Zechariah 14:5

And ye shall flee [to] the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the LORD my God shall come, [and] all the saints with thee.

And ye shall flee {H5127} to the valley {H1516} of the mountains {H2022}; for the valley {H1516} of the mountains {H2022} shall reach {H5060} unto Azal {H682}: yea, ye shall flee {H5127}, like as ye fled {H5127} from before {H6440} the earthquake {H7494} in the days {H3117} of Uzziah {H5818} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063}: and the LORD {H3068} my God {H430} shall come {H935}, and all the saints {H6918} with thee.

You will flee to the valley in the mountains, for the valley in the mountains will reach to Atzel. You will flee, just as you fled before the earthquake in the days of 'Uziyah king of Y'hudah. Then ADONAI my God will come to you with all the holy ones.

You will flee by My mountain valley, for it will extend to Azal. You will flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the LORD my God will come, and all the holy ones with Him.

And ye shall flee by the valley of my mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azel; yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah; and Jehovah my God shall come, and all the holy ones with thee.

Zechariah 14:5 is a dramatic prophecy describing events associated with the "Day of the LORD," specifically focusing on divine intervention and the coming of God with His holy ones.

Context

This verse is situated within the final chapter of Zechariah, which vividly portrays the ultimate conflict involving Jerusalem and the nations, culminating in God's decisive intervention. The preceding verses describe the nations gathering against Jerusalem and the city being taken, followed by the LORD's appearance on the Mount of Olives, which splits in two, creating a large valley. Verse 5 details the purpose of this topographical change: to provide a way of escape for the inhabitants.

Key Themes

  • Divine Deliverance: God Himself creates a means of escape for His people during a time of intense tribulation. The newly formed valley serves as a refuge.
  • The Lord's Coming: The verse explicitly states, "the LORD my God shall come, and all the saints with thee." This points to a future, glorious arrival of God, accompanied by His holy ones.
  • Historical Parallel: The reference to fleeing "like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah" grounds this future event in a known historical moment of divine judgment and potential panic, highlighting the urgency and scale of the future flight.
  • Judgment and Refuge: The same event (the splitting of the mountain) that facilitates judgment on the nations also provides refuge for God's people.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "valley of the mountains" refers to the specific valley created by the LORD splitting the Mount of Olives. The location "Azal" (אצל - 'etsel) could be a specific place name near Jerusalem, or it might mean "beside" or "near," indicating the valley extends right up to a certain point or simply "nearby." The term "saints" (Hebrew: קדשים - qedoshim) literally means "holy ones." In this context, it can refer to angels or redeemed human beings (believers) who accompany God when He comes.

Historical Parallel

The earthquake mentioned is recorded historically, likely occurring around 760 BC during the reign of King Uzziah of Judah. The prophet Amos mentions this earthquake at the beginning of his prophecy, indicating it was a significant and memorable event that served as a benchmark for dating. Zechariah uses this well-known historical flight from a natural disaster to describe the urgency of the future flight into the prophetic valley.

Practical Application/Reflection

Zechariah 14:5 offers powerful assurance of God's protective presence during times of great upheaval. It reminds believers that even in the face of overwhelming global events and judgment, God provides a way of safety for those who trust in Him. Furthermore, it points forward to the certain future coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, who will return with His holy ones (see also 1 Thessalonians 3:13). This coming is not just for judgment but also for the ultimate deliverance and establishment of His kingdom, offering hope to those who await Him.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Jude 1:14

    And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,

  • Jude 1:15

    ¶ To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard [speeches] which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

  • Amos 1:1

    ¶ The words of Amos, who was among the herdmen of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash king of Israel, two years before the earthquake.

  • Matthew 25:31

    When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:

  • Matthew 16:27

    For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

  • Isaiah 29:6

    Thou shalt be visited of the LORD of hosts with thunder, and with earthquake, and great noise, with storm and tempest, and the flame of devouring fire.

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:7

    And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,

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