Zechariah 9:5

KJV

Ashkelon shall see [it], and fear; Gaza also [shall see it], and be very sorrowful, and Ekron; for her expectation shall be ashamed; and the king shall perish from Gaza, and Ashkelon shall not be inhabited.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ashkelon {H831} shall see {H7200} it, and fear {H3372}; Gaza {H5804} also shall see it, and be very {H3966} sorrowful {H2342}, and Ekron {H6138}; for her expectation {H4007} shall be ashamed {H3001}; and the king {H4428} shall perish {H6} from Gaza {H5804}, and Ashkelon {H831} shall not be inhabited {H3427}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On seeing this, Ashkelon will be terrified; 'Azah too will writhe in pain; likewise 'Ekron, as her hopes are dashed. "The king will vanish from 'Azah, Ashkelon will be without people,

Berean Standard Bible

Ashkelon will see and fear;Gaza will writhe in agony,as will Ekron,for her hope will wither.There will cease to be a king in Gaza,and Ashkelon will be uninhabited.

American Standard Version

Ashkelon shall see it, and fear; Gaza also, and shall be sore pained; and Ekron, for her expectation shall be put to shame; and the king shall perish from Gaza, and Ashkelon shall not be inhabited.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 9:5 is a powerful prophetic oracle detailing the impending divine judgment upon the Philistine cities of Ashkelon, Gaza, and Ekron. This verse vividly portrays their terror, profound sorrow, and utter humiliation as their hopes are shattered, their leadership is removed, and their populations are decimated. It serves as a stark testament to God's sovereign control over all nations and His unwavering commitment to executing justice, ultimately paving the way for the establishment of His righteous kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 9:5 is situated within the first of two major prophetic burdens (chapters 9-11) that conclude the book of Zechariah, following earlier prophecies concerning the rebuilding of the temple and the moral restoration of the post-exilic community. This chapter shifts focus dramatically to a series of oracles against Israel's surrounding Gentile nations, beginning with Damascus and Hamath, then turning to the coastal cities of Tyre and Sidon, and finally culminating in a detailed pronouncement against the Philistine cities. The judgment against these historical enemies of Israel serves as a necessary prelude to the glorious arrival of the Messianic King, whose peaceful reign is foretold immediately after these judgments in [Zechariah 9:9-10](/zechariah/9-9-10 "Zechariah 9:9-10 - The Coming of the Righteous King"). Thus, the destruction of these earthly powers underscores the ultimate triumph of God's divine plan and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Philistine cities—Ashkelon, Gaza, and Ekron—were prominent and historically formidable adversaries of ancient Israel, deeply rooted in the coastal plain of Canaan. These cities were part of the Philistine Pentapolis (along with Ashdod and Gath), known for their military prowess, maritime trade, and distinct culture, including the worship of deities like Dagon (as seen in [Judges 16:23](/judges/16-23 "Judges 16:23 - Dagon Worship in Gaza")). Throughout the Old Testament, the Philistines frequently oppressed Israel, making them a symbolic representation of foreign opposition to God's people (e.g., [1 Samuel 17](/1_samuel/17 "1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath")). Zechariah's prophecy, delivered in the post-exilic period (late 6th century BC), speaks to the enduring threat these nations posed, even in a diminished capacity. The specific details of their desolation—fear, sorrow, shattered expectations, the perishing of kings, and uninhabited cities—reflect the common consequences of ancient warfare and divine judgment, often fulfilled through powerful empires like the Babylonians, Persians, and later, the Hellenistic conquerors such as Alexander the Great, who indeed laid waste to many of these coastal cities.
* **Key Themes:** Zechariah 9:5 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within the book and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, demonstrating God's absolute authority over all nations, not just Israel. The swift and devastating fate of these Philistine strongholds underscores that no earthly power can withstand the Lord's decree, echoing similar prophecies against other nations throughout the Old Testament, such as those found in [Amos 1:6-8](/amos/1-6-8 "Amos 1:6-8 - Judgment Against Gaza, Tyre, and Edom"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **Consequences of Opposition to God's People**. For centuries, the Philistines had been a thorn in Israel's side, and their judgment here serves as a divine retribution and a vindication for God's chosen nation. Thirdly, the phrase "her expectation shall be ashamed" powerfully conveys the theme of **Shattered Human Hope and False Security**. The Philistines, who likely placed their trust in their military might or their pagan gods, find their confidence utterly crushed, illustrating the futility of relying on anything other than the Lord. This theme is further developed in the subsequent verses of [Zechariah 9](/zechariah/9 "Zechariah 9 - Prophecy of the Coming King and Judgment"), which contrast this desolation with the enduring hope found in God's righteous King.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **fear (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** This word (H3372) signifies a profound terror or dread, often associated with a reverential awe of God. Here, it describes the overwhelming panic and helplessness experienced by Ashkelon in the face of an unstoppable, divinely ordained calamity. It is not mere apprehension but a deep, visceral fear that paralyzes.
* **sorrowful (Hebrew, _chûwl'_):** The term (H2342) used for Gaza's sorrow describes a deep, writhing pain, akin to the pangs of childbirth or the intense agony of one in great distress. It conveys a sense of being twisted or convulsed by grief, indicating an extreme level of anguish and suffering that permeates the entire city.
