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The oracle that began in 12:1 reaches its climax in this description of the Day of Yahweh and the eschatological battle for Jerusalem. The city will be besieged by insurmountable odds (all the nations, v.2) and will in fact be captured. Half of her inhabitants will be deported, and half will watch as the nations divide their possessions.
In this dehumanizing and truly hopeless situation, Yahweh will intervene as the Mighty Warrior of Old (v.3). In vivid apocalyptic imagery, the Lord’s appearance is accompanied by cataclysmic geographical alterations in Jerusalem’s landscape (v.4). The Mount of Olives is east of the city across the Kidron Valley and is higher than the temple mound. Because it is actually a ridge extending over two miles north and south, it was impractical as an escape route from the city (2Sa 15:14, 23, 30). But on that day a great valley running east and west will be created and will provide a quick means of escape for Jerusalem.
That occasion will be unique, admitting no darkness even when evening arrives (cf. Isa 60:19-20). Time will no longer be measured by twenty-four-hour periods, and this day is understood only by Yahweh. This announcement of “the Day of Yahweh” (vv.6-7) marks the turning point in the narrative and in the fortunes of Jerusalem. Her defeat is dramatically turned into glorious and eternal victory. From this day forward, Jerusalem becomes the source of living water and security. Her perennial problem with water supply (2Ch 32:30) will be over. Unlike Ezekiel’s river, which flowed only eastward (Eze 47:1), Zechariah’s will flow east and west, to the Dead Sea and the Mediterranean respectively (v.8).
The Israelite monarchy had ideally been perceived as a theocracy; the monarch was merely a representative for Yahweh (Dt 17:18-20; 1Sa 8:7). Israelite worshipers sang “Yahweh Reigns” (Pss 93:1; 97:1; 99:1). This had been more theory than reality. But on that day Yahweh will make himself known as King of all the world (v.9). Suitable for the King’s royal city, Jerusalem will be elevated above her geographical surroundings (“raised up,” v.10). The mountains around her will no longer be necessary for defense and will be leveled accordingly. For the geographical designations of v.10, see the commentaries.
At the beginning of the chapter, God’s people suffer military defeat. But ultimately Israel’s enemies will experience unspeakable agony and death. The plague described in vv.12-13 may recall the devastation of Sennacherib’s army in Hezekiah’s day (2Ki 19:35). At the beginning, Jerusalem was stripped of all her possessions. But on that day she will be filled with the gold, silver, and clothing of other nations. Even the animals, which could have provided a means of escape for the enemy, will suffer this ghastly fate (v.15).