Exegetical Studies in Zechariah -- By: Charles Lee Feinberg

Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 103:409 (Jan 1946)
Article: Exegetical Studies in Zechariah
Author: Charles Lee Feinberg


Exegetical Studies in Zechariah

Charles Lee Feinberg

(Continued from the October-December Number, 1945)

IV. The Future of The World Power, Israel
and the Kingdom of Messiah, 9-14

B. The Second Burden, 12-14 .

2. Israel Cleansed of Her Sin, 13:1-6 .

The connection between chapters 12 and 13 is so close that a chapter division is really uncalled for. The same people, the same subject, and the same time are in view in both chapters. The relationship between 12:10–14 and 13:1–6 is not only logical but chronological as well. Once Israel is brought to a penitent condition and is brought face to face with her crucified Messiah, then the abundant provision of God for cleansing will be appropriated.

The prophet Zechariah foretells that glad day in the following words: “In that day there shall be a fountain opened for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness” (v. 1). The godly sorrow of Israel will not be in vain. The prophetic period under consideration is the same as that in chapter 12. The root of the word מקור is the verb “to dig,” hence a place dug out, a spring, a fountain. Compare Jeremiah 2:13 and 17:13 where the same noun refers to the Lord Himself as the Fountain of living waters. A fountain is considered shut up as long as it is concealed in the rock, but opened when it gushes forth (so Hengstenberg in loco). See Isaiah 35:6 and 41:18 for similarity of thought; the grammatical constructions are not the same, however. Pusey has pointed out (in loco) that the periphrastic construction has the force of permanence: the fountain will not only be opened, but remain open. What is promised for the house of David and

the people of Jerusalem is applicable to the whole nation.1 Compare Ezekiel 36:24–25. The fountain will avail for the cleansing of sin and uncleanness. The last words of the verse recall the terminology of the Levitical ceremonies and cleansings. There may be allusion here in the first instance to the water whereby the Levites were consecrated to their priestly office, specifically, t...

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