Zechariah 9:6

KJV

And a bastard shall dwell in Ashdod, and I will cut off the pride of the Philistines.

KJV (with Strong's)

And a bastard {H4464} shall dwell {H3427} in Ashdod {H795}, and I will cut off {H3772} the pride {H1347} of the Philistines {H6430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and a mixed people will live in Ashdod, as I destroy the pride of the P'lishtim.

Berean Standard Bible

A mixed race will occupy Ashdod,and I will cut off the pride of the Philistines.

American Standard Version

And a bastard shall dwell in Ashdod, and I will cut off the pride of the Philistines.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 9:6 delivers a powerful prophetic declaration concerning the future of Ashdod, a prominent Philistine city and a long-standing adversary of Israel. This verse foretells a dramatic reversal of fortunes for Ashdod, where its former identity and pride will be utterly dismantled, signifying God's sovereign judgment over the nations and the eventual triumph of His kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 9:6 is situated within the first major oracle of Zechariah (chapters 9-11), which begins with a sweeping prophecy of divine judgment upon the nations surrounding Israel, followed by promises of restoration and the coming of the Messiah. Specifically, verses 1-8 detail God's judgment on various cities and regions, including Hadrach, Damascus, Tyre, Sidon, Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ekron. Zechariah 9:6 focuses on Ashdod, continuing the theme of the subjugation of the Philistine cities. The immediate subsequent verses (9:7-8) speak of a remnant being preserved and God's protective presence over His house, contrasting with the destruction of the surrounding nations. This sets the stage for the highly anticipated arrival of the righteous and humble King in [Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - The Coming King").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Zechariah ministered during the early post-exilic period, around 520-518 BC, a time when the returned Jewish exiles were rebuilding Jerusalem and the Temple. The Philistines, descendants of the "Sea Peoples," had been a persistent and formidable enemy of Israel since the time of the Judges (e.g., [Judges 13-16](/judges/13-16 "Judges 13-16 - Samson and the Philistines")) through the monarchy (e.g., [1 Samuel 17](/1_samuel/17 "1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath")). Their five major cities—Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gath—formed a powerful confederacy on Israel's southwestern border, representing a pagan culture often hostile to the God of Israel. Ashdod, in particular, was a significant Philistine stronghold, known for its temple to Dagon ([1 Samuel 5:1-7](/1_samuel/5-1-7 "1 Samuel 5:1-7 - The Ark in Ashdod")). The prophecy here would have resonated deeply with a people who had long suffered under Philistine oppression, offering a vision of divine justice and the definitive end of a long-standing threat.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Zechariah and broader biblical prophecy. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, demonstrating God's absolute control over the destinies of nations and His willingness to execute judgment against those who oppose His will or oppress His people. The humbling of Ashdod is a clear manifestation of this power. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of the **Humiliation of the Proud**. The "pride of the Philistines" is specifically targeted, serving as a warning against national hubris, self-reliance, and idolatry apart from God. This echoes a common biblical motif found in passages like [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before a Fall") and [Isaiah 2:12](/isaiah/2-12 "Isaiah 2:12 - The Day of the Lord Against the Proud"). Finally, the prophecy hints at a **Transformation or Utter Subjugation** of conquered territory, where the former identity of the enemy is eradicated, making way for God's ultimate purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **bastard (Hebrew, _mamzêr'_):** From an unused root meaning to alienate; a mongrel, i.e., born of a Jewish father and a heathen mother; bastard. In the Old Testament, a _mamzêr_ was legally excluded from the assembly of the Lord ([Deuteronomy 23:2](/deuteronomy/23-2 "Deuteronomy 23:2 - Exclusion from the Assembly")). Applied to Ashdod, this term powerfully conveys a sense of impurity, foreignness, or a debased status for the city's inhabitants, highlighting its complete degradation and the end of its distinct Philistine identity and purity. It implies a mixed, foreign, or debased population, indicating a profound loss of its original character and glory.
