What happensPermalink
God will open a fountain to cleanse the house of David and Jerusalem from sin and uncleanness. He will remove idolatry, false prophecy, and impurity from the land. False prophets will become ashamed of their former calling and try to conceal it. Then God calls for a sword against His own shepherd; when the shepherd is struck, the sheep scatter. Severe judgment follows, but a third of the people survive and are refined like precious metal. They will call on God, and He will answer, claiming them as His people.
Why it mattersPermalink
The mourning of chapter 12 leads into purification: God intends to cleanse His people thoroughly from sin and false worship. Jesus applies the struck shepherd and scattered sheep to Himself and His disciples in Matthew 26:31. Zechariah then looks beyond judgment to a purified remnant restored to covenant fellowship with God.
Key versePermalink
“Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, against the man who stands next to me,” declares the Lord of hosts. Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered; I will turn my hand against the little ones.