Matthew Poole and continuators on Zechariah 12:1

1 THE burden of the word of the LORD for Israel saith the LORD , which stretcheth forth the heavens , and layeth the foundation of the earth , and formeth the spirit of man within him.

Vid. This whole passage, chap. 9.1. let. a, b, c.

Or touching, concerning, as Gall. version upon, against, Heb. bears it, and some take it in one, some in the other sense, though I think the main of the chapter perswades it is to be rendred, for, in the behalf of Israel, i. e. the Church of Christ among the Jews untill their rejection, and among the Gentiles ever since their vocation, both have their concern in the things here foretold,

Who giveth out promises of great things to a people in a very low state, and therefore to raise their hope tells them by his Prophet what he hath done.

As a curtain saith Isa. 40.22. who did more easily spread abroad the Heavens, then any creature can spread forth a curtain about your bed, or a canopy over your head; by an Almighty power going along with the act of his will, saying let it be, all that immense body of the material, visible Heavens immediately spread forth it self.

Upon his own almighty word, on that the chief corner stones thereof do lye, Iob 38.4, 5, 6. Isa. 51.13.

In admirable wisdom and with more especial artifice framed so Heb. imports, as Isa. 43.7. and 46.11.

The immortal soul, tha[illegible: 1 letter] spiritual Being which animateth us, who hath done all this he can do all that is here promised for Israel, and threatned against Israel's Enemies.

Marginal references: Isa. 42.5.; Num. 16.22. Eccl. 12.7.