Zechariah 12

Creator

The burden of the word of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him. Zechariah 12:1

The LORD who speaks this burden is the one who spread out the heavens and laid the earth's foundation. Latter-day Saints know Jehovah, Jesus Christ, created the earth under the Father's direction.

How we know: Jehovah is the premortal Christ (Abraham 1:16; D&C 110:3–4)

Angel of the LORD

Angel of the LORD — the divine messenger who went before Israel bearing God's name

In that day shall the LORD defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of the LORD before them. Zechariah 12:8

David's house will be like 'the angel of the LORD before them,' recalling the divine presence that led Israel out of Egypt with God's name in Him. Many see that leading Angel as the premortal Christ.

• alludes to Exodus 23:20-21 — an Angel before thee ... my name is in him
• alludes to Exodus 14:19 — the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel

Crucifixion — the Pierced One

And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. Zechariah 12:10

Jehovah Himself says they will look on 'me whom they have pierced.' Jesus was pierced on the cross, and at His Second Coming the Jews will see His wounds, recognize Him as their Lord, and weep.

How we know: a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• quoted by John 19:37 — They shall look on him whom they pierced
• alluded to by Revelation 1:7 — every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him
• interpreted by D&C 45:51-53 — the Jews look upon Christ's wounds, learn he is Jesus that was crucified, and weep

Only Begotten / Firstborn

And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. Zechariah 12:10

The mourning for the pierced One is compared to grief for an only son and a firstborn. These words quietly echo who Jesus is: the Only Begotten Son of the Father and the Firstborn.

How we know: a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same title in John 3:16 — his only begotten Son