Zechariah 14:13

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Zechariah 14:13 (KJV) describes a dramatic scene of divine judgment during the prophetic "Day of the Lord." This verse vividly portrays the confusion and self-destruction that will befall the enemies of God's people, orchestrated directly by the Lord Himself.

Context of Zechariah 14:13

Chapter 14 of Zechariah is a pivotal prophetic passage, often understood to describe events surrounding the final climactic battle against Jerusalem in the end times. The preceding verses detail the gathering of all nations against the city and the Lord's dramatic return to the Mount of Olives. Verse 13 specifically focuses on the immediate consequence for these attacking forces: a divinely sent panic and internal strife that causes them to turn on one another, rather than on the people of God.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Intervention and Judgment: The phrase "a great tumult from the LORD" emphasizes that this chaos is not accidental but a direct act of God's judgment. It signifies His active role in defending His people and punishing those who oppose Him.
  • Self-Destruction of Enemies: Instead of fighting God's chosen, the enemy forces are consumed by internal conflict. This theme of adversaries turning against each other is a recurring pattern in biblical accounts of divine deliverance, showcasing God's power to defeat foes without His people needing to lift a sword. This strategy is seen in accounts like the defeat of the Midianites by Gideon and the Ammonites and Moabites in Jehoshaphat's time.
  • God's Protection for Jerusalem: Amidst the global turmoil, this verse underscores God's unwavering commitment to protect Jerusalem and His people. The chaos among the enemies directly contributes to the salvation of God's remnant.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "tumult" is mehumah (ΧžΦ°Χ”Χ•ΦΌΧžΦΈΧ”), which signifies confusion, panic, disorder, or even destruction. It's often used in contexts where God causes disorientation or a rout among enemies, leading to their downfall. This isn't just a natural panic, but a supernaturally induced state of disarray that leads to self-inflicted harm.

Practical Application

Zechariah 14:13 offers profound comfort and warning. For believers, it reinforces the truth that God is sovereign over all events, even in times of intense conflict. He has the power to turn the schemes of enemies against themselves, ensuring the ultimate triumph of His will and the protection of His people. For those who oppose God, it serves as a solemn reminder of the futility of fighting against the Almighty; His judgment can manifest in unexpected and devastating ways, even causing adversaries to become their own undoing. This verse encourages trust in God's ultimate justice and His promise of future deliverance, pointing towards the establishment of His eternal kingdom where true peace will reign.

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 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 β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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].
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