Question 1

What is the fountain opened for sin and uncleanness in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The fountain is a picture of God providing real cleansing from sin and inner defilement. It is not a literal pool of water but points to the forgiveness and washing that come through the work of Christ. The fountain is “opened,” not shut, which means access is ongoing and free. It is offered first to the house of David and the people of Jerusalem, but its reach is wider, inviting all who see their guilt to come. Anyone who is made aware of their uncleanness can come to God for washing through this fountain.

Question 2

Why does God say He will cut off idols and false prophets from the land?

Accepted Answer

God promises to remove the very names of idols and to cause false prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land because He wants His people to belong to Him alone. Idols and lying voices had led them away for generations. In this future time, there will be such hatred of false prophecy that even parents would oppose a child who spoke lies in God’s name. This picture shows a deep change of heart, where loyalty to God is stronger than family ties and where deception is no longer tolerated among His people.

Question 3

Who is the shepherd and the man that is my fellow who is struck by the sword?

Accepted Answer

The shepherd is the one God calls “my shepherd” and “the man that is my fellow,” which means a close companion, one who stands with God in a unique way. This points to Christ, the true Shepherd of God’s flock. When God calls for the sword to awake against Him, it shows that His suffering is under God’s own hand of justice. When the shepherd is struck, the sheep are scattered, which matches how Jesus’ followers fled when He was arrested. Yet God then turns His hand in care toward the little ones who belong to this Shepherd.

Question 4

What does it mean that two parts are cut off and the third part is refined?

Accepted Answer

The picture of two parts in the land being cut off and dying, while a third is left, shows that many will face judgment and only a remnant will remain. Even the third part does not escape hardship. God says He will bring them through the fire, refining them like silver and gold. This means He uses trials to burn away what is false and to prove their faith. The result is a people who truly call on His name, whom He openly claims as “my people,” and who answer, “The Lord is my God.”

Question 5

Why are false prophets ashamed and saying, I am no prophet, I am a farmer?

Accepted Answer

In this passage, a time comes when false prophets are exposed and deeply ashamed of their lies. They no longer want to wear rough garments that made them look holy in order to deceive others. Instead, they admit the truth about themselves and return to ordinary work, saying they are farmers who learned to keep cattle from youth. This shows repentance and a break with their false role. They would rather be known as simple workers than pretend to speak for God when they do not, which is a sign of real change.

Question 6

What are the wounds in the hands mentioned, and why are they asked about?

Accepted Answer

Someone asks the former prophet, “What are these wounds in your hands?” and he answers that they are wounds received in the house of his friends. This likely refers to the punishments or beatings he received from those close to him because of his false prophecy. It shows how seriously God’s people will treat lies spoken in His name. Even if parents and friends do not put such a person to death, they discipline him so strongly that the marks remain. The scene underlines how deeply the community now cares about truth.

Question 7

What does this passage teach about God’s character and His way with His people?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows God as both very merciful and very holy. He opens a fountain to wash away sin, which shows kindness and readiness to forgive. At the same time, He will not share His people with idols or tolerate lies spoken in His name, so He removes idols and false prophets. He allows the Shepherd to be struck so that salvation can come, yet He also protects the little ones who belong to that Shepherd. He judges many, refines a remnant through fire, and then speaks tenderly to them, calling them His people.

Question 8

How can the refining of the third part through fire speak to believers today?

Accepted Answer

The refining of the third part shows that being God’s people does not mean an easy life. Those whom God keeps, He also purifies. Fire here is a picture of hard times and testing, like how silver and gold are heated so impurities rise and are removed. For believers today, this means trials are not empty or random. God uses them to deepen trust, strip away idols, and make faith more genuine. As they call on His name in hardship, they grow surer that He hears them, and their answer, “The Lord is my God,” becomes more than just words.

Zechariah 13:1

In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness.

An End to Idolatry

The Shepherd Struck, the Sheep Scattered

An End to Idolatry

Cross References

Zechariah 13:1

In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness.

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An End to Idolatry

The Shepherd Struck, the Sheep Scattered

An End to Idolatry

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