Zechariah 13 – In That Day
In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness. Zechariah 13:1 KJV
As we begin to look more in-depth at chapter 13 we read there will be a fountain open to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness. Now it is important to see that this scripture begins with “in that day”. This means when their spiritual eyes are finally opened to their Messiah, the day when they accept Jesus. This is in reference to the day of their salvation.
Jesus’ blood washes us from sin and uncleanness. If the Israelites have not accepted Jesus as their savior then they still need to be free from sin and washed from uncleanliness. Through the acceptance of Jesus this will occur. This is the fountain that is referred here because a fountain is a water source and a source of life. Zechariah says this fountain is open for the house of David (Judah) and the inhabitants of Jerusalem which will address their sin and uncleanness.
For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light. Psalm 36:9 KJV
The Lord Jesus is that fountain of life. He is the one who brings life to the Israelites and salvation has finally arrived “in that day“.
And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: Romans 11:25 KJV
I believe this scripture from Paul fits perfect right here because the Lord will begin to turn away ungodliness from Jacob (Israel).
And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord of hosts, that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered: and also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land. Zechariah 13:2 KJV
In the book of Revelation 13 we are told the beast will cause people to worship the name of the beast, worship idols of the beast and much more. In this scripture Zechariah is telling us the Lord will get rid of the idols and the prophets and cause the unclean spirits to pass out of the land. These prophets are not prophets of God and we know unclean spirits are of the devil. The Lord will get rid of them.
In the following scriptures after verse 13:2 Zechariah tells us how these prophets will prophesy but it is not in the name of the Lord and their mothers and fathers will kill them. We see the result of this type of prophesying in Deuteronomy.
But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. Deuteronomy 18:20 KJV
As I read the scriptures I feel like the Holy Spirit is also connecting other passages from the Bible that link the events together. The scripture that mentions 45 days comes to my heart.
Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days. Daniel 12:12 KJV
If we subtract 1290 from 1335 days it appears there are 45 days from the time the abomination is set up and the scripture Daniel mentions above. Could it be there are 45 days before the Lord descends? 45 days would possibly seem like the “wilderness” for Jacob but the Lord will deliver them.
* Before the Day of the Lord *
Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the Lord of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones. Zechariah 13:7 KJV
Before the Lord returns the sword will be lifted against Israel and the sheep will be scattered. This scripture is an emphasis that there will be instability and unrest during a period of time. The Israelites will be scattered but the Lord will turn his hand upon the little ones. These are the ones who are in the midst of the evil, he will protect them.
Similar to the first century when the Jews accepted Jesus as their messiah there were killings (persecution) and the sheep were scattered. These sheep who are scattered are the converts of the end times.
And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the Lord, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein. Zechariah 13:8 KJV
During those unstable times people will die. This scripture, at almost the end of the next chapter, grabs attention because it states there will be a 1/3 left in Israel. Before the Lord performs all he will do there are some events that will occur. As we read in some of the scriptures in the chapter before we get a glimpse of the events leading to the remaining third which is left in the land. 2/3 of the people will have died and now these last remaining people will have a tough time ahead.
And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God. Zechariah 13:9 KJV
As it is written in the scripture above this remaining third will go through some trying times. In the book of Revelation it says the two witnesses will prophesy for 3.5 years. A third of the population will face challenges but they will be refined. They will endure trials and temptations to give in, surrender to the enemy but they will call upon the name of the Lord. He will strengthen them. The Lord will refine them similar to the process of removing any impurities in gold and silver. These times for Israel are also known as “Jacob’s trouble”.
Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble, but he shall be saved out of it. Jeremiah 30:7 KJV
If you have ever gone through challenges or difficult times you understand what this means. You pray and you seek God and He may give you a word of encouragement through an example in the Bible you happen to be reading, or through another person which is exactly what you needed to hear. There are times he provides the way of escape like the scriptures say. Our job is to not lose faith, remain faithful until the end. We may feel like we are in the wilderness but he does come through for us every time. Thank you Jesus! The 1/3 that is left will experience all kinds of things but they will keep holding on to the Lord as their refuge no matter what is thrown their way.
We will close for now but come back to read more as we continue to break down the next chapter in the next post.
