Bible passage: Zechariah 12:10
Prophet: Zechariah
Written: Between 520 and 518 BC
In the Old Testament book of Zechariah, chapter 12, the Bible said that there would come a time when people would lament over one who was "pierced," as one would mourn if they had lost their only son. This was written about 500 years before Jesus, the only begotten son of God (John 3:16), was pierced by a Roman soldier after he had crucified (John 19:31-37).
The Talmud, which offers Judaism-related commentary about various Old Testament passages, makes a very Christian-like assessment of the prophecy found in the book of Zechariah:
"What is the cause of the mourning (Zechariah 12:10)? It is well according to him who explains that the cause is the slaying of Messiah, the son of Joseph, as it is written, 'And they shall look upon me whom they have pierced; and they shall mourn for him as one mourneth for his only son.'" -Babylonian Talmud, Sukkah 52a.
- Research and commentary is based on the book 100 Fulfilled Bible Prophecies. © Ray Konig and AboutBibleProphecy.com.
Here is Zechariah 12:10:
"And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.
(New International Version translation)