ZECHARIAH 12

GOD PROTECTS JERUSALEM + PROPHECIES THE CRUCIFIXION 

Zechariah prophesied a future event where Jerusalem would become a place of both conflict and divine intervention. God will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all nations, and anyone who tries to move it will be injured, symbolizing the city's importance and God’s unshakable defense. God will cause chaos and confusion amongst Israel’s opposition. Because of God’s spirit, even the most weak and feeble will have the strength of mighty warriors, equivalent to the strength of David!

God will pour out His Spirit of grace and mercy upon the Israelites, leading them to repentance and deep mourning. Their sorrow will be like mourning for an only child, the one whom they have pierced. While this could have referred to violence against others or self-harm as attempts to appease false gods, it also foreshadows the future crucifixion of Christ, who was pierced for the sins of God’s people (see Matthew 27, John 19).