Zechariah 12:2

KJV

Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah [and] against Jerusalem.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, I will make {H7760} Jerusalem {H3389} a cup {H5592} of trembling {H7478} unto all the people {H5971} round about {H5439}, when they shall be in the siege {H4692} both against Judah {H3063} and against Jerusalem {H3389}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"I will make Yerushalayim a cup that will stagger the surrounding peoples. Even Y'hudah will be caught up in the siege against Yerushalayim.

Berean Standard Bible

“Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples. Judah will be besieged, as well as Jerusalem.

American Standard Version

Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of reeling unto all the peoples round about, and upon Judah also shall it be in the siege against Jerusalem.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 12:2 prophesies a future, climactic confrontation where God declares He will make Jerusalem a "cup of trembling" for all surrounding nations. This vivid imagery depicts Jerusalem as a source of staggering disorientation and ultimate defeat for those who lay siege against it and Judah. The verse underscores God's active sovereignty, His unwavering protection over His chosen city and people, and the inevitable downfall of those who oppose His divine purposes, setting the stage for a dramatic display of divine intervention.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 12:2 is situated within the latter half of the book of Zechariah (chapters 9-14), often referred to as the "burdens" or "oracles" concerning Israel. This section shifts from the immediate post-exilic concerns of temple rebuilding to grander, eschatological prophecies detailing God's future plans for Judah, Jerusalem, and the nations. Chapter 12 specifically introduces a series of prophecies regarding a future siege against Jerusalem, God's miraculous defense of the city, the repentance of Israel, and the outpouring of the Spirit. Verse 2 acts as a foundational declaration, setting the stage for the intense conflict and divine intervention that will unfold in the subsequent verses and chapters, culminating in the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom and the return of the Messiah as described in [Zechariah 14](/zechariah/14 "Zechariah 14 - The Day of the Lord and Christ's Return").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While Zechariah prophesied to the returned exiles in the late 6th century BC, urging them to rebuild the temple, the prophecy in Zechariah 12:2 transcends its immediate historical setting. It points to a future, global conflict centered on Jerusalem, a city with immense historical and religious significance for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Culturally, the "cup" metaphor was well-understood in the ancient Near East as a symbol of destiny, judgment, or suffering, often administered by a deity. To be given a "cup of trembling" meant to be overwhelmed by a divine judgment that causes disorientation, weakness, and ultimately, collapse, much like the effects of a potent, intoxicating drink. This imagery draws on the frequent historical reality of Jerusalem being besieged by various empires, yet here, the tables are turned by divine decree.
* **Key Themes:** Zechariah 12:2 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book and broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, emphasizing that God is the ultimate orchestrator of history, declaring, "Behold, I will make Jerusalem..." This highlights His active role in shaping geopolitical events and executing His will. Another crucial theme is **Jerusalem's Centrality** in God's redemptive plan, portraying it not merely as a city but as a focal point for divine judgment and salvation. The verse also introduces the theme of **Future Eschatological Conflict**, where hostile nations will gather against God's people, leading to a climactic confrontation. This conflict, however, serves to demonstrate God's **Divine Protection and Vindication** of His covenant people, turning the aggression of the nations into their own undoing, as seen in the broader context of [Zechariah 12-14](/zechariah/12-14 "Zechariah 12-14 - Prophecies of Jerusalem's Future").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **cup (Hebrew, _çaph'_):** (H5592) While often translated as "cup," this word can also refer to a "bason" or "bowl," particularly one used for holding liquids like blood or wine. In the context of "cup of trembling," it signifies a vessel containing a potent, disorienting draught. The imagery conveys that Jerusalem itself, by divine decree, becomes the source or instrument of this intoxicating, debilitating effect on its adversaries, leading them to stagger and fall.
* **trembling (Hebrew, _raʻal'_):** (H7478) This term denotes a "reeling" or "staggering" motion, typically associated with intoxication or extreme weakness. When combined with "cup," it paints a vivid picture of nations overwhelmed and incapacitated, losing their composure and strength as if drunk. It implies a state of confusion, instability, and ultimate collapse, signifying divine judgment that causes physical and mental disorientation among Jerusalem's attackers.
* **siege (Hebrew, _mâtsôwr'_):** (H4692) This word refers to something that "hems in," specifically a mound constructed by besiegers, the act of a "siege" itself, or even a "fortress" or "stronghold." In Zechariah 12:2, it clearly denotes the military encirclement and assault on a city. The prophecy indicates a massive, coordinated military action by "all the people round about" against both Judah and Jerusalem, setting the stage for God's dramatic intervention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, I will make Jerusalem":** This opening phrase immediately establishes divine agency and sovereignty. "Behold" (often translated "Lo" or "Indeed") draws attention to a significant, divinely ordained event. The declaration "I will make" underscores that this future scenario is not a random occurrence or a mere human conflict, but a direct result of God's purposeful action. Jerusalem, though a physical city, becomes an instrument in God's hands.
* **"a cup of trembling unto all the people round about,":** This is the core metaphorical declaration. Jerusalem is not merely besieged, but becomes the cause of disarray and weakness for its attackers. The "cup of trembling" signifies a divinely administered judgment that causes the surrounding nations to reel and stagger as if intoxicated, leading to their disorientation and ultimate defeat. "All the people round about" emphasizes the widespread, unified nature of this future opposition against Jerusalem.
* **"when they shall be in the siege both against Judah [and] against Jerusalem.":** This clause clarifies the specific context in which Jerusalem becomes the "cup of trembling." It describes a future military campaign where a coalition of nations will lay siege to both the broader territory of Judah and its capital city, Jerusalem. The prophecy indicates that it is precisely *during* this hostile encirclement that God's judgment will manifest, turning the aggressors' strength into their own undoing.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 12:2 employs powerful **Metaphor** by describing Jerusalem as a "cup of trembling." This vivid image transforms the city from a passive target into an active agent of divine judgment, causing its attackers to stagger as if drunk. This metaphor is further enhanced by implied **Irony**: the nations intend to conquer Jerusalem, but their very act of aggression leads to their own disorientation and downfall. The phrase "all the people round about" functions as **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the vast and unified nature of the opposition, thereby magnifying the miraculous scale of God's intervention. There's also a subtle form of **Personification**, as Jerusalem is imbued with the capacity to cause "trembling" in its adversaries, acting as an instrument of divine will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 12:2 profoundly underscores the biblical truth of God's absolute sovereignty over human history and geopolitical events. It reveals that even amidst intense conflict and seemingly overwhelming odds, God remains firmly in control, orchestrating circumstances to fulfill His divine purposes. The prophecy highlights the unique and enduring significance of Jerusalem and the Jewish people in God's redemptive plan, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. The "cup of trembling" serves as a powerful symbol of divine judgment, illustrating that those who set themselves against God's chosen people and His ultimate will inevitably face His righteous wrath, turning their aggressive intentions back upon themselves. This passage assures believers that God's purposes for His people will ultimately prevail, no matter how dire the circumstances appear.

