1 “In that day a fountain shall be opened for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleanness.
God will cleanse the nation of Israel in a future day (Zech 13:1-6). Chapters 13 and 14 are a continuation of the second oracle that began in Zechariah 12:1. The second oracle sets forth times of trial (Tribulation) and blessing (the Millennium) for the nation Israel.
The first six verses of chapter 13 prophesy the future national cleansing of Israel.
1 “In that day a fountain [spring of flowing water] shall be opened
In a future day, the Day of the Lord, God will provide for the complete cleansing of the nation Israel. The nation will come to their Messiah like a flowing fountain that produces a flood. This flood will constantly cleanse the nation of Israel (1 Jn 1:7).
for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem,
The “house of David” probably refers to the political leaders of Israel. This phrase represents the entire nation of Israel.
for sin
The Hebrew word for “sin” here denotes missing the standard that God establishes. It is a word for transgression and implies an active role in violating God.
and for uncleanness [Ceremonial impurity].
“Uncleanness” is the Hebrew word for impurity, which indicates the outcome of sin. Uncleanness breaches the relationship between the sinner and God. Old Testament ceremonies were types of the person of Christ and His sacrifice for sins. Israel did not accept the Antitype who would fulfill their ceremonies.
PRINCIPLE:
There will come a day of spiritual cleansing for the nation Israel at the Second Advent of Christ.
APPLICATION:
When the Holy Spirit convicts Israel of their true Messiah, there will be a cleansing of the nation. This cleansing is a further fulfillment of Zechariah 12:10. Israel will be cleansed by looking to One that they pierced (Heb 1:3). When Israel embraces Jesus as her Messiah, a tremendous national cleansing will take place, making Israel ready to enter the Millennial kingdom.
The Second Advent of Christ is when the nation Israel will finally embrace Jesus as their Messiah. They will accept His sacrifice on the cross to forgive their sin. God will not only cleanse the heart of the individual but the entire nation of Israel.
Verse 1 speaks of a fountain that cleanses from sin. William Cowper based his hymn “There is a Fountain Filled with Blood” on this verse. The shed blood of Christ alone is sufficient for saving a soul; only that sacrifice satisfied God’s justice (1 Jn 2:2).
