Zechariah 12:1-14

The Deliverance of Jerusalem

Many scholars believe that in Zechariah 12-14 (omitting Zechariah 13:7) we have a third separate prophecy, the oldest in the book of Zechariah, written subsequent to the death of king Josiah, 609 b.c. (cp. the mourning in the valley of Megiddon, Zechariah 12:11), but prior to the fall of the kingdom of Judah, 586 b.c. For this view there are some strong arguments—(a) frequent references to the House of David (Zechariah 12:7; Zechariah 12:10; Zechariah 12:12; Zechariah 13:1); (b) Judah and Jerusalem represent the whole nation; (c) idolatry is rampant (Zechariah 13:2); (d) prophets are in evil repute (Zechariah 13:2 cp. Jeremiah 23:9); (e) Jerusalem is besieged (Zechariah 12:2; Zechariah 14:2 cp. 2 Kings 24:10; 2 Kings 25:1).

Others produce arguments, perhaps more conclusive, in favour of a much later date. On the applicability of the Chapter s to the times of the Maccabees see Intro.

1-9. The natives gather to the siege of Jerusalem, but are miraculously smitten by the Lord, who comes to her help. Judah, at first taking part with the nations, perceives that God is fighting for Jerusalem, takes the side of the latter, and shares her salvation.

10-14. A national mourning.