Zechariah 14:5

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 14:5 is a pivotal eschatological prophecy describing the dramatic events surrounding the Day of the LORD, specifically the divine intervention that creates a miraculous escape route for the inhabitants of Jerusalem. It foretells a future, cataclysmic geological event, reminiscent of a historical earthquake, which will facilitate the flight of God's people, culminating in the glorious arrival of the LORD God accompanied by all His holy ones.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the climactic final chapter of Zechariah, which serves as the grand finale to the prophet's visions, focusing on the ultimate triumph of God and the establishment of His kingdom. The preceding verses (Zechariah 14:1-4) vividly portray the gathering of all nations against Jerusalem, the city's capture, and the LORD's dramatic appearance on the [Mount of Olives](/zechariah/14-4 "Zechariah 14:4 - The Splitting of the Mount of Olives"). This divine intervention causes the mountain to split in two, creating an immense valley. Verse 5 then describes the immediate purpose and effect of this topographical change: to provide a means of escape for God's people, drawing a parallel to a past historical flight from a significant earthquake, and culminating in the majestic arrival of God with His holy ones. The entire chapter moves from global conflict and judgment to divine deliverance and the universal reign of God from Jerusalem.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The reference to "the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah" grounds this future, prophetic event in a tangible historical memory. This earthquake, likely occurring around 760 BC, was a profoundly significant and memorable natural disaster, so much so that it served as a chronological marker for dating other prophetic messages, as seen in [Amos 1:1](/amos/1-1 "Amos 1:1 - The Earthquake in Uzziah's Days"). For Zechariah's original audience, this historical event would have evoked a vivid picture of sudden, overwhelming natural upheaval and the urgent need for flight. The mention of "Azal" (Hebrew: _'Atsel_) is debated; it could refer to a specific, though unidentified, location near Jerusalem, or it might be a general term meaning "beside" or "near," indicating the valley's extensive reach. The cultural understanding of divine judgment often included natural phenomena like earthquakes, reinforcing the idea that God controls both history and creation to fulfill His purposes.
* **Key Themes:** Zechariah 14:5 contributes significantly to several major themes found throughout the book and broader prophetic literature. **Divine Sovereignty** is paramount, as God Himself orchestrates the geological changes and the timing of His coming. The theme of **Eschatological Deliverance** is central, highlighting God's commitment to saving His remnant even amidst global tribulation. This is intertwined with the theme of **Divine Refuge**, where the newly formed valley serves as a literal and symbolic place of safety. Furthermore, the verse powerfully anticipates a **Theophany**, the visible manifestation of God's presence, specifically "the LORD my God shall come," which is a recurring motif in Old Testament prophecy, often associated with judgment and the establishment of His kingdom (e.g., [Isaiah 40:10](/isaiah/40-10 "Isaiah 40:10 - The Coming of the Lord")). The "Day of the LORD," a dominant theme in [Zechariah 14](/zechariah/14 "Zechariah 14 - The Day of the Lord"), is here depicted as a day of both judgment for the nations and salvation for God's people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **flee (Hebrew, _nûwç'_):** This primitive root describes the act of "flitting," "vanishing away," or "escaping." In this context, it emphasizes a rapid, urgent, and perhaps even desperate flight, highlighting the suddenness and magnitude of the events that necessitate such an escape. The repetition of the word underscores the urgency and certainty of this flight.
* **valley (Hebrew, _gayʼ'_):** This term refers to a "gorge" or "valley," specifically one characterized by "lofty sides," implying a narrow yet significant geological feature. Here, it denotes the miraculous new topographical feature created by God's intervention, serving as the designated escape route. It is distinct from a mere gully or seasonal wadi.
* **saints (Hebrew, _qâdôwsh'_):** Meaning "sacred" or "holy," this term, when used as a noun, refers to "holy ones." In prophetic contexts, "saints" or "holy ones" accompanying the LORD often refer to celestial beings (angels) or, in an eschatological sense, the resurrected and glorified people of God who return with Him. Their presence signifies the divine majesty and authority of the LORD's coming.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains":** This is a prophetic command and promise. The people of Jerusalem are instructed or foretold to escape into a specific geographical feature—the valley created by the splitting of the Mount of Olives. This flight is not out of panic but into a divinely provided refuge.
* **"for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal":** This clause provides geographical detail about the newly formed valley. Its extension "unto Azal" signifies its substantial length and accessibility, ensuring it serves as a viable and extensive escape route, reaching a point of safety or a specific landmark.
* **"yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah":** This powerful simile draws a direct parallel to a well-known historical event. The urgency, scale, and suddenness of the future flight are likened to the panic and flight associated with the severe earthquake during King Uzziah's reign. This comparison emphasizes the dramatic and unforgettable nature of the coming event.
* **"and the LORD my God shall come, and all the saints with thee.":** This is the climactic declaration of the verse. The flight of the people is immediately followed by, or concurrent with, the majestic arrival of God Himself, referred to personally as "the LORD my God." He is not alone but is accompanied by "all the saints" or "holy ones," signifying a divine entourage that underscores the glory and power of His advent.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 14:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its prophetic message. The most prominent is **Simile**, explicitly stated in "like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah." This comparison vividly connects a future, unprecedented event to a past, well-remembered historical disaster, making the scale and urgency of the prophecy comprehensible to the audience. **Prophecy** itself is the overarching device, as the entire verse foretells future events, detailing divine intervention and the ultimate destiny of Jerusalem. The creation of the "valley of the mountains" serves as **Symbolism**, representing God's active provision of refuge and deliverance amidst judgment. Finally, the declaration "the LORD my God shall come, and all the saints with thee" is a clear instance of **Theophany**, depicting a direct and powerful manifestation of God's presence, often associated with the establishment of His sovereign rule.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 14:5 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even amidst the most severe global judgments. It reveals a God who not only judges the nations but also actively provides a miraculous way of escape and refuge for His own. The "valley of the mountains" is not merely a geographical feature but a tangible symbol of divine protection and intervention. The climactic declaration of "the LORD my God shall come, and all the saints with thee" points to the ultimate culmination of God's redemptive plan, where His presence brings both judgment to His enemies and salvation to His faithful. This coming signifies the establishment of His righteous reign and the full realization of His kingdom, offering a powerful message of hope and assurance to those who await His return.

