Interpretive Commentary: Final Assignment
Samuel Kenneth Roe
OBST 520 Old Testament Orientation II
February 22, 2025
ii
Contents
Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………1
Historical Setting and Date……………………………………………………………………….1
Authorship and Audience..……………………………………………………………………….2
Major Theological Themes……………………………………………………………………….2
Outline of Zechariah 12-14……………………………………………………………………….4
Future Deliverance from Jerusalem……………………………………………………………….5
God Defends Jerusalem and Judah (Zechariah 12:1-9)…………….……………………..5
A Spirit of Grace Poured Out and Mourning Over the Pierced One (Zechariah 12:10-14)5
The Cleansing of Jerusalem……………………………………………………………………….7
A Fountian of Cleansing (Zechariah 13:1-6)…………………………………...…………8
The Scattering of Sheep (Zechariah 13:7-9)………………………………………………9
The Lord will Rule the Earth…………………………………………………………………….11
The Lord Defends Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:1-3)………………………………………..11
The Lord Comes to the Mount of Olives (Zechariah 14:4-5)……………………………12
The Lord’s Unique Day (Zechariah 14:6-8)……………………………………………..13
The Ghastly Plague against People and Animals (Zechariah 14:9-15)………………….13
The celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles (Zechariah 14:16-19)……………………...15
God’s judgement, deliverance, and establishment of his kingdom (Zechariah 14:20-21)16
Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………………….16
Bibliography …………………………………………………………………………………….19
1
Introduction:
Zechariah is presented to the reader as a prophet. The book does not address the prophet’s
personal life as Hosea and Jonah. The reader is only presented with Zechariah as a faithful
servant of the Lord.1 This book ministered to the children of Israel in early post- exile. There are
three messages contained within the first eight chapters. There are two “oracles” In the final
chapters.2 This work will provide historical context of the book of Zecheriah, will provide the
author and audience of whom the book was written, and provide specifically an exegetical study
and commentary of Zecheriah 12-14.
Historical Setting and Date
Zecheriah began his ministry during the second year of Darius (Zechariah 1:1 New
Living Translation). This period followed a tremendous uproar in the Persian empire. It was a
transition from Cambyses, King Cyrus’s son, to Darius (520-522 B.C). According to Boda, “This
may have raised hopes among the Jews that now Israel might be able to take its place as the seat
of God’s universal rule of the nations.”3 This was not to be as Darius squelched rebellions across
the empire.4
The events in this book appear in the background of Jerusalem’s fall to Nebuchadnezzar,
leading to the exile of the residents to Babylon for seventy years.5 The period of exile concluded,
and King Darius made a decree for a limited number of Jews to return to Jerusalem for the
1 George Klein, The New American Commentary An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy
Scripture, Zechariah VOL. 21 B (Nashville, TN: B&H Publishing, 2008), 55.
2 Robert B. Chisholm, Handbook on the Prophets (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2009).
3 Mark J. Boda, The NIV Application Commentary, Haggai and Zechariah (New York, NY: Harper Collins
Christian Publishing, 2004), 174.
4 Boda, The NIV Application Commentary, Haggai and Zechariah, 174.
5 Boda, The NIV Application Commentary, Haggai and Zechariah, 177.
2
purpose of rebuilding their temple (Ezra 6:1-12).6 This marked a pivotal historical moment of the
restoration of Jerusalem and the rebuilding of its structures.7 Zechariah lived and managed his
ministry there.8
Authorship and Audience
Upon review of the beginning of Zechariah, one may conclude that Zechariah is the
author of this book. On further inspection, one can observe that unlike Hosea and Jonah,
Zechariah’s personal life is not the primary focus.9 According to Andrew Hill, “The book is
silent on authorship, although it is assumed that the prophetic word formula from the first verse,
“The Lord gave this message to the prophet Zechariah son of Berekiah and grandson of Iddo”
(Zechariah 1:1B New Living Translation) signifies that Zechariah penned his own oracles.”10
Zechariah’s messages originated in Judah for the people living in post exile Jerusalem and its
surrounding areas. (Zech. 1:3). According to Hill, “Embedded within Zechariah’s sermons and
visions are words specifically addressed to Zerubbabel governor of Joshua the high priest, along
with the rest of the Levitical priesthood.” 11
Major Theological Themes
Within the framework of Zechariah 12-14, one can extrapolate some significant
theological themes which include God’s divine protection and deliverance, the call to repentance
and mourning, the necessity of cleaning and purification, the rejection of false prophets and
