| Zechariah 13 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Book | Book of Zechariah |
| Category | Nevi'im |
| Christian Bible part | Old Testament |
| Order in the Christian part | 38 |
Zechariah 13 is the thirteenth of the 14 chapters in the Book of Zechariah in the Hebrew Bible or the Old Testament of the Christian Bible.[1][2][3] This book contains the prophecies attributed to the prophet Zechariah, and is a part of the Book of the Twelve Minor Prophets.[4] This chapter is a part of a section (so-called "Second Zechariah") consisting of Zechariah 9–14.[5] Verses 1–6 may be a part of a section together with 12:1-14, whereas verses 7–9 is a separate part, forming a three-section "entity" with 14:1-21.[6]
The original text was written in the Hebrew language. This chapter is divided into 9 verses.
Some early manuscripts containing the text of this chapter in Hebrew are of the Masoretic Text, which includes the Codex Cairensis (from year 895), the Petersburg Codex of the Prophets (916), Aleppo Codex (930), and Codex Leningradensis (1008).[7][8]
There is also a translation into Koine Greek known as the Septuagint, made in the last few centuries BC. Extant ancient manuscripts of the Septuagint version include Codex Vaticanus (B; B; 4th century), Codex Sinaiticus (S; BHK: S; 4th century), Codex Alexandrinus (A; A; 5th century) and Codex Marchalianus (Q; Q; 6th century).[9]
These verses attack false prophecy, remarkably bracketing together 'the prophets and the unclean spirit'.[10] This section clearly alludes to Amos 7:14 concerning the denial of being a prophet by profession (as opposed to by divine call); also may allude to Deuteronomy 18:20–21 and Jeremiah 23:30–40 about the issue of 'distinguishing between true and false prophecy.'[11]
This part follows the previous one to emphasize that as 'the prophets will be unnecessary, the shepherds will also unnecessary in the eschatological future, because God himself will take drastic action to restore his people. A connection to Zechariah 11:17 has been suggested due to the common theme of "sword" as well as allusions to Ezekiel 5:1–4 (verse 8) and Hosea 2:23 (verse 9d) are deemed plausible.[11]
The medieval French rabbi Rashi interprets "shepherd" as "the one whom [God] appointed over the flock of [His] exile".[13] The Christian gospels pick up this verse, stating that Jesus referred to it in anticipating that his disciples would be scattered following his arrest.[14][15][16]
