Charles Ellicott Commentary Zechariah 12

The opening of this chapter is similar to that of Zechariah 9:0, and marks the beginning of the second half of these latter prophecies. This prophecy, as far as Zechariah 12:9, seems to recur to the same events as were foretold in Zechariah 9:10: namely, the successful contests of the Maccabean period.

Israel. — Compare Malachi 1:5 and following, and all the tribes of Israel (Zechariah 9:1). Elsewhere, in Zechariah 9-11 , the terms used are Ephraim (Zechariah 9:10; Zechariah 9:13; Zechariah 10:7) and Joseph (Zechariah 10:6), as well as Judah (Zechariah 9:8; Zechariah 9:13; Zechariah 10:3; Zechariah 10:6). These and similar terms were interchangeable after the captivity and refer, with a few exceptions, to the nation of the Jews in general. With this verse compare Isaiah 42:5; Amos 4:13.

The first part of this verse seems to imply that all who would attack Jerusalem would do so to their injury. The second part should perhaps be translated, And also over Judah will be (the trembling, or reeling) in the siege against Jerusalem: that is, Judah would suffer as well as Jerusalem, though, as is promised before and after, they would both come out victorious. This rendering seems, on the whole, the best.

The rendering of the E.V. cannot be supported; while that of the margin requires too much to be supplied. Some would refer back to the opening words of the chapter and render: and also concerning Judah (is this burden of the word of the Lord). The explanation of Ewald, And also upon Judah will it be [incumbent to be occupied] in the siege against Jerusalem, is grammatically correct, as he shows from the expression (1 Chronicles 9:33) upon them [it was incumbent to be occupied] in the work. And, if we could understand by it that Judah was to be co-operating with (not against) Jerusalem in the siege , this translation would have much to recommend it.

A burdensome stone: In lifting it, the builders might lacerate themselves. This means that those who would endeavor to build Jerusalem into the fabric of their own dominion would injure themselves in the attempt.

But some (as Jerome) suppose the figure is borrowed from some kind of athletic sport, such as “lifting the weight”; while others interpret the expression more generally, referring merely to a weight that is too heavy to be borne.

Horse — namely, of the enemy. (Compare Deuteronomy 28:28 with Deuteronomy 30:7.)

Open my eyes. — Compare 1 Kings 8:29.

For shall be, read are. The strength of the fortress of Jerusalem should be the saving of Judah, but that strength would depend on the protection of the Lord of Hosts, their God.