* **dwell (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** A primitive root; properly, to sit down (specifically as judge, in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry. Here, it indicates a permanent inhabitation, but the specific identity of the inhabitant ("bastard") signifies a radical change in the city's demographic and status. It's not just that someone will live there, but that a "bastard" will settle, underscoring the city's defilement and loss of its original, proud heritage.
* **pride (Hebrew, _gâʼôwn'_):** From _gâʼâh_; arrogance or majesty; by implication, (concretely) ornament; arrogancy, excellency(-lent), majesty, pomp, pride, proud, swelling. This term refers to the Philistines' self-importance, their strength, their idols, and their military might—all aspects of their national identity that God promises to dismantle. The "cutting off" of this pride signifies a complete humiliation and the eradication of their former glory and power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And a bastard shall dwell in Ashdod":** This clause prophesies a radical change in the population and character of Ashdod. The term "bastard" (mamzêr) denotes someone of mixed or illicit origin, excluded from the pure community of Israel. Its application to Ashdod suggests that the city will lose its distinct Philistine identity and purity, becoming inhabited by a debased, mixed, or foreign population. This signifies a complete subjugation and defilement of the once-proud Philistine stronghold, indicating its inability to maintain its former glory or ethnic integrity.
* **"and I will cut off the pride of the Philistines.":** This second clause declares God's direct action in dismantling the very essence of Philistine power and arrogance. The "pride" (gâʼôwn) encompasses their national strength, military might, idolatrous independence, and any source of their self-exaltation. God's declaration "I will cut off" emphasizes His sovereign intent and ability to utterly destroy the source of their haughtiness, ensuring their complete humiliation and the end of their historical threat to Israel.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 9:6 employs several powerful literary devices. **Symbolism** is prominent, with "bastard" serving as a potent symbol for the defilement, loss of identity, and debased status of Ashdod. It represents the city's complete subjugation and the eradication of its former, pure Philistine character. The "pride of the Philistines" is also symbolic, representing their collective arrogance, strength, and idolatrous self-sufficiency that God intends to dismantle. The entire verse functions as **Prophecy**, a direct divine declaration of future events, emphasizing God's foreknowledge and control over history. There is also an element of **Juxtaposition** or **Contrast**, placing the former pride and strength of Ashdod against its prophesied future state of impurity and humiliation. Finally, the phrase "I will cut off" demonstrates **Divine Fiat**, highlighting God's active, decisive, and irresistible will in bringing about this judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 9:6 profoundly underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His unwavering commitment to justice. It reveals that no human power, no matter how entrenched or proud, can ultimately withstand the divine will. The humbling of Ashdod and the cutting off of Philistine pride serve as a powerful testament to God's authority to dismantle any entity that exalts itself against Him or His people. This prophetic act of judgment is not merely punitive but also redemptive in its broader context, clearing the way for the establishment of God's righteous kingdom and the coming of the Messiah. It reassures God's people that their oppressors will not prevail indefinitely, and divine justice will ultimately bring about their vindication and security.

* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalm/75-6-7 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Judges the Earth")
* [Isaiah 13:11](/isaiah/13-11 "Isaiah 13:11 - God Punishes Pride")
* [Obadiah 1:3-4](/obadiah/1-3-4 "Obadiah 1:3-4 - The Pride of Edom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 9:6 offers timeless lessons for both individuals and nations. For nations, it serves as a stark warning against the dangers of national pride, self-sufficiency, and idolatry. Any nation that exalts itself above God or oppresses others will ultimately face divine judgment and humiliation. True strength and lasting security are found not in military might or economic power, but in humility and submission to God's righteous standards. For individuals, this verse reminds us that God is sovereign over all circumstances, even when powerful forces seem to dominate. It encourages us to trust in His ultimate justice and to resist the temptation of personal pride, which often leads to a fall. Instead, we are called to cultivate humility, recognizing that all true strength and honor come from God. Our hope is not in the fleeting power of human institutions but in the enduring reign of the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, or my community, be exhibiting forms of "pride" that need to be "cut off" by God?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty over nations, as depicted in this verse, impact my prayers for my own country and for global affairs?**
* **What specific idols or sources of false security do I rely on, instead of trusting fully in God's power and provision?**

### FAQ

**What does "a bastard shall dwell in Ashdod" truly mean?**

Answer: The phrase "a bastard shall dwell in Ashdod" (KJV) uses the Hebrew word _mamzêr_, which refers to someone of illegitimate birth or mixed heritage, often excluded from the Israelite assembly (as seen in [Deuteronomy 23:2](/deuteronomy/23-2 "Deuteronomy 23:2 - Exclusion from the Assembly")). In this prophetic context, applied to Ashdod, it symbolizes the city's complete loss of its distinct Philistine identity and purity. It suggests that Ashdod would be inhabited by a debased, mixed, or foreign population, signifying its utter subjugation, defilement, and inability to maintain its former glory or ethnic integrity. It's a powerful image of humiliation and transformation for a once-proud stronghold.

**How was this prophecy fulfilled historically?**

Answer: Historically, the Philistine cities, including Ashdod, faced various conquests and transformations. While a single, direct, literal fulfillment of "a bastard shall dwell" in a specific historical event is difficult to pinpoint with absolute certainty, the broader prophecy of Philistine decline and the cutting off of their pride was fulfilled through a series of subjugations by various empires. Ashdod was conquered by Sargon II of Assyria in 712 BC ([Isaiah 20:1](/isaiah/20-1 "Isaiah 20:1 - Sargon's Conquest of Ashdod")), then by Psammetichus I of Egypt, and later by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. By the Hellenistic period, Ashdod was significantly Hellenized, losing much of its original Philistine character. The Jewish returnees under Nehemiah also encountered mixed marriages with Ashdodites, indicating a blending of populations ([Nehemiah 13:23-24](/nehemiah/13-23-24 "Nehemiah 13:23-24 - Nehemiah's Reforms Against Mixed Marriages")). This gradual erosion of their distinct identity and power collectively demonstrates the fulfillment of God's declaration to "cut off the pride of the Philistines."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 9:6, with its declaration of judgment against the Philistine stronghold and the cutting off of their pride, finds its ultimate and spiritual fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the immediate context speaks of the literal subjugation of a physical enemy, the deeper theological truth points to Christ's triumph over all spiritual enemies and the dismantling of all human pride that stands against God. Just as Ashdod's "pride" was cut off, Christ, through His crucifixion and resurrection, decisively defeated the powers of sin, death, and the devil, which are the ultimate sources of spiritual pride and rebellion ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). The "bastard" dwelling in Ashdod, signifying a loss of original identity and a new, perhaps unexpected, inhabitancy, can be seen as a foreshadowing of the inclusion of Gentiles into God's covenant people. Through Christ, the old national and ethnic barriers are broken down, and those who were formerly "aliens and strangers" are brought near by the blood of Christ, becoming fellow citizens with the saints and members of God's household ([Ephesians 2:11-19](/ephesians/2-11-19 "Ephesians 2:11-19 - Gentiles Included in Christ")). In Christ's kingdom, the pride of human achievement and nationalistic exclusivity is utterly cut off, and a new, unified people—comprising all who believe, regardless of former identity—comes to dwell in the spiritual "Ashdod," transformed by His grace and authority. This ultimate victory is not through military conquest but through the humble King who rides on a donkey ([Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - The Humble King")), establishing a kingdom of peace where all pride is brought low before the Lord ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus Exalted")).

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

Amos 1:8

And I will cut off the inhabitant from Ashdod, and him that holdeth the sceptre from Ashkelon, and I will turn mine hand against Ekron: and the remnant of the Philistines shall perish, saith the Lord GOD.

1 Peter 5:5

¶ Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all [of you] be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

Zephaniah 2:10

This shall they have for their pride, because they have reproached and magnified [themselves] against the people of the LORD of hosts.

Isaiah 2:12

For the day of the LORD of hosts [shall be] upon every [one that is] proud and lofty, and upon every [one that is] lifted up; and he shall be brought low:

Isaiah 2:17

And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.

Ecclesiastes 6:2

A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this [is] vanity, and it [is] an evil disease.

Isaiah 23:9

The LORD of hosts hath purposed it, to stain the pride of all glory, [and] to bring into contempt all the honourable of the earth.