Zechariah 7:14

But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations whom they knew not. Thus the land was desolate after them, that no man passed through nor returned: for they laid the pleasant land desolate.

But I scattered them with a whirlwind {H5590} among all the nations {H1471} whom they knew {H3045} not. Thus the land {H776} was desolate {H8074} after {H310} them, that no man passed through {H5674} nor returned {H7725}: for they laid {H7760} the pleasant {H2532} land {H776} desolate {H8047}.

but with the power of a whirlwind I will disperse them among all the nations which they have not known.' Thus the land was left desolate after them, so that no one came or went. They had turned a pleasant land into a desert."

But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations that they had not known, and the land was left desolate behind them so that no one could come or go. Thus they turned the pleasant land into a desolation.”

but I will scatter them with a whirlwind among all the nations which they have not known. Thus the land was desolate after them, so that no man passed through nor returned: for they laid the pleasant land desolate.

Commentary

Zechariah 7:14 KJV delivers a powerful declaration of divine judgment, explaining the severe consequences Israel faced due to their persistent disobedience and refusal to heed God's commands. This verse concludes a passage where the Lord, through the prophet Zechariah, rebukes the people returning from exile for the very sins that led to their captivity.

Historical and Cultural Context

The prophet Zechariah ministered to the Jewish exiles who had returned to Jerusalem after the 70-year Babylonian captivity. In Zechariah chapter 7, a delegation from Bethel asks if they should continue their traditional fasts commemorating the destruction of Jerusalem. God's response, delivered through Zechariah, shifts the focus from ritualistic fasting to the nation's past moral failures. He reminds them how their ancestors ignored calls for justice and mercy, leading to their scattering and the desolation of the "pleasant land" (Judah).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Judgment and Consequences: The verse vividly describes God's active role in scattering His people, emphasizing that their suffering was a direct result of their rebellion. The phrase "I scattered them with a whirlwind" signifies a forceful, overwhelming, and divinely orchestrated dispersion.
  • Exile and Desolation: The scattering "among all the nations whom they knew not" highlights the severity of the Babylonian exile, forcing them into unfamiliar lands. The subsequent "desolate" state of their homeland, where "no man passed through nor returned," underscores the complete devastation brought upon Judah.
  • Justice for Disobedience: This verse serves as a stark reminder that God's justice is unwavering. Because the people "laid the pleasant land desolate" through their moral decay and neglect of His statutes, God allowed their physical land to become desolate as a consequence. This reflects the principle seen in Leviticus 26:33.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "whirlwind" (sa'ar) denotes a violent storm or tempest, powerfully conveying the overwhelming and inescapable nature of God's judgment in scattering the people. The term "pleasant land" ('erets hemdah) is a common biblical designation for the land of Israel, emphasizing its beauty and divine favor, making its desolation even more tragic and a testament to the severity of the consequences.

Practical Application

Zechariah 7:14 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It underscores the importance of not just outward religious observance, but genuine obedience to God's heart for justice, mercy, and humility (Micah 6:8). It warns against hardening one's heart against divine instruction, as seen in Hebrews 3:8. Ultimately, it reminds us that while God is merciful, there are indeed consequences for persistent rebellion against His righteous ways, and His justice will prevail.

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 — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 28:64

    And the LORD shall scatter thee among all people, from the one end of the earth even unto the other; and there thou shalt serve other gods, which neither thou nor thy fathers have known, [even] wood and stone.

  • Deuteronomy 28:33

    The fruit of thy land, and all thy labours, shall a nation which thou knowest not eat up; and thou shalt be only oppressed and crushed alway:

  • Deuteronomy 4:27

    And the LORD shall scatter you among the nations, and ye shall be left few in number among the heathen, whither the LORD shall lead you.

  • Jeremiah 23:19

    Behold, a whirlwind of the LORD is gone forth in fury, even a grievous whirlwind: it shall fall grievously upon the head of the wicked.

  • Zephaniah 3:6

    I have cut off the nations: their towers are desolate; I made their streets waste, that none passeth by: their cities are destroyed, so that there is no man, that there is none inhabitant.

  • Zechariah 2:6

    ¶ Ho, ho, [come forth], and flee from the land of the north, saith the LORD: for I have spread you abroad as the four winds of the heaven, saith the LORD.

  • Psalms 58:9

    Before your pots can feel the thorns, he shall take them away as with a whirlwind, both living, and in [his] wrath.
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