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Zechariah 9:10

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And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off: and he shall speak peace unto the heathen: and his dominion [shall be] from sea [even] to sea, and from the river [even] to the ends of the earth.

And I will cut off {H3772} the chariot {H7393} from Ephraim {H669}, and the horse {H5483} from Jerusalem {H3389}, and the battle {H4421} bow {H7198} shall be cut off {H3772}: and he shall speak {H1696} peace {H7965} unto the heathen {H1471}: and his dominion {H4915} shall be from sea {H3220} even to sea {H3220}, and from the river {H5104} even to the ends {H657} of the earth {H776}.

I will banish chariots from Efrayim and war-horses from Yerushalayim." The warrior's bow will be banished, and he will proclaim peace to the nations. He will rule from sea to sea, and from the [Euphrates] River to the ends of the earth.

And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraimand the horse from Jerusalem,and the bow of war will be broken.Then He will proclaim peace to the nations.His dominion will extend from sea to sea,and from the Euphratesto the ends of the earth.

And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem; and the battle bow shall be cut off; and he shall speak peace unto the nations: and his dominion shall be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth.

Commentary

Zechariah 9:10 stands as a powerful prophetic declaration, looking forward to a time of profound peace and the universal reign of a divine King. This verse follows the announcement of the coming King in Zechariah 9:9, often understood as a Messianic prophecy pointing to Jesus Christ.

Context

The book of Zechariah was written to the Jewish exiles who had returned to Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity. It encourages them to rebuild the Temple and reminds them of God's future plans for Israel and the world. Chapters 9-14 are often referred to as "burdens" or "oracles" concerning the future, focusing on the coming of the Messiah, the restoration of Israel, and the ultimate establishment of God's kingdom. Verse 10 specifically describes the nature and extent of this future King's reign, contrasting it sharply with the previous reliance on military strength.

Key Themes

  • Divine Disarmament and Peace: The cutting off of "chariot from Ephraim," "horse from Jerusalem," and the "battle bow" signifies an end to war and the instruments of human conflict. This points to a supernatural peace, not achieved through military might, but through the King's intervention. It implies that true security comes from God, not from armaments. This theme resonates with prophecies of a future age of peace where swords will be beaten into plowshares.
  • The King of Peace: The phrase "he shall speak peace unto the heathen" highlights the King's primary characteristic and mission: to bring peace. Crucially, this peace extends beyond Israel to include the "heathen" (Gentiles or nations). This foreshadows a universal reign where all peoples are invited into God's peace, a concept central to the new covenant established by Christ.
  • Universal Dominion: The description of the King's dominion "from sea even to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth" paints a picture of boundless, global authority. "From sea to sea" often refers to the Mediterranean to the Persian Gulf, and "from the river" typically signifies the Euphrates. However, "to the ends of the earth" expands this to a truly worldwide and ultimate sovereignty. This echoes the Messianic vision in Psalm 72:8 and aligns with prophecies of God's kingdom filling the whole earth (Daniel 2:44).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "peace" here is shalom (שַלָום), which is far richer than just the absence of conflict. It encompasses wholeness, completeness, well-being, prosperity, and harmony. When the King "speaks shalom," it implies He establishes a comprehensive state of well-being for all nations. The phrase "cut off" (Hebrew: karath, כַרַת) implies a decisive, permanent removal by divine decree, not just a temporary cessation.

Reflection and Application

Zechariah 9:10 offers profound hope for a world longing for peace. It reminds us that true and lasting peace does not come from military power or human treaties, but from the sovereign reign of God's appointed King. For believers, this verse affirms the ultimate authority of Jesus Christ, who has already inaugurated His kingdom of peace and will fully establish it upon His return. It challenges us to live as ambassadors of this peace, relying on spiritual weapons rather than earthly ones, and to spread the good news of His universal dominion.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • Hosea 2:18 (5 votes)

    And in that day will I make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven, and [with] the creeping things of the ground: and I will break the bow and the sword and the battle out of the earth, and will make them to lie down safely.

  • 2 Corinthians 10:4 (5 votes)

    (For the weapons of our warfare [are] not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

  • 2 Corinthians 10:5 (5 votes)

    Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

  • Hosea 1:7 (5 votes)

    But I will have mercy upon the house of Judah, and will save them by the LORD their God, and will not save them by bow, nor by sword, nor by battle, by horses, nor by horsemen.

  • Revelation 11:15 (4 votes)

    And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become [the kingdoms] of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

  • Psalms 72:7 (4 votes)

    In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth.

  • Psalms 72:11 (4 votes)

    Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.