Zechariah 12:7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The persecuted ones were “drowned in the sea and covered by the deep” (Exodus 15:4) and “sunk like lead in the mighty waters” (Exodus 15:10), yet those delivered crossed over safely. By night, they were guided by a pillar of fire, while a cloud provided shade during the day. They partook of heavenly bread and were preserved in the desert from the bites of serpents, triumphing over their foes, crossing the Jordan, receiving circumcision with stone implements, and entering the promised land. These blessings Christ bestows upon those who seek His Church. He will rescue them by liberating them from the snares of the adversary and extricating them from demonic dominion, leading them through the trials and vanities of this life as if passing through the sea. He presents Himself as their glorious support and beacon for those in darkness, becomes their bread of life, and renders the bites of spiritual serpents powerless. He will also guide them through the Jordan, purifying them through spiritual circumcision, ushering them into the heavenly kingdom. Such gifts He offers to His faithful servants, safeguarding them so that “the praise of the house of David be not magnified”—the rulers over the Jews—thus preventing the citizens of the earthly Jerusalem from boasting against Judah. They exhibited pride and arrogance towards those who had faith in Christ and Emmanuel, persistently referencing the ancient laws imparted by Moses and the legacy bestowed upon their ancestors. They once demanded, “What sign do You give that we may see and believe in You? Our forefathers ate manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat’” (John 4:30-31), or “We know that God spoke to Moses, but we do not know where You come from” (John 9:29). Thus, he articulates that the God of all wonders will perform a miracle for us, though not as overtly as in the past, but in a spiritual sense, delivering us who reside in our own communities, thereby preventing the Jews and their rulers from boasting of our faith. This, I believe, epitomizes what is meant by “praise to the house of David.”

They will consume on the right and on the left, destroying all surrounding nations, allowing Jerusalem to reclaim its safety without fear of invasions. They will rebuild the cities, fortifications, communities, and homes of the tribe of Judah that lay in ruins, restoring them to their former splendor. The royal house, the noble leaders of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem will no longer be revered merely because of their rulership, but they will understand that true victory over them and Judah belongs to the Lord.

As for the events of this prophecy, they have either been fulfilled or are yet to come to pass. We leave the assurance of the fulfillment and their interpretation to God's judgment and to His saints, who have received the spirit of wisdom and truth. During the persecution of the Church, when the Lord brings peace back to Jerusalem and defeats the adversary with the breath of His mouth, the leaders of the Christians will become like a fiery furnace amid the wood, consuming unfruitful trees, and a burning coal among the straw, reducing to ashes all that resembles chaff easily swept away by every wind of doctrine.

The chiefs of Judah, he states, will devour those who stray from the true path and ignore the dangers of extremes; thus, the people of the Lord commit to walking neither to the right nor the left, but on the right path. This righteous path reflects moderate behavior, while luxury represents the left; the true middle grounds are characterized by temperance. Those on the right are reminded not to be overly righteous, while those on the left are warned that such ways lead to corruption; they will be consumed by the devouring fire, leading to the destruction of their enemies. Following their demise, Jerusalem, symbolizing the Church, will be restored to its former glory and position; the tents of Judah will be saved, and congregations of Christians will flourish around the world. From these gatherings, we aspire to move toward that eternal dwelling not made by human hands, the heavenly Jerusalem. Consequently, the homes of the people and all who bear the Christian name will regain their peace, after the church leaders have been besieged and driven away, so that neither the teachers nor the instructors presume peace returns due to their own wisdom, but recognize that it is by the Lord’s assistance.