Welcome to the next Bible Study of the book of Zechariah, Chapter 12:

Verse 1: “The burden of the word of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him.”

This verse sets the stage, reminding us of GOD’S sovereignty over creation. He is the Creator who established the heavens and the earth, and His intimate involvement in humanity is profound. The “burden” indicates a serious message destined for Israel, emphasizing its importance.

Verse 2: “Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem.”

Jerusalem symbolizes GOD’S chosen people and His presence. The “cup of trembling” suggests that Jerusalem will be the source of distress for the nations surrounding it. This indicates the weight of spiritual significance Jerusalem holds, and how it affects nations, an image of conflict and divine intervention.

Verse 3: “And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.”

Here, Jerusalem is described as a “burdensome stone,” which indicates that those who oppose it will face dire consequences. This speaks to GOD’S mighty protection over Jerusalem and serves as a reminder of GOD’S ultimate authority over the nations and their hostile intentions.

Verse 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.”

GOD promises to intervene directly in the affairs of His people, bringing confusion to their enemies. This verse illustrates GOD’S commitment to protect Judah and highlights His omniscience. The imagery portrays GOD’S mighty power to turn the schemes of the adversaries against themselves.

Verse 5: “And the governors of Judah shall say in their heart, The inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be my strength in the LORD of hosts their GOD.”

This verse emphasizes the unifying strength that the inhabitants of Jerusalem find in their faith in GOD. It captures the essence of community reliance on GOD, suggesting that acknowledgment of GOD’S power fosters strength among leaders and people alike.

Verse 6: “In that day will I make the governors of Judah like an hearth of fire among the wood, and like a torch of fire in a sheaf; and they shall devour all the people round about, on the right hand and on the left: and Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place, even in Jerusalem.”

GOD promises to empower Judah’s leaders so they can radiate strength and fresh fervor, causing them to overcome adversaries. The imagery of fire suggests potency and resilience. The assurance that Jerusalem will be inhabited evokes hope, emphasizing restoration and divine favor.

Verse 7: “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.”

GOD prioritizes the “tents of Judah,” underscoring His preference for the marginalized and signifying His grace. This verse serves to unify the people, reminding them they are all under GOD’S favor, ensuring that no one group elevates themselves above another.

Verse 8: “In that day shall the LORD defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as GOD, as the angel of the LORD before them.”

The feeble, or weak, will be strong like David, echoing the biblical theme that GOD equips the powerless. GOD amplifies the strength of His people, making them capable of extraordinary feats in faith. Furthermore, it reinforces that the house of David will embody GOD’S mighty presence.

Verse 9: “And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.”

GOD’S fulfilling promise demonstrates His steadfastness in defending His people against adversaries. It showcases GOD’S assurance that He actively combats threats against them, emphasizing His protective divine nature.

Verse 10: “And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.”

This powerful verse foretells not only the outpouring of grace but also the recognition of our LORD, JESUS CHRIST, referenced as the one who is pierced. This moment of mourning connects to the acceptance of JESUS CHRIST, demonstrating a profound shift in understanding and relationship with GOD.

Verses 11-14: “In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem, as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon. And the land shall mourn, every family apart; the family of the house of David apart, and their wives apart; the family of the house of Nathan apart, and their wives apart; The family of the house of Levi apart, and their wives apart; the family of Shimei apart, and their wives apart; All the families that remain, every family apart, and their wives apart.”

These verses describe a time of mourning and repentance for the people of Judah, as they collectively turn back to GOD, recognizing their own failings and the depth of their need for Him.

The mourning represents heartfelt repentance, a necessary step toward restoration. The imagery articulated in these verses portrays the depth of sorrow and recognition of their reliance on GOD, culminating in a renewed covenant relationship with Him.

Let us Pray:

Dear LORD, almighty HEAVENLY FATHER, We come before You with thankful hearts for Your marvelous righteous Word, which reminds us that You are sovereign and in control. Thank You for the reassurance found in Zechariah Chapter 12, which emphasizes Your infinite love, protection, and grace toward Your people. Help us recognize the significance of Jerusalem in Your divine plan and understand our call to stand strong in faith together.
Dear LORD, almighty HEAVENLY FATHER, may we lean on You, as the feeble are made strong in Your presence. Teach us to mourn with a spirit of grace and supplication, turning our eyes toward You, our LORD, whom we have pierced through our sin. May our hearts be softened to Your voice, and may we pursue unity as a body of CHRIST. We ask that You pour out Your Holy Spirit upon us, guiding us into the truth and filling us with the courage to face our adversities. Help us to lift each other up and to remember that we are not alone. Thank You for Your promise of restoration and the hope we have in You. We pray all this throughout the mighty, glorious, fulfilling name of JESUS CHRIST. Amen!

Much LoVe, JoY, Peace and Blessings to You, through JESUS CHRIST, our almighty dear LORD, SAVIOUR and REDEEMER!