CHAPTER XII _The first part of this chapter, with several passages in_ chap xiv., _relates to an invasion that shall be made on the_ _inhabitants of Judea and Jerusalem in the latter ages of the_ _world, some time after the restoration and settlement of the_ _Jews in their own land. It also des... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Zechariah 12:2. _JERUSALEM A CUP OF TREMBLING_] The Babylonians, who captivated and ruined the Jews, shall in their turn be ruined. I incline to think that what is spoken in this chapter about the _Jews_ and _Jerusalem_, belongs to the "glory of the latter times." _SHALL BE IN THE SIEGE_] Th... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Zechariah 12:3. _A BURDENSOME STONE_] Probably referring to that _stone_ which was thrown on the breast of a _culprit_ adjudged to lose his life by _stoning_, by which the whole region of the thorax, _heart,_ _lungs, liver_, c., was broken to pieces.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Zechariah 12:4. _I WILL SMITE EVERY HORSE_] Some apply this to the _wars_ of the _Maccabees_ with the _Syrians_; but it is more likely to be a prophecy not yet accomplished. The terms are too strong for such petty and evanescent victories as those of the Maccabees.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Zechariah 12:5. _THE GOVERNORS OF JUDAH_] This supposes a _union_ between the two kingdoms of Israel and Judah.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Zechariah 12:6. _JERUSALEM SHALL BE INHABITED AGAIN_] This seems to refer to the future conversion of the Jews, and their "return to their own land.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Zechariah 12:7. _THE LORD ALSO SHALL SAVE THE TENTS OF JUDAH FIRST_] This, I suppose, refers to the same thing. The Gospel of Christ shall go from the _least_ to the _greatest_. _Eminent men_ are not the _first_ that are called; the _poor_ have the Gospel preached to them. And this is done in... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Zechariah 12:8. _HE THAT IS FEEBLE AMONG THEM - SHALL BE AS DAVID_] Here is a marked _difference_ between _Judaism_ and _Christianity_. So clear, full, and efficient shall be the salvation of believers under the _Gospel_, that the _feeblest_ among them shall be as strong, as full of courage, a... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Zechariah 12:9. _I WILL SEEK TO DESTROY ALL THE NATIONS_] When this time shall arrive, all nations that "will not receive the faith of our Lord Jesus" shall be destroyed, when the longsuffering of God shall no longer wait upon them. This seems to belong to a period yet very remote.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Zechariah 12:10. _I WILL POUR UPON THE HOUSE OF DAVID_] This is the _way_ in which the _Jews_ themselves shall be brought into the _Christian_ _Church_. 1. "They shall have the spirit of grace," God will show them that he yet bears _favour_ to them. 2. They shall be excited to _fervent_ and... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Zechariah 12:11. _A GREAT MOURNING_] A universal repentance. _AS THE MOURNING OF HADADRIMMON_] They shall mourn as deeply for the crucified Christ as their forefathers did for the death of Josiah, who was slain at Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon. See 2 Chronicles 35:24-14.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Zechariah 12:12. _EVERY FAMILY APART_] The meaning of the word _apart_, which recurs here so often, may be this: Their sorrow shall be so deep and distressing, that every one will endeavour to avoid another, and vent his grief and distress of soul in _private_. And even _husbands_ and _wives_... [ Continue Reading ]