* [Isaiah 51:17](/isaiah/51-17 "Isaiah 51:17 - Jerusalem Drinks the Cup of Trembling")
* [Jeremiah 25:15](/jeremiah/25-15 "Jeremiah 25:15 - The Cup of the Lord's Fury")
* [Ezekiel 38:16](/ezekiel/38-16 "Ezekiel 38:16 - Gog and Magog's Invasion of Israel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 12:2 offers both profound comfort and a solemn warning. For believers, it serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering faithfulness and His ultimate control over all nations and events. In a world often characterized by geopolitical turmoil, conflict, and uncertainty, this verse reassures us that God's plans for His people and for Jerusalem will ultimately be accomplished, despite all human opposition. It encourages a posture of trust and reliance on divine sovereignty, knowing that even when hostile forces gather, God is able to turn their schemes against themselves. For those who might be tempted to oppose God's purposes or His people, the "cup of trembling" serves as a stark warning: defiance against the divine will leads not to victory, but to disorientation, weakness, and ultimate defeat. This prophecy calls us to align our lives and our hopes with God's unfolding kingdom, recognizing that His ultimate triumph is assured.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Zechariah 12:2 challenge or affirm your understanding of God's sovereignty over global events?**
* **In what ways might the concept of Jerusalem as a "cup of trembling" apply metaphorically to spiritual battles or personal challenges we face?**
* **What comfort or warning do you draw from this prophecy regarding God's protection of His people and His judgment on those who oppose Him?**
* **How does this verse encourage you to trust God's faithfulness even when circumstances seem overwhelmingly hostile?**

