the middle term between godly sorrow (Zec 12:10-14) and amendment (Zec 13:2-6). It has been argued that the sins which are here said to be abandoned were not the prevalent sins of the Jews after the captivity, and that therefore the prophecy must be assigned to an earlier date. But the fact that this was the case, so far as it is a fact, may be claimed as completing the then present and historical basis, on which Zechariah, writing after the captivity, grounded, as is the wont of the O. T. prophets, the greater future which he was commissioned to reveal. Jerusalem had already proved and should presently prove again to be a “bowl of reeling,” and a “burdensome stone” (Zec 13:2-3) to the enemies who sought to hinder the re-building of the Temple and city. (Ezr 6:6-7; Ezr 6:11-12; Nehemiah 4, 6) Already “the spirit of grace and of supplications” had been poured upon the people and had moved them to penitent sorrow for their sins (Jer 50:4-5), and throughout the era of the return it should in like manner be poured upon them. (Ezra 9; Ezr 10:1; Neh 8:9; Neh 8:9) Already had they set themselves to “cut off the names of the idols,” and to “cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land.” (Ezr 6:21; Ezr 10:2-44; Neh 9:38; Neh 10:28-30; Neh 13:1-9; Neh 13:23-31.) But all these things, the prophet assures them, are but as the scanty drops, the harbingers of the abundant shower, or the few ripe ears, the firstfruits of the plentiful harvest. In the coming age of Messiah, the King (chap. 9) and Shepherd (chap. 11) of Israel, when the Spirit shall indeed be poured from on high, and the true Fountain opened for sin and for uncleanness, the spiritual counterparts of deliverance, of penitence, of amendment shall flourish in the Church of Christ. (Comp. as regards the terms of this verse, “idols,” “prophets,” “unclean spirit,” 1Jn 5:21; 1Jn 4:1). But beyond that is another age, in which in all its particulars, and with a completeness, it may be, and exactness of detail which it had never before attained to, the whole prediction shall be fulfilled.
the unclean spirit ] Comp. 1Ki 22:22.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
I will cut off the names of the idols – This had been a fence against idolatry. To name evil is a temptation to evil. Wrong words are the parents of wrong acts. To speak of evil awakens curiosity or passion; curiosity is one of the strongest incentives to act. All public mention of terrible crimes (it has been observed) produces imitation of the specific form of crime. Hence, it was commanded, make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth Exo 23:13. And Joshua names it in his dying charge to Israel, Be ye therefore very strong to keep and to are all that is written in the book of the law of Moses – either make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear by them Jos 23:6-7. Hence, they changed the names of cities , which bare idol names. David speaks of it, as part of fealty to God. I will, not take their names upon my lips Psa 16:4.
Hosea prophesies of the times of the new covenant; I will take away the names of Baalim out of her mouth, and they shall be no more remembered by their name Hos 2:17. Isaiah, The idols he shall utterly abolish Isa 2:18. Zechariah foretells their abolition with a turn of words, formed apparently on those of Hosea ; but slightly varied, because the worship of Baal, such a plague-spot in the time of Hosea, one, which continued until the year before the captivity , was gone, He implies nothing as to his own times, whether idolatry still existed. He predicts its entire abolition in the whole compass of the enlarged Judah, that is, of Christendom.
And also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land – False prophecy sets itself to meet a craving of human nature to know something of its future. False prophets there were, even in the time of Nehemiah , and those in some number, hired to prophesy against the word of God. Our Lord warns against them. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheeps clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves Mat 7:15. Many false prophets shall arise and shall deceive many Mat 24:11. Many false prophets, John says, are gone out into the world Joh 4:1. False prophets attended the decline of Judaism. Such was the author of the Jewish Sibylline book, prophesying the destruction of the Romans , and fixing the mind of his people on temporal aggrandizement : false prophets were suborned by the Jewish tyrants and encouraged the Jews in the resistance which ruined the devoted city: , false prophets have arisen in Christianity; but, like the Phrygian women who led Tertullian astray, they went out, were cast out from it, as not being of it.
Cyril: After that the Only Begotten Word of God appeared to us, the dull and childish toys of idolatry perished and were utterly destroyed, and with it were taken away the strange and impious devices of the false prophets, who were full of the evil, unclean spirit, and could be readily detected as laboring under a kindred disease to the idolaters. For both had one president of impiety, Satan. Not 50 years after the Crucifixion, a pagan wrote his work, on the failure of oracles. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit of grace and supplication Zec 12:10, should sweep away the unclean spirit , (Zechariah alone anticipates the language of the New Testament) which became a lying spirit in the mouth of the prophets 1Ki 22:21-23 sought to them.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 2. I will cut off the names of the idols] There shall not only be no idolatry, but the very names of the idols shall be forgotten, or be held in such abhorrence that no person shall mention them. This prophecy seems to be ancient, and to have been delivered while idolatry had prevalence in Israel and Judah.
I will cause the prophets] All false teachers.
And the unclean spirit] That which leads to impurity, the spirit of divination; the lust of the flesh, and of the eye, and the pride of life. Satan shall have neither a being in, nor power over, the hearts of sincere believers in Christ.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
In that day: see Zec 13:1.
I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land; utterly destroy idols and idolatry.
Satan fell from heaven like lightning, as Christ tells us, when the gospel was preached by those he sent; and it is known the birth of Christ silenced the devil, that he could no more give answer to those that inquired at his oracles: the light of the gospel is such, that none of the idols can bear it. The devil put it into the heads of the Romans to keep Christ from being received by public allowance for a God, because he would turn out all the rest of them.
They shall no more be remembered, with veneration, sacrifices, gifts, erecting of temples, depending on or consulting with them; they shall be remembered and abhorred, whereas before they were remembered and adored.
The prophets; either those that, being priests to idols, did consult with them, and pretend to foretell future events; or more likely the false prophets among the Jews, who are prophets as idols are gods.
The unclean spirit, i.e. the devil, which sets the false prophets on work. Christ cast many out of persons possessed, and by his doctrine still doth east out Satan.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
2. Consequences of pardon; notindolence, but the extirpation of sin.
names of . . . idolsTheirvery names were not to be mentioned; thus the Jews, instead ofMephibaal, said Mephibosheth (Bosheth meaning a contemptiblething) (Exo 23:13; Deu 12:3;Psa 16:4).
out of the landJudea’stwo great sins, idolatry and false prophecy, have long since ceased.But these are types of all sin (for example, covetousness, Eph5:5, a besetting sin of the Jews now). Idolatry, combined withthe “spirit” of “Satan,” is again to beincarnated in “the man of sin,” who is to arise in Judea(2Th 2:3-12), and is tobe “consumed with the Spirit of the Lord’s mouth.” Compareas to Antichrist’s papal precursor, “seducing spirits . . .doctrines of devils,” c., 1Ti 4:1-32Pe 2:1.
