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Zechariah 12:6

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In that day will I make the governors of Judah like an hearth of fire among the wood, and like a torch of fire in a sheaf; and they shall devour all the people round about, on the right hand and on the left: and Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place, [even] in Jerusalem.

In that day {H3117} will I make {H7760} the governors {H441} of Judah {H3063} like an hearth {H3595} of fire {H784} among the wood {H6086}, and like a torch {H3940} of fire {H784} in a sheaf {H5995}; and they shall devour {H398} all the people {H5971} round about {H5439}, on the right hand {H3225} and on the left {H8040}: and Jerusalem {H3389} shall be inhabited {H3427} again in her own place, even in Jerusalem {H3389}.

When that day comes, I will make the leaders of Y'hudah like a blazing fire pan in a pile of wood, like a fiery torch among sheaves of grain; they will devour all the surrounding peoples, on the right and on the left. Yerushalayim will be inhabited in her own place, Yerushalayim.

On that day I will make the clans of Judah like a firepot in a woodpile, like a flaming torch among the sheaves; they will consume all the peoples around them on the right and on the left, while the people of Jerusalem remain secure there.

In that day will I make the chieftains of Judah like a pan of fire among wood, and like a flaming torch among sheaves; and they shall devour all the peoples round about, on the right hand and on the left; and they of Jerusalem shall yet again dwell in their own place, even in Jerusalem.

Commentary

Commentary on Zechariah 12:6 (KJV)

Zechariah 12:6 is a powerful prophetic verse found within a section of Zechariah that describes future events concerning Jerusalem, often referred to as the "burden concerning Israel" (Zechariah 12:1). This chapter speaks of a time when Jerusalem will be a significant point of contention for all nations, yet God will supernaturally defend and empower His people.

Context

The phrase "In that day" is a recurring eschatological marker in prophetic books, including Zechariah, pointing to a specific future period, often associated with the Day of the Lord, the Messianic era, or the end times. Chapter 12 details God's divine intervention on behalf of Jerusalem and Judah against their surrounding enemies. It sets the stage for a dramatic conflict where God Himself fights for His people, transforming them into formidable instruments of His will.

Key Themes

  • Divine Empowerment and Protection: God declares He will make the "governors of Judah" (representing the leadership and, by extension, the people) incredibly powerful and effective against their enemies. This isn't their inherent strength but a supernatural endowment from God.
  • Decisive Victory Over Adversaries: The imagery of fire consuming wood and a sheaf signifies complete and overwhelming defeat for the nations arrayed against Judah. The "people round about" will be utterly vanquished.
  • Restoration and Security of Jerusalem: Amidst the conflict and the destruction of enemies, the verse emphatically reiterates that "Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place, even in Jerusalem." This highlights the city's enduring significance and God's commitment to its restoration and secure dwelling, a theme echoed in other prophecies about Jerusalem's future.

Linguistic Insights and Symbolism

The Hebrew phrase for "In that day" is bayyom hahu (בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא), which consistently points to a future, divinely appointed time of significant events. The metaphors used are vivid:

  • "Hearth of fire among the wood" (כְּכִּיּוֹר אֵשׁ בְּעֵצִים): A hearth is a burning brazier or firepot. When placed among wood, it consumes it entirely. This illustrates the destructive power God will give to Judah's leaders against their enemies.
  • "Torch of fire in a sheaf" (וּכְלַפִּיד אֵשׁ בְּעָמִיר): A torch igniting a bundle of dry grain or straw (a sheaf) would cause a rapid, uncontrollable blaze. This imagery emphasizes the swift and complete destruction of the surrounding peoples.
  • "Governors of Judah": While literal leaders are indicated, this can also represent the spirit and effectiveness of the people of Judah as a whole, empowered by God for their defense.

Practical Application

While Zechariah 12:6 has a specific eschatological and national fulfillment for Israel, its underlying principles offer encouragement to believers today:

  • God's Protection for His People: Just as God promises to defend Judah, He assures His followers of His constant presence and protection, even amidst opposition. We are called to put on the full armor of God and stand firm.
  • Divine Empowerment for Purpose: God equips those He calls. When facing spiritual battles or challenges, believers can trust that God provides the necessary strength and wisdom to overcome, making them effective instruments for His kingdom.
  • Assurance of God's Promises: The steadfast promise that "Jerusalem shall be inhabited again" underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. This principle applies to all of God's promises in Scripture, assuring us that He will bring His plans to fruition, no matter the obstacles.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Obadiah 1:18 (4 votes)

    And the house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame, and the house of Esau for stubble, and they shall kindle in them, and devour them; and there shall not be [any] remaining of the house of Esau; for the LORD hath spoken [it].

  • Micah 5:5 (3 votes)

    And this [man] shall be the peace, when the Assyrian shall come into our land: and when he shall tread in our palaces, then shall we raise against him seven shepherds, and eight principal men.

  • Micah 5:8 (3 votes)

    And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the Gentiles in the midst of many people as a lion among the beasts of the forest, as a young lion among the flocks of sheep: who, if he go through, both treadeth down, and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver.

  • Zechariah 2:4 (3 votes)

    And said unto him, Run, speak to this young man, saying, Jerusalem shall be inhabited [as] towns without walls for the multitude of men and cattle therein:

  • Micah 4:13 (2 votes)

    Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion: for I will make thine horn iron, and I will make thy hoofs brass: and thou shalt beat in pieces many people: and I will consecrate their gain unto the LORD, and their substance unto the Lord of the whole earth.

  • Isaiah 9:20 (2 votes)

    And he shall snatch on the right hand, and be hungry; and he shall eat on the left hand, and they shall not be satisfied: they shall eat every man the flesh of his own arm:

  • Psalms 149:6 (2 votes)

    ¶ [Let] the high [praises] of God [be] in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand;