Zechariah 9:5

Ashkelon shall see [it], and fear; Gaza also [shall see it], and be very sorrowful, and Ekron; for her expectation shall be ashamed; and the king shall perish from Gaza, and Ashkelon shall not be inhabited.

Ashkelon {H831} shall see {H7200} it, and fear {H3372}; Gaza {H5804} also shall see it, and be very {H3966} sorrowful {H2342}, and Ekron {H6138}; for her expectation {H4007} shall be ashamed {H3001}; and the king {H4428} shall perish {H6} from Gaza {H5804}, and Ashkelon {H831} shall not be inhabited {H3427}.

On seeing this, Ashkelon will be terrified; 'Azah too will writhe in pain; likewise 'Ekron, as her hopes are dashed. "The king will vanish from 'Azah, Ashkelon will be without people,

Ashkelon will see and fear;Gaza will writhe in agony,as will Ekron,for her hope will wither.There will cease to be a king in Gaza,and Ashkelon will be uninhabited.

Ashkelon shall see it, and fear; Gaza also, and shall be sore pained; and Ekron, for her expectation shall be put to shame; and the king shall perish from Gaza, and Ashkelon shall not be inhabited.

Commentary

Zechariah 9:5 is part of a prophetic oracle concerning God's judgment on surrounding nations, particularly the Philistine cities, before the coming of the Messiah. This verse vividly describes the devastating impact of this divine judgment on Ashkelon, Gaza, and Ekron, key cities of ancient Philistia.

Context

This verse is situated within Zechariah 9, which opens with a prophecy of judgment against Israel's neighbors – Damascus, Hamath, Tyre, and Sidon – followed by the Philistine cities. Historically, the Philistines were perennial enemies of Israel, often oppressing them. Zechariah's prophecy foretells a time when their power and pride would be broken, signifying God's sovereign control over all nations. This judgment serves as a prelude to the glorious arrival of Israel's righteous King, as detailed in the broader context of Messianic prophecy in Zechariah 9:9.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Sovereignty: The verse powerfully illustrates God's absolute authority over human kingdoms and His capacity to execute justice. The Philistine cities, once formidable, are brought to ruin by divine decree.
  • Consequences of Opposition: Ashkelon, Gaza, and Ekron face dire consequences for their historical antagonism towards God's people. Their fear, sorrow, and ultimate desolation highlight the severe outcome of defying God's will.
  • Shattered Expectations: Ekron's "expectation shall be ashamed," meaning their hopes for security or prosperity will be utterly dashed. This speaks to the futility of trusting in worldly power or false gods when facing divine judgment.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: This prophecy, largely fulfilled during the Hellenistic period by figures like Alexander the Great, demonstrates the certainty and reliability of God's prophetic word. It echoes similar judgments against Philistia found in the prophecies of Amos and Jeremiah.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "fear" (yare') in "Ashkelon shall see [it], and fear" implies a profound terror or dread, not just slight apprehension.
  • "Sorrowful" (Hebrew: chul) for Gaza conveys a deep, writhing pain, akin to the pangs of childbirth, indicating intense anguish and suffering.
  • "Ashamed" (Hebrew: bosh) used for Ekron signifies deep disappointment, disgrace, and humiliation as their hopes and confidence are utterly shattered. This emphasizes the complete reversal of their fortunes.

Practical Application

Zechariah 9:5 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It reminds us that God is sovereign over all nations and that ultimately, all human systems and powers are accountable to Him. It encourages us to place our hope not in fleeting worldly expectations or human strength, but in God alone, whose promises and judgments are sure. The desolation of these cities serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of opposing God, while also highlighting the certainty of God's ultimate plan, which includes the establishment of His righteous 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

  • Acts 8:26 (4 votes)

    ¶ And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.

  • Jeremiah 47:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet against the Philistines, before that Pharaoh smote Gaza.

  • Zephaniah 2:4 (3 votes)

    ¶ For Gaza shall be forsaken, and Ashkelon a desolation: they shall drive out Ashdod at the noon day, and Ekron shall be rooted up.

  • Zephaniah 2:7 (3 votes)

    And the coast shall be for the remnant of the house of Judah; they shall feed thereupon: in the houses of Ashkelon shall they lie down in the evening: for the LORD their God shall visit them, and turn away their captivity.

  • Revelation 18:9 (3 votes)

    ¶ And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning,

  • Revelation 18:17 (3 votes)

    For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off,

  • Isaiah 14:29 (2 votes)

    Rejoice not thou, whole Palestina, because the rod of him that smote thee is broken: for out of the serpent's root shall come forth a cockatrice, and his fruit [shall be] a fiery flying serpent.