Zechariah 9:4

4 But now, the Lord will strip it of its possessions and hurl its wealth into the sea, and it shall be devoured by fire.

Zechariah 9:4 Meaning and Commentary

Zechariah 9:4

Behold, the Lord will cast her out
Or "inherit her" {f}, or "them", as the Septuagint render the words; when, being converted, she would become the Lord's inheritance and possession, and her riches should be devoted to his service: and he will smite her power in the sea;
for Tyre was situated in the sea, at the entry of it, and was strong in it, ( Ezekiel 26:17 ) ( 27:3 ) . Kimchi interprets this of her humiliation and subjection in the days of the Messiah; and in a spiritual sense it has been verified in such who have been spoiled of their carnal strength, in which they trusted, and have laid down their weapons, and have submitted to the sceptre of Christ: and she shall be devoured with fire;
with the spirit of judgment, and of burning, which purges and removes the filth of sin; and with the fire of the word, which burns up and consumes its lusts; and with the flames of divine love, which make souls as a whole burnt offering to the Lord. This was literally accomplished in the burning of Tyre by Alexander F7, which injected fear and dread in cities near it, as follow:


FOOTNOTES:

F6 (hnvrwy) (klhronomhsei autouv) , Setp.; "possidebit eam", V. L. Munster, Castalio. So some in Vatablus.
F7 Curtius, l. 4. c. 4.

Zechariah 9:4 In-Context

2 Hamath also, which borders on it, Tyre and Sidon, though they are very wise.
3 Tyre has built itself a rampart, and heaped up silver like dust, and gold like the dirt of the streets.
4 But now, the Lord will strip it of its possessions and hurl its wealth into the sea, and it shall be devoured by fire.
5 Ashkelon shall see it and be afraid; Gaza too, and shall writhe in anguish; Ekron also, because its hopes are withered. The king shall perish from Gaza; Ashkelon shall be uninhabited;
6 a mongrel people shall settle in Ashdod, and I will make an end of the pride of Philistia.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.