IN THAT DAY (PART ONE) (12:1-14)
Neal Pollard
The late David Pharr contends, “With the exception of Isaiah, there are more Messianic prophecies in Zechariah than in any other prophet” (“Repent and Rebuild–Zechariah, Spiritual Sword, 26.4, 40). In the last six chapters of this book, there is perhaps a higher concentration of Messianic prophecies than anywhere else in the Old Testament. This is signaled both by New Testament writers citing passages from here, but also through a repeated phrase: “in that day” (found 18 times from 9:16 to 14:21). Six of those are in chapter 12. With this phrase, the prophet is disclosing what things will be like when Messiah comes. Zechariah 12 is the second of two oracles with which the book ends (the first being ch. 9-11). It begins, as does the first, with the phrase, “The burden of the word of the Lord…” (1). Whereas the first ends on a down note, the second is full of hope and expectation centered around the coming Christ. There will be deliverance and restoration “in that day.”
The power of this prophecy is that it is declared by the same Lord who created everything, including man (1). In chapter 12, He begins His prophetic promises centering on Jerusalem and Judah as the focus of a needy world (2). Following that are six promises about that day.
Important (3). The world could hurl its attack against Christ’s kingdom, but it will not succeed (Heb. 12:22). Christ is the stone the builders rejected, and His church is built upon the rock of His identity. Even the gates of hades shall not prevail against it (Mat. 16:18-19).
Supported (4-5). It is an unshakable kingdom (Heb. 12:28). Think in terms of spiritual Jerusalem rather than literal Jerusalem, which would no longer be the focal point of God’s special protection (Gal. 4).
Preserved (6-7). Notice the prophet’s focus on the glory of God’s people in that day. They would be the first saved (Rom. 1:16), then salvation would come to the whole world.
Defended (8-9). The divine protection of those who will follow the One to come in that day is further noted here.
Penitent (9-10). In this passage, we have a Messianic prophecy quoted by John (19:37). This is fulfilled at the cross of Calvary, leading people at Jesus’ death to begin to contemplate their own sinfulness and the unjust death of Christ. They will weep over Him.
Sorrowful (11-14). Great mourning would occur among the descendants of kings, prophets, and priests, at the sacrifice of the One who is all of these in one person. Every family would mourn. A personal understanding of our own guilt and His innocence leads to godly sorrow (2 Cor. 7:9-11).
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