Zechariah 9:1-8

Prophecies against Neighboring Nations

1 The burden of the word of the LORD is against the land of Hadrach, with 1Damascus as its resting place (for the eyes of men, especially of all the tribes of Israel, are toward the LORD ),
2 And 2Hamath also, which borders on it; 3Tyre and 4Sidon, though they are 5very wise.
3 For Tyre built herself a 6fortress And 7piled up silver like dust, And 8gold like the mire of the streets.
4 Behold, the Lord will 9dispossess her And cast her wealth into the sea; And she will be 10consumed with fire.
5 Ashkelon will see it and be afraid. Gaza too will writhe in great pain; Also Ekron, for her expectation has been confounded. Moreover, the king will perish from Gaza, And Ashkelon will not be inhabited.
6 And a mongrel race will dwell in 11Ashdod, And I will cut off the pride of the Philistines.
7 And I will remove their blood from their mouth And their detestable things from between their teeth. Then they also will be a remnant for our God, And be like a clan in Judah, And Ekron like a Jebusite.
8 But I will camp around My house because of an army, Because of 12him who passes by and returns; And 13no oppressor will pass over them anymore, For now I have seen with My eyes.

Zechariah 9:1-8 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO ZECHARIAH 9

This chapter treats of the conversion of the Gentiles, before spoken of in general, now particularly named; of the coming of Christ into the world, and the advantages of it to his church; of the preaching of the Gospel by the apostles, and of their protection, encouragement, and success. The Gentiles converted are first the Syrians that dwelt in Hadrach, Damascus, and Hamath, the Lord's eye being upon them, Zec 9:1 next the Phoenicians, the inhabitants of Tyre and Zidon, who had a vain opinion of their wisdom, and trusted in their riches, Zec 9:2-4 and then the Philistines, the inhabitants of Ashkelon, Gaza, Ekron, and Ashdod, guilty of pride, murder, idolatry, and other abominations, Zec 9:5-7 when the church and people of God should be safely protected, Zec 9:8 to whom, for their joy and comfort, is given forth a prophecy concerning the coming of the Messiah; who is described by his character as a King, just, having salvation, lowly, and riding on an ass; by the peaceableness of his kingdom; by the various offices he executes; the prophetic office, speaking peace to the Heathen; the kingly office, his dominion being very large; and his priestly office, in the effusion of his blood, by which the covenant is confirmed, his people delivered out of distress, and encouraged to flee to him as their stronghold, where they find plenty and protection, Zec 9:9-12 next the apostles are represented as military men, accoutered with the bow and the sword of the mighty, Zec 9:13 whose success is owing to the Lord's appearance over them, and the efficacy of his grace and Spirit attending the word, Zec 9:14 who are protected and encouraged in it by the Lord, and honoured on account of it, Zec 9:15,16 and the chapter is concluded with an exclamation, wondering at the grace and glory of Christ, and expressing the satisfying provisions of his house, Zec 9:17.

Cross References 13

  • 1. Isaiah 17:1; Jeremiah 49:23-27; Amos 1:3-5
  • 2. Jeremiah 49:23
  • 3. Ezek 28:2-5, 12
  • 4. Ezekiel 28:21
  • 5. Ezek 28:2-5, 12
  • 6. Joshua 19:29; 2 Samuel 24:7
  • 7. Job 27:16; Ezekiel 27:33; Ezekiel 28:4, 5
  • 8. 1 Kings 10:21, 27
  • 9. Ezekiel 26:3-5
  • 10. Ezekiel 28:18
  • 11. Amos 1:8; Zephaniah 2:4
  • 12. Isaiah 52:1
  • 13. Isaiah 54:14; Isaiah 60:18

Footnotes 6

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