Zechariah 13:9
“And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.”
Zechariah 13:9 is part of the book of Zechariah, a prophetic book found in the Old Testament. It contains a vision given to the prophet Zechariah during the post-exilic period when the Israelites had returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian captivity. The verse speaks of a future time when God will refine and purify a remnant of His people.
Here’s a breakdown of the verse:
Refining process:The verse begins by stating that God will bring a third part (a remnant) of His people through the fire and refine them as silver is refined and try them as gold is tried. This imagery signifies a process of purification and testing that the remnant will go through. Just as silver and gold are refined to remove impurities and make them more valuable, God will purify His people through trials and difficulties.
Calling on God:The verse continues to say that during this refining process, the remnant will call on God’s name, seeking His help and guidance. It shows their reliance on God and their acknowledgment of His sovereignty and power.
God’s response:In response to their call, God promises to hear them. He acknowledges them as His people, saying, “It is my people.” This signifies a special relationship between God and the purified remnant. They will be recognised as belonging to God and being under His care and protection.
Declaration of faith:Lastly, the remnant will respond to God’s acknowledgement by declaring, “The LORD is my God.” This statement reflects their faith and personal commitment to God. It shows that they have recognised and accepted God as their Lord and that they have a deep, personal relationship with Him.
Overall, Zechariah 13:9 points to a future time when God will purify and refine a remnant of His people, bringing them through trials and difficulties. This refining process will lead to a closer relationship with God, where they will call on His name and He will hear them. The verse highlights the importance of faith, acknowledging God’s lordship, and maintaining a personal relationship with Him.
It’s important to note that this verse, like many others in the prophetic books, has various interpretations, and its fulfilment is often connected to the coming of Jesus Christ and the establishment of God’s kingdom. Different scholars and theologians may offer additional insights and interpretations based on their understanding of the context and broader biblical themes.
