Zechariah 14:12

And this shall be the plague wherewith the LORD will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth.

And this shall be the plague {H4046} wherewith the LORD {H3068} will smite {H5062} all the people {H5971} that have fought {H6633} against Jerusalem {H3389}; Their flesh {H1320} shall consume away {H4743} while they stand {H5975} upon their feet {H7272}, and their eyes {H5869} shall consume away {H4743} in their holes {H2356}, and their tongue {H3956} shall consume away {H4743} in their mouth {H6310}.

ADONAI will strike all the peoples who made war against Yerushalayim with a plague in which their flesh rots away while they are standing on their feet, their eyes rot away in their sockets, and their tongues rot away in their mouths.

And this will be the plague with which the LORD strikes all the peoples who have warred against Jerusalem: Their flesh will rot while they stand on their feet, their eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongues will rot in their mouths.

And this shall be the plague wherewith Jehovah will smite all the peoples that have warred against Jerusalem: their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their sockets, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth.

Commentary

Zechariah 14:12 KJV presents a vivid and terrifying prophecy concerning the divine judgment that will befall nations that oppose Jerusalem in the last days. This verse is part of a larger eschatological vision detailing the "Day of the LORD" and God's ultimate triumph.

Context of Zechariah 14:12

Chapter 14 of Zechariah describes a pivotal moment in prophetic history: the final battle for Jerusalem. It opens with all nations gathered against the city, followed by the LORD's direct intervention. The chapter portrays dramatic geological changes, the coming of the Messiah, and the establishment of God's universal kingdom centered in Jerusalem. Verse 12 specifically details the devastating plague unleashed upon those who fought against Jerusalem, emphasizing the severity of God's wrath against His enemies.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment and Retribution: The verse unequivocally declares God's severe punishment for those who wage war against His chosen city and people. It underscores that God will not allow His purposes to be thwarted indefinitely.
  • God's Sovereignty and Protection: Despite Jerusalem facing overwhelming opposition, God intervenes powerfully to defend it, demonstrating His ultimate control over all nations and events. This plague serves as a testament to His unchallengeable authority.
  • Eschatological Warfare and Consequences: This passage provides one of the Bible's most graphic descriptions of the consequences of opposing God in the end times, highlighting the horrific nature of divine wrath. It is a stark warning against defying the Almighty.
  • The Day of the LORD: This plague is a central feature of the prophetic "Day of the LORD," a time of both judgment for the wicked and salvation for the righteous.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "plague" is maggฤ“pฬ„รข (ืžึทื’ึตึผืคึธื”), which frequently denotes a divinely sent affliction or disaster, often associated with judgment (e.g., the plagues in Egypt). The phrase "consume away" comes from the Hebrew verb mฤqaq (ืžึธืงึทืง), meaning "to rot," "decay," or "dissolve." The vivid imagery of flesh, eyes, and tongue decaying while the person stands implies a rapid, horrifying, and inescapable decomposition, a direct and immediate divine act of judgment.

Related Scriptures

The themes of divine judgment and the protection of Jerusalem resonate throughout prophetic literature:

  • Similar descriptions of God's judgment upon nations attacking His people can be found in Ezekiel 38:22, where God brings pestilence, bloodshed, and hailstones upon Gog.
  • The ultimate defeat of those who fight against God and His Christ is also portrayed in the New Testament, notably in Revelation 19:19-21, though the specifics of the judgment differ.
  • Zechariah 12 also speaks of God making Jerusalem "a burdensome stone" for all people, hinting at the future conflict and God's intervention (Zechariah 12:3).

Practical Application and Reflection

While the imagery of Zechariah 14:12 is intensely graphic and speaks to a specific future event, its underlying message holds timeless significance:

  1. God's Justice is Sure: The verse reminds us that God is righteous and will ultimately bring justice upon those who oppose Him and His plans. No evil will go unpunished forever.
  2. Trust in God's Sovereignty: Believers can find comfort in the assurance that God is in control of history, even amidst global conflicts and turmoil. He will ultimately vindicate His people and His purposes.
  3. Seriousness of Opposing God: This passage serves as a sobering warning to all who would stand against God's will or His chosen instruments. The consequences of such opposition are severe and certain.

Zechariah 14:12 underscores the awe-inspiring power and unyielding justice of the LORD, a crucial aspect of His character revealed in the biblical narrative.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“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 โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 66:15

    ยถ For, behold, the LORD will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire.

  • Isaiah 66:16

    For by fire and by his sword will the LORD plead with all flesh: and the slain of the LORD shall be many.

  • Ezekiel 39:17

    And, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD; Speak unto every feathered fowl, and to every beast of the field, Assemble yourselves, and come; gather yourselves on every side to my sacrifice that I do sacrifice for you, [even] a great sacrifice upon the mountains of Israel, that ye may eat flesh, and drink blood.

  • Ezekiel 39:20

    Thus ye shall be filled at my table with horses and chariots, with mighty men, and with all men of war, saith the Lord GOD.

  • Zechariah 12:9

    ยถ And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.

  • Micah 4:11

    Now also many nations are gathered against thee, that say, Let her be defiled, and let our eye look upon Zion.

  • Micah 4:13

    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.
โ† Back