9:15 9:15

Zechariah 9:16

9:17 9:17

Bible Versions

And the LORD their God shall save them in that day as the flock of his people: for they [shall be as] the stones of a crown, lifted up as an ensign upon his land.
And the LORD {H3068} their God {H430} shall save {H3467} them in that day {H3117} as the flock {H6629} of his people {H5971}: for they shall be as the stones {H68} of a crown {H5145}, lifted up as an ensign {H5264} upon his land {H127}.
On that day ADONAI their God will save them as the flock of his people; for they will be like gems in a crown, sparkling over his countryside.
On that day the LORD their God will save themas the flock of His people;for like jewels in a crownthey will sparkle over His land.
And Jehovah their God will save them in that day as the flock of his people; for they shall be as the stones of a crown, lifted on high over his land.

Zechariah 9:16 offers a profound and comforting vision of God's relationship with His people. It portrays a future where the LORD Himself acts as their Savior and Protector, cherishing them with the tenderness of a shepherd for his flock, while also exalting them to a position of immense honor and visibility, akin to the precious jewels in a royal crown or a prominent banner.

Context

This verse is situated within the latter half of Zechariah 9, a prophetic chapter that vividly describes the coming of the Messiah and God's ultimate victory and restoration of His people. The preceding verses (Zechariah 9:9-10) speak of a humble King riding on a donkey, establishing a peaceful kingdom that extends to the ends of the earth. Following promises of God's triumph over adversaries and the return of captives, verse 16 highlights the glorious state of those God saves. The phrase "in that day" points to a significant future time of divine intervention, often understood as the Messianic era or the consummation of God's redemptive plan.

Key Themes

  • Divine Salvation and Protection: The verse emphasizes God's active role as the deliverer and preserver of His people. He will "save them," caring for them as intimately as a shepherd guards his "flock." This imagery underscores His tender provision and unwavering faithfulness, echoing the sentiment of Psalm 23:1.
  • Preciousness and Value: Describing God's people as "the stones of a crown" conveys their extraordinary worth and beauty in His sight. Just as precious jewels adorn a monarch's diadem, so too are God's chosen ones seen as invaluable and glorious to Him. This theme resonates with Malachi 3:17, where God refers to His people as His "jewels" or "special treasure."
  • Exaltation and Prominence: To be "lifted up as an ensign upon his land" signifies a position of honor, visibility, and distinction. An ensign (or banner/standard) serves as a rallying point or a clear declaration. This suggests that God's redeemed people will be a conspicuous testament to His glory and power, drawing attention to Him, much like the prophetic vision in Isaiah 11:12 where the Messiah is an ensign for the nations.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "flock" ('tson') highlights the pastoral care God provides, emphasizing His intimate relationship with His people. The phrase "stones of a crown" uses the Hebrew 'abney nezer'. 'Nezer' can refer to a crown, diadem, or even a mark of consecration, indicating something set apart and precious. The term for "ensign" ('nes') denotes a standard, banner, or signal, which would be lifted high for all to see, signifying a visible declaration or rallying point.

Practical Application

Zechariah 9:16 offers profound encouragement for believers today. It assures us of God's unwavering commitment to save and protect His own. We are not merely anonymous individuals but are seen by God as infinitely precious, like the most valuable jewels in a crown. This verse calls us to live in the awareness of our immense value to God and to recognize our calling to be a visible testament—an "ensign"—to His goodness and glory in the world. It provides hope for a future where God's people are fully redeemed, exalted, and displayed as His masterpiece.

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.
 Back

Search Scripture