In this chapter, Zechariah looks to the day when the enemies of Jerusalem will be destroyed and the city and nation will be restored. The phrase, in that day, is used six times in the chapter. However, when that day comes, the Jews will mourn for their sins which they have committed, especially when they look on the one they have pierced.

What Does It Say?

1. God promises to make Jerusalem a cup of _________________.
2. The Lord will smite every horse with _______________ and his rider with ____________.
3. The Lord will make the governors of Judah like an hearth of __________ among the __________.
4. The Lord will also save the tents of ___________ first.
5. He that is ___________ at that day shall be as David.

What Does It Mean?

1. This chapter begins, “The burden of the word of the LORD for Israel.” A similar burden of the word of the Lord is referred to in Zechariah 9:1The burden of the word of the LORD in the land of Hadrach, and Damascus shall be the rest thereof: when the eyes of man, as of all the tribes of Israel, shall be toward the LORD.
   See All...; Zechariah 12:1The burden of the word of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him.
   See All...; Malachi 1:1The burden of the word of the LORD to Israel by Malachi.
   See All.... Notice also places like the following where the burden is connected to a place: Isaiah 13:1The burden of Babylon, which Isaiah the son of Amoz did see.
   See All...; Isaiah 15:1The burden of Moab. Because in the night Ar of Moab is laid waste, and brought to silence; because in the night Kir of Moab is laid waste, and brought to silence;
   See All...; Isaiah 17:1The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.
   See All...; Isaiah 19:1The burden of Egypt. Behold, the LORD rideth upon a swift cloud, and shall come into Egypt: and the idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in the midst of it.
   See All.... A burden is defined as a load that is carried. It is usually a heavy load that one has to bear. Why do you think the word the Lord gives to the prophets is often referred to as a burden? What are the similarities to a burden one has to carry and the word they preached? How does this apply to a modern-day preacher and his message?      
2. Of the future Jews, Zechariah states: “and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced” (v.10). Who is this? What is happening here? See John 19:33-37 [33] But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: [34] But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. [35] And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. [36] For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. [37] And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.
   See All....
3. Verse twelve refers to the house of David and to the house of Nathan. Although there was a prophet named Nathan who dealt much with David, this verse probably deals with another Nathan, David’s son. Compare 2Samuel 5:14
   See All... with Luke 3:31Which was the son of Melea, which was the son of Menan, which was the son of Mattatha, which was the son of Nathan, which was the son of David,
   See All... and tell why the Lord might have had Zechariah refer to Nathan, the son of David, in a separate way. What is so important about David’s son Nathan?

What Does It Mean to Me?

1. In verse three, we read: “And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.” What is being pictured here? What else can act as a burdensome stone? Read Acts 5:38-39 [38] And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: [39] But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.
   See All...; Acts 9:5And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
   See All...; Isaiah 45:9Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands?
   See All.... What do these passages have in common with Zechariah 12:3And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.
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2. The Lord is going to pour upon the Jewish people “the spirit of grace and supplications” (v.10). What is the spirit of grace? What is the spirit of supplications (see Jeremiah 31:9They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn.
   See All...; Ephesians 6:18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
   See All...)? How do grace and supplications fit together? Note: this is a question for thought and meditation; not one for which you are likely to find an absolute answer. Give it some thought and let the Holy Spirit teach you.

Suggested Memory Verses

Zechariah 12:1The burden of the word of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him.
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