Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
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Zechariah
Book: Zechariah
Chapter: 12
Overview:
Punishment of the enemies of
Judah.
(1-8) Repentance and
sorrow of the Jews.
(9-14)
1-8 Here is a Divine prediction, which will be a heavy
Burden
to all the enemies of the
Church. But it is for
Israel; for
their comfort and benefit. It is promised that
God will make
foolish the counsels, and weaken the courage of the enemies of
the
Church. The exact meaning is not clear; but
God often begins
By Calling the
Poor and despised; and in that
Day even the
feeblest will resemble
David, and be as eminent in courage and
every thing good. Desirable indeed is it that the examples and
labours of Christians should render them as
Fire among
Wood, as
a torch in a sheaf, to kindle the flame of Divine
Love, to
spread religion
On the right
Hand and
On the left.
9-14 The
Day here spoken of, is the
Day of
Jerusalem's defence
and deliverance, that glorious
Day when
God will appear for the
Salvation of his people. In
Christ's first coming he bruised the
Serpent's head, and broke all the powers of
Darkness that fought
against
God's kingdom among men. In his second coming he will
complete their
Destruction, when he shall
Put down all opposing
rule, principality, and power; and
Death itself shall be
swallowed up in that victory. The Holy
Spirit is gracious and
merciful, and is the Author of all
Grace or
Holiness. He, also,
is the
Spirit of supplications, and shows men their ignorance,
want, guilt, misery, and danger. At the time here foretold, the
Jews will know who the crucified
Jesus was; then they shall look
By Faith to him, and
Mourn with the deepest sorrow, not only in
public, but in private, even each one separately. There is a
holy mourning, the effect of the pouring out of the
Spirit; a
mourning for
Sin, which quickens
Faith in
Christ, and qualifies
for joy in
God. This mourning is a
Fruit of the
Spirit of
Grace,
a proof of a work of
Grace in the soul, and of the
Spirit of
supplications. It is fulfilled in all who sorrow for
Sin after a
godly sort; they look to
Christ crucified, and
Mourn for him.
Looking
By Faith upon the
Cross of
Christ will cause us to
Mourn
for
Sin after a godly sort.