The Book of Zechariah
Zechariah was taught by Dr. James Modlish

"GOD REMEMBERS"

Lesson Eighteen
(Chapter 13:1-9)

Introduction:
This chapter brings Israel's national conversion to a climax. There have been several aspects of that great day presented in Zechariah as well as the other prophets. Even as God gives us four gospels to compliment one another, we are given several opportunities to inspect one of the greatest events in all time (Rom. 11:26).

 

I. THE PROPHECY OF ISRAEL'S NATION CONVERSION 13:1-6):

The supreme need of the Jew throughout the Christian centuries has been cleansing and spiritual regeneration. Since they rejected and crucified their Saviour, they have been a hardened people (Rom. 10:3).

A. The fountain of cleansing opened (vs. 1) -

A fountain in the Bible usually illustrates life and vigor, (Ps. 36:9,10; Prov. 13:14; 14:27; Jer. 2:13; 17:13. No wonder the hymn writer said, "There is a fountain filled with blood." It is evident that God continues to use a fountain as a symbol of cleansing and life (Rev. 7:17; 21:6).

B. The cleansing illustrated (vs. 2-5) -

Cleansing is followed by purging. The idols, false prophets, and unclean spirits will all be cast out.

The primary problem centers around the false prophets as they are the ones who introduce the idols (Jud. 17) and are filled with the unclean spirits.

False prophets always seem to hang on to some symbol to suggest authority. Very often it comes in the form of clothing, such as big hats and robes, in this case it is a rough garment trying to imitate Elijah (I Kings 19:13).

C. The cleanser revealed (vs. 6) -

Some commentators would have us believe that the person in (vs. 6) is a false prophet because the verse is a continuation of the previous verses. But to the contrary, this verse is the introduction of the Cleanser for we must remember that He is the predominant subject of the context (vs. 1).

 

II. THE PROVISION FOR ISRAEL'S CLEANSING (13:7):

A. The death of Messiah (vs. 7a) -

"Awake, 0 sword, against my Shepherd ... smite the Shepherd"'. The Lord is the speaker and the Messiah is the person spoken of (2 Cor. 5:21; Phil. 2:8).

B. The deity of Messiah (vs. 7b) -

"... against the man that is my fellow..." (Jn. 10:30).

 

III. THE PRELUDE TO ISRAEL'S CLEANSING (13:7c-9a):

A. The sheep scattered (vs. 7c) -

(James 1:1; 1 Peter 1:1; Acts 2:8-11; Jn. 7:35).

B. The faithful warned of persecution (vs. 7d) -

"I will turn mine hand upon the little ones" (Matt. 24:9,19).

C. The Tribulation and the deliverance of the remnant (vs. 8,9a) -

The prophecy means exactly what it says when it tells us one-third of the population of Israel will be left. This will be the remnant that will trust in the Lord and go through the fire (Matt. 24:3). We are reminded of three Hebrew children who did go through the fire (Daniel 3).

 

IV. THE APPROPRIATION OF THE PROVISION FOR CLEANSING (13:9b-d):

A. The remnant calls on the Lord (vs. 9b) (Rom. 10:13)

B. The Lord hears and answers (vs. 9c) (Jer. 32:37-40)
C. The remnant testifies to salvation (vs. 9d) (Isa. 35:10)

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