Zechariah 2:9

For, behold, I will shake mine hand upon them, and they shall be a spoil to their servants: and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me.

For, behold, I will shake {H5130} mine hand {H3027} upon them, and they shall be a spoil {H7998} to their servants {H5647}: and ye shall know {H3045} that the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635} hath sent {H7971} me.

But I will shake my hand over them, and they will be plundered by those who were formerly their slaves." Then you will know that ADONAI-Tzva'ot sent me.

I will surely wave My hand over them, so that they will become plunder for their own servants. Then you will know that the LORD of Hosts has sent Me.”

For, behold, I will shake my hand over them, and they shall be a spoil to those that served them; and ye shall know that Jehovah of hosts hath sent me.

Commentary

Zechariah 2:9 is a powerful declaration of God's protective hand over His people and His decisive judgment against their oppressors, serving as a sign of divine authentication for the prophet's message.

Context

This verse is part of a series of prophetic visions given to Zechariah during the post-exilic period, shortly after the Jewish return from Babylonian captivity. The preceding verses (Zechariah 2:1-5) describe a vision of a man with a measuring line, signifying God's promise to restore and protect Jerusalem, making it a city so vast and populous that it would not need walls, as the Lord Himself would be a wall of fire around it. Verse 9 directly follows this promise of protection, focusing on the fate of the nations that had scattered and plundered Judah. It assures the returning exiles that their former oppressors will face God's wrath, and the tables will be turned.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Retribution: God declares He will "shake mine hand upon them," signifying a powerful and undeniable act of judgment against the nations that had afflicted Israel. This highlights God's active involvement in human history and His commitment to justice.
  • Reversal of Fortunes: The phrase "they shall be a spoil to their servants" dramatically illustrates a complete turnaround. Those who oppressed and plundered God's people will themselves become vulnerable and subject to those they once dominated. This offers immense comfort and hope to the downtrodden and speaks to God's sovereignty in lifting up and casting down.
  • Authentication of God's Word: The concluding statement, "and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me," serves to confirm the divine origin of Zechariah's prophecy. God's fulfillment of these promises would undeniably prove that the prophet was His messenger, speaking His truth.

Linguistic Insights

The title "the LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: YHWH Sabaoth) is highly significant. It emphasizes God's omnipotence and His supreme authority over all armies, celestial bodies, and the entire cosmos. It assures the reader that the one making this promise has the power to bring it to pass. The phrase "shake mine hand" (Hebrew: nuph) implies a decisive, forceful, and public display of power, often associated with waving a hand or arm to bring about destruction or judgment.

Practical Application

For believers today, Zechariah 2:9 offers enduring encouragement and a profound reminder of God's character:

  • God is Just: Even when injustice seems rampant, this verse affirms that God sees the oppression and will ultimately act to bring about justice. This provides hope for those experiencing hardship or persecution, knowing that vengeance belongs to the Lord.
  • God is Faithful: It reinforces God's faithfulness to His covenant promises to protect and restore His people. His word is reliable, and His plans will be fulfilled.
  • God is Sovereign: The verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty over nations and history. No power can ultimately thwart His will or escape His judgment. This truth can bring peace amidst global turmoil, knowing that God is in control and will ultimately establish His kingdom.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 19:16 (5 votes)

    In that day shall Egypt be like unto women: and it shall be afraid and fear because of the shaking of the hand of the LORD of hosts, which he shaketh over it.

  • Zechariah 6:15 (4 votes)

    And they [that are] far off shall come and build in the temple of the LORD, and ye shall know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you. And [this] shall come to pass, if ye will diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God.

  • Zechariah 4:9 (4 votes)

    The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto you.

  • Ezekiel 39:10 (4 votes)

    So that they shall take no wood out of the field, neither cut down [any] out of the forests; for they shall burn the weapons with fire: and they shall spoil those that spoiled them, and rob those that robbed them, saith the Lord GOD.

  • Isaiah 14:2 (4 votes)

    And the people shall take them, and bring them to their place: and the house of Israel shall possess them in the land of the LORD for servants and handmaids: and they shall take them captives, whose captives they were; and they shall rule over their oppressors.

  • Isaiah 11:15 (3 votes)

    And the LORD shall utterly destroy the tongue of the Egyptian sea; and with his mighty wind shall he shake his hand over the river, and shall smite it in the seven streams, and make [men] go over dryshod.

  • Zephaniah 2:9 (2 votes)

    Therefore [as] I live, saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, Surely Moab shall be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, [even] the breeding of nettles, and saltpits, and a perpetual desolation: the residue of my people shall spoil them, and the remnant of my people shall possess them.