Zechariah 9:2

KJV

And Hamath also shall border thereby; Tyrus, and Zidon, though it be very wise.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Hamath {H2574} also shall border {H1379} thereby; Tyrus {H6865}, and Zidon {H6721}, though it be very {H3966} wise {H2449}.

Complete Jewish Bible

also Hamat at its border, Tzor and Tzidon, for she is very wise.

Berean Standard Bible

and also against Hamath,which borders it,as well as Tyre and Sidon,though they are very shrewd.

American Standard Version

and Hamath, also, which bordereth thereon; Tyre and Sidon, because they are very wise.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 9:2 is part of a prophetic oracle declaring the Lord's judgment upon the nations surrounding Israel, specifically naming Hamath, Tyrus (Tyre), and Zidon (Sidon). This verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty over powerful and seemingly impenetrable city-states, highlighting the ultimate futility of human wisdom, wealth, and strategic prowess when confronted with divine decree, thereby setting the stage for the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of His righteous kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 9:2 continues the "burden of the word of the LORD" that begins in [Zechariah 9:1](/zechariah/9-1 "Zechariah 9:1 - Prophecy against Hadrach and Damascus"), an oracle directed against various Gentile nations. This section (Zechariah 9:1-8) details a sweeping divine judgment that moves geographically from north to south along the Mediterranean coast, encompassing cities like Hadrach, Damascus, Hamath, Tyre, Sidon, Ashkelon, Gaza, Ekron, and Ashdod. This sequence of judgment serves as a prelude to the glorious arrival of Israel's righteous King, prophesied in [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - The Coming of the Righteous King"), emphasizing that the Lord must first clear the way and establish His sovereign authority over all earthly powers before His Messiah can reign.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hamath, located in modern-day Syria, was a significant Aramaean kingdom and a strategic city on the Orontes River, often a buffer or contested territory between major empires. Tyrus (Tyre) and Zidon (Sidon) were the preeminent Phoenician city-states on the Mediterranean coast, renowned for their maritime trade, immense wealth, and formidable fortifications. Tyre, in particular, was famed for its commercial networks, purple dye production, and perceived invincibility due to its island location. These cities represented the pinnacle of human ingenuity, economic power, and military strength in the ancient world. Their inclusion in this prophecy signifies that no earthly power, however mighty or "wise" in its own estimation, is beyond the scope of God's judgment and sovereign plan.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of Hamath, Tyre, and Sidon in this divine oracle highlights several profound themes. Firstly, it powerfully asserts **Divine Sovereignty Over Nations**, demonstrating that God's authority extends far beyond Israel's borders, encompassing all earthly kingdoms and their perceived strengths. Secondly, the phrase "though it be very wise" directly challenges **The Futility of Earthly Wisdom and Wealth** when pitted against God's purposes. Tyre and Sidon's celebrated commercial acumen, political shrewdness, and architectural ingenuity, which brought them immense prosperity, would prove utterly ineffective against the Lord's decree. This theme resonates with other prophetic warnings against national pride, such as those found in [Ezekiel 28](/ezekiel/28 "Ezekiel 28 - Prophecy against Tyre and its King") concerning the prince of Tyre. Lastly, the broad geographical scope of the prophecy emphasizes the **Universal Reach of God's Justice and Redemptive Plan**, indicating that His ultimate purposes are not confined to one people or region but are global in their implications, preparing the way for the Messiah's universal reign.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hamath (Hebrew, _Chămâth'_):** From the same root as a word meaning "walled," referring to a place in Syria. Hamath was a significant walled city and kingdom located north of Israel, a strategic point often involved in regional conflicts. Its mention here signifies the northern reach of God's judgment, encompassing a well-known and powerful entity beyond Israel's immediate southern neighbors.
* **border (Hebrew, _gâbal'_):** A primitive root meaning "to twist as a rope," and by extension, "to bound" or "set limits." In this context, it implies that Hamath will be brought into the sphere of this divine judgment, its territory or influence being defined and limited by the unfolding prophecy. It suggests a drawing in or a direct impact on its boundaries, indicating its inescapable inclusion in God's sovereign action.
* **wise (Hebrew, _châkam'_):** A primitive root meaning "to be wise (in mind, word or act)." When applied to Tyre and Sidon, it refers not merely to intellectual knowledge but profoundly to practical skill, shrewdness, and cunning, especially in commercial, political, and architectural endeavors. It encapsulates the worldly acumen that made these cities prosperous and influential, yet the prophecy asserts that even this highly developed human wisdom is insufficient to withstand God's judgment.
