In Zechariah 13:8, what happens to two-thirds of Israel?
Zechariah 13:8 states that in all the land of Israel, two parts—two-thirds—shall be cut off and die. Only the third part shall be left therein and survive. This contrasts with the claim that every Jew will be saved, because the verse says two-thirds are cut off and die.
Les explains that some maintain every Jew will be saved, using Romans 11's statement that all Israel shall be saved. But he qualifies that by Zechariah 13, where the language is different. Zechariah 13:8 says that in all the land, two parts therein shall be cut off and die—that is two-thirds. The third part shall be left therein and will survive. Then verse 9 says God will bring the third part through the fire. Les notes that in Scripture fire usually depicts testing. He illustrates refining gold: heating it so impurities rise. So God will bring this third part of Israel through the testings of the tribulation, refining them as silver is refined and trying them as gold is tried.
And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein.
More Questions
Does Zechariah 13 contradict the teaching that every Jew will be saved?
The claim that every Jew will be saved as a result of Christ's coming and the tribulation is qualified by Zechariah 13, because that chapter says two-thirds of Israel will be cut off and die and only a third is left.