Zachariah 12:10-14 – The suffering Messiah and repentance

In the closing five verses of Zachariah 12, while the theme points to the Suffering Messiah, it also talks about the outpour of God’s grace and supplication of the inhabitants of Jerusalem. It is as if they will look upon the one they have pierced and mourn for Him as if He is their only firstborn son.

This passage vividly describes a time of deep mourning in Jerusalem, a mourning of immense significance. “The mourning of Hadadrimmon in the plain of Megiddo'’ is a reference that likely refers to the widespread grief over King Josiah’s death, recorded in 2 Kings 23:29. His tragic death in battle at Megiddo and the subsequent mourning serves as a powerful backdrop to the depth of the mourning prophesied here.

The mourning is not just a collective event but also deeply personal and family. The focus on each family mourning separately—including the house of David, Nathan, Levi, and Shimei—underscores the intimate nature of the sorrow, as each family grieves uniquely. Even the mention of husbands and wives mourning separately during this time serves to highlight the intense and personal nature of the grief.

This prophetic mourning is intricately connected to a future time when the people of Israel will profoundly realize their transgressions. This recognition will inevitably lead to national repentance and sorrow. The reason for their grief is made clear in verse 12. It says, “They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourn for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.”

This passage is also widely interpreted as a prophecy of the Messiah. Christians believe it is a reference to Jesus Christ. In describing His crucifixion, John 19:34-37, Jesus was pierced. The piercing of His side by a Roman soldier is seen as a direct fulfillment of Zechariah’s words. This prophecy of the Messiah, who would be pierced and rejected, is a central theme in Christian belief and understanding of the Old Testament.

In a broader sense, the “piercing” symbolizes the Messiah’s rejection and suffering. For Christians, the passage points to a future time when Israel and all people will recognize the Messiah they had rejected, leading to repentance and mourning, as Zechariah describes.

These verses point to Jerusalem’s mourning for the pierced Messiah and recognizing their part in His suffering. This is a symbol of repentance and spiritual awakening, both for Israel and for individuals. This speaks to the need for continual repentance and recognition of Christ's sacrifice. Just as Jerusalem mourns for the pierced one, we are called to regularly reflect on the cross, recognizing our sins that put Jesus there and turning toward Him in repentance and gratitude.

In talking about the “spirit of grace and supplication” verse 10 is a timely reminder of God’s mercy. It encourages us to seek a deeper relationship with Christ. As we reflect on the sacrifice of Christ, we need to confess our failings and allow His grace to transform our lives. There is also a call to corporate reflection. As the church, we must collectively repent for our complacency and the times we stray from our mission.