These last chapters of Zechariah are largely concerned with God’s protection and restoration of his people: “And on that day I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child, and weep bitterly over him, as one weeps over a firstborn” (12:9,10). Also: “On that day there shall be a fountain opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and uncleanness. (Zech. 13:1).
A focus, it seems, specifically, upon the house of David and, also, one who is “pierced.” In fact, John quotes 12:10 in reference to Christ’s death: “They will look on him whom they have pierced” (John 19:37). All in all, here are clear references to sorrow and repentance on the part of the people and forgiveness of the Lord, which will come through the one who is pierced, the one whose birth is soon to be revealed in our reading, but not just yet. Clearer and clearer it is that the Old Testament regularly points us to one who is coming, and the New Testament tells of his having come, all according to God’s good plan and with such blessing for all who believe in him. Charles Wesley wrote about this fountain opened to us and which cleanses from sin (13:1).
Plenteous grace with thee is found,
grace to cover all my sin;
let the healing streams abound;
make and keep me pure within.
Thou of life the fountain art;
freely let me take of thee;
spring thou up within my heart,
rise to all eternity. –Charles Wesley, 1731