6 Boda, The NIV Application Commentary, Haggai and Zechariah, 180.
7 Ibid.
8 Ibid.
9 Klein, The New American Commentary An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture,
Zechariah VOL. 21 B
10 Andrew E. Hill, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi: An Introduction and Commentary (Westmont, IL:
InterVarsity Press, 2012), 5b.
11 Ibid.
3
idolatry, the anticipation of the coming Day of the Lord, and the vision of universal worship.
These themes all highlight God’s sovereignty and the ultimate triumph of his kingdom. The
reader can witness through the reading God’s transformative power in the intervention of human
history and his utmost plan for redemption and restoration.
God sent a message of divine protection that is prevalent in this Scripture, “On that day
the Lord will defend the people of Jerusalem; on that day the weakest among them will be as
mighty as King David! And the royal descendants will be like God, like the angel of the Lord
who goes before them! For on that day I will begin to destroy all the nations that come against
Jerusalem” (Zech. 12:8-9). This declaration of God’s message from Zechariah allowed the
people to understand that God was their ultimate protection.
Zechariah spoke of a future when the people of Jerusalem would mourn the one they had
pierced (Zechariah 12:10-14). This led to a time of grace and supplication. This further
highlighted the importance of the recognition and repentance of sin.12 This will lead to cleansing
and purification that was spoken of in Zechariah 13 where it is declared that God cleansed the
house of David and the people thereof. This also displays the importance of allowing God to
cleanse his people from their sin.13
Further, Zechariah informed against false prophets and addressed the removal of them
and the wiping out of idolatry from the land (Zech. 13:2-6). This will all lead up to the Day of
the Lord (Zech. 14). According to Boda, “Although rejected by the leaders of Jerusalem in his
day, the divine warrior Jesus will accomplish the mission described in the apocalyptic imagery of
Zacheriah 14.”14 One can conclude that through his death and resurrection he will fight against
12 Hill, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi: An Introduction and Commentary, 997.
13 Ibid.
14 Boda, The NIV Application Commentary, Haggai and Zechariah, 531.
4
the enemies of God and God’s people beginning a new creation in which he will rule as king
leading all nations at his throne to worship him. 15
Outline of Zechariah 12-14
I. Chapter 12 The Future Deliverance for Jerusalem.
A. 12:1-9, God defends Jerusalem and Judah.
B. 12:10-14, A Spirit of grace poured out and mourning over the pierced one.
II. Chapter 13, The Cleansing of Jerusalem.
A. 13:1-6, A fountain of cleansing.
B. 13:7-9, The scattering of sheep.
III. Chapter 14, The Lord will rule the Earth.
A. 14:1-3, The Lord defends Jerusalem.
B. 14:4-5, The Lord comes to the Mount of Olives.
C. 14:6-8, The Lord’s unique day.
D. 14:9-15, The ghastly plague against the people and animals.
E. 14:16-19, The celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles.
F. 14:20-21, God’s judgement, deliverance, and establishment of his kingdom.
15 Ibid.
5
Future Deliverance for Jerusalem
Zechariah twelve starts a new section within the framework of Zechariah chapters nine
through fourteen. The first divine message, or oracle, is found in chapter eleven. One can witness
the first oracle or divine prophecy in chapters nine through eleven which includes the prophesies
of the coming of a humble king, judgment on Israel’s enemies, and the restoration of God’s
people.16 Whereas the second oracle is found in chapters twelve through fourteen. This oracle
focuses on themes such as the end times, the siege of Jerusalem, and God’s overwhelming
victory.17
God Defends Jerusalem and Judah (Zechariah 12:1-9)
In verse one of chapter twelve, one can understand that God is identified as the creator of
everything in the heavens and earth. According to Boda, “Yahweh has the right as creator to
enact judgement whether it be the nation of Israel or any nation of the world.”18 One can observe
the image of drinking from an “Intoxicating cup” (Zech. 12:2) is often used to display the
judgement of God.19 One can observe this in part of this verse, “Nearby nations stager when they
send their armies to siege Jerusalem and Judah” (Zech. 12:2b).
