On that day
This phrase refers to a future time of significant divine intervention. In the context of Zechariah, "that day" often points to the eschatological day of the Lord, a time of both judgment and restoration. It is a recurring theme in prophetic literature, indicating a period when God will act decisively in history.

a fountain will be opened
The imagery of a fountain suggests an abundant and continuous source of cleansing and renewal. In the ancient Near East, water was a precious resource, and a fountain symbolized life and purification. This metaphor is reminiscent of the cleansing power of water in the rituals of the Mosaic Law and points forward to the spiritual cleansing available through Jesus Christ, as seen in John 4:14 and Revelation 22:1.

to the house of David and the people of Jerusalem
The house of David refers to the royal lineage of King David, emphasizing the messianic promise that a descendant of David would reign eternally. The people of Jerusalem represent the inhabitants of the city, often seen as the spiritual and political center of Israel. This phrase underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel and the centrality of Jerusalem in redemptive history.

to cleanse them from sin and impurity
Cleansing from sin and impurity highlights the need for spiritual purification. In the Old Testament, sin and impurity required atonement through sacrifices and rituals. This prophecy anticipates a time when such cleansing will be fully realized, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood provides the means for true and lasting purification, as described in Hebrews 9:14 and 1 John 1:7.

And on that day, declares the LORD of Hosts,
This phrase indicates a specific time in the future, often associated with the "Day of the Lord," a theme prevalent in prophetic literature. The "LORD of Hosts" emphasizes God's sovereignty and power, often used in contexts where divine intervention is highlighted. This phrase sets the stage for a divine action that will transform the spiritual landscape.

I will erase the names of the idols from the land,
Idolatry was a persistent issue in Israel's history, leading to spiritual and moral decline. The erasure of idol names signifies a complete removal of their influence and memory, reflecting a return to monotheistic worship. This echoes the first commandment and the call to exclusive worship of Yahweh. The land, likely referring to Israel, will be purified from these false deities.

and they will no longer be remembered.
This suggests a total eradication of idolatry, not just physically but also from the collective memory of the people. It implies a deep transformation where the allure and power of idols are utterly forgotten, aligning with the prophetic vision of a restored and faithful community.

I will also remove the prophets
The reference to prophets here is likely to false prophets who led people astray. Throughout the Old Testament, false prophets were a significant problem, often contradicting true prophetic messages. Their removal signifies the establishment of truth and the end of misleading spiritual guidance.

and the spirit of impurity from the land.
The "spirit of impurity" can be understood as the pervasive influence of sin and false worship. Its removal indicates a cleansing and sanctification of the land, preparing it for a renewed relationship with God. This purification aligns with the broader biblical narrative of redemption and restoration, pointing towards a future where God's people live in holiness.

And if anyone still prophesies
This phrase addresses the persistence of false prophecy despite the clear warnings and judgments against it. In the context of Zechariah, this is a time when God is purifying His people and removing idolatry and false teachings. The persistence of false prophecy indicates a rebellion against God's truth. In the broader biblical context, false prophets were a recurring issue in Israel, as seen in Deuteronomy 18:20-22, where false prophecy is condemned.

his father and mother who bore him will say to him
The mention of "his father and mother" highlights the seriousness of the offense. In ancient Israelite culture, family loyalty was paramount, and parents were expected to protect and nurture their children. However, the allegiance to God and His commandments supersedes even familial bonds. This reflects the commandment in Deuteronomy 13:6-11, where even close family members must not be spared if they lead others to idolatry.

‘You shall not remain alive, because you have spoken falsely in the name of the LORD.’
This statement underscores the gravity of speaking falsely in God's name. The use of God's name in vain, especially in prophecy, was a direct violation of the third commandment (Exodus 20:7). The prescribed punishment for false prophecy was death, as it was considered a form of blasphemy and a threat to the spiritual integrity of the community. This reflects the seriousness with which God views the purity of His revelation and the protection of His people from deception.

When he prophesies, his father and mother who bore him will pierce him through.
The act of piercing through signifies the execution of judgment. This imagery is stark and emphasizes the complete rejection and eradication of false prophecy. It also symbolizes the internal cleansing of the community, where even those closest to the false prophet must act in obedience to God's law. This can be seen as a type of Christ, who was pierced for our transgressions (Isaiah 53:5), highlighting the ultimate judgment and redemption through His sacrifice. The piercing also connects to the broader theme of purification and the removal of sin from among God's people.

