Zecheriah: Coming Events and Astronomical Signs

Zechariah 12:5-6
Zechariah 12, Page 7

Bible, KJV Translation
12:5  And the governors of Judah shall say in their heart, The inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be my strength in the LORD of hosts their God.
12:6  In that day will I make the governors of Judah like an hearth of fire among the wood, and like a torch of fire in a sheaf; and they shall devour all the people round about, on the right hand and on the left: and Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place, even in Jerusalem.

Re-evaluation Translation
12:5  And the anointed leaders of Judah will say in their heart, The strength of the inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be [solely] in Yehuveh of hosts their Elohim.
12:6  In that day will I make these anointed leaders of Judah like a cleansing bowl of intense conviction among the people, a source of understand in pure fervor among the group; and they shall bring all the people to completion in both spiritual and practical wisdom: and Jerusalem itself shall again be inhabited.

The Witness and Repentance of Restored Jerusalem
: Commentary on Zechariah 12:1-14 (8 March 2009):

Significant Words and Comments:
Commentary on Zechariah 12:5 (8 March 2009):   “The governors of Judah,” Yehuveh’s anointed leaders and instructors raised up only to guide.
       
The Interlinear Bible provides quite a different perspective on the phrase “the inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be my strength in Yehuveh of hosts their Elohim by the arrangement of the words in the original text. The word sequence reads: “strength to them dwellers of Jerusalem through Yehuveh of hosts their Elohim.” The people of Jerusalem are not the strength of their leaders, as is implied by the K.J.V. and Scriptures translations, but the leaders are recognizing that Yehuveh’s re-establishment of self-direction and self-determination (Zechariah 12:4) is the strength of the people themselves.
        The full glory of 
Zechariah 12:6 is dramatically and tragically lost in the K.J.V. and Scriptures translations. Consider the practical translation which has been concealed here: “In that day will I make the governors [anointed leaders whom Yehuveh raises up to instruct and counsel] of Judah like an hearth [washbasin to correct errors and bring healing] of fire [intense conviction] among the wood [the entire collection of people], and like a torch [brilliant enlightenment] of fire [intense conviction] in a sheaf [gathered people].” Finally, Yehuveh has raised up a righteous leadership which will unselfishly seek the highest good of all the people gathered under their care. Like Yehuveh Himself, they genuinely care for all “that which concerneth” every individual and family. Such leadership can only be established when genuine goodness and righteousness is again established in the hearts of men. Psalms 138:8.
       
“They shall devour [bring to an end, as in, bring to maturity and completion in the knowledge of Yehuveh] all the people round about, on the right hand and on the left.” When these anointed leaders and instructors have done their appointed work among the people, everyone will be complete in his knowledge of Yehuveh’s instructions and ways. Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of My planting, the work of My hands, that I may be glorified.” “It shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy.” “The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth.” Then follows the grand final promise: “Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place.” Isaiah 60:21; 4:3; Zephaniah 3:13 [also Isaiah 4:3-4; 51:2; 62:4; Zechariah 14:20, 21].


Gael Bataman
Originally Written:                 8 March 2009
Latest Update:                       8 March 2009


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