Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.” Zechariah 13:7 KJV
Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, And against the man, My Associate,” Declares the LORD of hosts. “Strike the Shepherd that the sheep may be scattered; And I will turn My hand against the little ones.” Zechariah 13:7 NASB
The Imagery
Zechariah’s prophecy is familiar to us all. In his writing, the cross is viewed as an act of smiting by God. In chapter 10, it is Israel who smites Him; here, it is Jehovah. In this verse, we have the deity of Christ (My fellow), the death of Christ, the dispersion of the nations, and their deliverance in a coming day. God can say a lot in a few words!
The Instrument
The sword is called upon to “wake.” The judgment of God, long dormant in His longsuffering, is now aroused. The picture of the sword may have a two-fold purpose. On the one hand, it reminds us of divine government. The sword is often used as a picture of government (Rom 13:4). But it may also be employed here to suggest the piercing and depth of the Savior’s sufferings. His suffering was not only what men observed. His soul was made an “offering for sin.”
The Intimacy and Identity
The Lord Jesus is characterized by “My Shepherd” and “My fellow.” As the Shepherd, He is faithful and will lay down His life for the sheep. As God’s “Fellow,” He is the One Who has enjoyed fellowship with Jehovah throughout eternity. They have shared the same interests and goals. Here is the only One capable of appreciating all the heart of His Father. Yet this One, so close to His Father’s heart, must be the same One Who is smitten at Calvary.
The Intensity
In this verse, two truths give us insight into the depths of Calvary: it is the “Lord of Hosts,” the omnipotent Lord Who is wielding the sword. His mighty arm and His unerring accuracy will mean one tremendous blow. “Smite” suggests the suddenness and swiftness of the blow that descended when the sword was awakened.
His Intelligence
The Lord Jesus knew all that lay before Him. This is evidenced by His mentioning the verse. The Lord Jesus quoted this verse to His own on His way to Calvary (Matt 36:31) as they made their way to the Garden. He did not quote the verse to evoke self-pity. He cited the Scripture to forewarn them that they would be scattered. Such was His grace and love that He never thought of Himself but of others, even on the way to the cross.
Consider:
The Man Who suffered, the Might with which the Sword was wielded, the measure of His suffering, and the Majesty of the persons involved are all seen in this one verse from Zechariah. All of these elements remind us of the immensity of Calvary’s work and His suffering.