Zechariah 14:10

KJV

All the land shall be turned as a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem: and it shall be lifted up, and inhabited in her place, from Benjamin's gate unto the place of the first gate, unto the corner gate, and [from] the tower of Hananeel unto the king's winepresses.

KJV (with Strong's)

All the land {H776} shall be turned {H5437} as a plain {H6160} from Geba {H1387} to Rimmon {H7417} south {H5045} of Jerusalem {H3389}: and it shall be lifted up {H7213}, and inhabited {H3427} in her place, from Benjamin's {H1144} gate {H8179} unto the place {H4725} of the first {H7223} gate {H8179}, unto the corner {H6434} gate {H8179}, and from the tower {H4026} of Hananeel {H2606} unto the king's {H4428} winepresses {H3342}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All the land will be made like the 'Aravah, from Geva to Rimmon in the Negev. Yerushalayim will be raised up and inhabited where she is, from Binyamin's Gate to the place where the earlier gate stood, and on to the Corner Gate, and from the Tower of Hanan'el to the king's winepresses.

Berean Standard Bible

All the land from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem will be turned into a plain, but Jerusalem will be raised up and will remain in her place, from the Benjamin Gate to the site of the First Gate to the Corner Gate, and from the Tower of Hananel to the royal winepresses.

American Standard Version

All the land shall be made like the Arabah, from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem; and she shall be lifted up, and shall dwell in her place, from Benjamin’s gate unto the place of the first gate, unto the corner gate, and from the tower of Hananel unto the king’s winepresses.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 14:10 provides a vivid prophetic vision of the dramatic topographical transformation and secure expansion of Jerusalem during the future Messianic kingdom. It describes the entire surrounding land being leveled into a plain, causing Jerusalem itself to be supernaturally elevated and firmly re-established within its ancient boundaries, signifying its central and exalted position as the capital of God's righteous reign on earth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 14 is a pivotal eschatological chapter, forming the climax of Zechariah's prophecies concerning the "Day of the Lord." The preceding verses describe a global conflict against Jerusalem, followed by the Lord's dramatic return to the Mount of Olives, which splits the mountain and creates a new valley, allowing a remnant to escape [Zechariah 14:1-5](/zechariah/14-1-5 "Zechariah 14:1-5 - The Day of the Lord and the Lord's Return"). Verse 10 builds directly upon this divine intervention, detailing further geographical alterations that prepare the land for the Lord's universal kingship, explicitly stated in [Zechariah 14:9](/zechariah/14-9 "Zechariah 14:9 - The Lord Will Be King Over All the Earth"). The verse sets the stage for the subsequent descriptions of the kingdom's peace, prosperity, and the universal worship of the Lord.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Zechariah prophesied to the returned exiles in Jerusalem, a community struggling to rebuild their temple and city amidst political and economic hardship. Their historical context was one of vulnerability and subservience to foreign powers. Prophecies of Jerusalem's future glory, security, and divine prominence, like that in [Zechariah 14](/zechariah/14 "Zechariah 14 - The Day of the Lord and the Messianic Kingdom"), served as a profound source of hope and encouragement. The specific landmarks mentioned—Geba, Rimmon, Benjamin's Gate, Tower of Hananeel—were well-known geographical and architectural features of ancient Judah and Jerusalem, grounding the prophecy in tangible reality for its original audience and emphasizing the literal nature of the promised restoration and expansion. The concept of a city being "lifted up" or made prominent was a common ancient Near Eastern motif for divine favor and exaltation.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes within Zechariah and broader biblical prophecy. It underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty** over creation and history, as God unilaterally reshapes the earth to fulfill His purposes. The **Restoration and Exaltation of Jerusalem** is central, portraying the city not merely rebuilt but supernaturally transformed into a secure, prominent, and expanded capital. This transformation is integral to the theme of the **Messianic Kingdom**, where Jerusalem will serve as the administrative and spiritual center from which the Lord reigns over all the earth [Zechariah 14:16](/zechariah/14-16 "Zechariah 14:16 - Nations Worship the King in Jerusalem"). Finally, it highlights the theme of **God's Faithfulness to His Covenants**, particularly His promises concerning Israel and the Davidic kingdom, ensuring a future of peace and security under His direct rule.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **land (Hebrew, _ʼerets'_):** This term (H776) broadly refers to the earth, a country, or a specific territory. In this context, "all the land" signifies the entire region surrounding Jerusalem, emphasizing the comprehensive scope of the divine topographical alteration.
