Zechariah Sermon Series: Sermon 34
5-18-25 – Jerry Mongello
Zechariah 12: Part 4 & Zechariah 13: Part 1
We began with a review by reading Zechariah 12, covering verses 11–14, and then moved into the beginning of Zechariah 13. As mentioned before, the division of chapters and verses was made by man after the Bible was written, and sometimes the divisions feel misplaced. In this case, Zechariah 12 and Zechariah 13:1–9 likely should have been one continuous chapter.
Zechariah 12:1–14 (NKJV)
“The burden of the word of the LORD against Israel. Thus says the LORD, who stretches out the heavens, lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of man within him…”
(Full passage: Zechariah 12:1–14 NKJV provided above)
Mourning Over the Pierced One
Zechariah 12:10b
“Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn.”
- The word mourn in Hebrew is sapad (saw-fad), meaning to wail, lament, or mourn. It echoes the emotional intensity found in Revelation 5.
Revelation 5:1–5
(A powerful scene of John weeping because no one is found worthy to open the scroll)
- The Greek word used here is klaiō (klah’-yo), meaning to weep in pain or grief, especially as for the dead.
Grieve in Hebrew is mara, conveying bitterness or sorrow from events like the death of a loved one.
Ruth 1:20–21
“Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me…”
A Nation in Mourning
Zechariah 12:11–14 (NKJV)
- The whole house of Israel—represented by individual family lines—mourns.
- This is a deeply moving picture of the national repentance and recognition of the Messiah they once rejected.
Joel 2:12–13
“Turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning…”
Zechariah 13:1 (NKJV)
“In that day a fountain shall be opened for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleanness.”
What day? The same “day” mentioned in Zechariah 12: the day of national mourning, repentance, and revelation.
Supporting Scriptures:
- Psalm 51:2–7 – David’s prayer for cleansing and inner purity.
- Ezekiel 36:25 – Promise of spiritual cleansing.
- Ephesians 5:25–26 – Washing by the water of the Word.
- Jeremiah 2:13 – The “fountain of living waters.”
- John 7:38 – Rivers of living water will flow from the heart of the believer.
Zechariah 13:2 (NKJV)
“It shall be in that day,” says the LORD of hosts, “that I will cut off the names of the idols from the land…”
Cross-References:
- Isaiah 2:17–19 – Idols abolished in the presence of God’s majesty.
- Jeremiah 14:14 – Condemnation of false prophets.
- 2 Peter 2:1–3, 15–19 – Warnings about false teachers and their judgment.
Zechariah 13:3 (NKJV)
“It shall come to pass that if anyone still prophesies… his father and mother… shall thrust him through when he prophesies.”
- This law applied to false prophets in ancient Israel.
- Today, false prophets deceive without consequence, driven by fame and profit.
- Sadly, they persist in every denomination.
Deuteronomy 13:1–5 & 18:20 – Command for the death of false prophets.
Jeremiah 28:15–17 – Hananiah dies for prophesying falsely in God’s name.
Zechariah 13:4–5 (NKJV)
“Every prophet will be ashamed of his vision… ‘I am no prophet, I am a farmer…’”
- This verse is likely clarified by Paul in 1 Corinthians 13.
1 Corinthians 13:8–10
“Prophecies will fail… when that which is perfect has come…”
Revelation 21:22–23 & 22:4–5
In the New Jerusalem, the need for prophecy and symbols will be fulfilled by direct communion with the Lord.
Final Thoughts
Zechariah 12 and 13 present a dramatic transition—from mourning over the Messiah to purification and restoration through Him. These chapters remind us of God’s plan for Israel’s future repentance and spiritual renewal. They also offer a sober warning about false prophecy and a promise that, “in that day,” God will cleanse, restore, and reign as King.
Let us be like those who “look upon the One they pierced” with repentance and awe, turning fully to Him with hearts ready to be cleansed.
