4 "In that day ," declares the Lord , "I will strike every horse with bewilderment and his rider with madness . But I will watch e over the house of Judah , while I strike every horse of the peoples with blindness . 5 "Then the clans of Judah will say in their hearts , 'A strong support for us are the inhabitants of Jerusalem through the Lord of hosts , their God .' 6 "In that day I will make the clans of Judah like a firepot among pieces of wood and a flaming torch among sheaves , so they will consume on the right hand and on the left all the surrounding peoples , while the inhabitants of Jerusalem again dwell on their own sites in Jerusalem . 7 "The Lord also will save the tents of Judah first , so that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem will not be magnified above Judah . 8 "In that day the Lord will defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem , and the one who is feeble among them in that day will be like David , and the house of David will be like God , like the angel of the Lord before them.
9 "And in that day I will set about to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Zechariah 12:4-9
Commentary on Zechariah 12:1-8
(Read Zechariah 12:1-8)
Here is a Divine prediction, which will be a heavy burden to all the enemies of the church. But it is for Israel; for their comfort and benefit. It is promised that God will make foolish the counsels, and weaken the courage of the enemies of the church. The exact meaning is not clear; but God often begins by calling the poor and despised; and in that day even the feeblest will resemble David, and be as eminent in courage and every thing good. Desirable indeed is it that the examples and labours of Christians should render them as fire among wood, as a torch in a sheaf, to kindle the flame of Divine love, to spread religion on the right hand and on the left.
Commentary on Zechariah 12:9-14
(Read Zechariah 12:9-14)
The day here spoken of, is the day of Jerusalem's defence and deliverance, that glorious day when God will appear for the salvation of his people. In Christ's first coming he bruised the serpent's head, and broke all the powers of darkness that fought against God's kingdom among men. In his second coming he will complete their destruction, when he shall put down all opposing rule, principality, and power; and death itself shall be swallowed up in that victory. The Holy Spirit is gracious and merciful, and is the Author of all grace or holiness. He, also, is the Spirit of supplications, and shows men their ignorance, want, guilt, misery, and danger. At the time here foretold, the Jews will know who the crucified Jesus was; then they shall look by faith to him, and mourn with the deepest sorrow, not only in public, but in private, even each one separately. There is a holy mourning, the effect of the pouring out of the Spirit; a mourning for sin, which quickens faith in Christ, and qualifies for joy in God. This mourning is a fruit of the Spirit of grace, a proof of a work of grace in the soul, and of the Spirit of supplications. It is fulfilled in all who sorrow for sin after a godly sort; they look to Christ crucified, and mourn for him. Looking by faith upon the cross of Christ will cause us to mourn for sin after a godly sort.