Zechariah 13:9

“And I will bring the third part through the fire, etc.] Into tribulation, as the Targum explains it; or into great distresses, comparable to fire, as Kimchi observes; this is the hour of temptation that will be in the Philadelphian church state, (<660310>Revelation 3:10). Daniel’s time of trouble, such as there never was since there was a nation, (<271201>Daniel 12:1) and the time of the slaying of the witnesses, (<661107>Revelation 11:7-9): and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried; their graces, principles, and profession, will be tried; their dross and tin will be removed, and they will be purged and purified; a more pure and glorious state of the…”

“through . . . fire--of trial (Psa 66:10; Amo 4:11; Co1 3:15; Pe1 1:6-7). It hence appears that the Jews' conversion is not to precede, but to follow, their external deliverance by the special interposition of Jehovah; which latter shall be the main cause of their conversion, combined with a preparatory inward shedding abroad in their hearts of the Holy Spirit (Zac 12:10-14); and here, "they shall call on My name," in their trouble, which brings Jehovah to their help (Psa 50:15). my people-- (Jer 30:18-22; Eze 11:19-20; Hos 2:23). Next: Zechariah Chapter 14”

“I will bring the third part through the fire - Such is always God’s ways. “Thou hast proved us, O God; Thou hast tried us, like as silver is tried. Thou broughtest us into the snare, Thou laidest trouble upon our loins: we went through fire and water, and Thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place” Psalms 66:9-11. “I have refined thee, but not with silver, I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction” Isaiah 48:10; and, “Through much tribulation we must enter into the kingdom of God” Acts 14:22. Dionysius: “In adversity virtue is most tried, and it is shown what advance a person has made; for ‘patience’ hath ‘a perfect work’ James 1:4; and it is called the touchstone of all other…”

“13:9 Fire is a metaphor for God’s judgment (see Isa 66:15; Jer 4:4; Ezek 36:5; Amos 5:6). God’s fire may either destroy the wicked or, as here, test and purify the righteous. • refine them . . . like gold: God is the divine metallurgist, using fire to burn the dross out of metal (Isa 1:25; Mal 3:2-3). • These are my people . . . The Lord is our God: The declarations of loyalty by God and Israel restore their broken covenant relationship (Zech 11:10, 14; see Exod 19:5; Jer 30:22; 31:33; Hos 2:23).”

“bring: Psa 66:10-12; Isa 43:2; Co1 3:11-13; Pe1 4:12 refine: Job 23:10; Pro 17:3; Isa 48:10; Mal 3:2, Mal 3:3; Jam 1:12; Pe1 1:6, Pe1 1:7 they shall call: Zac 10:6, Zac 12:10; Psa 34:15-19, Psa 50:15, Psa 91:15; Isa 58:9, Isa 65:23, Isa 65:24; Jer 29:11, Jer 29:12; Hos 2:21-23; Joe 2:32; Act 2:21; Rom 10:12-14 It is my people: Zac 8:8; Lev 26:12, Lev 26:44, Lev 26:45; Deu 26:17-19; Psa 144:15; Isa 44:1-6; Jer 30:22; Jer 31:33, Jer 32:38; Eze 11:20, Eze 36:28, Eze 37:27; Hos 2:23; Mat 22:29-32; Heb 8:10; Rev 21:3, Rev 21:4, Rev 21:7 Next: Zechariah Chapter 14”