Zechariah Sermon Series: Sermon 35
5-25-25 – Jerry Mongello
Zechariah 12 (Part 4) & Zechariah 13 (Part 1)
Midweek Message | Wednesday Night Study – 7:00 P.M.
Topic: The Names of God & Prophetic Fulfillment in Zechariah
We begin tonight with prayer and a review of Zechariah 12, focusing on verses 11–14 before transitioning into Zechariah 13. As previously mentioned, the chapter and verse divisions in Scripture were added by man after the text was written and are not always accurate. Zechariah 12:10 through 13:9 seems best understood as one continuous prophecy.
Zechariah 12:10–14 – National Mourning for the Messiah
In verses 10–14, we see the deep mourning of Israel when they finally recognize “the One whom they have pierced.” The Hebrew word for “mourn” is sapad (saw-fad), meaning to wail or lament deeply—akin to the grief described in Revelation 5, where John weeps because no one is found worthy to open the scroll:
“So I wept much…” (klaiō, Greek – to mourn deeply as for the dead).
This grief is both personal and national. The word grieve is translated from mara—the same root used by Naomi when she says, “Call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me” (Ruth 1:20). This is not mere sorrow; it’s a piercing awareness of loss and guilt.
“The land shall mourn, every family by itself…” (Zechariah 12:12)
The mourning of the house of David, the house of Nathan, the house of Levi, and the house of Shimei signifies the entire remnant of Israel. This is a picture of heartfelt repentance and a broken spirit, in response to the realization of rejecting their Messiah.
Zechariah 13:1 – A Fountain Opened
“In that day a fountain shall be opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and uncleanness.”
This verse speaks of cleansing. The “fountain” points to the cleansing power of the Messiah—fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Cross-references:
- Psalm 51:2–7 – David cries out for inner cleansing.
- Ezekiel 36:25 – God promises to sprinkle clean water on His people.
- Ephesians 5:25–26 – Christ sanctifies and cleanses the Church with the washing of the Word.
- John 1 – Jesus is the Word.
- John 7:38 – Rivers of living water flow from the hearts of believers.
God is the fountain of living water (Jeremiah 2:13), and He alone can purify and restore.
Zechariah 13:2–5 – Removal of Idolatry and False Prophets
“‘In that day,’ says the LORD of hosts, ‘I will cut off the names of the idols from the land…’”
This signals a future time of national cleansing when all false worship and deception will be eradicated.
Cross-references:
- Isaiah 2:17–19 – The Lord alone will be exalted; idols will be abolished.
- Jeremiah 14:14 – God condemns false prophets who speak lies.
- 2 Peter 2:1–3, 15–19 – Warnings against false teachers who exploit with deception.
In ancient Israel, false prophets were condemned to death (Deuteronomy 13:1–5; 18:20). An example is Hananiah, who died after prophesying lies (Jeremiah 28:15–17).
“And it shall come to pass… if anyone still prophesies, then his father and mother… shall thrust him through.” (Zechariah 13:3)
This illustrates the seriousness with which truth and holiness will be upheld in that day.
Zechariah 13:4–5 – Prophets Will Be Ashamed
“They will not wear a robe of coarse hair to deceive…”
False prophets will no longer be able to hide under religious pretenses. They will deny their former roles, claiming instead to be simple laborers. This passage finds clarity in:
- 1 Corinthians 13:8–10 – Prophecies and knowledge are partial and will pass away when the perfect comes.
- Revelation 21:22–23; 22:4–5 – In the New Jerusalem, God Himself is the temple and light. There will be no need for intermediaries.
Closing Thoughts
This section of Zechariah presents a powerful prophetic vision of Israel’s repentance, national cleansing, and the purging of all idolatry and falsehood. It foreshadows both the suffering Messiah and the coming reign of righteousness, offering a glimpse of God’s redemptive plan for His people.
Let us approach this with humility and worship, knowing the same Spirit of grace and supplication is being poured out even now to prepare hearts for the return of our King.