A Spirit of Grace Poured Out and Mourning Over the Pierced One (Zechariah
12:10-14)
Zechariah declared of the Lord, “Then I will pour out a spirit of grace and prayer on the
family of David and on the people of Jerusalem. They will look on me whom they have pierced
16 Hill, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi: An Introduction and Commentary, 993.
17 Ibid.
18 Mark J. Boda, The Book of Zechariah (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company,
2016), 533.
19 Ibid.,537.
6
and mourn for him as an only son. They will grieve bitterly for him as for a first born son who
has died” (Zech. 12:10). According to Webb, “Zechariah 12:10-14 is the most mysterious and
profound part of Zechariah’s message.”20 These verses bring to the reader’s attention a day of
suffering and weeping that will be in the coming Kingdom of God. Verse ten seems to change
subject with the references of pouring out a spirit and grace and prayer. Upon investigation, one
can determine this is not true. When one examines these verses and the verses preceding them,
one can conclude that the audience is still of the house of David and the people of Jerusalem.
The reference to one being pierced can be understood in the context of battle or the repercussions
of a battle.21
Upon investigation of this passage, one can understand that God is the pierced one as he
expressly declares in verse ten. According to Klien, “One interpretation of piecing or to be
pierced is to be put to death.”22 Petersen wrote, “I suggest (verse 10) tentatively that this verse be
read in the context of the attack on Jerusalem referred to at the beginning of the fifth saying.”23
He also wrote, “This verse has frustrated commentators for years.”24 One could conclude this is
due to the many interpretations over a great number of scholars and interpreters. One can
conclude that in this moment, however it may be interpreted, that there will be intense mourning
and grief for the people will realize how they have truly grieved God with their sin.25
20 Barry G. Webb, The Message of Zechariah (Lisle, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2024), 170.
21 Ibid.
22 Klein, The New American Commentary An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture,
537.
23 David L. Petersen, Zechariah 9-14 and Malachi 1995: A Commentary (Louisville, KY: Westminster
John Knox Press, 1995), 121.
24 Ibid., 117.
25 Webb, The Message of Zechariah, 171.
7
On initial examination of verses eleven through fourteen, it appears that there is a new
saying. However, here one can understand that this is a continuation of great sorrow carried over
in verse ten.26 There is some question of the identity of Hadad- rimmon. Some scholars believe
that it is a place while others believe that it was a form of Ba’al Hadad’s name.27 If it was in fact,
a place it most likely referred to 2 Chronicles 35:20-25 over Josiah who fell in the battle of
Megiddo.28 According to Petersen, “This option seems more consistent with the overall
narrative.”29
Further, one can understand that the Day of the Lord will bring about repentance in Israel
which is the premise of Zechariah’s message.30 While interpretation lines are blurred, the present
context of this passage in verse ten and future events God will accomplish this by outpouring a
spirit of grace upon his people. According to Hill, “Small beginnings have an immediacy that
must be recognized and seized.”31
The Cleansing of Jerusalem
Hill wrote, “The second message of the second oracle in chapters twelve through
fourteen, has a single theme: cleansing from sin.”32 One can observe from Zechariah 13:1, that
this cleansing will be applied to the dynasty of David and the people of Jerusalem, One can
understand that the fountain of cleansing will result in the purification of the area of the Hebrew
people with emphasis on idolatry, the prophets, and the gift of prophecy. Another message
26 . Petersen, Zechariah 9-14 and Malachi 1995: A Commentary, 122.