And on that day
This phrase refers to a future time often associated with the "Day of the Lord," a period of divine intervention and judgment. In the context of Zechariah, it points to a time of purification and restoration for Israel. This eschatological theme is common in prophetic literature, indicating a decisive moment when God will act to fulfill His purposes.

every prophet who prophesies
The mention of "every prophet" suggests a comprehensive purging of false prophecy. In ancient Israel, prophets were seen as messengers of God, but false prophets often led people astray. This phrase indicates a time when true and false prophecy will be clearly distinguished, aligning with the biblical call for discernment (Deuteronomy 18:20-22).

will be ashamed of his vision
Shame here implies a recognition of wrongdoing and deceit. In biblical culture, shame was a powerful social force, often associated with sin and failure. This phrase suggests that false prophets will be exposed and will feel the weight of their deception, similar to the exposure of false prophets in Jeremiah 23:30-32.

and he will not put on a hairy cloak
The "hairy cloak" was a garment traditionally associated with prophets, as seen with Elijah (2 Kings 1:8). It symbolized authority and authenticity. The refusal to wear such a cloak indicates a rejection of false appearances and a move towards authenticity in spiritual leadership.

in order to deceive
Deception is a key theme here, highlighting the misuse of prophetic office for personal gain or influence. This aligns with warnings against false prophets throughout Scripture (Matthew 7:15). The emphasis is on the need for integrity and truthfulness in those who claim to speak for God.

He will say, ‘I am not a prophet;
This phrase reflects a denial of the prophetic office, which is significant in the context of Zechariah 13, where false prophets are being exposed. Historically, prophets were seen as God's messengers, and claiming to be one carried great responsibility. The denial here suggests a rejection of false claims to divine authority, aligning with the broader biblical theme of discerning true prophecy (Deuteronomy 18:20-22).

I work the land,
This statement emphasizes a humble occupation, contrasting with the often elevated status of prophets. Agriculture was a common profession in ancient Israel, and working the land signifies a return to honest labor. This echoes the biblical value of humility and integrity, as seen in the lives of figures like Amos, who was a shepherd and fig farmer before being called by God (Amos 7:14-15).

for I was purchased as a servant in my youth.’
The mention of being purchased as a servant highlights the social and economic realities of the time, where servitude was a common aspect of life. This phrase may imply a lack of freedom or status, reinforcing the humility theme. Biblically, servitude can also symbolize spiritual truths, such as being a servant of God (Romans 6:22). The idea of being bought at a price resonates with New Testament teachings on redemption (1 Corinthians 6:20), drawing a parallel to the believer's relationship with Christ.

If someone asks him, ‘What are these wounds on your chest?’
This phrase suggests a scenario of inquiry and revelation. In the context of Zechariah 13, the chapter deals with themes of purification and the removal of false prophets. The wounds mentioned here are significant as they imply a history of suffering or punishment. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, self-inflicted wounds were sometimes associated with pagan rituals or acts of mourning. The question posed indicates a confrontation or a demand for accountability, which aligns with the broader biblical theme of truth being revealed in the end times. This can also be seen as a foreshadowing of the questioning of Jesus Christ, who bore wounds on His body, as seen in John 20:27 when Thomas is invited to see the wounds of Christ.

he will answer, ‘These are the wounds I received in the house of my friends.’
The response highlights a sense of betrayal or misunderstanding, as the wounds were received among friends, not enemies. This can be interpreted as a reflection of the betrayal Jesus experienced, notably by Judas Iscariot, one of His disciples. The phrase "house of my friends" suggests a place of safety and trust, which makes the betrayal more poignant. Historically, this could also refer to the internal strife within Israel, where prophets and leaders were often rejected or harmed by their own people. This mirrors the experience of many prophets in the Old Testament, such as Jeremiah, who faced opposition from his own community. Theologically, it underscores the theme of suffering and redemption, as Jesus' ultimate sacrifice was made for those He considered His own, fulfilling prophecies like Isaiah 53:5, which speaks of being wounded for our transgressions.

Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd
This phrase signifies a divine command for judgment. The "sword" is often a symbol of divine justice or judgment in the Bible. The "Shepherd" refers to a leader or guide, often used to describe kings or spiritual leaders. In the context of prophecy, this Shepherd is understood to be the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The call for the sword to "awake" suggests an impending action ordained by God, highlighting the seriousness and inevitability of the event.

against the man who is My Companion
The term "Companion" indicates a close relationship, suggesting equality or partnership. This phrase underscores the unique relationship between God and the Messiah, affirming the divinity and humanity of Jesus. The use of "man" emphasizes the incarnation of Christ, who is both fully God and fully man. This relationship is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus is described as being one with the Father (John 10:30).

declares the LORD of Hosts
This declaration comes from the "LORD of Hosts," a title that emphasizes God's sovereignty and command over the heavenly armies. It underscores the authority and power behind the prophecy, indicating that the events to follow are part of God's divine plan. This title is frequently used in the Old Testament to assert God's supreme authority and control over all creation.

Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered
This prophecy is directly referenced in the New Testament, specifically in Matthew 26:31 and Mark 14:27, where Jesus predicts His disciples will abandon Him after His arrest. The "Shepherd" being struck refers to the crucifixion of Christ, and the "sheep" symbolize His followers, who would be disoriented and dispersed without their leader. This scattering fulfills the prophecy and highlights the human tendency to falter in faith during trials.

and I will turn My hand against the little ones
The "little ones" likely refer to the followers of the Shepherd, possibly indicating the disciples or the early Christian community. The phrase "turn My hand against" suggests a period of trial or testing. This can be seen in the persecution faced by the early church, which, while difficult, ultimately led to the spread of the Gospel. It reflects the refining process God often uses to strengthen and purify His people, as seen throughout biblical history.

And in all the land, declares the LORD,
This phrase indicates a divine proclamation, emphasizing the authority and certainty of the message. "All the land" likely refers to the land of Israel, a common focus in prophetic literature. The phrase "declares the LORD" underscores that this is not merely a human prediction but a divine decree, aligning with the prophetic tradition where God communicates directly through His prophets.

two-thirds will be cut off and perish,
The mention of "two-thirds" suggests a significant portion of the population will face judgment. This fraction indicates a severe purging, reflecting themes of divine judgment found throughout the Old Testament. Historically, Israel faced numerous invasions and exiles, such as the Babylonian captivity, which could be seen as partial fulfillments of such prophecies. The concept of being "cut off" often implies a violent or sudden removal, consistent with the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness as outlined in Deuteronomy.

but a third will be left in it.
The "third" that remains suggests a remnant, a recurring theme in biblical prophecy where a faithful group survives to continue God's purposes. This remnant motif is seen in the stories of Noah, Elijah, and the return from Babylonian exile. Theologically, it points to God's mercy and faithfulness, preserving a people for Himself despite widespread judgment. This remnant is often seen as purified and refined, aligning with the subsequent verses in Zechariah 13, which speak of refining and testing. This concept also foreshadows the New Testament idea of a faithful remnant within Israel and the inclusion of Gentiles into God's people through Christ.

This third I will bring through the fire;
The phrase "this third" refers to a remnant, a concept frequently found in the Bible where a portion of the people is preserved through trials. The imagery of fire is often used in Scripture to symbolize purification and testing (Malachi 3:2-3). In ancient metallurgy, fire was used to purify metals, removing impurities. This process is analogous to God's refining of His people, indicating a period of trial meant to purify and strengthen their faith.

I will refine them like silver and test them like gold.
Refining silver and testing gold were common practices in ancient times, involving intense heat to separate precious metals from impurities. This metaphor illustrates God's intention to purify His people, removing sin and idolatry. The process is not only about judgment but also about restoration and sanctification. This theme is echoed in passages like Isaiah 48:10 and 1 Peter 1:7, where trials are seen as a means to prove and improve faith.

They will call on My name, and I will answer them.
Calling on God's name signifies a relationship and reliance on Him. This promise of answered prayer reflects a restored relationship between God and His people, reminiscent of the covenant relationship described in passages like Jeremiah 33:3. It underscores the faithfulness of God to respond to those who earnestly seek Him, as seen in Psalm 91:15.

I will say, ‘They are My people,’
This declaration reaffirms the covenant relationship between God and His people, echoing the covenant language found in Exodus 6:7 and Hosea 2:23. It signifies acceptance and ownership, indicating that despite past unfaithfulness, God restores His people to their rightful place as His own.

and they will say, ‘The LORD is our God.’”
This response from the people signifies acknowledgment and acceptance of God’s sovereignty and lordship. It reflects a mutual relationship where the people recognize and submit to God as their ruler and protector. This echoes the Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4-5, where the declaration of God’s oneness and the call to love Him with all one's heart is central to the faith of Israel.