the unclean spiritHebrew,spirit of uncleanness (compare Re16:13); opposed to “the Spirit of holiness” (Ro1:4), “spirit of error” (1Jo4:6). One assuming to be divinely inspired, but in league withSatan.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord of hosts,…. In the latter day, at the time of the conversion of the Jews, when they shall turn to the Lord, and their sins shall be forgiven, and washed away in the fountain of his blood; for this refers not to the times of the Babylonish captivity, and their deliverance from that, which was now over, when idolatry ceased among that people; nor to the times of Christ, when soon after the false prophets among the Heathens, and their lying oracles, ceased, and Paganism in the Roman empire was destroyed; but to the times before mentioned, of which it is predicted by the Lord, saying,
[that] I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered; meaning the idols of gold, silver, brass, and wood; images of the Virgin Mary, and saints departed, worshipped by the Papists, Re 9:20 for at this time mystical Babylon will fall, the idolatry of the church of Rome will be at an end, and will never be revived more:
and also I will cause the prophets, and the unclean spirit, to pass out of the land; by “the prophets” are meant false prophets, as the Targum explains it, even all the Popish hierarchy, pope, cardinals, archbishops, bishops, priests, c. all that wretched body, which goes by the name of the false prophet, who at the battle of Armageddon will be taken, and with the beast cast alive into the lake of fire, Re 19:20 and by “the unclean spirit”, or “spirits”, the singular for the plural, are meant the three unclean spirits like frogs, and which are the spirits of devils, that come out of the mouth of the dragon beast, and false prophet, the Jesuits, monks, and friars these shall be no more then on the earth, after these times, Re 16:13. Jarchi and Kimchi interpret “the unclean spirit” of the corruption of nature; but that will not cease as long as men are in a mortal state. This prophecy is, by the ancient Jews, p applied to the times of the Messiah.
p Zohar in Gen, fol. 53. 4. & 73. 1.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
The house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem represent the whole nation here, as in Zec 12:10. This cleansing will be following by a new life in fellowship with God, since the Lord will remove everything that could hinder sanctification. This renewal of life and sanctification is described in Zec 12:2-7. Zec 12:2. “And it will come to pass in that day, is the saying of Jehovah of hosts, I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, they shall be remembered no more; and the prophets also and the spirit of uncleanness will I remove out of the land. Zec 12:3. And it will come to pass, if a man prophesies any more, his father and his mother, they that begat him, will say to him, Thou must not live, for thou hast spoken deceit in the name of Jehovah: and his father and his mother, they that begat him, will pierce him through because of his prophesying. Zec 12:4. And it will come to pass on that day, the prophets will be ashamed every one of his vision, at his prophesying, and will no more put on a hairy mantle to lie. Zec 12:5. And he will say, I am no prophet, I am a man who cultivates the land; for a man bought me from my youth. Zec 12:6. And if they shall say to him, What scars are these between thy hands? he will say, These were inflicted upon me in the house of my loves.” The new life in righteousness and holiness before God is depicted in an individualizing form as the extermination of idols and false prophets out of the holy land, because idolatry and false prophecy were the two principal forms in which ungodliness manifested itself in Israel. The allusion to idols and false prophets by no means points to the times before the captivity; for even of gross idolatry, and therefore false prophecy, did not spread any more among the Jews after the captivity, such passages as Neh 6:10, where lying prophets rise up, and even priests contract marriages with Canaanitish and other heathen wives, from whom children sprang who could not even speak the Jewish language (Ezr 9:2 ff.; Neh 13:23), show very clearly that the danger of falling back into gross idolatry was not a very remote one. Moreover, the more refined idolatry of pharisaic self-righteousness and work-holiness took the place of the grosser idolatry, and the prophets generally depict the future under the forms of the past. The cutting off of the names of the idols denotes utter destruction (cf. Hos 2:19). The prophets are false prophets, who either uttered the thoughts of their hearts as divine inspiration, or stood under the demoniacal influence of the spirit of darkness. This is evident from the fact that they are associated not only with idols, but with the “spirit of uncleanness.” For this, the opposite of the spirit of grace (Zec 12:10), is the evil spirit which culminates in Satan, and works in the false prophets as a lying spirit (1Ki 22:21-23; Rev 16:13-14).
The complete extermination of this unclean spirit is depicted thus in Zec 13:3-6, that not only will Israel no longer tolerate any prophet in the midst of it (Zec 13:3), but even the prophets themselves will be ashamed of their calling (Zec 13:4-6). The first case is to be explained from the law in Deu 13:6-11 and Deu 18:20, according to which a prophet who leads astray to idolatry, and one who prophesies in his own name or in the name of false gods, are to be put to death. This commandment will be carried out by the parents upon any one who shall prophesy in the future. They will pronounce him worthy of death as speaking lies, and inflict the punishment of death upon him ( daqar , used for putting to death, as in c. Zec 12:10). This case, that a man is regarded as a false prophet and punished in consequence, simply because he prophesies, rests upon the assumption that at that time there will be no more prophets, and that God will not raise them up or send them any more. This assumption agrees both with the promise, that when God concludes a new covenant with His people and forgives their sins, no one will teach another any more to know the Lord, but all, both great and small, will know Him, and all will be taught of God (Jer 31:33-34; Isa 54:13); and also with the teaching of the Scriptures, that the Old Testament prophecy reached to John the Baptist, and attained its completion and its end in Christ (Mat 11:13; Luk 16:16, cf. Mat 5:17). At that time will those who have had to do with false prophecy no longer pretend to be prophets, or assume the appearance of prophets, or put on the hairy garment of the ancient prophets, of Elias for example, but rather give themselves out as farm-servants, and declare that the marks of wound inflicted upon themselves when prophesying in the worship of heathen gods are the scars of wounds which they have received (Zec 13:4-6). , to be ashamed on account of (cf. Isa 1:29), not to desist with shame. The form in Zec 13:4 instead of (Zec 13:3) may be explained from the fact that the verbs and frequently borrow forms from one another (Ges. 75, Anm. 20-22). On , see at 2Ki 1:8. , to lie, i.e., to give themselves the appearance of prophets, and thereby to deceive the people. The subject to in Zec 13:5 is from Zec 13:4; and the explanation given by the man is not to be taken as an answer to a question asked by another concerning his circumstances, for it has not been preceded by any question, but as a confession made by his own spontaneous impulse, in which he would repudiate his former calling. The verb is not a denom. of , servum facere, servo uti (Maurer, Koehler, and others), for miqneh does not mean slave, but that which has been acquired, or an acquisition. It is a simple hiphil of qanah in the sense of acquiring, or acquiring by purchase, not of selling. That the statement is an untruthful assertion is evident from Zec 13:6, the two clauses of which are to be taken as speech and reply, or question and answer. Some one asks the prophet, who has given himself out as a farm-servant, where the stripes ( makkoth , strokes, marks of strokes) between his hands have come from, and he replies that he received them in the house of his lovers. , (sc., ) : cf. Ges. 143, 1. The questioner regards the stripes or wounds as marks of wounds inflicted upon himself, which the person addressed had made when prophesying, as is related of the prophets of Baal in 1Ki 18:28 (see the comm.). The expression “between the hands” can hardly be understood in any other way than as relating to the palms of the hands and their continuation up; the arms, since, according to the testimony of ancient writers (Movers, Phniz. i. p. 682), in the self-mutilations connected with the Phrygian, Syrian, and Cappadocian forms of worship, the arms were mostly cut with swords or knives. The meaning of the answer given by the person addressed depends upon the view we take of the word . As this word is generally applied to paramours, Hengstenberg retains this meaning here, and gives the following explanation of the passage: namely, that the person addressed confesses that he has received the wounds in the temples of the idols, which he had followed with adulterous love, so that he admits his former folly with the deepest shame. But the context appears rather to indicate that this answer is also nothing more than an evasion, and that he simply pretends that the marks were scars left by the chastisements which he received when a boy in the house of either loving parents or some other loving relations.
Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament
Idols And False Prophets To Cease
Verses 2-5:
Verse 2 foretells the decree of the Lord to cut off the names of all idols out of the land of promise, so that they shall no more be remembered, recalled, or adored by any, because they were contemptible to the Lord of the Law, Exo 20:2-5; Exo 23:13; Deu 12:3; Psa 16:4. For they had been associated with the sorcerers and diviners, Mal 3:5; Act 16:16; 1Jo 4;6. Judah’s two greatest sins were idolatry and false prophets. Yet covetousness, a form of idolatry, is yet prevalent in our own land today, Col 3:5; Eph 5:5. The Lord also vows to cause false prophets and seducing spirits, so prevalent today, to pass from the land before Him. 1Ti 4:1-3; 2Co 11:13-15; Rev 16:13; 1Jn 4:4.
Verse 3 declares that when any shall yet prophesy, prophecy in conflict with the word and way of the Lord, (as they do now) in that day their natal father and mother shall declare them to be unworthy to live, and shall themselves thrust their own false prophet son through or slay him, as unworthy to live, as prescribed in the Law, Deu 13:6-10; Deu 18:20. Love to God shall then have priority over parental or natural family ties. Mat 10:37. Evil was thus to be denounced and punished.
Verse 4 foretells that in that day former prophets who have prophesied, and not had their visions fulfilled, shall be ashamed of their calling. They shall no be permitted to wear sackcloth or a rough garment. the badge of a prophet, to conceal their deceit or that they have been wolves in sheep’s clothing, 2Ki 1:8; Isa 20:2; See also Mat 3:4.
Verse 5 advises that the former false prophet t is to announce that he is not a prophet, but an husbandman, and that man taught him to be an herdsman or keeper of cattle from his youth, much as Amos was, Amo 7:14.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
Here the Prophet mentions another effect, which would follow the repentance of the people, and which the Lord also would thereby produce. There was to be a cleansing from all the defilements of superstitions; for the pure and lawful worship of God cannot be set up without these filthy things being wiped away; inasmuch as to blend sacred with profane things, is the same thing as though one sought to take away the difference between heaven and earth. No religion then can be approved by God, except what is pure and free from all such pollution. We hence see why the Prophet adds, that there would be an end to falsehoods and all errors, and to the delusions of Satan, when God restored his Church; for the simplicity of true doctrine would prevail, and thus abolished would be whatever Satan had previously invented to corrupt religion.
We hence learn what I have just stated — that God cannot be rightly worshipped, except all corruptions, inconsistent with his sincere and pure worship, be taken away. But we must at the same time observe, that this effect is ascribed to God’s word; for it is that which can drive away and banish all the abominations of falsehood, and whatever is uncongenial to true religion. As then by the rising of the sun darkness is put to flight, and all things appear distinctly to the view, so also when God comes forth with the teaching of his word, all the deceptions of Satan must necessarily be dissipated.
Now these two things ought especially to be known; for we see that many, who are not indeed ungodly, but foolish and inconsiderate, think that they give to God his due honor, while they are entangled in many errors, and refrain not from superstitions. Others, more politic, devise this way of peace — that they who think rightly are to concede something to tyrants and false Prophets; and thus they seek to form at this day a new religion for us, made up of Popery and of the simple doctrine of the gospel, and in this manner as it were to transform God. As then we see that men are so disposed to mix all sorts of things together, that the pure simplicity of the gospel may be contaminated by various inventions, we ought to bear in mind this truth, — that the Church cannot be rightly formed, until all superstitions be rejected and banished. This is one thing.
We may also deduce hence another principle — that the word of God not only shows the way to us, but also discovers all the delusions of Satan; for hardly one in a hundred follows what is right, except he is reminded of what he ought to avoid. It is then not enough to declare that there is but one true God, and that we ought to put our trust in Christ, except another thing be added, that is, except we warn men of those intrigues by which Satan has from the beginning deceived miserable mortals: even at this day with what various artifices has he withdrawn the simple and unwary from the true God, and entangled them in a labyrinth of superstitions. Except therefore men be thus warned, the word of God is made known to them only in part. Whosoever then desires to perform all the duties of a good and faithful pastor, ought firmly to resolve, not only to abstain from all impure doctrines, and simply to assert what is true, but also to detect all corruptions which are injurious to religion, to recover men from the deceptions of Satan, and in short, avowedly to carry on war with all superstitions.
This was what Zechariah had in view when he said, In that day, that is, when God would restore his Church, perish shall the names of idols, (170) so that they shall be remembered no more. By this last expression he sets forth more clearly what I have just stated, that the pure worship of God is then established as it ought to be, and that religion has then its own honor, when all errors and impostures cease, so that even the memory of them does not remain. It is indeed true, that superstitions can never be so abolished, so that no mention of them should be made; nay, the recollection of them is useful —
“
Thou shalt remember thy ways,” says Ezekiel, “and be ashamed,” (Eze 16:6.)
But by this form of speaking Zechariah means, that such would be the detestation of superstitions, that the people would dread the very mention of them. And hence we may learn how much purity of doctrine is approved by God, since he would have us to feel a horror as at something monstrous, whenever the name of an idol is mentioned.
He then refers to false teachers, I will exterminate, he says, the Prophets and the unclean Spirit (171) from the land. The connection here is worthy of being noticed; for it hence appears how all errors arise, even when a loose rein is given to false teachers. It is indeed true I allow, that the seed of all errors is implanted in each of us, so that every one is a teacher to deceive himself; for we are not only disposed to what is false, but rush headlong into it: it is the corruption of our nature. But at the same time when liberty is taken to teach anything that may please men, the whole of religion must necessarily be corrupted, and all things become mixed together, so that there is no difference between light and darkness. God then here reminds us, that the Church cannot stand, except false teachers be prevented from turning truth into falsehood, and from pealing at their pleasure against the word of God.
And this is what ought to be carefully observed; for we see at this day how some unprincipled men adopt this sentiment — that the Church is not free, except every one is allowed with impunity to promulgate whatever he pleases, and that it is the greatest cruelty to punish a heretic; for they would have all liberty to be given to blasphemies. But the Prophet shows here, that the Church cannot be preserved in a pure state, and, in a word, that it cannot exist as a healthy and sound body, except the rashness and audacity of those who pervert sound and true doctrine be restrained.
We now then understand the import of this verse — that in order that God may be alone and indeed be rightly worshipped, he will take away and banish all idols and all superstitions, and also, that he will exterminate all ungodly teachers who pervert sound doctrine.
He calls them first Prophets, and then unclean spirits. The name of Prophets is conceded to them, though they were wholly unworthy of so honorable a title. As ungodly men ever boast themselves in an audacious manner and hesitate not to pretend God’s name, that they may more boldly proceed in deceiving: hence it is, that Scripture sometimes concedes to them a name which they falsely claim. So also the word spirit is sometimes applied to them —
“
Prove the spirits, whether they are of God: every spirit that denies that Christ has come in the flesh, he is a liar.” (1Jo 4:1.)
John doubtless adopted this mode of speaking according to common usage; for all false teachers claimed this title with great confidence, and maintained that all the errors they spread abroad were revealed to them by the Spirit.” Be it so then, but ye are lying spirits.”