* **turned (Hebrew, _çâbab'_):** The root (H5437) means "to revolve, surround, or border." Here, it conveys a radical transformation, indicating that the landscape will be completely re-oriented or leveled, changing its fundamental character from varied terrain to a uniform plain.
* **plain (Hebrew, _ʻărâbâh'_):** This word (H6160) specifically denotes a desert, an arid, low-lying plain, or a wilderness, often referring to the Jordan Rift Valley. Its use here implies a dramatic leveling, making the surrounding area flat and open, which in turn causes Jerusalem to stand out in elevated prominence.
* **inhabited (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** This verb (H3427) means "to sit down, dwell, remain, or settle." In this context, it emphasizes the secure and permanent re-establishment of Jerusalem's population within its divinely designated and expanded boundaries, signifying stability and peace after a period of upheaval.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All the land shall be turned as a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem:"** This clause describes a radical geographical transformation. "Geba" (H1387) was a town north of Jerusalem, and "Rimmon" (H7417) was a town in the Negeb (H5045), south of Jerusalem. The phrase "from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem" functions as a merism, encompassing the entire north-south expanse of Judah around Jerusalem. The land, currently undulating with hills and valleys, will be supernaturally leveled into an "Arabah" (plain), making Jerusalem uniquely elevated and visible. This dramatic change signifies a new era of divine order and the removal of obstacles to Jerusalem's prominence.
* **"and it shall be lifted up, and inhabited in her place,"** Following the leveling of the surrounding land, Jerusalem itself will be "lifted up" (H7213), not necessarily by a physical upward movement but by its relative elevation and prominence due to the surrounding plain. More significantly, it will be "inhabited" (H3427) and securely established "in her place" (H4725). This speaks to the permanence and security of the city, ensuring that it will no longer be subject to destruction or displacement but will remain eternally in its divinely appointed location, fully populated and secure.
* **"from Benjamin's gate unto the place of the first gate, unto the corner gate, and [from] the tower of Hananeel unto the king's winepresses."** This final clause delineates the expanded and secured boundaries of Jerusalem. These are specific ancient landmarks: "Benjamin's gate" (H1144, H8179) was on the north side, the "first gate" (H7223, H8179) and "corner gate" (H6434, H8179) refer to other significant points in the city's wall, and the "tower of Hananeel" (H4026, H2606) was a prominent defensive structure on the northeast corner. "The king's winepresses" (H4428, H3342) likely refers to an area outside the city walls, perhaps to the south or east. The mention of these specific points emphasizes the literal and comprehensive restoration and expansion of Jerusalem's physical boundaries, ensuring its security and capacity for a greatly increased population.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 14:10 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its prophetic message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the description of the entire land being "turned as a plain," which, while possibly literal in the eschatological context, also serves to emphasize the radical and supernatural nature of God's intervention. The use of **Merism** is prominent with the geographical markers "from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem," encompassing the entire north-south axis of the land around Jerusalem, thereby indicating the comprehensive scope of the transformation. Similarly, the detailed listing of specific gates and landmarks ("Benjamin's gate unto the place of the first gate, unto the corner gate, and from the tower of Hananeel unto the king's winepresses") provides a precise, all-encompassing description of Jerusalem's future expanded and secure boundaries. This detailed specificity grounds the prophecy in a tangible reality, assuring the audience of the literal fulfillment of God's promises. Finally, the elevated and securely "inhabited" Jerusalem serves as a potent **Symbol** of the stability, prominence, and glory of the future Messianic kingdom, where God's presence and rule will be undeniably manifest.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 14:10 profoundly underscores God's absolute sovereignty over creation and history, revealing His meticulous plan for the future. The dramatic reshaping of the land and the secure exaltation of Jerusalem are not random occurrences but divine acts that prepare the world for the full manifestation of God's kingdom. This prophecy assures believers of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises concerning Israel and the ultimate establishment of His righteous reign, where Jerusalem will serve as the undisputed capital of the Messiah. It paints a picture of ultimate peace, security, and divine order, contrasting sharply with the chaos and conflict that precede the Day of the Lord.

