Zechariah 9:1

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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,

Berean Standard Bible

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—

American Standard Version

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);

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 9:1 introduces a pivotal prophetic oracle, a "burden of the word of the LORD," that shifts the focus of the book from post-exilic restoration to future judgments upon surrounding Gentile nations, particularly Hadrach and Damascus, and ultimately culminates in a universal turning of "the eyes of man, as of all the tribes of Israel," toward the LORD. This verse sets the stage for a series of prophecies concerning the coming of the Messiah, the ingathering of Israel, and the establishment of God's kingdom, underscoring divine sovereignty over both the nations and His chosen people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 9:1 marks a significant transition within the book of Zechariah. The preceding chapters (Zechariah 1-8) primarily consist of a series of eight night visions given to Zechariah, largely focused on the immediate post-exilic period, encouraging the rebuilding of the Jerusalem Temple and the spiritual restoration of the returned Jewish community. These earlier chapters emphasize themes of repentance, divine comfort, and the establishment of the priestly and kingly roles. In contrast, Zechariah 9:1 inaugurates the second major section of the book (chapters 9-14), which comprises two distinct prophetic "burdens" or oracles (9:1-11:17 and 12:1-14:21). This shift signifies a move from near-term concerns to eschatological prophecies, encompassing the first and second comings of the Messiah, the judgment of Gentile nations, and the ultimate restoration and salvation of Israel. The change in literary style and thematic scope indicates a new, weighty divine pronouncement.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The mention of "Hadrach" and "Damascus" immediately grounds this prophecy in the geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East. Hadrach was likely an important city or region in northern Syria, possibly near Hamath, and Damascus was the capital of Aram, a formidable and often hostile kingdom to Israel. Throughout Israel's history, Damascus represented a persistent regional power that frequently threatened or oppressed God's people. By prophesying a "burden" upon these specific Gentile territories, Zechariah emphasizes that God's sovereign authority extends beyond Israel's borders to encompass all nations. This context highlights the universal scope of God's judgment and redemptive plan, demonstrating that even powerful adversaries are subject to His divine will. The placement of these foreign cities at the forefront of the oracle underscores the idea that God's future actions will involve the wider world, not just a localized focus on Jerusalem.
* **Key Themes:** This introductory verse powerfully introduces several overarching themes that will be developed throughout the latter half of Zechariah. Firstly, it asserts **Divine Sovereignty**, declaring that the "word of the LORD" holds ultimate authority over all lands and peoples, including powerful Gentile entities like Hadrach and Damascus. This reinforces the truth that God's plan is comprehensive and irresistible. Secondly, the term "burden" (Hebrew: *massaʼ*) introduces the theme of **Prophetic Authority and Judgment**, indicating a weighty, often severe, divine pronouncement, much like other prophetic books begin with similar declarations, such as the oracle concerning Nineveh in [Nahum 1:1](/nahum/1-1 "Nahum 1:1 - The Burden of Nineveh"). This underscores the seriousness and certainty of God's message. Thirdly, the phrase "when the eyes of man, as of all the tribes of Israel, [shall be] toward the LORD" points to a profound **Universal Expectation and Turning to God**. This theme suggests a future time when both humanity at large and, crucially, the people of Israel, will fix their gaze, hope, and allegiance upon the LORD, recognizing His ultimate authority and seeking His intervention. This longing for divine intervention and spiritual awakening foreshadows the Messianic age and the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises to Israel and the nations, a concept echoed in passages like [Isaiah 45:22](/isaiah/45-22 "Isaiah 45:22 - Turn to Me and Be Saved").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **burden (Hebrew, _massâʼ_):** From the root meaning "to lift" or "to carry," this word signifies a heavy load. In prophetic literature, as used here, it specifically denotes a weighty, authoritative prophetic utterance, often an oracle of judgment or a momentous divine pronouncement. It conveys the solemnity and certainty of the message delivered by the prophet.
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr_):** This term is broad, encompassing not only spoken words but also matters, affairs, things, and decrees. In the context of "the word of the LORD," it refers to God's authoritative communication, His divine revelation, and His active decree that brings about events. It emphasizes the power and efficacy of God's spoken will.
* **eyes (Hebrew, _ʻayin_):** Literally referring to the organ of sight, "eyes" here is used figuratively. It represents attention, focus, expectation, hope, and even allegiance. To have one's "eyes toward the LORD" signifies a turning of one's entire being—mind, will, and affection—in anticipation and dependence upon God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The burden of the word of the LORD in the land of Hadrach":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine origin and weighty nature of the prophecy. It is not merely Zechariah's words, but a "burden," a solemn and heavy pronouncement, directly from "the word of the LORD." The initial geographical focus on "Hadrach," a Syrian region, signals that God's prophetic judgment and sovereign activity extend beyond Israel to the Gentile nations, setting a broad scope for the subsequent oracle.
* **"and Damascus [shall be] the rest thereof":** This part specifies Damascus, the capital of Aram, as a key target of this divine "burden." The phrase "the rest thereof" (or "its resting place") indicates that the divine judgment or pronouncement will settle upon Damascus, bringing it to a state of repose, cessation, or perhaps even destruction. This suggests a decisive end to Damascus's historical opposition to Israel, or its subjugation under God's sovereign plan, leading to a period of quietude or submission.
* **"when the eyes of man, as of all the tribes of Israel, [shall be] toward the LORD":** This crucial concluding clause introduces a condition or a future state. It describes a time when humanity ("man") in general, but specifically "all the tribes of Israel," will fix their gaze, attention, and hope upon the LORD. This signifies a profound spiritual turning, an acknowledgment of God's sovereignty, and an expectant looking to Him for intervention, salvation, or the fulfillment of His promises. It points to a future era of universal recognition and Israel's ultimate spiritual awakening, linking the judgment of nations to a widespread turning to God.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 9:1 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The phrase "The **burden** of the word of the LORD" utilizes **Metaphor**, portraying God's prophetic message as a heavy load, emphasizing its solemnity, weight, and the inevitable impact it will have. This is a common prophetic idiom, signifying a divine oracle, often one of judgment. The mention of "the **eyes** of man... shall be toward the LORD" uses **Synecdoche**, where "eyes" represent the whole person's attention, focus, and spiritual orientation. It vividly depicts a turning of the heart and mind towards God, signifying a shift in allegiance and expectation. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the eschatological prophecies that follow in Zechariah 9-14. It hints at future divine judgments on nations and, more significantly, the ultimate spiritual awakening and turning of both Gentiles and Israel to the LORD, anticipating the Messianic era.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 9:1 powerfully articulates God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and history. It demonstrates that His divine word is not confined to Israel but extends its reach to the most formidable Gentile powers, bringing about His purposes. The "burden" signifies a weighty divine decree, often leading to judgment, but ultimately serving God's larger redemptive plan. The prophecy's climax, where "the eyes of man, as of all the tribes of Israel, shall be toward the LORD," speaks to a future eschatological hope: a universal recognition of God's authority and a turning of humanity, especially Israel, in expectant faith and allegiance toward Him. This points to the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant promises, where His glory will be revealed to all the earth and His people will finally acknowledge Him as their true King and Deliverer.

