What is the meaning of Zechariah 13:4? And on that day • Zechariah has repeatedly used the phrase “on that day” to point to a decisive moment when the Lord intervenes in Israel’s history (Zechariah 12:3, 13:1, 14:9). • Here it looks ahead to the cleansing work God will complete, the same day “a fountain will be opened … to cleanse them from sin and impurity” (Zechariah 13:1). • The scene is future, definite, and certain—God sets the timetable, and no deception will withstand His unveiling light (Isaiah 2:17; 1 Corinthians 4:5). every prophet who prophesies • The statement includes all active voices claiming prophetic authority. It targets the counterfeit, much like Jeremiah’s warning: “The prophets are prophesying lies in My name” (Jeremiah 14:14). • Jesus later cautioned, “False christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs” (Matthew 24:24), showing the enduring relevance of Zechariah’s word. • Genuine prophecy is ultimately measured by faithfulness to God’s revealed Word (Deuteronomy 18:20-22; 1 John 4:1). will be ashamed of his vision • Exposure brings embarrassment; the frauds can no longer parade their self-generated dreams. Micah foresaw the same: “The seers will be ashamed and the diviners disgraced” (Micah 3:7). • Their so-called visions collapse under God’s scrutiny, leaving them empty-handed (Ezekiel 13:3; 2 Peter 2:1). • Shame is a mercy that invites repentance, but it is also a judgment when refused (Revelation 3:18). and he will not put on a hairy cloak • A coarse, hairy garment was the trademark of prophets such as Elijah (2 Kings 1:8) and later John the Baptist (Matthew 3:4). • Imitators adopted the attire to gain credibility. Zechariah says the costume comes off; outward symbols no longer mask an inward void (Isaiah 58:5; Matthew 23:5). • God strips away religious posturing so people can see who truly speaks for Him. in order to deceive • Deception is the heart of false prophecy: “They lead My people astray, saying ‘Peace,’ when there is no peace” (Ezekiel 13:10). • By removing the cloak and exposing the lies, God safeguards His flock (John 10:12-15) and fulfills the promise that “nothing in all creation is hidden from His sight” (Hebrews 4:13). • The final destiny of deceivers is certain: “The beast was captured, and with it the false prophet … the two were thrown alive into the lake of fire” (Revelation 19:20). summary Zechariah 13:4 pictures a decisive future day when the Lord exposes and silences every false prophet. Their visions will be unmasked, their prophetic costumes discarded, and their power to deceive destroyed. God’s people can rest in the assurance that He will vindicate truth, cleanse His community, and ensure that only authentic, Spirit-given voices remain. |
    |