27 Ibid.
28 Ibid.
29 Ibid.
30 Hill, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi: An Introduction and Commentary, 997.
31 Ibid.
32 Hill, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi: An Introduction and Commentary, 998.
8
extends to God’s cleansing to the people of the land. God will oust false prophets. The shepherd
will be struck down and the sheep or people will be scattered, yet a small number of people will
be refined. 33
A Fountian of Cleansing (Zechariah 13:1-6)
According to Hill, “The word fountain refers to a spring or flowing water source that is
tapped or unleashed. The metaphor signifies an artesian well that gushes forth pure water to
provide cleansing and purification.”34 Later, one can observe Zechariah’s flow as living water
that is always available and only needs to be tapped into.35
One can observe there is a strong idolatry focus in the Scriptures of 13:2-3. God declares,
“I will erase idol worship throughout the land, so that even the names of idols will be forgotten, I
will remove from the land both false prophets and the spirit of impurity that came with them”
(Zechariah 13:3b). According to Boda, “The promise that these idols ‘be remembered no more’
refers to more than cerebral amnesia in the Old Testament. It describes the religious affection of
the Old Testament worshipper: to remember to serve a god, while to forget is to abandon it.”36
One can observe the shift of punishment for false prophecy changes from God’s
punishment to human. The act of false prophecy became so unacceptable that any act of
prophecy was on the same footing as lying. The punishment of this act so great that parents
would charge their children and execute them in keeping the law in Deuteronomy. 37 This allows
the reader to understand the severity of idolatry and false prophecy through the framework of the
33 Hill, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi: An Introduction and Commentary, 998.
34 Ibid.
35 Ibid.
36 The NIV Application Commentary, Haggai and Zechariah, 491.
37 Hill, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi: An Introduction and Commentary, 998.
9
Old Testament time. Removing false prophets and idols further allowed the one true God to
cleanse Israel of their sin.
One can understand that false prophets would be ashamed of their false visions to the
point of not wearing the traditional garments used to give the appearance of an authentic prophet.
This would symbolize the end of their deceitful practices as their false prophecies would be
exposed.38 Further, one can observe false prophets would deny their false prophecies and align
their lives with honest occupations. They would also make up stories of their wounds as false
prophets as this would indicate a shift from their previous ways as they would attempt to hide
their old ways and merge back into normal society.39
The Scattering of Sheep (Zechariah 13:7-9)
According to Hill, “This passage describes a future day when a divinely appointed leader
of Israel will be killed.”40 One can observe this would result in the scattering of the people of
Israel with one part of the nation being given over to God’s judgement and destruction and
another part to experience spiritual renewal as part of a God-sanctioned testing and suffering that
will refine their faith and purify the character of the remnant.41
This section begins with God calling for a sword to strike someone he refers to as my
shepherd and the man who is close to me.42 One can observe when the shepherd is struck, the
sheep scatter and the hand of God turned against the lambs. One would expect God’s protection
rather than God striking down. The majority of the people are struck down and die and the rest
38 Ibid.
39 Ibid.
40 Ibid.
41 Ibid.,999.
42 Webb, The Message of Zechariah, 179.
10
are left in the land. This land refers to the land of Israel, specifically the territory of Judah and
Jerusalem. One can observe this battle brings the reader back to a battle that will usher in the
Kingdom of God on the last day in which victory will come at a high cost especially to God
himself. 43
One can understand that there is a small group of individuals that will survive the battle
and experience more suffering that will eventually lead to a glorious outcome. The people will
call on God and he will answer them. According to Webb, “God will own them as his people,
and they will gladly own him as their God,”44 Within these verses there are two items for an
individual to consider. One is the identity of the one who will be struck down. According to
Webb, “The stricken shepherd here cannot be God because he is expressly distinguished from
him.”45 Webb affirms the identity of the stricken shepherd as the Messiah.46 However one could
conclude that the stricken shepherd is God since God himself is the Messiah. This is evidenced
in Scripture many times but an example given would be when Jesus taught about the good
shepherd caring for his flock and one of the people of the temple picked up stones after his claim
to be the Son of God and his reply was, “Why do you call it blasphemy when I say, ‘I am the Son
of God?’ After all, the Father set me apart and sent me into the world. Don’t believe me unless I
carry out my Father’s work. But if I do his work, believe in the evidence of the miraculous works
I have done, even if you don’t believe me. Then you will know and understand that the Father is
in me and I am in the Father” (John 10:36-38). One can understand he is the one who is holy
himself and sanctifies his holy people through a fountain cleansing of cleansing and a refining