* [Nahum 1:1](/nahum/1-1 "Nahum 1:1 - The Burden of Nineveh")
* [Isaiah 19:1](/isaiah/19-1 "Isaiah 19:1 - The Burden of Egypt")
* [Zechariah 12:10](/zechariah/12-10 "Zechariah 12:10 - Looking Upon Him Whom They Have Pierced")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 9:1 offers profound encouragement and a call to spiritual vigilance for believers today. It reminds us that God is actively involved in the affairs of all nations, not just our immediate circumstances or communities. His prophecies are certain, and His sovereign hand guides history toward His ultimate purposes, even amidst geopolitical turmoil and seemingly insurmountable challenges. Just as Hadrach and Damascus were subject to His word, so too are all powers and principalities. This truth invites us to cultivate an unwavering trust in God's control, knowing that His plans will prevail. Furthermore, the phrase "when the eyes of man, as of all the tribes of Israel, [shall be] toward the LORD" serves as a powerful call to personal and collective spiritual focus. In a world filled with distractions and competing allegiances, we are exhorted to fix our gaze, our hope, and our expectation solely upon the LORD, anticipating His future interventions and seeking His will in all things. This verse fuels our hope for a day when all humanity will acknowledge God's rightful place, a hope that inspires our prayers and missions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Zechariah 9:1's declaration of God's sovereignty over Hadrach and Damascus challenge my perspective on current global events or political powers?**
* **What does it mean practically for my "eyes" to be "toward the LORD" in my daily life, and how can I cultivate this posture of expectant faith?**
* **Considering the shift in Zechariah from immediate post-exilic concerns to future eschatological prophecies, how does this remind me to maintain both a present-day faithfulness and a future-oriented hope?**