Now then as to this title, there is no obscurity in what the Prophet means: and by way of explanation he adds the unclean spirit, that he might distinguish those vile men from the faithful ministers of God; as though he had said, “They indeed declare that they have drawn down the Spirit from heaven; but it is the spirit of the devil, it is an unclean spirit.” Now as Zechariah declares, that this would be in the Church of God, we learn how foolish the Papists are, who are content with the mere title of honor, and claim to themselves the greatest power, and will have themselves heard without dispute, as though they were the organs of the Spirit. What right indeed do they pretend? that they have been called by the Lord. The same reason might have been assigned by these unprincipled men, whom it was necessary to drive away, in order that the Church might rise again. It then follows that we are not to consider only what name a person has, or with what title he is distinguished, but how rightly he conducts himself, and how faithfully he performs his duties and discharges the office of a pastor. Let us proceed –
(170) [ עצבים ], from [ עצב ], to work, to labor, because of the labor taken to form and adorn them. As to the “names,” see Exo 23:13; Deu 12:3; Psa 16:4. — Ed
(171) Or, “the spirit which pollutes,” or, “the polluted spirit.” It is rendered “the unclean ([ ακαθαρτον ]) spirit,” by the Septuagint, a phrase used often in the gospels. The word [ טמא ], polluting, or polluted, stands opposed to [ קדש ], holy, applied to the divine Spirit. If it be rendered polluting, the effect produced by it is designated, or, if polluted, the character of the Spirit itself. It is no doubt the same with the “lying spirit,” mentioned by Micaiah, 1Kg 22:13. “He thus calls,” says Drusius, “either the emotions excited in the heart by the evil spirit, i.e., Satan, or the impure doctrine of the false prophets which proceeds from the impure spirit.” — Ed.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
IN THAT DAY (8) . . . Zec. 13:2-3
RV . . . And it shall come to pass in that day, saith Jehovah of hosts, that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered; and also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land. And it shall come to pass that, when any shall yet prophesy, then his father and his mother that begat him shall say unto him, Thou shalt not live; for thou speakest lies in the name of Jehovah; and his father and his mother that begat him shall thrust him through when he prophesieth.
LXX . . . And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord of hosts, that I will utterly destroy the names of the idols from off the land, and there shall be no longer any remembrance of them: and I will cut off the false prophets and the evil spirit from the land. And it shall come to pass, if a man will yet prophesy, that his father and his mother which gave birth to him shall say to him, Thou shalt not live; for thou hast spoken lies in the name of the Lord: and his father and his mother who gave him birth shall bind him as he is prophesying.
COMMENTS
Still referring to the Messianic age, Jehovah promises that the names of idols will be cut out of the land and forgotten. Idolatry is frequently associated with uncleanness. (e.g. Eze. 36:25 cp. Rom. 1:18 ff)
The preaching of the Christian gospel is generally credited with ministering the coup de grace to the classic idolatry which had been a constant blight on the Jews throughout their pre-Christian history. Excepting for the shrines of Catholicism, one will search the holy land in vain for such practices today.
The prophecy condemned here is false prophecy. The passage is a sort of paraphrase of Deu. 13:6-10; Deu. 18:20 which roundly condemns false prophets. Should any utter such prophecies he would incur the wrath of his own parents. The loyalty of Messiahs people to Him will exceed the tenderest natural affections. (cp. Mat. 10:37 and Luk. 14:26)
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
(2) Unclean spirit.This is the only passage in the Old Testament in which we find the expression unclean spirit, which is of such frequent occurrence in the New. (See on Zec. 10:2.)
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
The Cessation of the Guild of Prophets Because They Are No Longer True ( Zec 13:2-3 ).
Zec 13:2
‘And it will happen in that day,’ says YHWH of Hosts, ‘that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they will not be remembered any more, and I will also cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land.’
The final result of the purification and cleansing will be that idolatry and false prophecy will be removed from the land forever (compare Zec 5:5-11). Even the memory of them will go. Truth will be victorious.
‘The unclean spirit.’ The spirit who speaks through the false prophets.
Thus the inference is that once the true Servant of God has come cultic prophecy will be a thing of the past for He will reveal the full truth and those who follow Him will receive the truth from Him.
Zec 13:3
‘And it will happen that when any shall yet prophesy, then his father and his mother who begat him will say to him, “You will not live, for you speak lies in the name of YHWH.” And his father and his mother who begat him will pierce him through when he prophesies.’
Once the days of the Messiah are here there will be no room for the old cult of prophets. Any who set themselves up as such will be denounced even by their parents and they will be declared worthy of punishment.
‘And his father and his mother — will pierce him through –’. This clearly connects with the piercing through of the True Prophet in Zec 12:10. There the true prophet was pierced through because He was rejected by men. But God exonerated Him and identified Himself with Him. Here it is the turn of the false prophets, who played their part in His rejection, themselves to suffer the fate of a false prophet. This suggests that at the time of Zechariah false prophecy was dealt with in this way. We do not know of what the piercing through consisted but Zec 13:6 suggests that it was connected with the hands.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Zec 13:2. Idols It has been urged, in proof that this prophesy was uttered before the Babylonish captivity, that idolatry and groundless pretensions to prophesy were common among the Jews at that time; which has not been the case since. But this argument proves nothing; for, supposing the Jews themselves to remain untainted with those corruptions, it surely will not be denied, that they do and may still prevail among other nations, who may be included in the term haarets, taken in its most general sense, the earth; and so I conceive it should be; for we are taught to expect that the conversion of the Jews will be followed by a farther reformation of the world, Rom 11:15 and that the time will come, when “the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ;” Rev 11:15 and “the beast,” the emblem of idolatry, “and with him the false prophet, shall be cast into a lake of fire and brimstone,” Rev 19:20.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
3. FRUITS OF PENITENCE.
Zec 13:2-6.
A. The Extinction of Idols and False Prophets (Zec 13:2). B. The Latter to be slain by their own Parents (Zec 13:3). C. Other such Prophets shall be ashamed of their Calling (Zec 13:4). D. And even deny it when charged upon them (Zec 13:5-6.)
2 And it shall be in that day, saith Jehovah of Hosts,
I will cut off the names of the idols from the land,23
And they shall be remembered no more;
And also the prophets and the spirit of uncleanness,
Will I cause to pass out of the land.
3 And it shall be, if a man still prophesy,
His father and his mother, who begat him, shall say to him,
Thou shalt not live,
For thou hast spoken a lie in the name of Jehovah;
And his father and his mother, who begat him,
Shall pierce24 him through in his prophesying.
4 And it shall be in that day the prophets shall be ashamed25
Each of his vision in his prophesying;
And shall no more put on a hairy mantle to lie;
5 And [one] shall say,26 I am not a prophet, I am a husbandman,
For a man has sold27 me from my youth.
6 And [the other] shall say28 to him,
What then are these wounds between thy hands?
And he shall say, Those with which I was wounded
In the house of my lovers.29
EXEGETICAL AND CRITICAL
This portion announces the complete extirpation of idolatry and false prophecy, which are here taken to represent all forms of ungodliness and immorality, which they could very properly do, since they had been the chief and most dangerous sins of the covenant people in all their previous history. We have then a vivid presentation of the fruits of the penitence mentioned in the previous chapter, and of the conversion and renovation announced in the opening verse of this chapter. The passage is not to be restricted to any particular period, but describes under local and temporary forms the removal of whatever is offensive to a God of holiness and truth. It will therefore apply to every instance in which the Gospel in its leading elements, repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, is truly received.
