Zechariah 12:11

In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem, as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon.

In that day {H3117} shall there be a great {H1431} mourning {H4553} in Jerusalem {H3389}, as the mourning {H4553} of Hadadrimmon {H1910} in the valley {H1237} of Megiddon {H4023}.

When that day comes, there will be great mourning in Yerushalayim, mourning like that for Hadad-Rimmon in the Megiddo Valley.

On that day the wailing in Jerusalem will be as great as the wailing of Hadad-rimmon in the plain of Megiddo.

In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem, as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon.

Commentary

Zechariah 12:11 describes a profound, future lamentation in Jerusalem, using a powerful historical comparison to convey its intensity. This verse is part of a larger prophecy concerning the "Day of the Lord," a time of divine intervention, judgment, and ultimate salvation for Israel.

Context

This verse follows a vivid description of God's supernatural protection of Jerusalem against invading nations (Zechariah 12:1-9). Immediately preceding it, Zechariah 12:10 prophesies that the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem will look upon "him whom they have pierced" and mourn for him as one mourns for an only son. Verse 11 then intensifies this description, emphasizing the scale and depth of this national sorrow.

Key Themes

  • Eschatological Mourning: The phrase "In that day" points to a future, decisive period, often associated with the end times and the second coming of the Messiah. The mourning described is not merely grief but a deep spiritual lamentation and repentance.
  • National Repentance: This great mourning is inextricably linked to Israel's recognition of the Messiah they had previously rejected. It signifies a profound national turning to God, acknowledging their past blindness and sin.
  • Historical Allusion: The comparison to "the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon" refers to a historical event of immense national sorrow. Most scholars associate this with the death of King Josiah at Megiddo (2 Kings 23:29-30; 2 Chronicles 35:20-25). Josiah was a righteous king, and his untimely death was a catastrophic loss for Judah, leading to widespread and intense lamentation. By referencing this historical tragedy, Zechariah emphasizes the unparalleled depth of the future mourning.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "mourning" is misped, which denotes a loud, often ritualistic lamentation, typically expressed through wailing, weeping, and other outward signs of profound grief. It's a deep, communal expression of sorrow, often associated with funerals or national calamities.

Significance and Application

Zechariah 12:11 paints a picture of a future spiritual awakening for the nation of Israel, marked by profound repentance and sorrow for their past rejection of Jesus Christ, their true Messiah (as prophesied in John 19:37 and Revelation 1:7). This mourning is not despair but a necessary step towards national restoration and spiritual healing. For believers today, this verse serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the ultimate triumph of God's redemptive plan, which includes a future for Israel. It also underscores the importance of true repentance, which involves deep sorrow for sin and turning towards God.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 35:24 (5 votes)

    His servants therefore took him out of that chariot, and put him in the second chariot that he had; and they brought him to Jerusalem, and he died, and was buried in [one of] the sepulchres of his fathers. And all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah.

  • 2 Kings 23:29 (5 votes)

    In his days Pharaohnechoh king of Egypt went up against the king of Assyria to the river Euphrates: and king Josiah went against him; and he slew him at Megiddo, when he had seen him.