Zechariah 12:1-6

Bible Text

[1] An oracle. The word of Yahweh concerning Israel. Yahweh, who stretches out the heavens, and lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of man within him says: [2] "Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of reeling to all the surrounding peoples, and on Judah also will it be in the siege against Jerusalem. [3] It will happen in that day, that I will make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all the peoples. All who burden themselves with it will be severely wounded, and all the nations of the earth will be gathered together against it. [4] In that day," says Yahweh, "I will strike every horse with terror, and his rider with madness; and I will open my eyes on the house of Judah, and will strike every horse of the peoples with blindness. [5] The chieftains of Judah will say in their heart, 'The inhabitants of Jerusalem are my strength in Yahweh of Hosts their God.' [6] In that day I will make the chieftains of Judah like a pan of fire among wood, and like a flaming torch among sheaves; and they will devour all the surrounding peoples, on the right hand and on the left; and Jerusalem will yet again dwell in their own place, even in Jerusalem.

Jerusalem is Judah’s central city, where God’s people and Davidic kingship were historically concentrated; in this oracle it becomes the focal point of hostile nations and God’s promised defense. Megiddo, in northern Israel’s Jezreel Valley, was a major battlefield and the site associated with Judah’s mourning for King Josiah.

Places in this passage

Zechariah 12:1-6 mentions Jerusalem and Megiddo.

Place data & photos: OpenBible.info (CC BY). Map tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors.