Zechariah 13:2

And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, [that] I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered: and also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land.

And it shall come to pass in that day {H3117}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, that I will cut off {H3772} the names {H8034} of the idols {H6091} out of the land {H776}, and they shall no more be remembered {H2142}: and also I will cause the prophets {H5030} and the unclean {H2932} spirit {H7307} to pass {H5674} out of the land {H776}.

"When that day comes," says ADONAI-Tzva'ot, "I will cut off the very names of the idols from the land, so that no one even remembers them any more. I will also expel the [false] prophets and the spirit of uncleanness from the land;

And on that day, declares the LORD of Hosts, I will erase the names of the idols from the land, and they will no longer be remembered. I will also remove the prophets and the spirit of impurity from the land.

And it shall come to pass in that day, saith Jehovah of hosts, that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered; and also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land.

Commentary

Zechariah 13:2 presents a powerful prophetic declaration from the LORD of hosts concerning a future day of profound spiritual cleansing and restoration for the land of Israel.

Context

This verse is part of a larger prophetic section in Zechariah (chapters 12-14) that describes the ultimate triumph of God's people and the establishment of His kingdom. The phrase "in that day" frequently signals a significant eschatological event, often referring to the Messianic era or the end times, when God intervenes decisively in human history. It immediately precedes prophecies about the smiting of the Shepherd and the purification of a remnant, as seen in Zechariah 13:7.

Key Themes

  • Divine Purification: The central promise is God's active and complete removal of spiritual impurities. He Himself declares, "I will cut off," emphasizing His sovereignty and initiative in this cleansing process.
  • Eradication of Idolatry: Not only will idols be removed, but their "names... shall no more be remembered." This signifies a total obliteration of their influence and memory, reflecting a deep spiritual cleansing where past sins of false worship are utterly forgotten and abolished. This echoes the first commandment to have no other gods.
  • Suppression of False Prophecy: Alongside idolatry, God promises to remove "the prophets and the unclean spirit." This addresses the source of spiritual deception and moral corruption within the community, ensuring that His people will no longer be misled by false teachings or demonic influences.

Linguistic Insights

  • The title "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: YHWH Sabaoth) underscores God's supreme authority and power over all creation, heavenly armies, and earthly forces. It emphasizes His ability to fulfill this grand prophecy of purification.
  • The term "unclean spirit" (Hebrew: ruach tum'ah) refers to a spirit of impurity or defilement. It goes beyond merely human deception, pointing to a supernatural, malevolent influence that drives false religious practices and prophecies. This highlights the profound spiritual battle at play and God's ultimate victory over such forces, as seen in the New Testament's emphasis on testing the spirits.

Practical Application

Zechariah 13:2 offers profound hope and a glimpse into God's ultimate plan for spiritual purity. For believers today, it serves as a reminder of:

  • God's Commitment to Holiness: He actively works to cleanse His people and His creation from all forms of evil, whether overt idolatry or subtle spiritual deception.
  • The Need for Discernment: Just as false prophets and unclean spirits were a threat then, spiritual deception remains a challenge today. We are called to be vigilant and beware of false prophets, relying on God's Word for truth.
  • Future Hope: This verse points to a glorious future where God's presence is unhindered by sin and deception, offering comfort and assurance that evil will not prevail eternally.
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 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

  • 1 Kings 22:22

    And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he said, Thou shalt persuade [him], and prevail also: go forth, and do so.

  • Jeremiah 23:14

    I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah.

  • Jeremiah 23:15

    Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts concerning the prophets; Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall: for from the prophets of Jerusalem is profaneness gone forth into all the land.

  • Hosea 2:17

    For I will take away the names of Baalim out of her mouth, and they shall no more be remembered by their name.

  • Exodus 23:13

    And in all [things] that I have said unto you be circumspect: and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:13

    For such [are] false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:15

    Therefore [it is] no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
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