* [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2-4 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - The Mountain of the Lord's House")
* [Micah 4:1-3](/micah/4-1-3 "Micah 4:1-3 - The Lord's Reign from Zion")
* [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven, New Earth, and New Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 14:10 offers a powerful vision of hope and divine certainty in a world often marked by instability and injustice. For believers, this prophecy serves as a tangible reminder that God's plans are unshakeable and will ultimately culminate in the establishment of His perfect kingdom on earth. It encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, trusting that despite present challenges, God is sovereignly working all things towards His glorious purpose. This future reality should inspire us to pray for God's kingdom to come, to live righteously, and to participate in His redemptive work, knowing that our efforts contribute to a future where Christ reigns supreme from a restored and glorified Jerusalem. It calls us to place our ultimate hope not in earthly powers or fleeting circumstances, but in the steadfast promises of God concerning His future reign of peace and justice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the vision of a transformed and secure Jerusalem impact your understanding of God's faithfulness to His promises?**
* **In what ways does this prophecy encourage you to trust God's sovereignty over global events and the future?**
* **How might the concept of Jerusalem being "lifted up" apply spiritually to the Church or individual believers today?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the geographical changes described in this verse?**

Answer: The geographical changes—the leveling of the surrounding land into a plain and Jerusalem being "lifted up"—are highly significant. They are not merely natural phenomena but supernatural acts of God, demonstrating His absolute power and control over creation. The leveling of the land makes Jerusalem uniquely prominent and accessible, signifying its future role as the central and exalted capital of the Messianic kingdom. This transformation removes geographical barriers, symbolizing the removal of all obstacles to God's universal reign and the free flow of nations to worship Him in Jerusalem, as described in [Zechariah 14:16](/zechariah/14-16 "Zechariah 14:16 - Nations Worship the King in Jerusalem").

**Why are so many specific gates and landmarks mentioned in Zechariah 14:10?**

Answer: The mention of specific gates and landmarks (Benjamin's gate, the first gate, the corner gate, the tower of Hananeel, and the king's winepresses) serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it grounds the prophecy in a literal, tangible reality for its original audience, assuring them that these are not vague spiritual metaphors but concrete promises concerning the physical city of Jerusalem. Secondly, by naming points that define the city's historical boundaries and even extending beyond them (like the king's winepresses), the prophet emphasizes the comprehensive restoration, expansion, and security of Jerusalem. It signifies that the entire city, from its historical core to its future expanded limits, will be securely "inhabited in her place," never again to be diminished or destroyed. This detail underscores the permanence and completeness of God's future work in Jerusalem.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 14:10 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the promised Messiah and King. While the verse describes a literal, topographical transformation of earthly Jerusalem, its deeper theological significance points to the establishment of God's eternal kingdom, centered on Christ. The "lifting up" and secure habitation of Jerusalem foreshadows the exaltation of Christ as King of kings and Lord of lords, from whom all authority and blessing flow [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus"). Just as earthly Jerusalem will be the capital of His millennial reign, so too does Christ establish a spiritual kingdom now, through His Church, which is often depicted as the "heavenly Jerusalem" or "Mount Zion" [Hebrews 12:22-24](/hebrews/12-22-24 "Hebrews 12:22-24 - You Have Come to Mount Zion"). Ultimately, the secure and expanded city points to the New Jerusalem, the dwelling place of God with humanity, where Christ reigns eternally, and there is no more curse or sorrow [Revelation 21:2-4](/revelation/21-2-4 "Revelation 21:2-4 - The New Jerusalem Descends"). Thus, the prophecy of Zechariah 14:10 is not merely about a physical city, but about the glorious and eternal reign of Christ, which culminates in a renewed creation where God's presence is fully manifest among His people.

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

Joshua 15:32

And Lebaoth, and Shilhim, and Ain, and Rimmon: all the cities [are] twenty and nine, with their villages:

Zechariah 12:6

In that day will I make the governors of Judah like an hearth of fire among the wood, and like a torch of fire in a sheaf; and they shall devour all the people round about, on the right hand and on the left: and Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place, [even] in Jerusalem.

Jeremiah 37:13

And when he was in the gate of Benjamin, a captain of the ward [was] there, whose name [was] Irijah, the son of Shelemiah, the son of Hananiah; and he took Jeremiah the prophet, saying, Thou fallest away to the Chaldeans.

Jeremiah 30:18

¶ Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will bring again the captivity of Jacob's tents, and have mercy on his dwellingplaces; and the city shall be builded upon her own heap, and the palace shall remain after the manner thereof.

1 Kings 15:22

Then king Asa made a proclamation throughout all Judah; none [was] exempted: and they took away the stones of Ramah, and the timber thereof, wherewith Baasha had builded; and king Asa built with them Geba of Benjamin, and Mizpah.

Judges 20:47

But six hundred men turned and fled to the wilderness unto the rock Rimmon, and abode in the rock Rimmon four months.

Jeremiah 38:7

Now when Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, one of the eunuchs which was in the king's house, heard that they had put Jeremiah in the dungeon; the king then sitting in the gate of Benjamin;