Zechariah 14:13

KJV

And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] a great tumult from the LORD shall be among them; and they shall lay hold every one on the hand of his neighbour, and his hand shall rise up against the hand of his neighbour.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall come to pass in that day {H3117}, that a great {H7227} tumult {H4103} from the LORD {H3068} shall be among them; and they shall lay hold {H2388} every one {H376} on the hand {H3027} of his neighbour {H7453}, and his hand {H3027} shall rise up {H5927} against the hand {H3027} of his neighbour {H7453}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When that day comes, there will be among them great panic, sent by ADONAI, so that everyone lays hands on his neighbor, who in turn attacks him.

Berean Standard Bible

On that day a great panic from the LORD will come upon them, so that each will seize the hand of another, and the hand of one will rise against the other.

American Standard Version

And it shall come to pass in that day, that a great tumult from Jehovah shall be among them; and they shall lay hold every one on the hand of his neighbor, and his hand shall rise up against the hand of his neighbor.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 14:13 vividly portrays a climactic scene during the prophetic "Day of the Lord," where God's enemies, gathered against Jerusalem, are struck with a divinely orchestrated "great tumult." This supernatural confusion causes them to turn violently against one another, resulting in self-destruction rather than success against God's people. The verse underscores the Lord's direct intervention in defending His chosen and demonstrates the futility of opposing His sovereign will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 14 stands as the eschatological climax of the entire book, detailing the final events surrounding the "Day of the Lord." The preceding verses (Zechariah 14:1-5) describe the gathering of all nations against Jerusalem, the city's capture, and the dramatic return of the Lord to the Mount of Olives, splitting it in two. Verses 6-12 then depict cosmic and earthly transformations, including a devastating plague upon the attacking armies. Verse 13, therefore, is not an isolated event but a direct consequence and a specific form of divine judgment that immediately follows God's dramatic intervention, showcasing His unique method of defeating His adversaries through internal strife, before the subsequent establishment of His universal reign (Zechariah 14:14-21).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Zechariah prophesied to the post-exilic community, encouraging them in the rebuilding of the temple and the restoration of Jerusalem. While much of the book addresses contemporary concerns, the latter chapters, particularly chapter 14, employ highly apocalyptic and eschatological language, looking far beyond the immediate historical horizon. The concept of God causing confusion and internal conflict among enemies was a recognized pattern in Israel's history and cultural memory, demonstrating His power to deliver His people without their direct military engagement. This motif, seen in accounts like the [defeat of the Midianites by Gideon](/judges/7-22 "Judges 7:22 - Gideon's Victory Over the Midianites") or the [Ammonites and Moabites turning on each other in Jehoshaphat's time](/2_chronicles/20-23 "2 Chronicles 20:23 - Jehoshaphat's Victory Over the Ammonites and Moabites"), would have resonated deeply, emphasizing God's direct and often miraculous intervention on behalf of His covenant people against overwhelming odds.
* **Key Themes:** Zechariah 14:13 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **Day of the Lord**, portraying it as a definitive period of divine judgment against those who oppose God and His people, while simultaneously bringing salvation to the remnant. Secondly, the phrase "a great tumult from the LORD" powerfully emphasizes **Divine Sovereignty and Intervention**, asserting that God is not a passive observer but the active orchestrator of history, directly bringing about the downfall of His adversaries. Thirdly, the verse underscores **God's Unwavering Protection of Jerusalem and His People**, demonstrating that even in the face of overwhelming global opposition, God's commitment to His chosen city and people ensures their ultimate deliverance. Finally, it illustrates the **Futility of Opposing God**, showing that any force arrayed against the Almighty will ultimately be consumed by its own internal contradictions and self-destructive tendencies, as seen in other prophetic warnings against God's enemies (e.g., [Isaiah 19:2](/isaiah/19-2 "Isaiah 19:2 - Egypt Against Egypt")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **tumult (Hebrew, _mᵉhûwmâh'_):** From H4103, this word signifies confusion, uproar, panic, or even destruction. In Zechariah 14:13, it denotes a divinely induced state of disarray and panic that grips the attacking armies. This is not mere natural chaos but a supernatural disorientation designed by God to lead to their downfall, often resulting in self-inflicted harm or a rout. Its usage here emphasizes the Lord's active role in discomfiting His enemies.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His self-existence, eternality, and His active presence in the affairs of His creation and covenant people. The phrase "from the LORD" explicitly attributes the "great tumult" directly to God's initiative and power, reinforcing His sovereignty and demonstrating that this judgment is a deliberate act of His will, not a random occurrence.