Zec 13:2. I will cut off the names of the idols. The expressions, to cut off the names, and that they be remembered no more, denote the total extinction of idolatry (cf. Hos 2:17). Of the latter Calvin says, his meaning is that the hatred of superstition will be so great that the people will shudder at the very name. Inasmuch as the Jews notoriously after the Captivity shrank from any approach to idol-worship, it has been claimed that this passage shows that the portion of the book to which it belongs was composed prior to the Exile. But the conclusion is not legitimate. Zechariah simply uses the forms of the past in which to depict the future. Idolatry was the common expression of ungodliness in the earlier days of the nation; how could even a post-exilium prophet better set forth the overthrow of false religion in the future than by predicting the oblivion of idols and their names? Khler indeed deems it possible, on the basis of Rev 9:20; Rev 13:4; Rev 13:15, that gross actual idol-worship may again return, but this would be to interpret an obscure book by one yet obscurer. Possibly the reference may be to that refined idolatry which consists in regarding and serving the creature more than the Creator, and which the New Testament has in view when it declares covetousness to be idolatry (Col 3:5). The prophets must of course be false prophets who spoke without authority, as appears from their association not only with idols but also with the spirit of uncleanness. This latter phrase denotes not merely a pervading principle, but an active, conscious agency, standing in direct contrast with the Spirit of grace (Zec 12:10), which works in its human instruments and leads them to their lying utterances. The false prophets as well as the true were subject to an influence from without (cf. 1Ki 22:21-23, Rev 16:14 with 2Th 2:9-10 and 1Ti 4:2). The completeness of the removal of this form of ungodliness is expressed very energetically in the following verses.
Zec 13:3. If a man still prophesy. pierce him through. Some infer from the opening words that the mere fact of prophesying will be proof that the man attempting it is a deceiver, since there will be no more prophets (Keil, Khler), and they refer to Jer 31:33-34, Isa 54:13; but this is an extravagant and needless assumption, for the connection shows plainly enough that Zechariah has in view simply false pretenders to divine inspiration, and the passages quoted by no means imply the final cessation of the spirit of prophecy either in its broad or its narrow sense, as the New Testament plainly shows. The statement in the text rests on Deu 18:20, compared with Zec 13:6-9. The offender shall die, and the first to inflict the sentence shall be his father and his mother, here made more emphatic by the addition, who begat him. Cf. 2Sa 16:11. Several expositors modify the meaning of so as to make it=to bind or scourge (LXX., Peshito, Calmet), but there is no ground whatever for this in the origin or usage of the word, nor does it suit the context.
Zec 13:4. Prophets shall be ashamed. to lie. The revolution will be so great that these pretenders shall become ashamed of their claims, and strip off the outward token of their occupation. The hairy mantle worn by the prophets (2Ki 1:8) was not a form of ascetic discipline, but a sermo propheticus realis, a symbol of the prophets grief for the sins which he was commissioned to reprove. It was an acted parable of repentance. The same remark is true of John the Baptists raiment of camels hair and leathern girdle (Mat 3:4). To lie, i. e., to give themselves the appearance of prophets, and thus impose upon the people. Thus far Zechariah has spoken of those who spoke falsely in the name of the Lord, and Hengstenberg supposes that he now turns to another class of pretenders who spoke in the name of strange gods,a view which seems required by his interpretation of the last word of Zec 13:6. But no break or transition is apparent in the passage, and there is no necessity for violently introducing a new subject.
Zec 13:5-6. I am not a prophet. lovers. A dramatic representation of the means by which one of these deceivers endeavors to escape detection. Charged with his crime, he denies it, and claims to have been nothing more than a common tiller of the soil. In support of this claim he asserts that this is no recent circumstance, but that he has been sold from his youth. =to acquire, h. buy (Isa 24:2), in Hiphil would naturally=to cause to buy, i. e., to sell. Frst and others make Hiphil the same as Kal. The sense is the same according to either rendering. There seems to be no reason for considering the verb a denominative from , servum facere (Maurer, Khler). To this denial is opposed the question as to the origin of the scars the accused person bears,wounds between thy hands, i. e., upon the breast. Cf. 2Ki 9:24, where between the arms evidently has this meaning. (In Arabic the cognate phrase, , occurs frequently, in the sense coram eo.) The questioner considers these gashes upon the person as palpable evidences that the man has wounded himself in connection with idolatrous worship (1Ki 18:28; Tibullus, 1:1:43, respecting the worship of Cybele), and asks an explanation. The reply is that lie received them in the house of his lovers, which some explain as=impure, sinful lovers, i. e., idols (Hengstenberg), in which sense they say that the Piel of is always used (which, however, cannot be affirmed of Jer 22:20; Jer 22:22, Lam 1:19); but as the form necessarily signifies only intense affection without regard to quality, I prefer the opinion of those who explain it as=loving friends, and understand the accused person as maintaining that the scars are simply the result of chastisements which he had formerly received when in the house of his relatives. It seems more likely that such a man would resort to an evasion of this kind than that he would make the frank confession involved in the former view.
This verse is commonly applied to the sufferings of Christ, but without any further ground than its mere proximity to that which follows, in which He and his sufferings are clearly predicted (Henderson). It is quite impossible on any critical ground to vindicate such an application, although Henderson is far astray when he assigns as a reason that in no tolerable sense could the Jews be called Christs lovers or friends, for it is written (Joh 1:11), He came unto his own, and his own ( ) received Him not, and the Apostle (Rom 9:5) speaks of his kinsmen as those “of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came.
THEOLOGICAL AND MORAL.
1. Idolatry and divination are mentioned by Zechariah, as has been said, only as typical forms of error and sin. But it is singular how well they express the prevailing evils with which the Church is called to contend in modern times. The gross idolatry of the heathen has disappeared from Christendom never to return; but its place is taken by a more refined and more dangerous error of the same sort. There is a devotion rendered to wealth, to pleasure, to position, to genius, which is wholly inconsistent with the just claims of our Maker. There is a materialism which, although glozed over with high sounding names, is as repulsive to the true honor of God as the worship of Baal or Astarte. It dwells on great physical achievements, discoveries in nature or inventions in art, scientific triumphs, or even the multiplication of social conveniences, as if these were the all in all of life and of man. The next world is ignored. God is turned into a mere name. He is not enough thought of to be actively opposed; and men say in Gibbons famous formula, all religions are equally true in the eyes of the people, equally false in the eyes of the philosopher, and equally useful in the eyes of the statesman. Now this cool indifference, this pervading earthliness of character and pursuit, is not simply the rejection of God, but the enthronement of something else in his place, i. e., idolatry. And it needs all the energy of a true spiritual faith to overcome it. If the Church is ever to fulfill her function, she must insist that the life is more than meat and the body than raiment; that means are not ends; that man is not merely an animal of the better class, more highly organized and of larger intelligence; but that he is a spiritual being, allied to the infinite Spirit and able to reach the true goal of his existence only in willing obedience to that supreme Spirit. Anything else than this, whether it he the worship of wealth, or the worship of science, is treason to God. It puts the creature in the place of the Creator, and so prepares the way for all ungodliness and unrighteousness. A religious basis is essential to a permanent morality, and although the late Mr. John Stuart Mill held that there could be a religion without a personal God, all experience is against his crude notion. Men who begin by denying the rights of their Maker will sooner or later end by denying the rights of their fellow men.
