Zechariah 9:4-9

4 But the Lord will take away her possessions and destroy her power on the sea, and she will be consumed by fire.
5 Ashkelon will see it and fear; Gaza will writhe in agony, and Ekron too, for her hope will wither. Gaza will lose her king and Ashkelon will be deserted.
6 A mongrel people will occupy Ashdod, and I will put an end to the pride of the Philistines.
7 I will take the blood from their mouths, the forbidden food from between their teeth. Those who are left will belong to our God and become a clan in Judah, and Ekron will be like the Jebusites.
8 But I will encamp at my temple to guard it against marauding forces. Never again will an oppressor overrun my people, for now I am keeping watch.

The Coming of Zion’s King

9 Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

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Zechariah 9:4-9 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 15

  • 1. S Isaiah 23:11
  • 2. S Isaiah 23:1; Jeremiah 25:22; Ezekiel 26:3-5; Ezekiel 27:32-36; Ezekiel 28:18
  • 3. Jeremiah 47:5
  • 4. S Isaiah 14:30
  • 5. S Job 25:2
  • 6. S Jeremiah 47:1; S Joel 3:4; S Zephaniah 2:4
  • 7. S Isaiah 26:1
  • 8. Zechariah 14:21
  • 9. S Isaiah 52:1; S Isaiah 54:14; S Joel 3:17
  • 10. S Isaiah 62:11
  • 11. S 1 Kings 1:39
  • 12. S Psalms 24:7; S Psalms 149:2; Micah 4:8
  • 13. Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 43:3-11; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Zephaniah 3:14-15; Zechariah 2:10
  • 14. S Genesis 49:11; S 1 Kings 1:33
  • 15. Matthew 21:5*; John 12:15*
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