top of page

Zechariah 13

Zechariah 13 continues with prophecies concerning the cleansing and renewal of Israel. It describes a future time when sin, idolatry, and false prophecy will be removed from the land. This chapter also foretells the striking of the Shepherd and the scattering of the flock, events that Christians interpret as fulfilled in Jesus' crucifixion and the dispersion of His followers. It emphasizes God's ultimate plan to purify and redeem His people.

Zechariah 13:1 (NKJV)
1 “In that day a fountain shall be opened for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleanness.”

The verse speaks of a “fountain” of cleansing that will be opened for Israel. This fountain represents spiritual purification, a means for the people to be cleansed of sin and impurity. The prophecy points to God’s provision for removing the guilt and stain of sin, likely seen as fulfilled in the New Testament through the sacrifice of Jesus, whose death is seen as the ultimate act of cleansing for humanity.

Zechariah 13:2 (NKJV)
2 “It shall be in that day,” says the Lord of hosts, “that I will cut off the names of the idols from the land, and they shall no longer be remembered. I will also cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to depart from the land.”

God declares His intent to remove all traces of idolatry and false prophecy from Israel. This signifies a complete cleansing not only of physical idols but also of the spiritual influences that lead people away from true worship. It is a promise of restoration, where Israel will turn fully to God without the distractions of false worship or prophets.

Zechariah 13:3 (NKJV)
3 “It shall come to pass that if anyone still prophesies, then his father and mother who begot him will say to him, ‘You shall not live, because you have spoken lies in the name of the Lord.’ And his father and mother who begot him shall thrust him through when he prophesies.”

This verse illustrates the seriousness of eradicating false prophecy. The commitment to purity in worship will be so strong that even family members will not tolerate deception in God’s name. The drastic language underscores the total rejection of anything misleading or false within Israel, demonstrating God’s demand for sincerity and truth.

Zechariah 13:4-6 (NKJV)
4 “And it shall be in that day that every prophet will be ashamed of his vision when he prophesies; they will not wear a robe of coarse hair to deceive.
5 But he will say, ‘I am no prophet, I am a farmer; for a man taught me to keep cattle from my youth.’
6 And one 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.’”

These verses describe how false prophets will be so ashamed that they will abandon their deceitful practices. No longer will people claim to be prophets with symbolic attire to mislead others; instead, they will take up honest work and deny any affiliation with prophecy. The mention of wounds could symbolize past practices of false prophets or point to the personal cost of following deceptive paths.

Zechariah 13:7 (NKJV)
7 “Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, Against the Man who is My Companion,” Says the Lord of hosts. “Strike the Shepherd, And the sheep will be scattered; Then I will turn My hand against the little ones.”

Here, God calls for the striking of His Shepherd, a figure often interpreted as the Messiah. The scattering of the sheep signifies the dispersal of followers following a severe blow to their leader. Christians see this as fulfilled in Jesus’ crucifixion and the temporary scattering of His disciples. Yet, God’s turning His hand toward “the little ones” suggests His ongoing care and ultimate restoration.

Zechariah 13:8-9 (NKJV)
8 “And it shall come to pass in all the land,” Says the Lord, “That two-thirds in it shall be cut off and die, But one-third shall be left in it:
9 I will bring the one-third through the fire, Will refine them as silver is refined, And test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, And I will answer them. I will say, ‘This is My people’; And each one will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’”

The final verses predict a refining process for Israel, where two-thirds will perish, and one-third will remain to be purified. This remnant undergoes a fiery trial, symbolizing purification and strengthening. Through this process, God establishes a faithful community that calls upon His name and whom He claims as His own. This remnant’s loyalty and God’s affirmation of them signify a renewed covenant and a purified people dedicated to Him.

bottom of page