* **very (Hebrew, _mᵉʼôd'_):** From a root suggesting "vehemence," this word functions as an intensive or superlative. When paired with "wise," it emphasizes the extreme degree of wisdom attributed to Tyre and Sidon. It means "exceedingly," "greatly," or "mightily wise," highlighting the depth of their self-reliance and the stark contrast with the divine power that would humble them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Hamath also shall border thereby;":** This clause extends the scope of the divine judgment, which began with Hadrach and Damascus, to include Hamath. The phrase "border thereby" suggests that Hamath will either be directly affected by the same judgment that falls on its neighbors or that its territory will be brought into the sphere of this prophetic action, indicating its inescapable inclusion within God's sovereign decree. It signifies that the Lord's reach is comprehensive, extending to all significant regional powers.
* **"Tyrus, and Zidon, though it be very wise.":** This part introduces the powerful Phoenician city-states of Tyre and Sidon, known for their immense wealth, maritime dominance, and strategic cunning. The crucial phrase "though it be very wise" serves as a profound theological statement. It acknowledges their renowned human wisdom—their commercial acumen, political astuteness, and architectural brilliance—but simultaneously declares its utter inadequacy and futility in the face of God's impending judgment. Despite their self-sufficiency and perceived invincibility, their wisdom would not save them from divine reckoning.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 9:2 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The primary device is **Prophecy**, as the verse itself is a divine oracle foretelling future events and judgments upon specific nations. There is also a strong element of **Personification**, where cities like Hamath, Tyre, and Sidon are treated as active entities that "border" or possess "wisdom," giving them a quasi-human agency in the narrative of divine judgment. Most notably, the phrase "though it be very wise" introduces a powerful **Irony**. Tyre and Sidon were celebrated for their shrewdness and strategic brilliance, which brought them great prosperity and security. However, the prophecy ironically asserts that this very wisdom, their source of pride and strength, would be utterly useless against the sovereign will of God, highlighting the contrast between human ingenuity and divine power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 9:2 powerfully asserts God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers, demonstrating that no nation, however strong, wealthy, or "wise" in human terms, can withstand His divine decree. It underscores a consistent biblical theme: true wisdom and security are found not in human ingenuity or material possessions, but in humble submission to the Lord. This verse serves as a stark reminder that what humanity often values as ultimate strength—economic prowess, strategic cunning, military might—is ultimately fleeting and insufficient when confronted by the purposes of the Almighty. It prepares the reader for the subsequent revelation of God's righteous King, whose reign will not be established by worldly power, but by divine authority.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of Nations")
* [Isaiah 14:26-27](/isaiah/14-26-27 "Isaiah 14:26-27 - The Lord's Purpose Against the Nations")
* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No Wisdom Against the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 9:2 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. In a world that often prioritizes human achievement, economic strength, and strategic advantage, this verse serves as a powerful corrective. It reminds us that our ultimate security and hope must never be placed in the fleeting wisdom or power of human systems, institutions, or even our own cleverness. Just as the "very wise" cities of Tyre and Sidon ultimately faced divine judgment, so too will all human endeavors that exclude or defy God's sovereignty. This should cultivate a deep humility within us, fostering a greater reliance on God's unchanging character and His ultimate control over all things. It encourages us to discern between worldly wisdom and divine wisdom, prompting us to seek first God's kingdom and righteousness, knowing that His plans will always prevail, regardless of the apparent strength or complexity of the challenges we face.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or in society do I tend to rely more on human wisdom or strength than on God's sovereignty?**
* **How does the ultimate futility of Tyre and Sidon's "wisdom" challenge my own understanding of true security and success?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper trust in God's plan, even when circumstances seem overwhelming or beyond human control?**

### FAQ
**Why are these specific cities—Hamath, Tyre, and Sidon—mentioned in this prophecy?**

Answer: These cities are mentioned because they represent significant geopolitical and economic powers in the ancient Near East, particularly in the regions north and west of Israel. Hamath was a strategic Aramaean kingdom, while Tyre and Sidon were dominant Phoenician maritime city-states renowned for their wealth, trade networks, and perceived invincibility. By naming these prominent entities, the prophecy underscores the comprehensive and universal scope of God's judgment, demonstrating that His sovereignty extends over all nations, regardless of their perceived strength or influence. Their inclusion also sets the stage for the coming of the Messiah, whose reign will encompass all these territories, as hinted at in [Zechariah 9:9-10](/zechariah/9-9-10 "Zechariah 9:9-10 - The King's Peaceful Reign").

**What does it mean that Tyre and Sidon were "very wise," and why is this significant?**

Answer: The "wisdom" attributed to Tyre and Sidon refers not primarily to moral or spiritual wisdom, but to their practical shrewdness, commercial acumen, political astuteness, and engineering skill. This worldly wisdom enabled them to build vast trade empires, construct formidable fortifications, and amass immense wealth. The significance of this phrase lies in its ironic contrast: despite their extraordinary human wisdom and self-sufficiency, these cities would ultimately fall under divine judgment. It highlights the biblical truth that human ingenuity, no matter how advanced or successful, is ultimately futile when it stands in opposition to or is relied upon instead of God's sovereign will. This theme is echoed in other prophetic books, such as [Ezekiel 28](/ezekiel/28 "Ezekiel 28 - The Pride and Fall of Tyre"), which details the pride and downfall of Tyre's ruler.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 9:2, by declaring God's sovereign judgment over the powerful Gentile nations of Hamath, Tyre, and Sidon, ultimately points to the universal scope of Christ's authority and the nature of His kingdom. The prophecy of judgment against these worldly powers paves the way for the coming of the righteous and humble King, as foretold in [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - The Coming of the Righteous King"), who enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey. This King, Jesus Christ, is the ultimate fulfillment of God's sovereign plan, establishing a kingdom that transcends all earthly boundaries and human wisdom. The "wisdom" of Tyre and Sidon, which proved insufficient against God's decree, stands in stark contrast to the divine wisdom embodied in Christ, who is "the power of God and the wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God")). His reign is not built on human might or shrewdness, but on divine righteousness and peace, extending His dominion to the "ends of the earth" ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth")), encompassing even the territories once dominated by Hamath, Tyre, and Sidon. Thus, this verse foreshadows the comprehensive triumph of Christ's kingdom over all earthly opposition and the ultimate revelation of true wisdom found only in Him.

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

Ezekiel 28:12

Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.

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.

Ezekiel 28:2

Son of man, say unto the prince of Tyrus, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thine heart [is] lifted up, and thou hast said, I [am] a God, I sit [in] the seat of God, in the midst of the seas; yet thou [art] a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God:

Ezekiel 28:5

By thy great wisdom [and] by thy traffick hast thou increased thy riches, and thine heart is lifted up because of thy riches:

2 Kings 23:33

And Pharaohnechoh put him in bands at Riblah in the land of Hamath, that he might not reign in Jerusalem; and put the land to a tribute of an hundred talents of silver, and a talent of gold.

1 Kings 17:9

Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which [belongeth] to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee.

Amos 6:14

But, behold, I will raise up against you a nation, O house of Israel, saith the LORD the God of hosts; and they shall afflict you from the entering in of Hemath unto the river of the wilderness.