2. The world has often flattered itself that the false prophet and the unclean spirit have completely passed away, that science has effectually disposed of superstition, that the progress of education and intelligence has put an end to soothsaying and necromancy. Yet our own generation has completely exploded this flattering dream. The heart of our own enlightened land where the schoolmaster has been abroad for generations, has witnessed the resurrection and diffusion of errors which are usually considered as belonging only to the twilight of civilization. The miserable first king of Israel resorted to the witch of Endor, only after every other door of knowledge had been hopelessly closed against him; but now under the blaze of a completed revelation, with Christ at the right hand of God, and the Holy Spirit promised to all who seek aright, men revive an antiquated delusion and seek for the living to the dead. Nay, many who reject and scoff at the Scriptures, receive with implicit faith what purport to be communications from the ghosts of the departed. It is a fulfillment of the Apostolic declaration (2Ti 4:4), They who turn away their ears from the truth shall be turned unto fables. Man stands too close to the unseen world to deny or ignore its existence; his own condition here with its dependence and exposure makes him look wistfully for something higher and better. If that craving is not satisfied legitimately, it will be illegitimately. The alternative to Faith is not unbelief but misbelief. Men must believe something. If they obey the laws of evidence, they will receive the only proven revelation from the invisible world; if not, then all that remains is belief without evidence, that is, superstition. Nor will this be altered if there be a common school, and a printing press, and a scientific association in every hamlet of the land. No culture of the intellect can destroy or smother mans moral and spiritual nature. The heart, the conscience, the sense of responsibility, will still survive and demand some appropriate nutriment. To offer to these the latest discoveries in physics, is to offer stones instead of bread, or a scorpion instead of a fish. If they do not receive the living oracles of the Spirit of holiness, they fall into the hands of the spirit of uncleanness, whose working is with lying wonders and all deceivableuess of unrighteousness in them that perish, because they received not the love of the truth that they might be saved (2Th 2:9-10).
3. The energy of moral rebuke in a healthy state of Zion, is well shown in the pictorial representation of the Prophet. In the fifth Book of Moses provision is made for the prompt and severe punishment of any one who should introduce the worship of a false god (Deu 13:6-9). The Jewish commonwealth, being an actual theocracy, idolatry was simply and literally high treason, a blow at the life of the state, and as such a capital crime. Hence no degree of kindred or affection was allowed to exempt any one from denouncing such a criminal. Even a mans nearest relatives were to be the first to put their hands to his execution when he was found judicially obnoxious to the penalty. Even so, declares Zechariah, in days to come will the parents who naturally cling to a prodigal boy, even when he may be hated and despised by all the world, yet overcome their affection, and themselves thrust through the child who is a lying prophet. The representation is strong, but not exaggerated. Literally understood it is of course impossible. Under the Gospel civil punishments for religious errors have and can have no place. But the underlying thoughtintense and absolute loyalty to Godis as appropriate now as it ever was. The religious element in mans nature is to become dominant, nay supreme. Love to God, like Aarons rod, is to swallow up all other affections. Nothing is to come into competition with allegiance to truth and holiness. Our Lord presented the duty with all plainness: He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me (Mat 10:37). It often happens that the claims of relatives and the claims of Christ come into collision; and when they do, the former must give way. We must choose to displease those whom we most love on earth rather than displease Him who died for us on the cross. This doctrine is quite repulsive to the sentimentalists who exalt the domestic affections to the highest place in human esteem, but it is none the less true, being indeed a simple corollary from the first principle of all religion, that the object of worship is to be loved supremely, and all other beings, however near or dear, subordinately.
4. But this is a very different thing from the self inflicted tortures of the heathen and of all false religionists. The man in the text with wounds between his hands, represents a class found in all ages and lands. Clear references to these are found in the Scripture (Deu 14:1; Jer 16:6; Jer 41:5), and an actual instance is seen in the priests of Baal in their contest with Elijah (1Ki 18:28). The custom originated in the uneasy consciousness of guilt and of the necessity for expiation. Men in their blindness conceived that by the merciless punishment of their own bodies they would render a species of satisfaction, and so regain the favor of the offended deities. The folly of this form of worship is well exposed by Seneca (quoted by Augustine, Civ. Dei, vi. 10), and yet it is not so absurd as it would seem. For if a man believes that the gods will exact some suffering for sins, and that by inflicting it upon himself he may forestall their action and get off on cheaper terms, it is not easy to refute him on rationalistic grounds. The difficulty in his case is that conscience is aroused, and yet there is no knowledge of the doctrine of substitution or atonement. Hence even in Christian lands, whenever that doctrine is not understood in its simplicity and fullness, the same thing occurs in a less aggravated form. Fastings and mortifications and penances of various kinds are cheerfully endured as compensations for guilt. It is hard for poor human nature to learn that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin. Yet nothing is clearer in the Scripture than that the will worship which consists in pains and privations, inflicted and endured for their own sake, is most offensive to the Most High. He Himself never sends afflictions unless there is a needs be, and He does not ask us to be other than Himself, Self denial is indeed a large part of the Christian life, but it is self-denial for an object beyond itselfnot as satisfaction for sin or a price paid for heaven, but out of love for Christ, as a means of cultivating holiness or of winning souls for the kingdom. Privation borne with such views is indeed an honor and a blessing; but if inflicted for its own sake, it puts even such a transcendent genius as Pascal with his hair shirt and iron pointed girdle, on the same level with the self gashed devotees of Baal, or the forsworn diviner whom Zechariah describes.
HOMILETICAL AND PRACTICAL.
Moore: Zec 13:3. Love to God must be paramount to all other affections, even the most tender. It is in our present imperfect sanctification inconceivable how we could acquiesce in the perdition of our children without a pang that would poison all the bliss of heaven, and yet it shall be so. Much as we love them, we shall love God and his law immeasurably more.
Zec 13:4-6 : Sinners shall at last be made to confess their sins and the justice of their punishment; and the bitterest drop in the cup of their agony will be that they have wrung it out for themselves, and that it is all just.
Calvin: Falsehood hast thou spoken in the name of Jehovah. If we rightly consider what this is, it will certainly appear to us more detestable than to kill an innocent man, or to destroy a guest with poison, or to lay violent hands upon ones own father. The greatest of all crimes does not come up to this horrible and monstrous wickedness.
Jay: Wounded in the house of my friends. There are four kinds of such wounds. (1.) Those arising from their just reprehensions. (2.) Those that result from their sufferings. (3.) Those produced by our being bereaved of them. (4.) Those inflicted by their improper conduct. Again. If the Lord Jesus be the sufferer, He is wounded in the house of his friends, by their negligent conductby their selfishnessby their distrustby their timidityby their gloomy conductby their unholiness. His question is, Is this thy kindness to thy friend?
Footnotes:
[23]Zec 13:2.. Henderson in both cases renders earth, but needlessly. The statement is a general one, but with a local coloring.
[24]Zec 13:3. is rendered pierce, in order to show that it is the same word which is used in the famous passage Zec 12:10.
[25]Zec 13:4.Heng. renders , to desist with shame, but the established meaning of the phrase is simply, to be ashamed of. The fem. suffix in is a peculiarity of this class of verbs (Green, Heb. Gr., 166, 2).
[26]Zec 13:5.The singular verb here, following the previous plurals, indicates that one case is selected as an example Noyes renders, each shall say, but the prophet can scarcely mean that every one of the false prophets is to make the same form of denial.
[27]Zec 13:5. has been strangely misconceived. LXX. make it ; Vulg., Adam meum exemplum; Pesch. renders as if it came from . The E. V. followed Kimchi in deriving the verbal form from =small cattle.
