Zechariah 9:3

3 Tyre's people have built a fort for themselves. They've piled up silver like dust. They have as much gold as the dirt in the streets.

Zechariah 9:3 Meaning and Commentary

Zechariah 9:3

And Tyrus did build herself a strong hold
Tyre was built upon a rock, and was a strong fortress itself, from whence it had its name; and, besides its natural defence, it had a wall one hundred and fifty feet high, and its breadth was answerable to its height ^F5; but yet, as it could not defend itself against Alexander the great, who took it; so neither against the Gospel of Christ, which found its way into it, and was mighty to pull down strong holds in a spiritual sense: and heaped up silver as the dust, and fine gold as the mire of the
streets;
the riches of these cities, especially Tyre, are often made mention of; they were famous for their wealth, being places of great trade and merchandise; see ( Isaiah 23:2 Isaiah 23:8 ) ( Ezekiel 27:3 ) ( Ezekiel 28:4 Ezekiel 28:5 ) all which were to be holiness to the Lord, and for the sufficient feeding and durable clothing of them that dwell before him, ( Isaiah 23:18 ) his ministers.

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FOOTNOTES:

F5 Arrian. de Exped. Alex. l. 2. c. 21.

Zechariah 9:3 In-Context

1 This is the LORD's message against the land of Hadrach. He will judge Damascus. That's because all of the tribes of Israel look to him. So do other people.

2 The LORD will judge Hamath too. It's next to Damascus. He will also punish Tyre and Sidon even though they are very clever.

3 Tyre's people have built a fort for themselves. They've piled up silver like dust. They have as much gold as the dirt in the streets.

4 But the Lord will take away everything they have. He'll destroy their power on the Mediterranean Sea. And Tyre will be completely burned up.

5 Ashkelon will see it and become afraid. Gaza will groan with pain. So will Ekron. Its hope will vanish. Gaza will no longer have a king. Ashkelon will be deserted.