Journal: Central Bible Quarterly
Volume: CENQ 15:4 (Winter 1972)
Article: Israel’s Divine - Human Messiah: An Examination Of Zechariah 13:6-7
Author: Donald L. Odens

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Israel’s Divine - Human Messiah: An Examination Of Zechariah 13:6-7

Donald L. Odens

Central Baptist Theological Seminary of Minneapolis

The Old Testament is richly endowed with pictures of the Lord Jesus Christ as the Messiah whom God promised to the people of Israel. God’s revelation of Christ progressed in quantity and clarity from the prediction concerning Him as the “seed of the woman” in Genesis 3:15 to the extensive descriptions found in the prophets. Zechariah ministered relatively late in the period of Old Testament revelation. Therefore, it is not surprising that his prophecies of Christ are among the most rich and abundant. An understanding of these prophecies should enable the Christian to appreciate more deeply his personal knowledge of the Savior and to experience a deeper devotion in daily service for Christ.

A division of opinion exists concerning the proper interpretation of Zechariah 13:6–7. Many respected students of the Bible insist that verse six has no immediate connection with verse seven and does not contain a reference to Christ. Others, however, believe that the person addressed in verses six and seven together present an important revelation concerning Him. The problem exists because verse six does not clearly identify the persons involved and also because verse seven seems to introduce a new subject abruptly.

It will be the purpose of this study (1) to present the evidences which lead to a Messianic interpretation of Zechariah 13:6; (2) to answer the objections of those who would not allow a Messianic interpretation; and (3) to present the teaching of Zechariah 13:6–7 concerning the person and work of the Messiah.

Such a study is important if “all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine” (II Tim. 3:16, KJV). All scripture is worthy of proper interpretation but especially that which reveals to men the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, it is important to acknowledge as such the teachings concerning Christ in the Old Testament if the Holy Spirit did

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indeed intend those passages to teach concerning His person and work. If the Holy Spirit did not intend to reveal truth concerning Christ in a particular passage it should not be sought there. The Old Testament scriptures do testify about Christ (Jn. 5:39) and students of God’s Word should be careful to understand correctly each reference concerning Him...

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