Matthew Poole and continuators on Zechariah 13:7

7 ¶ Awake , O sword , against my shepherd , and against the man that is my fellow , saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd , and the sheep shall be scattered and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones .

'Tis God's Commission, or rather prediction, the Imperative put for the future.

i. e. Afflictions, Persecutions, and the Cross.

Who is my faithful shepherd, and will lay down his life for my sheep.

Who became man, that he might be my Servant and die,

or my equal who was ever with me, and my delights, Prov. 8.30. Man my fellow speaks Christ man with us, and God with his Father, God-man in one person.

This great and good shepherd shall be smitten, i. e. die for my sheep, and before he dieth, shall suffer much for them.

As affrighted, destitute of one to look after them, and which must be partakers in sufferings with their shepherd.

God will, say some, turn his hand against the little ones, smite them too; but, others say, this turning the hand is in favour, and for protection, 'tis a hand turned over them, as if he would keep the blow off them, while others fitter to bear it do suffer.

New, and therefore weak Converts and Disciples.

Many words are spent by Interpreters to shew what they think to be the connexion of the words; it is easier to say what are the contents and design of them. It is possible they are subjoined to the former to vindicate Christ from the suspicion of an Impostor, though he was wounded, for this his Father did foretel by Zechariah 490 years more or less beforehand, so that these wounds are not marks of an Impostor, but testimonies of his Truth, and that he is the Messiah.

Marginal references: Joh. 1[illegible: 1 letter].30. & 14.10, 11. Phil. 2.6.; Math. 26.31. Mark 14.27.