### FAQ
**What is meant by "the burden of the word of the LORD"?**

Answer: The phrase "the burden of the word of the LORD" (Hebrew: *massâʼ dābār YHWH*) is a technical prophetic term. "Burden" (*massâʼ*) literally means a heavy load or something lifted. In prophetic contexts, it refers to a weighty, solemn, and authoritative divine utterance or oracle, often one foretelling judgment or a significant divine pronouncement. It emphasizes the gravity, certainty, and divine origin of the message. It's not a burden *on* the prophet, but a burden *from* the Lord, a message that carries significant weight and consequence for its recipients. This usage is found in other prophetic books, such as [Isaiah 13:1](/isaiah/13-1 "Isaiah 13:1 - The Burden of Babylon") or [Nahum 1:1](/nahum/1-1 "Nahum 1:1 - The Burden of Nineveh").

**Why are Hadrach and Damascus specifically mentioned in this prophecy?**

Answer: Hadrach and Damascus are mentioned because they represent significant geopolitical powers in the ancient Near East, particularly to the north of Israel. Damascus was the capital of Aram (Syria), a long-standing adversary and often an oppressor of Israel throughout its history. Hadrach was likely a region or city in northern Syria, possibly a strategic location. By naming these specific Gentile entities, the prophecy underscores God's universal sovereignty. It demonstrates that His divine word and judgment extend beyond the borders of Israel to encompass all nations, even those that seemed formidable or hostile. Their inclusion signifies that God's plan involves the wider world and that even these powers will ultimately be subject to His will, paving the way for the greater purposes of His kingdom.

**What does "when the eyes of man, as of all the tribes of Israel, [shall be] toward the LORD" signify?**

Answer: This phrase points to a future, eschatological event or state of being. It signifies a profound spiritual turning and a universal recognition of God's sovereignty. "The eyes of man" suggests humanity at large, while "all the tribes of Israel" specifically highlights the chosen people. To have their "eyes toward the LORD" means that their attention, hope, expectation, and allegiance will be fixed upon God. This implies a period of spiritual awakening, repentance, and a longing for divine intervention. It anticipates a time when both Gentiles and, crucially, the nation of Israel, will acknowledge God's rightful place and look to Him as their ultimate source of salvation and hope, a theme further developed in later chapters of Zechariah, particularly in [Zechariah 12:10](/zechariah/12-10 "Zechariah 12:10 - Looking Upon Him Whom They Have Pierced").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 9:1, with its declaration of a divine "burden" upon nations and the ultimate turning of "the eyes of man, as of all the tribes of Israel, [toward] the LORD," finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The judgment upon Hadrach and Damascus foreshadows Christ's ultimate authority over all earthly powers and kingdoms, as He is the one to whom "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). The subsequent prophecies in Zechariah 9-14 explicitly point to the Messiah, including His humble entry into Jerusalem on a donkey ([Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - The Coming King")), His betrayal for thirty pieces of silver ([Zechariah 11:12-13](/zechariah/11-12-13 "Zechariah 11:12-13 - The Price of the Shepherd")), and His piercing ([Zechariah 12:10](/zechariah/12-10 "Zechariah 12:10 - Looking Upon Him Whom They Have Pierced")). The universal turning of "the eyes of man" toward the LORD is fulfilled in the gospel's global reach, inviting people from every nation to turn to Jesus, "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Furthermore, the specific turning of "all the tribes of Israel" toward the LORD anticipates a future day when Israel, as a nation, will recognize Jesus as their Messiah, looking upon Him whom they have pierced and mourning for Him ([Romans 11:25-27](/romans/11-25-27 "Romans 11:25-27 - All Israel Will Be Saved")). Thus, Zechariah 9:1 sets the stage for the coming of the King who will establish His reign over all the earth, drawing all people to Himself, both Jew and Gentile, in a unified gaze of worship and dependence.

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

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.