Zechariah 13

Zechariah 13:1

Ephraim - The ten tribes are by seditions, civil wars, unjust sentences, and bloody conspiracies eaten up already. After the commandment - To forbear going to the temple, and to worship the calves at Dan and Bethel, as Jeroboam the son of Nebat commanded.

Zechariah 13:2

A moth - Moths leisurely eat up our clothes; so God was then, and had been, from Jeroboam’s death, weakening the ten tribes. As rottenness - Secretly consuming them.

Zechariah 13:3

His sickness - Weakness, like a consumption, threatening death. Then went - Made application. The Assyrian - Particularly to Israel or Pul.

Zechariah 13:4

Will tear - Divine vengeance by the Assyrians, shall be as a lion tearing his prey.

Zechariah 13:7

Come - The prophet here brings them in, exhorting one another. He hath torn - We now see his hand in all we suffer.

Zechariah 13:8

After two days - After some short time of suffering, God will shew us his favour, and revive our dead state. Revive us - Though we were as dead men, buried in our miseries, yet our merciful God will quicken us. Live - Flourish in peace, wealth, and joy; in righteousness and safety. In his sight - The eye of our God being upon us for good.

Zechariah 13:9

Know - What worship he requires. And the knowledge of God shall be to us a spring of all holy, righteous, sober conversation. Follow on - By a diligent attendance to the word, and works of God, we shall know experimentally, how holy, how good, how faithful God is. His going forth - Before his people; his gracious, faithful, holy, just, and wise providence, for his peoples good and comfort. As the morning - As sure, beautiful, grateful, and as clear as the morning; which dispels the darkness, and proclaims its own approach. As the rain - Which revives, makes it fruitful, beautifies it, and gives a new face to all.