Zechariah 9:9-17

Joy and protection for Judah and Ephraim

9 Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion. Sing aloud, Daughter Jerusalem. Look, your king will come to you. He is righteous and victorious. He is humble and riding on an ass, on a colt, the offspring of a donkey.

10 He will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the warhorse from Jerusalem. The bow used in battle will be cut off; he will speak peace to the nations. His rule will stretch from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the earth.

11 Moreover, by the blood of your covenant, I will release your prisoners from the waterless pit.

12 Return to the stronghold, prisoners of hope. Moreover, declare today that I will return double to you.

13 Indeed, I myself will bend Judah as a bow; I will fill it with Ephraim. Zion, I will rouse your sons against your sons. Greece, I will make you like a warrior's sword.

14 The LORD will appear above them; his arrow will go forth like lightning. The LORD God will blow the horn; he will march forth on the stormy winds of the south.

15 The LORD of heavenly forces will protect them. They will devour and subdue like sling stones. They will drink, mumbling like one having wine. They will be filled like a bowl, like the corners of the altar.

16 The LORD their God will deliver them on that day as the flock of his people; they will be the jewels in a crown dotting his land.

17 What is his goodness, and what is his beauty? Grain will make his young men flourish; so too wine his young women.

Zechariah 9:9-17 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.

Footnotes

• [a]. LXX; MT I
• [b]. Heb uncertain
• [c]. Heb uncertain