Zechariah 13

Zechariah 13:1

IN that day] Namely, when the Messiah shall come into the world.

a fountain opened to the house of David] Namely, the grace of God in the remission of sinnes, and regeneration of the spirit shall be proffered to all beleevers in Christ. A figure taken from the waters of the Temple, and the washings according to the Law. And an allusion unto that, John 19:34.

uncleannesse] Heb. separation for uncleannesse.

Zechariah 13:2

I will cut off] Exodus 23:13. Psalms 16:4. Ezekiel 30:13. Hosea 2:17.

the names of the the idols out of the land] He promiseth that God will also purge them from all superstition, and that their religion shall be pure.

the prophets] Namely, the false prophets, by which are meant all seducers and teachers of lies.

unclean spirit to passe out of the land] That is, the devils wicked and unclean inspirations. The devill is called an unclean spirit, Matthew 12:43. Mark 1:26. For he is the authour of all errour and lying, John 8:44. and also of that corruption which is brought into the true and heavenly doctrine, the which is signified, Revelation 16:13.

Zechariah 13:3

yet prophecie] A representation of the Spirit of knowledge, discretion, and zeale in Christs true Church, to discerne false doctrines, and to oppose them. Figurative termes, taken from that which was commanded against false Prophets, Deut. 13. 5, 6, 9 & 17. 2, &c.

Zechariah 13:4

the prophets shall be ashamed] All false doctrine and worship of former times, shall be removed by the cleare light of the Gospel.

wear a rough garment] Heb. a garment of hair. They shall not dare to counterfeit the true Prophets, who used to wear such kind of garments, 2 Kings 1:8. Isaiah 20:2. Matthew 3:4.

to deceive] Heb. to lie.

Zechariah 13:5

I am no prophet] They shall confesse their former ignorance, and be content to labour for their living.

Zechariah 13:6

one shall say unto him] If it appears that he hath passed through the Churches discipline, because he hath been a seducer, he shall confesse it, and give God the glory, approving of the Churches severitie, used for his correction. A representation of the wonderfull power of the Spirit and light of God, in convincing and correcting the Ministers of errour. See Acts 8:13. & 19. 18, 19.

Zechariah 13:7

Awake, O sword] True it is that for a time my Church shall be an enemy to all manner of false doctrine, and false teachers. But there shall likewise come a time, in which, by my secret providence, Christs true Ministers, according as he himselfe was slain by the Jews, for a false Prophet, shall also be persecuted and slain; whence shall follow a great dispersion of beleevers, and of Churches in the world. He seemeth to have an especiall relation to the times of Antichrist.

my shepherd] Christ, as well in his own person, as in the persons of his faithfull ministers.

my fellow] To shew the unitie of essence, and union of the will of the Father and of the Sonne the Mediatour. See upon Isaiah 5:1. Jeremiah 11:15. John 10:30. & John 17:22.

smite the shepherd] Matthew 26:31. Mark 14:27.

I will turn mine hand] In the generall dispersion, I will gather together, and preserve mine elect, who are poore and weake according to the world. See Chap. 11. 7. 11. Matthew 18:10. 14. James 2:5.

Zechariah 13:8

two parts therein shall be cut off] The greatest part of the world which beare the name of Christians, shall follow errours, and shall perish. See Revelation 13:14. & Revelation 17:18. Or of the Jewes remaining after Christs passion, two parts shall be destroyed, the third part escaping.

the third part shall be left therein] Namely, the elect, which are the lesser number.

Zechariah 13:9

I will bring the third part through the fire] I will by the faith and constancie of those few that escape by many afflictions. See Chap. 14. 2.

refine them as silver is refined] Daniel 11:35. & Daniel 12:10. 1 Peter 1:6-7.