Shorts: Awake, O Sword, Against My Valiant Shepherd

“Awake, O sword, against my shepherd,
against the man who stands next to me,”
declares the Lord of hosts.

“Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered;
I will turn my hand against the little ones. – Zechariah 13:7 (ESV)

Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane, applied this to Himself, stating, “Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered” (Mt 26:31). The awakened sword against “the man who stands next to me” is in the Hebrew a man of strength or valor. This struck shepherd is a valiant, warrior shepherd. That sword, that ancient sword of flame that turned every which way to guard the way to the tree of life, was awakened to strike Jesus, our valiant shepherd. The sword was turned against the tree of life, Jesus.

This gives light upon the fountain a few verses prior:

“On that day there shall be a fountain opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and uncleanness” (verse 1).

From the wounds produced by that awakened sword came forth a fountain opened up for the people of God! Though the sheep were scattered, it was but for a moment. For after that fountain flowed crimson, He gathered all peoples into one holy nation in Himself! “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself” (Jn 12:32).

There is a fountain filled with blood,
Drawn from Immanuel’s veins,
And sinners plunged beneath that flood
Lose all their guilty stains:
Lose all their guilty stains,
Lose all their guilty stains;
And sinners plunged beneath that flood
Lose all their guilty stains.

Thank You, Lord, for Your love for us! You willingly tasted the awakened sword destined to slay me for my sins that I would have a cleansing fountain and be drawn to You as a sheep in Your house forever. You’re so good!!