* [Matthew 24:29-31](/matthew/24-29-31 "The Son of Man Coming with Angels")
* [1 Thessalonians 3:13](/1_thessalonians/3-13 "Christ's Coming with All His Saints")
* [Jude 1:14-15](/jude/1-14-15 "The Lord Coming with Myriads of His Holy Ones")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 14:5 offers profound spiritual encouragement for believers living in a world often characterized by chaos and uncertainty. It reminds us that even when global events seem overwhelming and threatening, God remains sovereign and actively involved in the affairs of humanity. Just as He provided a way of escape for His people in the past and promises to do so in the future, we can trust in His provision and protection in our present trials. This verse calls us to live with an eschatological hope, recognizing that the "Day of the LORD" is not just a distant prophecy but a certain future reality that will bring about the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom. It encourages us to find our refuge in Him and to anticipate with joy the glorious return of our God, accompanied by His holy ones, knowing that His coming will bring final deliverance and the establishment of perfect justice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the historical parallel of Uzziah's earthquake help you understand the urgency and magnitude of the future events described in this verse?**
* **In what ways do you currently seek "refuge" or "escape" in your life, and how can Zechariah 14:5 encourage you to find your ultimate safety in God's provision?**
* **What does the promise of "the LORD my God shall come, and all the saints with thee" mean for your hope and expectation of the future?**

### FAQ
**What is the "valley of the mountains" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "valley of the mountains" refers to a new, immense valley that will be supernaturally created when the [Mount of Olives splits in two](/zechariah/14-4 "Zechariah 14:4 - The Splitting of the Mount of Olives") during the Day of the LORD. This geological transformation is not a natural occurrence but a divine act designed to provide a specific escape route for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, extending "unto Azal," which implies a significant and accessible passage.

**Who are "the saints" that accompany the LORD when He comes?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "saints" (qâdôwsh) literally means "holy ones." In the context of the LORD's eschatological coming, these "holy ones" are generally understood to refer to either angels, who frequently accompany divine manifestations and judgments in Scripture (e.g., [Deuteronomy 33:2](/deuteronomy/33-2 "Deuteronomy 33:2 - The Lord Came from Sinai with Myriads of Holy Ones")), or resurrected and glorified believers who return with Christ at His Second Coming (e.g., [1 Thessalonians 4:14](/1_thessalonians/4-14 "God Will Bring with Him Those Who Have Fallen Asleep in Jesus")). Both interpretations align with biblical imagery of God's glorious retinue.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 14:5 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "coming of the LORD my God" is a clear foreshadowing of the [Second Coming of Jesus Christ](/acts/1-11 "Acts 1:11 - The Promise of Christ's Return"), who is Yahweh incarnate. Just as the LORD will come to deliver His people and establish His kingdom in Zechariah, so too will Jesus return triumphantly to earth. The "saints" accompanying the LORD are beautifully illuminated in the New Testament as the [holy angels](/matthew/25-31 "Matthew 25:31 - The Son of Man Coming with His Angels") and the resurrected and glorified believers who have been made holy through Christ's atoning work (e.g., [Colossians 3:4](/colossians/3-4 "Christ, Our Life, Will Appear")). The miraculous provision of a "valley of the mountains" for escape points to Christ Himself as the ultimate refuge and deliverer for His people from the wrath to come (e.g., [1 Thessalonians 1:10](/1_thessalonians/1-10 "Jesus Delivers Us from the Coming Wrath")). His return will not only bring judgment upon the nations but also the final, complete salvation and establishment of His eternal kingdom, fulfilling all the ancient prophecies of God's glorious advent.

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

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,