Zechariah 12:1

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 describes, in very magnificent

terms, the signal interposition of God in their favour. From

this the prophet proceeds in the latter part of the chapter,

10-14, to describe the spiritual mercies of God to converting

his people; and gives a very pathetic and affecting account of

the deep sorrow of that people, when brought to a sense of

their great sin in crucifying the Messiah, comparing it to the

sorrow of a parent for his first-born and only son, or to the

lamentations made for Josiah in the valley of Megiddon,

2 Chronicles 35:24-14.

A deep, retired sorrow, which will render the mourners for a

season insensible to all the comforts and enjoyments of the

most endearing society.

NOTES ON CHAP. XII

Verse Zechariah 12:1. The burden of the word of the Lord] This is a new prophecy. It is directed both to Israel and Judah, though Israel alone is mentioned in this verse.

Which stretcheth forth the heavens] See on Isaiah 42:5.

Formeth the spirit of man within him.] Then it is not the same substance with his body. It is a SPIRIT within HIM.