43 Ibid.
44 Ibid.,180.
45 Ibid.
46 Ibid.
11
fire. The cleaning comes when one turns away from their sin while the refining comes through
suffering through which the individual is transformed.47
The Lord will Rule the Earth
One can observe the apocalyptic nature of Zechariah chapter fourteen with special
attention to the judgement of God of the nations and the deliverance of Israel in the coming Day
of the Lord.48 According to Hill, “Zechariah’s final chapter demonstrates an overall structure, and
the phrase on that day is an organizing principle of the passage. The approach here adapts that of
Petersen, Webb, and Boda, among others dividing the chapter into logical units on the basis of
eschatological formula (on that day), syndical breaks and thematic unity.”49
The Lord Defends Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:1-3)
One can observe the Day of the Lord encompasses both judgement and deliverance for
Israel.50 Boda wrote of this day like this, “The description of the day as one, ‘when your plunder
will be divided among you’ does not announce victory for Israel, because in every other case in
which this form of the word ‘divided’ occurs (Pual) possessions of the person addressed are
distributed to others” (Isa. 33:23; Amos 7:17),51 A individual can understand that this verse was a
foretelling of the events that are described in Zechariah 14:2. One can look back to Zechariah’s
earlier vision of the nations assembled for war against Jerusalem excludes the harsh detail that
God’s judgement against the nations came at a heavy price for the city. In an earlier vision, it
was stated that the Lord would fight against other nations. This cast God as a divine warrior52
47 Webb, The Message of Zechariah, 181.
48 Hill, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi: An Introduction and Commentary, 998.
49 Ibid.
50 Ibid.
51 Boda, The NIV Application Commentary, Haggai and Zechariah, 523.
52 Hill, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi: An Introduction and Commentary, 998.
12
One could recall in times past where God fought in this manner. One can conclude that Israel has
an all-powerful, almighty warrior fighting battles against all nations that would come against
them.
The Lord Comes to the Mount of Olives (Zechariah 14:4-5)
According to Boda, “The Mount of Olives likely originated as Mount Zion in 2 Samuel
5:6-9). This mountain covers three-hundred feet above the Temple Mount and is one hundred
feet higher than any section of the city of Jerusalem. It is strategically located as Jerusalem’s
main lookout point to warn of approaching dangers from the Trans-Jordan region to the east hills
of Judea and southern Samaria to the North.”53 One can observe in the reading the awesome
power of God as this mighty mountain falls and obeys the Lord. The Lord has always and will
always stand tall above those who dare to harm his people. One can observe with the use of this
specific geographical location, the dreams, visions, and oracles of God’s prophets are fulfilled
the Lord is coming.54
The Lord’s Unique Day (Zechariah 14:6-8)
The disasters described in the coming day of the Lord can be viewed as more signs of
God’s arrival on the scene, they are considered as God’s weapons since he uses natural forces to
defeat those who oppose him.55 One can observe a few transformations within the framework of
these verses: the removal of light, yet continuous day and no night, life giving waters flowing
from Jerusalem, split between the Dead sea and Mediterranean which will flow continuously
across summer and winter (Zech 14:6-8). One can conclude that the light of the sun and moon
would be eradicated by the brilliant light of God. Further, one could deduce that the life-giving
53 . Boda, The Book of Zechariah, 580.