### FAQ

**Who are "all the people round about" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: "All the people round about" refers to the surrounding nations or peoples who will gather to lay siege against Jerusalem and Judah in a future, climactic conflict. While specific nations are not named in this verse, the broader context of biblical prophecy, particularly in books like [Ezekiel 38-39](/ezekiel/38-39 "Ezekiel 38-39 - The Prophecy of Gog and Magog") and [Joel 3](/joel/3 "Joel 3 - God Judges the Nations"), suggests a coalition of nations that are historically or eschatologically hostile to Israel. This phrase emphasizes the widespread and unified nature of the opposition that Jerusalem will face.

**When will this prophecy be fulfilled?**

Answer: Most biblical scholars interpret Zechariah 12:2 as an eschatological prophecy, meaning it refers to events in the end times, rather than a specific historical event that has already occurred. The scale of the "all the people round about" and the dramatic divine intervention described in Zechariah 12-14 suggest a future, unprecedented global conflict centered on Jerusalem, preceding or accompanying the return of the Messiah. While some aspects might have had partial historical echoes, its ultimate and complete fulfillment is widely understood to be yet future.

**What is the significance of Jerusalem in this prophecy?**

Answer: Jerusalem holds immense significance in this prophecy as God's chosen city and the focal point of His redemptive plan. The verse portrays Jerusalem not as a helpless victim, but as a divinely empowered instrument that causes its attackers to "tremble." Its significance lies in its role as the place where God will ultimately display His power, protect His people, and establish His kingdom. This prophecy underscores God's unwavering commitment to Jerusalem and His covenant with Israel, ensuring that despite all human opposition, His purposes for the city will prevail, ultimately culminating in the reign of the Messiah from [Mount Zion](/psalms/2-6 "Psalm 2:6 - God's King on Zion").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Zechariah 12:2 speaks directly to a future conflict involving Jerusalem and the nations, its deeper theological fulfillment points powerfully to Christ. The ultimate "cup of trembling" in biblical prophecy is the cup of God's wrath and judgment against sin. While the nations drink a "cup of trembling" as a consequence of their opposition to God's people, Jesus Christ, in His atoning work, voluntarily drank the full "cup" of divine wrath on behalf of humanity. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, "[My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")," signifying the immense suffering and divine judgment He was about to endure. By drinking this cup, Christ absorbed the trembling and judgment meant for us, turning God's wrath away from those who believe. His victory on the cross and resurrection ensure that the ultimate siege against God's people (spiritual death) is broken. Furthermore, the future vindication of Jerusalem and the triumph over hostile nations, as prophesied in Zechariah, ultimately finds its consummation in the glorious return of Christ, who will establish His righteous kingdom and reign from the [New Jerusalem](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem Descends"), bringing final peace and justice to the world.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Zechariah 14:14

And Judah also shall fight at Jerusalem; and the wealth of all the heathen round about shall be gathered together, gold, and silver, and apparel, in great abundance.

Psalms 75:8

For in the hand of the LORD [there is] a cup, and the wine is red; it is full of mixture; and he poureth out of the same: but the dregs thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall wring [them] out, [and] drink [them].

Isaiah 51:22

Thus saith thy Lord the LORD, and thy God [that] pleadeth the cause of his people, Behold, I have taken out of thine hand the cup of trembling, [even] the dregs of the cup of my fury; thou shalt no more drink it again:

Isaiah 51:23

But I will put it into the hand of them that afflict thee; which have said to thy soul, Bow down, that we may go over: and thou hast laid thy body as the ground, and as the street, to them that went over.

Isaiah 51:17

¶ Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, which hast drunk at the hand of the LORD the cup of his fury; thou hast drunken the dregs of the cup of trembling, [and] wrung [them] out.

Jeremiah 25:15

¶ For thus saith the LORD God of Israel unto me; Take the wine cup of this fury at my hand, and cause all the nations, to whom I send thee, to drink it.

Jeremiah 49:12

For thus saith the LORD; Behold, they whose judgment [was] not to drink of the cup have assuredly drunken; and [art] thou he [that] shall altogether go unpunished? thou shalt not go unpunished, but thou shalt surely drink [of it].