12:1-14 This chapter pictures the final siege against the people of Jerusalem.
12:3, 4 This speaks of a great future battle against Jerusalem. Some say it is Armageddon, the last great battle on earth. Those who oppose God’s people will not prevail forever. Eventually, evil, pain, and oppression will be abolished once and for all.
12:7 As water flows downhill, so a city’s influence usually flows to its surrounding countryside. But this time, the countryside of Judah would have priority over Jerusalem so that the people of Jerusalem would not become proud. Don’t think that you must witness to only “important” people—professional athletes, movie stars, and prominent businesspeople. Christ came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10), even the “down-and-out” lost. We must be careful to avoid spiritual pride, or we, like Jerusalem, may be the last to know what God is doing.
12:10 The Holy Spirit was poured out at Pentecost, 50 days after Christ’s resurrection (see Acts 2). Zechariah calls the Spirit “the spirit of grace and of supplications.” It is this Spirit who convicts us of sin, reveals to us God’s righteousness and judgment, and helps us as we pray. “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26). Ask God to fill you with his Spirit.
12:10-14 Eventually all people will realize that Jesus, the man who was pierced and killed, is indeed the Messiah. There will be an awakening, with sorrow for sin and genuine revival. The crucified Messiah will be clearly revealed (Philippians 2:10; Revelation 5:13).
12:11 Hadadrimmon could refer to the place near the plain of Megiddo, where King Josiah was killed. Josiah’s death was greatly mourned by his people (see 2 Chronicles 35:22-25).
12:12-14 These verses are saying that all Israel will mourn—king, prophet, priest, and people. Each family will go into private mourning, husbands and wives by themselves, to face their sorrow.