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** From H3027, "hand" is a primitive word with a vast array of applications, both literal and figurative. It often signifies power, means, direction, or agency. In Zechariah 14:13, the repetition of "lay hold every one on the hand of his neighbour, and his hand shall rise up against the hand of his neighbour" uses "hand" to represent the individual's agency and power, highlighting the direct, physical, and aggressive nature of the internal conflict. It indicates a literal grasping and striking, emphasizing the complete breakdown of unity and the turning of one's own strength against former allies.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass in that day":** This introductory phrase anchors the prophecy to the "Day of the Lord," an eschatological period of climactic divine intervention, judgment, and salvation. It signals that the events described are part of God's ultimate plan for the end times, a specific, decisive moment in history orchestrated by Him.
* **"that a great tumult from the LORD shall be among them":** This is the core of the divine judgment. "Them" refers to the nations gathered against Jerusalem. The "great tumult" (Hebrew _mehumah_) is a state of utter confusion, panic, and disarray. Crucially, it originates "from the LORD," signifying that this chaos is not accidental or self-generated by human weakness, but a direct, supernatural act of God. He is the active agent causing this disorientation among His enemies.
* **"and they shall lay hold every one on the hand of his neighbour":** This clause describes the immediate consequence of the divine tumult. The panic is so profound that it causes the enemy soldiers to lose all cohesion and turn on each other. "Laying hold on the hand" implies a forceful, aggressive grasp, escalating into physical conflict. The phrase "every one" emphasizes the pervasive and universal nature of this internal strife within the attacking forces.
* **"and his hand shall rise up against the hand of his neighbour.":** This final clause intensifies the imagery, depicting open warfare among the former allies. The "hand" rising against the "hand" of a "neighbour" vividly illustrates the complete breakdown of alliance and the eruption of fratricidal violence. Instead of focusing their aggression on Jerusalem, the enemies are consumed by internal conflict, becoming their own undoing.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 14:13 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to convey its message. The most prominent is **Divine Causation**, explicitly stating that the "great tumult" is "from the LORD," thereby establishing God as the direct and sovereign agent behind the chaos. This is further reinforced by **Repetition** of the phrase "hand of his neighbour," which emphasizes the internal, self-destructive nature of the conflict. The imagery of "hand shall rise up against the hand of his neighbour" is a form of **Metonymy**, where "hand" represents the individual's aggressive action or power, highlighting the direct, physical violence. There is also an element of **Irony**, as the nations gathered with the intent to destroy Jerusalem are themselves destroyed by internal strife, a reversal of expectations. This chaotic internal conflict among the enemies also serves as a powerful **Symbolism** for the futility and self-defeating nature of any opposition to God's will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 14:13 powerfully illustrates God's sovereign control over all nations and His unique methods of judgment and deliverance. It underscores the biblical truth that when human power sets itself against divine purpose, it inevitably leads to self-destruction. This "tumult from the LORD" is a manifestation of God's justice, demonstrating that He is not only capable of defending His people but will actively disorient and dismantle the forces of evil from within. This theme resonates throughout Scripture, where God often fights for His people by causing their enemies to turn on one another, showcasing His omnipotence and faithfulness to His covenant promises. It serves as a profound reminder that the ultimate battle is the Lord's, and His strategies for victory often defy human expectation, bringing glory to His name.

* [Judges 7:22](/judges/7-22 "Judges 7:22 - The Midianites Turn on Each Other")
* [1 Samuel 14:20](/1_samuel/14-20 "1 Samuel 14:20 - Saul's Army Finds Philistines Fighting Each Other")
* [2 Chronicles 20:23](/2_chronicles/20-23 "2 Chronicles 20:23 - Ammonites and Moabites Destroy Each Other")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 14:13 offers profound comfort and a solemn warning. For believers, it reinforces the truth that God is utterly sovereign, even in the midst of global turmoil and seemingly insurmountable opposition. When the world seems to be arrayed against God's purposes or His people, this verse reminds us that the Lord has the power to turn the schemes of enemies against themselves, ensuring the ultimate triumph of His will. It encourages unwavering trust in His protective hand and His ability to deliver in ways we cannot foresee. For those who might oppose God or His people, it serves as a stark reminder of the futility and danger of such a path; His judgment can manifest in unexpected and devastating ways, causing adversaries to become their own undoing. This prophecy calls us to live in reverent awe of God's power and to align our lives with His righteous purposes, knowing that His justice will ultimately prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Zechariah 14:13 deepen your understanding of God's sovereignty and justice in the face of global conflict?**
* **In what ways does this prophecy encourage believers who may feel overwhelmed or threatened by opposition today?**
* **What does the "tumult from the LORD" reveal about the futility of human efforts when they are arrayed against divine will?**

### FAQ
**What is 'the Day' referred to in Zechariah 14:13?**

Answer: "That day" refers to the prophetic "Day of the Lord," a significant eschatological theme found throughout the Old Testament prophets. It is not a literal 24-hour day but an appointed period of time when God intervenes decisively in human history. This "Day" is characterized by divine judgment against wickedness and the enemies of God's people, cosmic disturbances, and ultimately, the establishment of God's righteous reign and the salvation of His faithful remnant. In Zechariah 14, it culminates in the Lord's return, the defeat of His enemies, and His universal kingship over all the earth, as described in [Zechariah 14:9](/zechariah/14-9 "Zechariah 14:9 - The Lord Will Be King Over All the Earth").

**How does God cause this 'tumult' among the enemies?**

Answer: The "tumult from the LORD" (Hebrew _mehumah_) signifies a supernatural panic, confusion, and disorientation directly orchestrated by God. This is not a natural occurrence but a divine act that strips the enemies of their cohesion, strategy, and will to fight effectively against God's people. Throughout biblical history, God has demonstrated His ability to cause such internal strife, leading adversaries to turn on each other rather than on Israel. Examples include the Midianites in [Judges 7:22](/judges/7-22 "Judges 7:22 - The Midianites Turn on Each Other"), the Philistines in [1 Samuel 14:20](/1_samuel/14-20 "1 Samuel 14:20 - Saul's Army Finds Philistines Fighting Each Other"), and the Ammonites and Moabites in [2 Chronicles 20:23](/2_chronicles/20-23 "2 Chronicles 20:23 - Ammonites and Moabites Destroy Each Other"). This demonstrates God's power to defeat His foes without human military intervention, often by causing them to become their own undoing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Zechariah 14:13 describes a future, climactic judgment upon the enemies of God's people, its themes find their ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "Day of the Lord," with its dual aspects of judgment and salvation, is inaugurated in Christ's first coming and will be fully consummated at His glorious second advent. Jesus, as the true King of Israel and Lord of all nations, is the one who will ultimately execute this divine judgment. The "tumult from the LORD" foreshadows the decisive defeat of all spiritual and physical forces arrayed against God, not merely through internal strife, but through the overwhelming power and authority of Christ Himself. His victory on the cross disarmed the principalities and powers, triumphing over them (as seen in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")), and His return will bring about the final judgment where every knee will bow and every tongue confess His Lordship ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). The protection of God's people, which Zechariah 14:13 implies, is ultimately secured in Christ, who is our refuge and strength ([Psalm 46:1](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Is Our Refuge and Strength")). The final establishment of God's kingdom, where the Lord is King over all the earth ([Zechariah 14:9](/zechariah/14-9 "Zechariah 14:9 - The Lord Will Be King Over All the Earth")), finds its reality in the reign of Christ, whose kingdom is eternal and whose victory over all opposition is absolute ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")).

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 12:4

In that day, saith the LORD, I will smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness: and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah, and will smite every horse of the people with blindness.

Revelation 17:12

And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.

Revelation 17:17

For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.

Judges 7:22

And the three hundred blew the trumpets, and the LORD set every man's sword against his fellow, even throughout all the host: and the host fled to Bethshittah in Zererath, [and] to the border of Abelmeholah, unto Tabbath.

2 Chronicles 20:22

And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.

2 Chronicles 20:24

And when Judah came toward the watch tower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude, and, behold, they [were] dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped.

Zechariah 11:6

For I will no more pity the inhabitants of the land, saith the LORD: but, lo, I will deliver the men every one into his neighbour's hand, and into the hand of his king: and they shall smite the land, and out of their hand I will not deliver [them].