54 Hill, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi: An Introduction and Commentary, 998.
55 Boda, The Book of Zechariah, 585.
13
water flowing from the Lord’s Temple toward both the Dead Sea and Mediterranean points to
Ezekiel’s image of life giving waters that flow from Jerusalem in the east and west extending
world wide (Ezek. 47:8-9). This allows the reader to understand the picture of this water is
symbolic of the life-giving presence of God living among his people.56
The Ghastly Plague against People and Animals (Zechariah 14:9-15)
According to Hill, “God’s intervention as Divine Warrior for Israel culminates in his
universal rule.”57 One can conclude that God is not only Lord of Israel, but he is Lord of all the
earth. This thought affirms the Scripture, “For you O LORD, are most high over all the earth;
you are exalted far above all gods” (Psalm 97:9). His power is above any king or false idols so
nations and kings bow to worship him. Zechariah’s message of the Day of the Lord is one that
reaffirmed there is one Lord over all, and he alone will have victory.
When an individual observes Geba, he or she will discover this was a village that
belonged to the tribe of Benjamin approximately six miles north-north east of Jerusalem
according to Joshua 18:24.58 The location of Rimmon was uncertain. According to Hill, “The
accompanying expression south of Jerusalem provides the general direction of the sight and
further indicates the site may not have been well known.59
On examination of the text, one can observe that Jerusalem will be filled. This may seem
obvious to the reader, but one must understand that the destruction of Jerusalem by the
Babylonians in early sixth century B.C. had horrendous effects on the over all population of
56 Hill, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi: An Introduction and Commentary, 998.
57 Ibid.
58 Hill, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi: An Introduction and Commentary, 998.
59 Ibid.
14
Jerusalem. The city was so destroyed that the Babylonians established Mizpah in Benjamin as
the capital.60
The battle strategy of the Lord will be to strike all opposing armies with a plague. These
plagues are described in this Scripture, “Their people will become like walking corpses, their
flesh rotting away. Their eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongues will rot in their mouths”
(Zech. 14:12b). One can understand beyond any reasonable doubt that the enemies who would
stand against Isreal will have no chance in their endeavors. Boda refers to the flesh rotting as,
“The quick nature of divine judgment.”61
According to Hill, “The word panic signifies confusion however within the framework of
this context it refers to deadly panic induced by God himself among the enemies of the Lord.”62
Upon observation of this text, one can conclude that Judah will be fighting with Jerusalem. One
can observe that God on The Day of the Lord will cause the enemies of Israel to have done to
them what they have done to Israel.63 One can understand that the plague that will affect not only
the armies that rise against Israel but their animals such as horses, mules, camels, donkeys and
other supporting animals of these armies, This emphasizes that all enemies of Israel will be
utterly defeated at the hand of Almighty God.
The celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles (Zechariah 14:16-19)
Upon examination of this text through the framework of the time, one can understand that
Mosaic law mandated three annual journey festivals for Israel. According to Hill, “The Feast of
60 Boda, The Book of Zechariah, 590.
61 Ibid., 591.
62 Hill, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi: An Introduction and Commentary, 998.
63 Hill, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi: An Introduction and Commentary, 998.
15
Tabernacles was an annual festival marking the beginning of autumn harvest season.”64 The was
a seven-day occasion that recalled the temporary homelessness of Israel’s wandering in the
wilderness. This would allow God’s people to thank him for his provision in times past an in
their current time.65 Hill explains that this festival is singled out for a celebration of great joy,
thanksgiving, agricultural fertility, the gift of rain, deliverance from Egypt, and give honor to the
kingship of God which were vital themes to this final oracle of Zechariah.66
One can conclude that God’s warfare against Israel’s enemies would result in annual
worship by these nations and refusal to do so would come with penalty from God. Readers can
take this passage and understand further the conclusion laid out in Scripture, “Let everything that
breaths sing praises to the Lord” (Psalm 150:6). This passage highlights the importance of the
worship of God and displays the consequences of disobedience to God. Ultimately, the reader
can observe the call to all creation to acknowledge and give God glory.
