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Zechariah 13

World English Bible

WEB

1“In that day there will be a fountain opened to David’s house and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleanness. 2It will come to pass in that day, says Yahweh of Armies, that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they will be remembered no more. I will also cause the prophets and the spirit of impurity to pass out of the land. 3It will happen that when anyone still prophesies, then his father and his mother who bore him will tell him, ‘You must die, because you speak lies in Yahweh’s name;’ and his father and his mother who bore him will stab him when he prophesies. 4It will happen in that day that the prophets will each be ashamed of his vision when he prophesies; they won’t wear a hairy mantle to deceive, 5but he will say, ‘I am no prophet, I am a tiller of the ground; for I have been made a bondservant from my youth.’ 6One will say to him, ‘What are these wounds between your arms?’ Then he will answer, ‘Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.’ 7“Awake, sword, against my shepherd, and against the man who is close to me,” says Yahweh of Armies. “Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered; and I will turn my hand against the little ones. 8It shall happen that in all the land,” says Yahweh, “two parts in it will be cut off and die; but the third will be left in it. 9I will bring the third part into the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will test them like gold is tested. They will call on my name, and I will hear them. I will say, ‘It is my people;’ and they will say, ‘Yahweh is my God.’”

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Zechariah Chapter 13 presents a prophetic vision concerning the purification of Israel and the coming of a new covenant. The chapter begins with a promise of cleansing, stating that on that day, a fountain will be opened for the house of #David and the inhabitants of #Jerusalem to wash away sin and impurity (Zechariah 13:1). This imagery of a fountain signifies the grace and mercy of God, providing a means for His people to be restored and reconciled to Him. The chapter emphasizes the importance of spiritual renewal and the necessity of turning away from sin to experience God's forgiveness.

The chapter continues with a warning against false prophets and the dangers of idolatry. It describes a time when false prophets will be put to shame, and those who claim to speak in the name of the Lord will be exposed (Zechariah 13:2-4). This serves as a reminder of the need for discernment among God’s people, urging them to seek the truth and remain faithful to the true God. The chapter also includes a striking prophecy about the suffering of the shepherd, which foreshadows the suffering of #Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, who would be struck down for the sake of His flock (Zechariah 13:7).

Finally, the chapter concludes with a promise of restoration, indicating that a remnant will be refined and tested like silver and gold, ultimately calling on the name of the Lord (Zechariah 13:8-9). This remnant will be recognized as God’s people, and He will respond to their cries, affirming His covenant relationship with them. Overall, Zechariah 13 highlights themes of purification, the rejection of falsehood, and the hope of redemption through the suffering of the Messiah, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in their faith and trust in God's promises.

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Referenced by

  1. Matthew 26:31v7Matthew 26:31 quotes Zechariah 13:7, where the shepherd is struck and the sheep are scattered, predicting the disciples' desertion of Jesus.
  2. Mark 14:27v7Mark 14:27 quotes Zechariah 13:7, where the prophecy of the shepherd being struck and the sheep scattered is fulfilled in Jesus' arrest and the disciples' desertion.

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