He will say, 'I am not a prophet; I work the land, for I was purchased as a servant in my youth.' He will sayThis phrase indicates a declaration or confession. In the Hebrew text, the verb used here is "אָמַר" (amar), which is a common term for speaking or saying. The context suggests a renunciation or denial of a previous identity or role. Historically, this reflects a time of purification and truth, where false prophets are exposed and must confess their true nature. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of repentance and turning away from falsehood. I am not a prophet
The denial of being a prophet is significant. The Hebrew word for prophet is "נָבִיא" (navi), which traditionally refers to someone who speaks on behalf of God. In the context of Zechariah, this statement is part of a larger narrative where false prophets are being unmasked. This reflects a period of spiritual renewal and authenticity, where individuals can no longer hide behind false claims of divine inspiration. I am a farmer
The term "farmer" here is translated from the Hebrew "אִישׁ עֹבֵד אֲדָמָה" (ish oved adamah), literally "a man working the ground." This phrase emphasizes humility and a return to honest labor. In biblical times, farming was a common and respected occupation, symbolizing a connection to the land and a life of simplicity and integrity. This contrasts with the often lofty and sometimes deceitful claims of false prophets. The land has been my livelihood
The Hebrew word for "land" is "אֲדָמָה" (adamah), which is also the root for the name "Adam," the first man, emphasizing humanity's connection to the earth. The phrase suggests a life sustained by honest work and a reliance on God's provision through the land. This acknowledgment of the land as a source of sustenance reflects a biblical worldview that values stewardship and the blessings of creation. since my youth
This phrase indicates a lifelong commitment and consistency in one's vocation. The Hebrew word for "youth" is "נְעוּרִים" (ne'urim), which often denotes a time of learning and growth. By stating that the land has been his livelihood since youth, the speaker emphasizes a long-standing dedication to a simple, honest life, contrasting with the fleeting and deceptive nature of false prophecy. This highlights the biblical principle of faithfulness and integrity over time. Persons / Places / Events 1. ZechariahA prophet in the Old Testament, Zechariah's messages often focus on the restoration of Israel and the coming of the Messiah. His prophecies are filled with visions and symbolic actions. 2. False ProphetsIn the context of Zechariah 13, false prophets are those who claim to speak for God but do not. This verse indicates a time when false prophets will deny their previous claims. 3. The LandRepresents the agricultural livelihood of the people. In this verse, it symbolizes a return to honest work and a rejection of falsehood. 4. IsraelThe nation to whom Zechariah prophesied, often struggling with idolatry and false teachings. 5. The Day of the LordA future time of judgment and restoration, often referenced in prophetic literature, including Zechariah. Teaching Points Humility in ServiceThe verse emphasizes humility, as the individual denies being a prophet and identifies as a farmer. This teaches us the value of humility in our service to God. Honesty and IntegrityThe rejection of false prophecy in favor of honest work underscores the importance of integrity in our lives. We are called to live truthfully and reject deceit. God's Use of the OrdinaryGod often uses ordinary people to fulfill His purposes. We should not underestimate our role in God's plan, regardless of our occupation or status. Repentance and TransformationThe context of this verse suggests a turning away from falsehood and a return to truth, which is a powerful reminder of the need for repentance and transformation in our lives. Discernment in Spiritual MattersThe passage encourages us to discern true from false teachings, aligning with the broader biblical call to test the spirits and hold fast to what is good. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the humility expressed in Zechariah 13:5 challenge our understanding of leadership and service in the church today? 2. In what ways can we ensure that our work and daily lives reflect honesty and integrity, as seen in the farmer's declaration? 3. How can we discern between true and false teachings in our spiritual communities, and what steps can we take to protect ourselves from deception? 4. Reflect on a time when God used an ordinary aspect of your life for His purpose. How does this encourage you in your current circumstances? 5. How does the theme of repentance and transformation in Zechariah 13:5 relate to the broader message of the Gospel, and how can we apply this in our personal spiritual journey? Connections to Other Scriptures Amos 7:14-15Amos, like the person in Zechariah 13:5, was not a professional prophet but a shepherd called by God. This connection highlights the theme of God using ordinary people for His purposes. Matthew 7:15-20Jesus warns about false prophets, emphasizing the importance of discerning true from false teachings by their fruits. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29Paul speaks about God choosing the lowly and despised things of the world, which aligns with the humble self-identification of the person in Zechariah 13:5. People David, ZechariahPlaces JerusalemTopics Acquired, Bondman, Bondservant, Cattle, Farmer, Ground, Husbandman, Livelihood, Owner, Possession, Prophet, Slave, Soil, Sold, Taught, Tiller, Worker, YouthDictionary of Bible Themes Zechariah 13:4-5 5433 occupations Library The Open Fountain
"Wake, harp of Zion, wake again, Upon thine ancient hill, On Jordan's long deserted plain, By Kedron's lowly rill. The hymn shall yet in Zion swell That sounds Messiah's praise, And thy loved name, Immanuel! As once in ancient days. For Israel yet shall own her King, For her salvation waits, And hill and dale shall sweetly sing With praise in all her gates." Having said thus much, however, we shall now take our text as belonging to ourselves in common with Israel, for in the gospel no promise is …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871The Twenty-Second Psalm.
