Zechariah 13 Study Notes

13:1-6 Continuing the theme of reconciliation begun in 12:10 (cp. 5:5-11), the oracle turns to two of the most heinous sins that needed to be washed away—worshiping other gods and prophesying falsely in God’s name. False prophecy is so detestable that a counterfeit prophet’s own parents would kill him.

13:2 Sin as defilement of the land (see Ezk 36:17-19; Hs 1:2) signifies the cancellation of the covenant relationship since the land was an integral element in the covenant promises (Gn 13:15-17; 15:18; 17:8).

13:4-6 A hairy cloak is an allusion to Elijah’s clothes (2Kg 1:8), not necessarily an indication that all prophets dressed this way. The attempt of false prophets to hide their identity involved displaying wounds that were probably self-inflicted (1Kg 18:28). Claiming that the “wounds” were routine from a scuffle with friends would lead to more suspicion because the Hebrew word translated “friends” may denote illicit lovers.

13:7-9 Though the identity of the shepherd is ambiguous, the overall point of the passage is clear: to purge and refine, separating the true from the false. God desires followers worthy of the affirmation that they are my people (see note at 8:7-8). God scattered them and cut off two-thirds in order to gain a remnant that would sincerely say, the Lord is our God. Possibilities for the meaning of “my shepherd” being struck include a flashback to striking the arm of the worthless shepherd (11:17). Alternatively, Jesus’s quote of the lines with regard to his death and his disciples falling away (Mt 26:31) suggests that “shepherd” may have anticipated the messianic King. However, it is possible that Jesus was using the verse proverbially rather than declaring the fulfillment of Zechariah’s prediction.