Zechariah 13:7-9

New International Reader's Version

⁷ “My sword, wake up! Attack my shepherd!
    Attack the man who is close to me,”
    announces the Lord who rules over all.
“Strike down the shepherd.
    Then the sheep will be scattered.
    And I will turn my hand against their little ones.
⁸ Here is what will happen in the whole land,”
    announces the Lord.
“Two-thirds of the people will be struck down and die.
    But one-third will be left.
⁹ I will put this third in the fire.
    I will make them as pure as silver.
    I will test them like gold.
They will call out to me.
    And I will answer them.
I will say, ‘They are my people.’
    And they will say, ‘The Lord is our God.’ ”