Zechariah 9:15

The LORD of hosts shall defend them; and they shall devour, and subdue with sling stones; and they shall drink, [and] make a noise as through wine; and they shall be filled like bowls, [and] as the corners of the altar.

The LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635} shall defend {H1598} them; and they shall devour {H398}, and subdue {H3533} with sling {H7050} stones {H68}; and they shall drink {H8354}, and make a noise {H1993} as through wine {H3196}; and they shall be filled {H4390} like bowls {H4219}, and as the corners {H2106} of the altar {H4196}.

ADONAI-Tzva'ot will defend them; they will devour and trample the sling-stones. They will drink and roar as if they had drunk wine; they will be filled, like basins and like the corners of the altar.

The LORD of Hosts will shield them.They will destroy and conquer with slingstones;they will drink and roar as with wine.And they will be filled like sprinkling bowls,drenched like the corners of the altar.

Jehovah of hosts will defend them; and they shall devour, and shall tread down the sling-stones; and they shall drink, and make a noise as through wine; and they shall be filled like bowls, like the corners of the altar.

Zechariah 9:15 (KJV) offers a vivid prophetic picture of God's powerful defense and the subsequent overwhelming victory and joy of His people. This verse is part of a larger prophecy concerning the restoration of Israel and Judah, the defeat of their enemies, and the coming of their Messiah.

Context

Zechariah 9 is a chapter filled with prophetic pronouncements, shifting from judgment on surrounding nations to promises of deliverance and restoration for God's covenant people. Written during the post-exilic period, Zechariah's prophecies provided hope and encouragement to the returning exiles as they sought to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple. This verse specifically focuses on the Lord's active intervention on behalf of His people, promising not just protection but also a glorious triumph and abundance.

Key Themes

  • Divine Defense and Protection: The opening phrase, "The LORD of hosts shall defend them," immediately establishes God as the ultimate protector and warrior. This emphasizes His unwavering commitment to His people's safety and well-being against all adversaries.
  • Overwhelming Victory: The imagery of "devour, and subdue with sling stones" speaks to a decisive and complete conquest. It suggests that even with seemingly simple or humble means (like a sling), God empowers His people to achieve mighty victories.
  • Joy and Abundance: "they shall drink, [and] make a noise as through wine; and they shall be filled like bowls, [and] as the corners of the altar." This section portrays a scene of profound joy, celebration, and immense satisfaction. The "filling" imagery denotes a complete and overflowing abundance, perhaps even consecrated to God.

Linguistic Insights

  • "The LORD of hosts": The Hebrew phrase is Yahweh Sabaoth, a powerful title emphasizing God's sovereignty over all armies, both heavenly and earthly. It underscores His might and authority in defending His people.
  • "sling stones": This weapon, though simple, was famously used by David to defeat Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:50. Its inclusion here suggests that God can use the seemingly weak or insignificant to achieve great victories, highlighting that the power comes from Him, not the instrument.
  • "filled like bowls, [and] as the corners of the altar": This is rich sacrificial imagery. Bowls were used for collecting blood or offerings, and the corners of the altar were where the blood of sacrifices was poured out (see Leviticus 4:7). This could signify a complete saturation with blessing, an abundance that is consecrated, or even a filling that is associated with divine presence and atonement. It speaks to a deep, overflowing satisfaction that is holy and complete.

Related Scriptures

The promise that "The LORD of hosts shall defend them" echoes the assurance found in Psalm 46:7, where God is declared to be with us, our refuge. The theme of God providing overwhelming victory and abundance for His people is also seen in prophetic texts like Joel 2:24, which speaks of overflowing vats.

Practical Application

Zechariah 9:15 offers profound encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that our ultimate defense comes from the "LORD of hosts," a powerful and sovereign God. When facing challenges, we can trust that He will not only protect us but also grant us victory, sometimes through unexpected means. Furthermore, the verse paints a picture of joy and abundance that should characterize the lives of those who trust in God's deliverance. It encourages us to celebrate His victories, knowing that He desires to fill our lives with consecrated blessings and deep satisfaction.

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.

  • Zechariah 12:6

    In that day will I make the governors of Judah like an hearth of fire among the wood, and like a torch of fire in a sheaf; and they shall devour all the people round about, on the right hand and on the left: and Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place, [even] in Jerusalem.

  • Zechariah 10:7

    And [they of] Ephraim shall be like a mighty [man], and their heart shall rejoice as through wine: yea, their children shall see [it], and be glad; their heart shall rejoice in the LORD.

  • Zechariah 10:5

    ¶ And they shall be as mighty [men], which tread down [their enemies] in the mire of the streets in the battle: and they shall fight, because the LORD [is] with them, and the riders on horses shall be confounded.

  • Zechariah 12:8

    In that day shall the LORD defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David [shall be] as God, as the angel of the LORD before them.

  • Exodus 27:2

    And thou shalt make the horns of it upon the four corners thereof: his horns shall be of the same: and thou shalt overlay it with brass.

  • Psalms 78:65

    Then the Lord awaked as one out of sleep, [and] like a mighty man that shouteth by reason of wine.

  • Revelation 19:13

    And he [was] clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.

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