Zechariah 13:1 Commentary and Bible Study

This chapter also has a time signature attached to it which ties it to the coming Messiah and the gospel age. Verse 1 is strongly alluded to by the Lord in John 7:37, and verse 7 is quoted by the Lord and applied to the events which will take place at his arrest, trial and crucifixion. God will provide a remedy, a means of removing sin – transgression, rebellion, deliberate sin – and uncleanness – a depraved, polluted condition of heart. Sin will take us to hell and the good news that a remedy is even possible should attract our utmost attention. The people of the Old Testament also had a remedy for sin and uncleanness provided in the ceremonial law, but this was not the real thing, but more a promise of what Christ would accomplish. It was enough to assure the believing Israelite that God would provide atonement, but the actual opening up of that fountain is far more wonderful still. A fountain is opened up. There is no need for sacrifices anymore. This would be a great shock to Zechariah’s Jewish hearers. This is the passing of the Jewish ritual. Everything will change. This is for the house of David, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Obviously the gospel has gone far beyond those named here, but these stand for believers in all times and places.