Zachariah 13:7 says that God will strike the Shepherd and scatter the sheep. This is interpreted as a Messianic prophecy. This verse emphasizes an intimate relationship between the Shepherd and God. The Shepherd, of course, is Christ Jesus. He is the Son of God as well as the Good Shepherd.
The striking of the Shepherd, of course, refers to His death. Jesus, in both Matthew 26:31 and Mark 14:27, quoted this verse before His arrest. In the Gospels, the disciples were scattered because of His crucifixion. Following this historic event came a severe trial, persecution, and suffering for His followers. This explains the last line of verse 7, “And I will turn my hand against the little one.”
Verses 8-9 speak of the refining of God’s people. Two-thirds of the land will be struck down and perish, leaving one-third. There will be a purging, and the remaining third will be put through the fire like silver and gold. These will call on God’s name and have answers from Him. God will acknowledge them as His people, and they will intimately acknowledge Him, saying, “The Lord is my God.”
Messiah’s suffering will bring two clear experiences to His people: purification and restoration. Firstly, the trials His followers will have to endure are a process of refining. Their character will be strengthened and honed through them. Secondly, there will be a restored relationship between God and His people. They will see Him as their Lord, and He will claim them to be His people. Today, we must focus on strengthening our relationship with God through Christ our Lord. He wants to use life’s trials to refine and improve our faith and shape our character.
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