* **ashamed (Hebrew, _yâbêsh'_):** This word (H3001) for Ekron implies not just embarrassment but a profound sense of confusion, disappointment, and disgrace. It suggests that Ekron's "expectation" (H4007), likely their hope for security, prosperity, or military success, will utterly fail and bring about public humiliation. Their confidence will be completely shattered, leading to a state of utter despondency.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ashkelon shall see [it], and fear;":** The prophecy begins with Ashkelon, a significant Philistine city. The phrase "shall see [it]" implies witnessing the impending disaster, whether it be the advance of an invading army or the direct manifestation of God's judgment. This sight will evoke an immediate and overwhelming response of "fear," indicating a state of profound terror and dread, recognizing the inevitability of their doom.
* **"Gaza also [shall see it], and be very sorrowful, and Ekron;":** Gaza, another major Philistine city, is likewise implicated in this judgment. The repetition of "shall see it" underscores the shared experience of witnessing the catastrophe. Gaza's reaction is described as being "very sorrowful," emphasizing an intense and agonizing grief, a deep, writhing pain that pervades the city. Ekron, the third city mentioned, is grouped with Gaza, indicating a similar fate of distress and impending ruin.
* **"for her expectation shall be ashamed;":** This clause specifically refers to Ekron, explaining the reason for its sorrow and fear. "Her expectation" refers to Ekron's hopes, confidence, or perhaps the strategic alliances or military strength upon which it relied for security. This expectation "shall be ashamed," meaning it will be utterly disappointed, disgraced, and proven futile. All their hopes will be dashed, leading to profound humiliation and despair.
* **"and the king shall perish from Gaza, and Ashkelon shall not be inhabited.":** The prophecy concludes with the ultimate consequences for two of the cities. The "king shall perish from Gaza" signifies the complete overthrow of its leadership and political structure, leading to a power vacuum and chaos. For Ashkelon, the pronouncement "shall not be inhabited" indicates a total desolation, a reduction to ruins where no one will dwell, signifying the absolute and permanent nature of God's judgment upon it.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 9:5 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message of divine judgment. **Personification** is evident as the cities themselves are depicted as subjects capable of human emotions: Ashkelon "shall see" and "fear," and Gaza "shall be very sorrowful." This technique vividly brings the impending destruction to life, making the cities' suffering palpable. The use of **Hyperbole** in phrases like "very sorrowful" and "shall not be inhabited" emphasizes the extreme and comprehensive nature of the judgment, underscoring the severity of the divine wrath. The structure of the verse, moving from one city to another with escalating descriptions of their demise, creates a sense of **Climax** and reinforces the inevitability of their shared fate. Furthermore, the entire passage functions as a **Prophecy**, foretelling future events with divine certainty, demonstrating God's foreknowledge and sovereign control over history. The explicit naming of the cities grounds the abstract concept of judgment in concrete, historical realities, making the warning all the more impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 9:5 serves as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His unwavering commitment to justice. The destruction of these Philistine cities is not arbitrary but a righteous judgment against long-standing enemies of God's people and, by extension, against the forces that oppose His divine will. This passage underscores that no earthly power, no matter how formidable or self-assured, can ultimately withstand the Lord's decree. It teaches us that God actively intervenes in human history, orchestrating events to fulfill His purposes, which include both judgment for the wicked and the ultimate vindication and establishment of His kingdom. The shattered expectations of Ekron highlight the futility of placing hope in anything other than the living God, whose promises are sure and whose judgments are inescapable. This divine action clears the way for the coming of the Messiah, demonstrating that God's plan for redemption and peace often involves the removal of obstacles and the defeat of hostile powers.

* [Amos 1:6-8](/amos/1-6-8 "Amos 1:6-8 - Judgment Against Gaza, Tyre, and Edom")
* [Jeremiah 47:4-5](/jeremiah/47-4-5 "Jeremiah 47:4-5 - Prophecy Against Philistia")
* [Isaiah 14:29-31](/isaiah/14-29-31 "Isaiah 14:29-31 - Prophecy Against Philistia")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 9:5, while describing ancient judgments, offers timeless insights for believers today. It powerfully reminds us that God remains sovereign over all earthly powers, nations, and political systems. In a world often characterized by instability, conflict, and the rise and fall of empires, this verse anchors our hope in the unshakeable reality of God's ultimate control. It challenges us to examine where we place our "expectation"—is it in human strength, financial security, political ideologies, or fleeting worldly successes? The desolation of these cities, whose expectations were "ashamed," serves as a sobering warning against misplaced trust. Instead, we are called to place our complete reliance and hope in God alone, whose promises are unfailing and whose justice is perfect. Furthermore, understanding God's righteous judgment should cultivate a deeper reverence for His holiness and a greater appreciation for His mercy, which is extended to us through Christ. It also encourages us to pray for our nations, recognizing that all authority is ultimately derived from Him and that He holds all rulers accountable.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in your life or in the world do you see "expectations" being placed in things that are ultimately "ashamed" or fail?**
* **How does the sovereignty of God over nations, as depicted in this verse, impact your perspective on current global events and political landscapes?**
* **What does the "fear" and "sorrow" of these cities teach us about the consequences of opposing God's will, both individually and corporately?**
* **In what ways can you practically demonstrate placing your hope and trust in God alone, rather than in worldly securities?**