The Cross of Christ. THE Twenty-second Psalm contains a most remarkable prophecy. The human instrument through whom this prophecy was given is King David. The Psalm does not contain the experience of the King, though he passed through great sufferings, yet the sufferings he speaks of in this Psalm are not his own. They are the sufferings of Christ. It is written in the New Testament that the prophets searched and enquired diligently about the coming salvation. The Spirit of Christ, which was in …
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory Messiah Unpitied, and Without a Comforter
Reproach [Rebuke] hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none. T he greatness of suffering cannot be certainly estimated by the single consideration of the immediate, apparent cause; the impression it actually makes upon the mind of the sufferer, must likewise be taken into the account. That which is a heavy trial to one person, may be much lighter to another, and, perhaps, no trial at all. And a state …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Appendix xix. On Eternal Punishment, According to the Rabbis and the New Testament
THE Parables of the Ten Virgins' and of the Unfaithful Servant' close with a Discourse on the Last Things,' the final Judgment, and the fate of those Christ's Righ Hand and at His Left (St. Matt. xxv. 31-46). This final Judgment by our Lord forms a fundamental article in the Creed of the Church. It is the Christ Who comes, accompanied by the Angelic Host, and sits down on the throne of His Glory, when all nations are gathered before Him. Then the final separation is made, and joy or sorrow awarded …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The Shepherd of Our Souls.
"I am the good Shepherd: the good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep."--John x. 11. Our Lord here appropriates to Himself the title under which He had been foretold by the Prophets. "David My servant shall be king over them," says Almighty God by the mouth of Ezekiel: "and they all shall have one Shepherd." And in the book of Zechariah, "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." …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII The Warning
"And when they had sung a hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives. And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered abroad. Howbeit, after I am raised up, I will go before you into Galilee. But Peter said unto Him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I. And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, that thou today, even this night, before the cock crow twice, shalt deny me thrice. But he spake exceeding …
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. Mark Nature of Covenanting.
A covenant is a mutual voluntary compact between two parties on given terms or conditions. It may be made between superiors and inferiors, or between equals. The sentiment that a covenant can be made only between parties respectively independent of one another is inconsistent with the testimony of Scripture. Parties to covenants in a great variety of relative circumstances, are there introduced. There, covenant relations among men are represented as obtaining not merely between nation and nation, …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting "Seek First the Kingdom of God," &C.
Matt. vi. 33.--"Seek first the kingdom of God," &c. It may seem strange, that when so great things are allowed, and so small things are denied, that we do not seek them. The kingdom of God and his righteousness are great things indeed, great not only in themselves, but greater in comparison of us. The things of this world, even great events, are but poor, petty, and inconsiderable matters, when compared with these. Yet he graciously allows a larger measure of these great things relating to his kingdom …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning His Future Work
The Lord Jesus Christ, who finished the work on earth the Father gave Him to do, who is now bodily present in the highest heaven, occupying the Father's throne and exercising His priesthood in behalf of His people, is also King. To Him belongeth a Kingdom and a kingly Glory. He has therefore a kingly work to do. While His past work was foretold by the Spirit of God and His priestly work foreshadowed in the Old Testament, His work as King and His glorious Kingdom to come are likewise the subjects …
A. C. Gaebelein—The Work Of Christ Judas' Betrayal and Peter's Denial Foretold.
(Jerusalem. Evening Before the Crucifixion.) ^A Matt. XXVI. 21-25, 31-35; ^B Mark XIV. 18-21, 27-31; ^C Luke XXII. 21-23, 31-38; ^D John XIII. 21-38. ^b 18 And ^d 21 When Jesus had thus said, ^b as they sat and were eating, ^d he was troubled in the spirit, and ^b Jesus ^d testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. ^b even he that eateth with me. ^c 21 But behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table. [The foreknowledge of Judas' crime …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Christian's Peace and the Christian's Consistency
PHILIPPIANS i. 21-30 He will be spared to them--Spiritual wealth of the paragraph--Adolphe Monod's exposition--Charles Simeon's testimony--The equilibrium and its secret--The intermediate bliss--He longs for their full consistency--The "gift" of suffering Ver. 21. +For to me, to live is Christ+; the consciousness and experiences of living, in the body, are so full of Christ, my supreme Interest, that CHRIST sums them all up; +and to die+, the act of dying,[1] +is gain+, for it will usher me in …
Handley C. G. Moule—Philippian Studies How to Make Use of Christ for Cleansing of us from Our Daily Spots.
Having spoken of the way of making use of Christ for removing the guilt of our daily transgressions, we come to speak of the way of making use of Christ, for taking away the guilt that cleaveth to the soul, through daily transgressions; "for every sin defileth the man," Matt. xv. 20; and the best are said to have their spots, and to need washing, which presupposeth filthiness and defilement, Eph. v. 27. John xiii. 8-10. Hence we are so oft called to this duty of washing and making us clean. Isa. …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life Zechariah
CHAPTERS I-VIII Two months after Haggai had delivered his first address to the people in 520 B.C., and a little over a month after the building of the temple had begun (Hag. i. 15), Zechariah appeared with another message of encouragement. How much it was needed we see from the popular despondency reflected in Hag. ii. 3, Jerusalem is still disconsolate (Zech. i. 17), there has been fasting and mourning, vii. 5, the city is without walls, ii. 5, the population scanty, ii. 4, and most of the people …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Zechariah 13:5 NIVZechariah 13:5 NLTZechariah 13:5 ESVZechariah 13:5 NASBZechariah 13:5 KJV
Zechariah 13:5 Commentaries
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