Unveiling the Pierced Messiah in Zechariah 12: The Ultimate Case!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Context of Zechariah Chapter 12
   1. The Messianic Interpretation
   2. The Two Messiahs in Judaism
3. The Argument for a Future Battle
   1. Context of Zechariah 12:2-3
   2. The Words "Pierced" and "Slain" in the Hebrew Bible
4. The Davidic Messiah in Zechariah
   1. The Sprout/Branch of David
   2. The House of David and Mourning
   3. The Priestly Role of the Davidic Messiah
5. The Interpretation of John and the New Testament
   1. John 19:37 and Revelation 1:7
   2. The Identity of the "Me" and "Him" in Zechariah 12:10
6. The Misinterpretation Objection
   1. The Hebrew Syntax of "At The Shell"
   2. The Selective Interpretation of John 19
   3. The Intentional Interpretation of Zechariah 12:10 by John
7. Conclusion

📃 The Messiah in Zechariah: A Study of Zechariah Chapter 12

The book of Zechariah contains a prophecy about the coming of the Messiah, specifically in Zechariah Chapter 12 verse 10. While it is commonly believed among believers that this passage refers to the pierced Messiah, there are objections to this Messianic interpretation. In this article, we will explore the context of Zechariah Chapter 12, delve into the arguments surrounding the interpretation of this passage, discuss the role of the Davidic Messiah, and examine the New Testament's perspective on this prophecy.

🌌 The Context of Zechariah Chapter 12

🌟 The Messianic Interpretation

Many believers, both Jewish and Christian, view the prophecy in Zechariah 12:10 as referring to the Messiah. This interpretation is supported by the fact that this verse is quoted in the New Testament, specifically in John 19:37, where it is described as being fulfilled during the crucifixion scene. Additionally, in the book of Revelation, there is a merging of quotations from both Daniel and Zechariah that further reinforces the Messianic interpretation.

🌟 The Two Messiahs in Judaism

However, in Judaism, there is a belief in two different Messiahs. In some rabbinic Judaism circles, there is a distinction made between the Messiah, son of David, and the Messiah, son of Joseph. According to this belief, the Messiah, son of Joseph, will come before the Messiah, son of David, and will die in a final battle. This perspective does not deny the Messianic interpretation of Zechariah 12:10 but asserts that it does not refer to the Messiah, son of David, or Jesus.

🌌 The Argument for a Future Battle

It is argued by some that the context of Zechariah Chapter 12 is about a battle in the last days, and therefore, the pierced one referred to in this passage must be someone who dies in this final battle. They point to verses 2 and 3 of Zechariah 12, which describe a battle against Jerusalem and Judah, and assert that the person who is pierced will be slain in the future. The word "pierced" is used in other biblical passages to refer to those slain in battle, supporting this interpretation.

However, a closer examination of the entire book of Zechariah reveals a different perspective. Throughout the book, there is a prevalent theme of the coming of the Davidic Messiah, not the Messiah, son of Joseph. This Davidic Messiah is identified as the "Sprout" or "Branch" of the Lord, drawing from God's promise to David in 2 Samuel 23:5. This Messiah is seen as dying for Israel's sins and is connected to the House of David through various references in Zechariah.

🌌 The Davidic Messiah in Zechariah

In the first half of the book (chapters 1-8), there are references to the Sprout or Branch, which scholars agree refers to the Davidic Messiah. The second half of the book (chapters 9-14) continues this theme with a clear reference to the promised Davidic Messiah in Zechariah 9:9. The Davidic Messiah is described as coming on a donkey's colt, drawing from Genesis 49:10-11.

The Sprout or Branch of the Lord is also tied to the forgiveness of sins in both Zechariah 3:8-9 and Zechariah 13:1. Scholars typically divide the book of Zechariah into two halves, with the Davidic Messiah being a key theme in both sections.

🌌 The Interpretation of John and the New Testament

The New Testament, especially the Gospel of John, aligns with the Messianic interpretation of Zechariah 12:10. John quotes this verse in John 19:37 as being fulfilled during Jesus' crucifixion. While John uses the third-person plural in this quote, it is clear that the piercing refers to Jesus' crucifixion. Additionally, in Revelation 1:7, John quotes the verse again, emphasizing a future fulfillment when Jesus returns.

This interpretation is consistent with the popular Messianic Jewish perspective, which views Zechariah 12:10 as pointing to Jesus as the pierced Messiah. There is no contradiction between the New Testament and this interpretation; in fact, they are in agreement. Both see this verse as fulfilled in Jesus' crucifixion and anticipate a future fulfillment when Jesus returns.

🌌 The Misinterpretation Objection

It is argued by some that John intentionally misquoted Zechariah 12:10 to fit his own theological agenda. The objection claims that John changed "me" to "him" to forcibly interpret Jesus as the pierced one. However, this objection is flawed and ignores the literary and theological freedom that biblical authors often exercised when quoting and interpreting Old Testament passages.

It is essential to understand that biblical authors regularly change the texts they quote to provide a specific interpretation or highlight a particular aspect. This is not to misinterpret or distort the original text, but rather to shed light on its meaning and significance in light of their own circumstances and understanding.

Ultimately, John's choice to interpret Zechariah 12:10 as referring to Jesus is consistent with the broader theology of Zechariah and the Hebrew Bible. It recognizes the divinity of Jesus and his role as both Messiah and God in the flesh.

📝 Conclusion

In conclusion, the Messianic interpretation of Zechariah 12:10 is well-supported by the context, the New Testament, and the broader themes of the Hebrew Bible. The objections raised against this interpretation can be addressed through a thorough examination of the text and its literary and theological nuances. We encourage all readers to study and interpret these verses carefully, seeking to understand the richness of their meaning and their significance in the larger narrative of God's redemptive plan.