[28]Zec 13:6.The implied subject of shall say is, of course, the other interlocutor in the dialogue.
[29]Zec 13:6. should be rendered lovers, just as it is in all the other places where it occurs: Lam 1:19, Hos 2:7; Hos 2:9; Hos 2:12, etc.; friends is too weak.
Fuente: A Commentary on the Holy Scriptures, Critical, Doctrinal, and Homiletical by Lange
And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord of hosts, that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered: and also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land. 3 And it shall come to pass, that when any shall yet prophesy, then his father and his mother that begat him shall say unto him, Thou shalt not live: for thou speakest lies in the name of the Lord: and his father and his mother that begat him shall thrust him through when he prophesieth. 4 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the prophet shall be ashamed everyone of his vision, when he hath prophesied: neither shall they wear a rough garment to deceive: 5 But he shall say, I am no prophet, I am an husbandman: for man taught me to keep cattle from my youth. 6 And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.
Under the figurative language of scripture, by various ways, in these verses, are described the blessed consequences of being cleansed in this fountain of Christ’s blood. Idolatry, false prophecy, and unclean spirits, are promised to be removed. And such will be the attachment to Christ, and his interest in a love to his Church and people, that the enemies of the Gospel, wheresoever, or in whomsoever they are found, however near or dear in nature, will be disowned. Deu 13:6-10 .
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Zec 13:2 And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, [that] I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered: and also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land.
Ver. 2. I will cut off the names of the idols ] Heb. of the fray bugs, gnatsabim terriculorum, scarecrows (as they are likewise called, 1Sa 31:9 1Ch 10:9 Psa 115:4 ; in contempt, as Priapus in Horace – furum aviumque, Maxima formido – ), or, grievous idols, as Psa 16:4 , because they tormented the minds of the superstitious, and put them to great pains to no purpose; as is to be seen in Popish pilgrims, who though used hardly, and lose much of their estates and other comforts, yet satisfy themselves in this, I have that I came for, viz. the sight of a dumb idol, as Calvin noteth on that place, Seek ye my face. Now of these idols and monuments of idolatry, these Balaam’s blocks, the Lord here promiseth to rid the land, as he did under the Maccabees. And as in the primitive Church he did by the Christian emperors, styled therefore by the superstitious Iconomachi and Iconoclastae; and of late, by the renowned reformers, as at Geneva, Bern, Basle (where they were burnt all together on an Ash Wednesday of God’s own making), and here in England by the command of King Edward VI; who the self-same day obtained a signal victory at Mussleborough Field.
And they shall no more be remembered
And also I will cause the prophets
And the unclean spirit to pass out of the land
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Zec 13:2-6
2It 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. 3And 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. 4Also 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; 5but 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.’ 6And one will say to him, What are these wounds between your arms?’ Then he will say, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.’
Zec 13:2 it will come about in that day, declares the LORD of hosts This is the continuing use of the eschatological phrase, that day, combined with the common post-exilic title for God, which implies military power.
that I will cut off the names of the idols from the land The VERB cut off (BDB 503, KB 500, Hiphil IMPERFECT) means to remove and destroy the idols and their followers (cf. Mic 5:10-15; Zep 1:4-6).
Again, the time setting of Zechariah 9-14 is very difficult to ascertain. It is obvious that idol worship was a major problem with the Jewish people before the Exile, but after the Exile this was not a problem. This verse seems to imply that idolatry will again become a major sin of the people of God.
This context is similar to Eze 36:22-38 in that YHWH chooses to act Himself because of His people’s inadequacy to act. In Ezekiel He acts on their behalf to inaugurate the New Covenant (cf. Jer 31:31-34). Here He acts to remove evil from their midst (i.e., idols, false prophets, and the unclean spirit).
and I will also remove the prophets The VERB (BDB 716, Hiphil #4, KB 778) is used of removing evil people in 1Ki 15:12 and 2Ch 15:8.
This obviously refers to false prophets (cf. LXX). The discussion in Zec 13:3-6 deals with those who claim to know and speak for God, but who are actually a tool for the evil one (cf. Mat 24:4-5; Mat 24:11; Mat 24:23-24).
and the unclean spirit from the land The presence of the DEFINITE ARTICLE could mean that we are identifying a particular figure (i.e., Satan, cf. 1Ki 22:21) or this is a hendiadys, which means the prophets and the unclean spirit form one group (i.e., false prophets). This same phrase is also used quite often in the NT to refer to the demonic (see Special Topic: The Demonic in the OT ). It (i.e., Leupold, p. 246, spirit of uncleanness) is obvious that this is the exact opposite of the spirit of grace mentioned in Zec 12:10.
Zec 13:3 And it will come about that if anyone still prophesies, then his father and mother A tremendous change of attitude has occurred where even parents are ready to discipline their children for idol worship.
There are several similarities between this paragraph and Zec 12:10-14. It almost seems that a true prophet suffered the fate of the false prophets.
You shall not live, for you have spoken falsely in the name of the LORD This refers to the punishment for false prophets from Deu 13:1-10; Deu 18:20; Deu 18:22. The only difference is that in Zec 13:3 the offender is pierced, while in Deuteronomy they are stoned.
pierce him through This is the same term used in Zec 12:10 and the implication is that he is pierced by his parents because he is a false prophet and a blasphemer. This may be so that the whole family may not be judged (cf. Jer 23:34). This is exactly the reason that the Jews crucified Jesus because they saw Him as a false prophet and a blasphemer.
Zec 13:4 in that day that the prophets will each be ashamed of his vision when he prophesies Zec 13:4-6 describe the excuses that these false prophets will make when they are confronted with their false prophecies. A good descriptive parallel to ashamed (BDB 101) prophets is Mic 3:5-7.
a hairy robe This was (CONSTRUCT BDB 12 and 972) the distinctive dress of some prophets.
1. Samuel, 1Sa 28:14 (different word)
2. Elijah, 1Ki 19:13; 2Ki 2:8
3. Elisha, 1Ki 19:19; 2Ki 2:13-14
4. John the Baptist, Mat 3:4; Mar 1:6
Zec 13:5 I am not a prophet; I am a tiller of the ground This man will claim to be a farmer, not a prophet.
NASBfor a man sold me as a slave in my youth
NKJVman taught me to keep cattle from my youth
NRSVfor the land has been my possession since my youth
TEVI have farmed the land all my life
NJBfor the land has been my living since I was a boy
This phrase is very ambiguous, but it is related to the phrase, a tiller of the ground. The differences are because of the possible origins of hqnni.
1. NKJV, connects it to mqnh (BDB 889), a flock or herd
2. NASB, connects it to qnh (BDB 888, KB 1114), acquire or purchase
3. NRSV, slightly changes the MT by adding one consonant
F. F. Bruce, Answers to Questions, makes a good point,
The clause is an amplification of the preceding one (‘I am a tiller of the ground’) and means that the speaker is a simple agricultural laborer and no prophet (p. 38).
Zec 13:6 And one will say to him, ‘What are these wounds between your arms’ The false prophet will be easily recognized by special cultic marks on his body. Between his arms is a Hebrew idiom (BDB 388) for somewhere on his back, chest, arms, or hands. There seem to be two OT allusions to this practice: (1) the prophets of Ba’al (cf. 1Ki 18:28) and (2) special pagan practices for mourning (cf. Lev 19:28; Lev 21:5; Deu 14:1; Jer 16:6; Jer 41:5; Jer 48:37).