God’s judgement, deliverance, and establishment of his kingdom (Zechariah 14:20-
21)
One can understand that here God affirmed everything would be holy. This truth is
evidenced in verses twenty through twenty-one when the Lord put emphasis on even the cooking
pots. One can observe that earlier within the book of Zechariah, horses in the accurate context
represented war and judgment (Zech. 1:7-17; 6:1-8). The reference to horses in Zechariah 14:20
represents a shift from war to God’s harmonious rule.67 Klein wrote, “The new kingdom will be
64 Ibid.
65 Ibid.
66 Ibid.
67 Klein, The New American Commentary An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture,
627.
16
so revolutionary that even an unclean animal routinely used for ignoble purposes in antiquity will
become holy before the Lord.”68
Conclusion
Within the framework of these themes in Zechariah 12-14, there are connections in the
New Testament that have relevance for believers in the modern era. These areas include God’s
sovereignty and protection, the cleansing of sin, and the holiness of the Lord. One can conclude,
by understanding these connections, people can go deeper in their faith, strive to lead lives that
reflect God’s holiness and unmatched grace, and look for that day when the Lord will set
everything as he has purposed it to be.
Zechariah 12:1-9 put emphasis on God’s power and protection over Jerusalem and the
people of God. One can observe this theme within the framework of Romans 8:31-39 which
demonstrates God’s love and power to overcome death. Christians are reminded that even
through suffering, they have a hope in their faith in Jesus who conquered death.69 In this death
conquering savior, Christians can know that no force anywhere can separate theme from God’s
love (Rom. 8:38-39).
Zechariah declared, “On that day a fountain will be opened for the dynasty of David and
for the people of Jerusalem, a fountain to cleanse them from all their sin and impurity (Zech
13:1). One can conclude within this verse alone lays the imagery of the sacrificial death of Jesus
on the cross. Scripture declares, “But if we are living in the light as God is in the light, then we
have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son cleanses us from all sin” (I John
1:7). In this principle, the Christian can understand the vitality of Jesus’ atoning sacrifice and the
lifetime need for spiritual cleansing.
68 Ibid.
69 David E. Garland, Romans An Introduction and Commentary (Lislie IL: InterVarsity Press, 2021). 191.
17
Within the context of Zechariah 14:20-21 one can understand the description of the future
where common items such as cooking pots will be inscribed with, “Holy to the Lord.” This is
reflected in the context of the New Testament as a call for believers to live holy lives. Scripture
declares this truth, “But you must be holy in everything you do just as God who chose you is
holy. For the Scriptures say, ‘You must be holy because I am holy” (I Pet. 1:15-16). This
underscores the truth that each aspect of a Christian life should be concentrated on a Holy God.
These principles from God’s Word, remind Christians in the modern era that God is in
control, offers protection, and cleanses people from their sin. One can understand that Jesus’
sacrifice provided the means for spiritual cleansing, that every aspect of life should be dedicated
to God’s holiness, and by embracing these truths believers can live with confidence as they strive
to be holy in all they do.
18
Bibliography
Boda, Mark J.MThe Book of Zechariah. Grand Rapids, MI: William B Eerdmans Publishing,
2016.
———.MThe NIV Application Commentary, Haggai and Zechariah. New York, NY.: Harper
Collins Christian Publishing, 2004.
Chisholm, Robert B.MHandbook on the Prophets. Grand Rapids,MI.: Baker Academic, 2009.
Garland, David E.MRomans: An Introduction and Commentary. Edited by Eckhard J. Schnabel.
Leslie IL.: IVP Academic, 2021.
Hill, Andrew E.MHaggai, Zechariah, Malachi: An Introduction and Commentary. Westmont IL.:
Inter-Varsity Press, 2012.
19
Klein, George.MThe New American Commentary An Exgetical and Theological Expostion of
Scripture, Zechariah. Nashville, TN.: B&H Publishing, 2008.
Petersen, David L.MZechariah 9-14 and Malachi: A Commentary. Louisville, KY:
Westminster/John Knox Press, 1995.
Webb, Barry G.MThe Message of Zechariah – Your Kingdom Come. Leslie IL.: InterVarsity
Press, 2024.
