Zechariah9

Zechariah 9 begins with a prophecy of judgment upon surrounding nations, including Damascus, Tyre, and the Philistine cities, despite their strength and wisdom. A remnant of these nations, however, will turn to the Lord and be incorporated into His people. The chapter then shifts to a joyous prophecy of Zion's King, who is just and brings salvation, arriving humbly on an ass, and establishing a peaceful dominion that extends across the earth.

Judgment on Syria and Phoenicia

1
An oracle. the LORD’s word is against the land of Hadrach, and will rest upon Damascus; for the eye of man and of all the tribes of Israel is toward the LORD; ​
2
and Hamath, also, which borders on it; Tyre and Sidon, because they are very wise. ​
3
Tyre built herself a stronghold, and heaped up silver like the dust, and fine gold like the mire of the streets.
4
Behold, the Lord will dispossess her, and he will strike her power in the sea; and she will be devoured with fire.
5
Ashkelon will see it, and fear; Gaza also, and will writhe in agony; as will Ekron, for her expectation will be disappointed; and the king will perish from Gaza, and Ashkelon will not be inhabited. ​
6
Foreigners will dwell in Ashdod, and I will cut off the pride of the Philistines. ​
7
I will take away his blood out of his mouth, and his abominations from between his teeth; and he also will be a remnant for our God; and he will be as a chieftain in Judah, and Ekron as a Jebusite. ​
8
I will encamp around my house against the army, that no one pass through or return; and no oppressor will pass through them any more: for now I have seen with my eyes. ​

The Arrival of the Humble King

9
Rejoice greatly, daughter of Zion! Shout, daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King comes to you! He is righteous, and having salvation; lowly, and riding on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a donkey. ​
10
I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem; and the battle bow will be cut off; and he will speak peace to the nations: and his dominion will be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth. ​

Covenant Restoration and Victory

11
As for you also, because of the blood of your covenant, I have set free your prisoners from the pit in which is no water. ​
12
Turn to the stronghold, you prisoners of hope! Even today I declare that I will restore double to you. ​

The LORD’s Victory Over the Nations

13
For indeed I bend Judah as a bow for me. I have filled the bow with Ephraim; and I will stir up your sons, Zion, against your sons, Greece, and will make you like the sword of a mighty man. ​
14
The LORD will be seen over them; and his arrow will go flash like lightning; and the Lord GOD will blow the shofar, and will go with whirlwinds of the south. ​
15
The LORD of Hosts will defend them; and they will destroy and overcome with sling stones; and they will drink, and roar as through wine; and they will be filled like bowls, like the corners of the altar.
16
The LORD their God will save them in that day as the flock of his people; for they are like the jewels of a crown, lifted on high over his land. ​
17
For how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty! Grain will make the young men flourish, and new wine the virgins.

Study Notes for Zechariah 9

Verse 1

The term 'burden' (Heb. *massa*) signifies a solemn prophetic oracle, usually one of judgment. Hadrach and Damascus were key cities in Syria; this prophecy begins with God’s judgment sweeping across the northern territories toward Israel. The latter half suggests that the judgment’s ultimate goal is to draw the attention of all people, including Israel, toward the Lord.

Verse 2

Tyre and Sidon (Tyrus and Zidon) represent the wealthy maritime power of Phoenicia. The note that Tyre is 'very wise' highlights its reliance on human ingenuity, which will prove ineffective against divine judgment.

Verse 5

Ashkelon, Gaza, and Ekron were prominent cities of the Philistine pentapolis. Their terror stems from witnessing the fall of the powerful coastal cities to the north (Tyre), demonstrating that their 'expectation' (reliance on alliances or fortifications) is futile.

Verse 6

A 'bastard' (Heb. *mamzer*) likely refers to a mixed or foreign population, indicating the complete loss of native Philistine identity and independent rule, thus cutting off their national 'pride.'

Verse 7

This verse promises the purification and conversion of the Philistine remnant, symbolized by removing idolatrous practices ('blood out of his mouth' refers to pagan sacrificial meals). The converted remnant will be integrated into God's people, serving as leaders ('governor') alongside Judah, fulfilling the promise of inclusion.

Verse 8

Following the judgment on the surrounding nations, the LORD promises divine protection for Jerusalem ('mine house'). This assurance means that foreign armies will no longer be permitted to oppress or pass through the land, signifying final security and peace.

Verse 9

This is a profound Messianic prophecy, quoted by Matthew (21:5) concerning Jesus’ Triumphal Entry. The King is characterized by justice and salvation, yet his humility is stressed by his mode of transportation—a donkey, the animal of peace, rather than a warhorse.

Verse 10

The King’s reign establishes universal peace, symbolized by the removal of all military instruments (chariot, horse, bow). His dominion is global, extending 'from sea even to sea,' fulfilling the ideal rule promised in Psalm 72:8, signifying a spiritual and worldwide kingdom.

Verse 11

'The blood of thy covenant' refers to the covenant established through sacrifice (likely the Mosaic or Abrahamic covenants), which secures the release of the exiles. The 'pit wherein is no water' is a metaphor for the desolate and hopeless state of captivity or exile.

Verse 12

The exiles are called 'prisoners of hope' because, though currently in bondage, their future is secured by God’s promise. The declaration to 'render double' refers to a restoration that exceeds the previous suffering and loss (cf. Isaiah 61:7).

Verse 13

Judah and Ephraim (representing the unified people of Israel) are depicted as God’s weapons against the enemy. The reference to 'Greece' (Heb. *Yawan*) is highly significant, likely anticipating the future conflicts with the Hellenistic kingdoms established after Alexander the Great, which historically threatened Jerusalem.

Verse 14

This verse emphasizes that the victory is entirely divine, not human. The LORD himself enters the battle, using spectacular natural phenomena—lightning, trumpet blasts, and whirlwinds—to symbolize his overwhelming power and sovereignty.

Verse 16

The saving of the people is likened to gathering 'the flock of his people,' stressing God’s tender care. They will be valued as 'stones of a crown,' signifying their glory and high status, lifted up as a visible sign ('ensign') to the nations.

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