Then he will say, ‘Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends’ He tries to explain his wounds by saying he received them while meeting with his friends (Hebrew is MASCULINE). However, the term friends or lovers (BDB 12, Piel) is used in the OT for associates in idolatry (cf. Jer 22:20; Jer 22:22; Jer 30:14; Eze 16:33; Eze 16:36-37; Eze 23:5; Eze 23:9; Eze 23:22; Hos 2:7; Hos 2:9; Hos 2:12; Hos 2:14-15; also LXX of Hos 7:14).
Fuente: You Can Understand the Bible: Study Guide Commentary Series by Bob Utley
saith the LORD of hosts = (is] the oracle of Jehovah of hosts. See note on Zec 1:3
cut off the names. Reference to Pentateuch (Exo 26:13). App-92.
spirit. Heh. ruach. App-9.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Zec 13:2-3
IN THAT DAY (8) . . . Zec 13:2-3
Still referring to the Messianic age, Jehovah promises that the names of idols will be cut out of the land and forgotten. Idolatry is frequently associated with uncleanness. (e.g. Eze 36:25 cp. Rom 1:18 ff) The preaching of the Christian gospel is generally credited with ministering the coup de grace to the classic idolatry which had been a constant blight on the Jews throughout their pre-Christian history. Excepting for the shrines of Catholicism, one will search the holy land in vain for such practices today.
The prophecy condemned here is false prophecy. The passage is a sort of paraphrase of Deu 13:6-10; Deu 18:20 which roundly condemns false prophets. Should any utter such prophecies he would incur the wrath of his own parents. The loyalty of Messiahs people to Him will exceed the tenderest natural affections. (cp. Mat 10:37 and Luk 14:26)
Zerr: Idolatry will have been banished from ancient Israel by the captivity (Zec 13:2). Then, passing on to the first part of the age under Christ, the prophet makes another weighty prediction. When the new and final religious system has been fully established, all special and miraculous means will no longer be necessary and hence they will all cease to be used. That is why the prediction is that the (inspired) prophet and the unclean spirits shall pass out of the land. Casting devils out of men required miraculous power, but when the need for miracles ceased to exist there was no longer any occasion for the people to be afflicted with devils. After the age of miracles has passed it will be false for anyone to claim to have the power of superal prophesying (Zec 13:3). If some person does so he will be regarded as an impostor and will be opposed even by his parents who have learned better.
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
I will cut: Exo 22:13, Deu 12:3, Jos 23:7, Psa 16:4, Isa 2:18, Isa 2:20, Eze 30:13, Eze 36:25, Eze 37:23, Hos 2:17, Hos 14:8, Mic 5:12-14, Zep 1:3, Zep 1:4, Zep 2:11
cause: 1Ki 22:22, Jer 8:10-12, Jer 23:14, Jer 23:15, Jer 29:23, Eze 13:12-16, Eze 13:23, Eze 14:9, Mic 2:11, Mat 7:15, 2Co 11:13-15, 2Pe 2:1-3, 2Pe 2:15-19, 1Jo 4:1, 1Jo 4:2, Rev 19:20
unclean: Mat 12:43, Luk 11:20, Rev 16:13, Rev 16:14, Rev 18:2, Rev 20:1-3
Reciprocal: Gen 26:18 – and he Exo 23:13 – make no mention Rth 4:10 – the name 1Sa 18:10 – and he prophesied 1Ki 18:40 – slew them there 2Ki 11:18 – brake they 2Ki 23:20 – he slew 2Ch 23:17 – brake his altars Isa 17:8 – he shall Isa 27:9 – the groves Isa 30:22 – defile Jer 10:11 – they Jer 10:15 – in the Jer 23:32 – to err Jer 28:1 – the prophet Eze 6:6 – your altars Eze 12:24 – General Eze 16:41 – and I Eze 23:27 – will I Eze 24:11 – that the filthiness Eze 43:7 – no more Hos 3:4 – without teraphim Hos 4:5 – and the prophet Hos 10:2 – break down Hos 14:3 – neither Mic 3:6 – night Luk 12:53 – General
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Zec 13:2, Idolatry will have been banished from ancient Israel by the captivity. Then, passing on to the first part of the age under Christ, the prophet makes another weighty prediction. When the new and final religious system has been fully established, all special and miraculous means will no longer be necessary and hence they will all cease to be used. That is why the prediction is that the (inspired) prophet and the unclean spirits shall pass out of the land. Casting devils out of men required miraculous power, but when the need for miracles ceased to exist there was no longer any occasion for the people to be afflicted with devils.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Zec 13:2. I will cut off the names of the idols I will utterly destroy idols and idolatry. The Jews were forbidden to mention the names of the heathen idols, Exo 23:13; Jos 23:7; and when idolatry should be utterly extirpated, the names of the idols should be buried in oblivion. It has been urged, in proof that this prophecy was uttered before the Babylonish captivity, that idolatry and groundless pretensions to prophecy were common among the Jews at that time, which has not been the case since. But, admitting the Jews not to have been addicted to idolatry, or false prophesying, at any particular period, [since the Babylonish captivity,] who can say they will not fall into both those transgressions at some future time? It is probable they will do so; for Ezekiel, confessedly prophesying of the latter times, when Israel and Judah, incorporated again into one nation, shall return into their own land, says, to the same effect as Zechariah, Neither shall they defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions, Eze 37:23. But besides, supposing the Jews themselves to remain untainted with those corruptions, it surely will not be denied that they do and may still prevail among other nations, who may be included in the term , taken in its most general sense, the earth; and so I conceive it should be: for we are taught to expect that the conversion of the Jews will be followed by a further reformation in the world, Rom 11:15; and that the time will come, when the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of our God and of his Christ, Rev 11:15; and the beast, the emblem of idolatry, and with him the false prophet, shall be cast into a lake of fire and brimstone, Rev 19:2. Blayney. I will cause the prophets The false prophets; and unclean spirit This seems to mean those that prophesy by means of an unclean spirit: see Act 16:16; Rev 16:13; and what is said in the next verse of any one that shall prophesy, must be understood of those that undertake to prophesy by means of an impure spirit, or other false pretences.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
13:2 And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, [that] I will cut off the {b} names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered: and also I will cause the {c} prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land.
(b) He promises that God will also purge them from all superstition, and that their religion will be pure.
(c) Meaning, the false prophets and teachers, who are the corrupters of all religion, whom the Prophet here calls unclean spirits.
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
At that time the Lord also promised to remove idolatry, false prophets, and unclean spirits from the land. There would be external cleansing as well as internal. The Jews would "no longer ascribe supernatural powers to mere things, nor worship them as divine" (cf. Zec 10:2-3; Jer 23:30-32; Jer 27:9-10; Eze 13:1 to Eze 14:11). [Note: Baldwin, pp. 195-96.] False prophets, as is clear from the context, would not mislead the people (cf. Mat 24:4-5; Mat 24:11; Mat 24:15; Mat 24:23-24; 2Th 2:2-4; Rev 9:20; Rev 13:4-15). The unclean spirits are the diviners, mediums, and demons who confused and afflicted the people in the past.
"The reference to the banishment of the unclean spirits out of the land . . . is the only passage in Scripture which explicitly refers to the imprisonment of demons during the kingdom age. But since Satan is remanded to the abyss (the prison house of evil spirits) during this era, as is clearly declared in Rev 20:1-3, it is a necessary corollary that his demon aids shall also share the same fate." [Note: Unger, p. 225.]