Zec 13:9 | TNotes | STEP | 13:9 Fire is a metaphor for God’s judgment (see Isa 66:15 ; Jer 4:4 ; Ezek 36:5 ; Amos 5:6 ). God’s fire may either destroy the wicked or, as here, test and purify the righteous. • refine them ... like gold: God is the divine metallurgist, using fire to burn the dross out of metal (Isa 1:25 ; Mal 3:2-3 ). • These are my people ... The Lord is our God: The declarations of loyalty by God and Israel restore their broken covenant relationship (Zech 11:10 , 14 ; see Exod 19:5 ; Jer 30:22 ; 31:33 ; Hos 2:23 ).

a13:9►

bIsa 66:15►

cJer 4:4►

dEzek 36:5►

eAmos 5:6►

fIsa 1:25►

gMal 3:2-3►

hZech 11:10►

i14►

jExod 19:5►

kJer 30:22►

l31:33►

mHos 2:23►

‏ Zechariah 13:9

13:9 ^a Fire is a metaphor for God’s judgment (see Isa 66:15 ^b; Jer 4:4 ^c; Ezek 36:5 ^d; Amos 5:6 ^e). God’s fire may either destroy the wicked or, as here, test and purify the righteous.

• refine them ... like gold: God is the divine metallurgist, using fire to burn the dross out of metal (Isa 1:25 ^f; Mal 3:2-3 ^g).

• These are my people ... The Lord is our God: The declarations of loyalty by God and Israel restore their broken covenant relationship (Zech 11:10 ^h, 14 ⁱ; see Exod 19:5 ^j; Jer 30:22 ^k; 31:33 ^l; Hos 2:23 ^m).