The burden of the word of the LORD concerning Israel, says the LORD, who stretches forth the heavens, and lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of man within him.
All Commentaries on Zechariah 12:1 Go To Zechariah 12
Augustine of Hippo
AD 430
I do not want anyone to tell me that this view [that God condemns innocent souls] should be supported by the passage “who formed the spirit of man in him” and “who made the heart of every one of them.” Something supremely strong and invincible is needed to force me to believe that God condemns any souls without any guilt of theirs. It is either as great a thing, or it is, perhaps greater, to create as to form, yet it is written, “Create a clean heart in me, O God.” This is no argument for thinking that the soul in this passage prays to be made before it had any being. As, therefore, while now existing, it is created by renewal of its justice, so, while now existing, it is formed by the shaping force of doctrine.
