Zechariah 13

V 1–6: FOUNTAIN FLOWING—FAITHFULNESS FOLLOWS Israel’s sin will be cleansed away in that day when a fountain will be flowing ‘for sin and uncleanness’. Separation from sin will become such a priority among the people that a desire to live holy lives will be more important even than family ties. Idolatry and false prophets will be dealt with, and God’s true word will be honoured. V 7: SHEPHERD STRUCK—SHEEP SCATTERED Intermingled with the wonderful prophecy of the end times is the rejection and death of the Lord Jesus Christ, as the Shepherd who will be struck causing the sheep to be scattered. In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus applies this prophecy to Himself and to His fleeing disciples at His arrest. V 8–9: REMNANT REFINED—REDEEMED RESTORED Two thirds of the people will be cut off and one third saved. This is God’s remnant of repentant, refined and redeemed people who will be restored and enter into prayerful communion with God. God will acknowledge them as His people; they will acknowledge Him as their God.