### FAQ
**Who are Ashkelon, Gaza, and Ekron, and why are they mentioned in this prophecy?**

Answer: Ashkelon, Gaza, and Ekron were three of the five major cities of ancient Philistia, located on the southwestern coast of Canaan. Along with Ashdod and Gath, they formed the Philistine Pentapolis. Historically, the Philistines were perennial enemies of Israel, frequently engaging in conflict and oppression against God's people, as narrated throughout the books of Judges and Samuel. They are mentioned in this prophecy as prime examples of nations that resisted God's plans and oppressed His chosen people. Their inclusion signifies God's comprehensive judgment against all who oppose His divine will, demonstrating His sovereignty over all nations, not just Israel.

**Has this prophecy regarding Ashkelon, Gaza, and Ekron been fulfilled?**

Answer: Yes, Zechariah's prophecy against the Philistine cities has largely seen historical fulfillment through various conquerors. While some prophecies can have multiple layers of fulfillment, the desolation described here aligns with historical events, particularly during the Hellenistic period. Alexander the Great, for instance, conquered Gaza after a lengthy siege in 332 BC, leading to significant destruction and the death of its king. Ashkelon and Ekron also experienced periods of decline, conquest, and desolation by subsequent empires, including the Ptolemies, Seleucids, and Romans. The prophecy of Ashkelon not being inhabited, and the king perishing from Gaza, points to a comprehensive and lasting judgment that indeed came to pass, demonstrating the reliability of God's prophetic word.

**What is the "expectation" of Ekron that "shall be ashamed"?**

Answer: Ekron's "expectation" (Hebrew: *mabbâṭ*) refers to its hopes, confidence, or the source of its security and prosperity. This could encompass its military strength, its strategic alliances, its economic stability, or even its reliance on its pagan deities. The phrase "shall be ashamed" (Hebrew: *yâbêsh*) means that these hopes will be utterly disappointed, disgraced, and proven futile. It signifies a complete reversal of their fortunes, where what they trusted in to save them will fail spectacularly, leading to profound humiliation and despair. It highlights the futility of trusting in human or worldly power when faced with divine judgment, a common theme throughout prophetic literature.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Zechariah 9:5 speaks of the judgment and desolation of earthly powers, its ultimate purpose within the broader prophetic context of Zechariah 9 is to clear the way for the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of His righteous kingdom. The perishing of the king from Gaza and Ashkelon's desolation are stark contrasts to the description of the true King who comes to Zion in [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - The Coming of the King"). This King, Jesus Christ, does not come with destructive judgment for His own, but "lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass," bringing salvation and peace. The earthly kings and their fleeting power are swept away, making room for the eternal reign of Christ. His kingdom is not built on military might or human expectations that can be "ashamed," but on divine truth and righteousness, extending "from sea even to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth" ([Zechariah 9:10](/zechariah/9-10 "Zechariah 9:10 - The Extent of the King's Dominion")). In Christ, the ultimate "expectation" of humanity is not ashamed; rather, it is gloriously fulfilled through His cross and resurrection, which conquered sin and death, establishing a kingdom that cannot be shaken ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken")). He is the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and through Him, God's justice and mercy perfectly converge, leading to a new creation where sorrow and fear are ultimately banished for those who trust in Him ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "No More Tears or Pain")).

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

Acts 8:26

¶ And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.

Jeremiah 47:1

¶ The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet against the Philistines, before that Pharaoh smote Gaza.

Zephaniah 2:4

¶ For Gaza shall be forsaken, and Ashkelon a desolation: they shall drive out Ashdod at the noon day, and Ekron shall be rooted up.

Zephaniah 2:7

And the coast shall be for the remnant of the house of Judah; they shall feed thereupon: in the houses of Ashkelon shall they lie down in the evening: for the LORD their God shall visit them, and turn away their captivity.

Revelation 18:9

¶ And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning,

Revelation 18:17

For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off,

Isaiah 14:29

Rejoice not thou, whole Palestina, because the rod of him that smote thee is broken: for out of the serpent's root shall come forth a cockatrice, and his fruit [shall be] a fiery flying serpent.