Zechariah 9:1

¶ The burden of the word of the LORD in the land of Hadrach, and Damascus [shall be] the rest thereof: when the eyes of man, as of all the tribes of Israel, [shall be] toward the LORD.

The burden {H4853} of the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} in the land {H776} of Hadrach {H2317}, and Damascus {H1834} shall be the rest {H4496} thereof: when the eyes {H5869} of man {H120}, as of all the tribes {H7626} of Israel {H3478}, shall be toward the LORD {H3068}.

A prophecy, the word of ADONAI: In the land of Hadrakh and Dammesek is where [God] comes to rest, for the eyes of humankind are directed toward ADONAI, as are those of all the tribes of Isra'el,

This is the burden of the word of the LORDagainst the land of Hadrachand Damascus its resting place—for the eyes of menand of all the tribes of Israelare upon the LORD—

The burden of the word of Jehovah upon the land of Hadrach, and Damascus shall be its resting-place (for the eye of man and of all the tribes of Israel is toward Jehovah);

Zechariah 9:1 introduces a new, significant prophetic oracle within the book of Zechariah, often referred to as a "burden." This verse sets the stage for a series of prophecies that extend far beyond the immediate post-exilic period, encompassing future judgments, the coming of the Messiah, and the ultimate restoration of Israel.

Context

The book of Zechariah is divided into two main sections. Chapters 1-8 primarily focus on visions related to the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem and the restoration of the Jewish community after their return from Babylonian exile. Zechariah 9:1 marks the beginning of the second major section (chapters 9-14), which comprises two prophetic "burdens" or oracles concerning future events, including the first and second comings of the Messiah.

Historically, "Hadrach" was a region in Syria, likely north of Damascus, which was the capital of Aram. These geographical locations highlight that God's prophetic word and sovereign judgment extend not only to Israel but also to surrounding Gentile nations. The prophecy indicates that judgment or a significant divine action will "rest" upon Damascus, a long-standing adversary to Israel.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty: The verse powerfully asserts God's ultimate control over all nations and historical events. Even powerful cities like Damascus and regions like Hadrach are subject to His divine plan and "burden of the word of the LORD."
  • Prophetic Authority: The term "burden" (Hebrew: massa) signifies a weighty, authoritative prophetic utterance, often foretelling judgment or a significant divine pronouncement. It emphasizes the seriousness and certainty of God's message, much like other prophetic books begin with similar declarations (e.g., Nahum 1:1).
  • Universal Expectation: The phrase "when the eyes of man, as of all the tribes of Israel, [shall be] toward the LORD" is crucial. It points to a future time when humanity, and specifically the people of Israel, will turn their attention, hope, and expectation towards God. This could signify a period of spiritual awakening, a recognition of God's hand in history, or a longing for divine intervention, ultimately fulfilled in the Messianic age.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "burden," massa (מַשָּׂא), carries the connotation of a heavy load or a significant pronouncement. In prophetic literature, it often refers to an oracle of judgment or a momentous message from God. The phrase "the eyes... shall be toward the LORD" (עֵין אָדָם וְכֹל שִׁבְטֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל אֶל־יְהוָה) indicates a gaze of expectation, hope, or dependence, signifying a profound shift in focus and allegiance.

Practical Application

Zechariah 9:1 reminds us that God is actively involved in the affairs of all nations, not just His chosen people. His prophecies are sure, and His sovereign hand guides history toward His ultimate purposes. For believers today, this verse encourages us to keep our "eyes toward the LORD" in all circumstances, trusting in His control even amidst geopolitical turmoil. It also points to a future hope when all humanity, and especially Israel, will acknowledge God's rightful place, perhaps looking forward to the time when they will look upon Him whom they have pierced.

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.

  • Jeremiah 49:23

    ¶ Concerning Damascus. Hamath is confounded, and Arpad: for they have heard evil tidings: they are fainthearted; [there is] sorrow on the sea; it cannot be quiet.

  • Jeremiah 49:27

    And I will kindle a fire in the wall of Damascus, and it shall consume the palaces of Benhadad.

  • Amos 1:3

    ¶ Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof; because they have threshed Gilead with threshing instruments of iron:

  • Amos 1:5

    I will break also the bar of Damascus, and cut off the inhabitant from the plain of Aven, and him that holdeth the sceptre from the house of Eden: and the people of Syria shall go into captivity unto Kir, saith the LORD.

  • Isaiah 9:8

    ¶ The Lord sent a word into Jacob, and it hath lighted upon Israel.

  • Isaiah 9:21

    Manasseh, Ephraim; and Ephraim, Manasseh: [and] they together [shall be] against Judah. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand [is] stretched out still.

  • Jeremiah 23:33

    ¶ And when this people, or the prophet, or a priest, shall ask thee, saying, What [is] the burden of the LORD? thou shalt then say unto them, What burden? I will even forsake you, saith the LORD.

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