Zechariah 13 - Introduction

CHAPTER XLI

IN THE FIRST DAY

The future glory of the restored nation of the Jews, predicted in chapter ten (see comments), was to be delayed in its accomplishment by their rejection of the Good Shepherd, the dissolving of the covenant between the nation and Jehovah, and the prolonged dispersion following the defeat of Bar Cocheba, the self-acclaimed Messiah in 135 A.D.
Chapter s 12, 13, and 14 actually compose a single unit of thought which climaxes Zechariah's prophecy in a blaze of apocalyptic eschatology, some of which is nearly impossible to understand clearly.
The key to these final Chapter s is found in the phrase in the day which is repeated no less than sixteen times throughout the passage.

This unit of thought is expressed in regard to two days, which from Zechariah's point of view remained in the future. The first day and its happenings comprise Zechariah 12:3 to Zechariah 13:7 and prefigures the Messianic age.

The final day of the Lord is described in the final chapter, Zechariah 14:1-21.

It will be helpful here to go back and read the comment on yom YHWH (the day of Jehovah) in the Introduction to Zechariah, Chapter XIX. We noted there four characteristics of that day: (1) the judgement of Israel, Judah and the nations of the pre-Christian world. (2) the deliverance and preservation of the remnant during and after the captivity. (3) the first coming of the Messiah and (4) the second coming of the Messiah and His final judgement of all men and nations.

To understand Zechariah's in that day, we must be alert to all four elements.

The term first appears in Zechariah in chapter three, Zechariah 3:10. There it refers to the time when Jehovah will bring forth His Servant, The Branch. In that day, everyone will invite his neighbor under the vine and under the fig tree. The intention is obviously to describe a time of peace and plenty. The significant aspect here is the sending of the Branch and the removal of the iniquity of the land in one day. (Zechariah 3:8-10)

As we saw in our study of that passage (see comment) in that day here referred to the coming of the living stone and true priest in whom God will remove the sins of His people and invite their neighbors to share the fruits of the Messianic Presence.

Chapter XLIQuestions

In the First Day

1.

The future glory of the restored Jewish nation was delayed by their _________________.

2.

The key to the final Chapter s of Zechariah is found in the phrase _________________.

3.

This term describes two days which from Zechariah's point of view were both in _________________.

4.

The first of these days describes _________________.

5.

The second day describes _________________.

6.

Review the four characteristics of the day of Jehovah. (See introduction of Zechariah.)

7.

Zechariah's first use of in the day (Zechariah 3:8-10) refers to _________________.

8.

What is the significance of the term Israel in Zechariah 12:1?

9.

Why does Zechariah here refer to Jehovah as the creator of the heavens and the earth and the spirit of man?

10.

The first period referred to by in that day is addressed to

and has to do with _________________.

11.

The second period referred to as in that day has to do with _________________.

12. Several things are said to be going to happen in the Messianic age. Each is introduced by in that day. They are:

a.

In that day (1)

b.

In that day (2)

c.

In that day (3)

d.

In that day (4)

12.

e. In that day (5)

f.

In that day (6)

g.

In that day (7)

h.

In that day (8)

i.

In that day (9)

13.

Israel at the time of Zechariah could be none other than _________________.

14.

What of Jerusalem in the time of Messiah's first coming?

15.

What was to be the relationship of the Jews to all nations during the Messianic age?

16.

Historically the military action against which the Jews were least effective was the _________________.

17.

What is meant by Jehovah smiting the peoples and horses with blindness?

18.

Who are they of Jerusalem? (Zechariah 12:1)

19.

How does Zechariah 12:10 fix this section as being fulfilled in the Messianic age?

20.

Compare Zechariah 12:10-14 with John 19:34-37.

21.

What is the condition upon which Jews may again become part of God's true Israel? (cf. Romans 11:17-24)

22.

Conversion is always an _________________ experience.

23.

How was the mourning over Him who they had pierced fulfilled on Pentecost?

24.

Who are all the families that remain?

25.

In connection with the mourning over Him whom they pierced a ___________ was to be opened for ____________ and _____________.

26.

The _________________ opened the fountain.

27.

_________________ relates the fountain to sin.

28.

_________________ relates the fountain to moral impurity or _________________.

29.

_________________ is frequently associated with uncleanness.

30.

The _________________ is generally credited with ministering the coup de grace to classic idolatry.

31.

What prophecy is condemned during the Messianic age?

32.

How does Zechariah 13:6 relate to Him whom they pierced?

33.

What is meant by the wounds between thine arms?

34.

Discuss Zechariah) Zechariah 12:7 in light of Acts 2:23.

35.

What nation is symbolized historically by the sword?

36.

Jesus could be legally executed by _________________.

37.

Compare Zechariah 13:7 to Matthew 26:31 and Mark 14:27.

38.

Following the death of Jesus the number of His followers was about _________________.

39.

Compare Zechariah 13:9 and 1 Peter 1:6-7.

40.

To those who endured persecution, Jehovah gives _________________ and _________________ they acknowledge

Both are _________________.

41.

The _____________ is God's new Israel.