Zechariah 9:7

And I will take away his blood out of his mouth, and his abominations from between his teeth: but he that remaineth, even he, [shall be] for our God, and he shall be as a governor in Judah, and Ekron as a Jebusite.

And I will take away {H5493} his blood {H1818} out of his mouth {H6310}, and his abominations {H8251} from between his teeth {H8127}: but he that remaineth {H7604}, even he, shall be for our God {H430}, and he shall be as a governor {H441} in Judah {H3063}, and Ekron {H6138} as a Jebusite {H2983}.

I will end their eating meat with its blood still in it, snatching the disgusting things from between their teeth." But the surviving remnant will belong to our God; it will be like a clan in Y'hudah; and 'Ekron will be like a Y'vusi.

I will remove the blood from their mouthsand the abominations from between their teeth.Then they too will become a remnant for our God;they will become like a clan in Judah,and Ekron will be like the Jebusites.

And I will take away his blood out of his mouth, and his abominations from between his teeth; and he also shall be a remnant for our God; and he shall be as a chieftain in Judah, and Ekron as a Jebusite.

Commentary

Commentary on Zechariah 9:7 (KJV)

Zechariah 9:7 is a profound prophetic verse that speaks to God's transformative power and His redemptive plan, even for long-standing enemies of Israel. The verse reads: "And I will take away his blood out of his mouth, and his abominations from between his teeth: but he that remaineth, even he, shall be for our God, and he shall be as a governor in Judah, and Ekron as a Jebusite."

Context

The prophet Zechariah delivered his messages to the Jewish remnant who had returned from Babylonian exile, encouraging them in rebuilding the temple and reminding them of God's future plans for Israel and the nations. Chapter 9 begins with prophecies of judgment against various surrounding nations, including the Philistine cities (like Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, and Ekron), which had historically been adversaries of Israel. However, amidst these pronouncements of judgment, verse 7 offers a surprising turn: a promise of purification and inclusion for a remnant of these very enemies.

Key Themes

  • Divine Purification and Transformation: The vivid imagery of God taking "his blood out of his mouth, and his abominations from between his teeth" signifies a radical cleansing. This refers to the cessation of pagan sacrificial practices, idolatrous rituals, and perhaps even unclean eating habits or violence associated with their former way of life. It highlights God's power to completely change the nature and practices of a people.
  • Inclusion of Gentiles: This verse foreshadows a remarkable aspect of God's redemptive plan—the inclusion of non-Israelites into His covenant people. The Philistines, particularly Ekron, being likened to "a Jebusite" implies their integration into the community of God's people. The Jebusites, though original inhabitants of Jerusalem, were eventually incorporated into Israelite society after David's conquest, serving as an example of former enemies becoming part of the nation. This prefigures the broader inclusion of Gentiles into God's family through Christ, as seen in the New Testament.
  • God's Sovereignty and Remnant: Even in judgment, God preserves a remnant, and He demonstrates His sovereign ability to transform even the most unlikely candidates into His servants. Those who remain and are purified will serve God and even hold positions of influence ("as a governor in Judah").

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "blood out of his mouth, and his abominations from between his teeth" uses strong metaphorical language to represent the complete cessation of pagan worship and practices. It implies a thorough cleansing from all that is impure and offensive to God. The transformation of "Ekron as a Jebusite" is particularly insightful. It doesn't suggest destruction, but rather an assimilation and spiritual conversion, where a formerly hostile city becomes part of God's people, serving Him rather than opposing Him. This speaks to the depth of God's purifying and transformative power.

Practical Application

Zechariah 9:7 offers powerful lessons for believers today:

  • God's Redemptive Reach: This verse reminds us that God's desire for salvation extends beyond any perceived boundaries or historical animosities. No one is beyond the reach of His transformative grace, regardless of their past or current spiritual state.
  • The Power of the Gospel: Just as God purified the Philistines, the Gospel has the power to cleanse individuals from sin and idolatry, bringing them into a right relationship with Him. It calls for a complete break from former ungodly ways.
  • Inclusion in the Church: The church, as God's people today, should reflect this spirit of inclusion. Those who are purified by God and turn to Him are welcomed into His family, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or past sins.

This verse stands as a testament to God's ultimate plan to gather people from all nations to Himself, purifying them and incorporating them into His kingdom.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 16:57 (2 votes)

    Before thy wickedness was discovered, as at the time of [thy] reproach of the daughters of Syria, and all [that are] round about her, the daughters of the Philistines, which despise thee round about.

  • Ezekiel 16:61 (2 votes)

    Then thou shalt remember thy ways, and be ashamed, when thou shalt receive thy sisters, thine elder and thy younger: and I will give them unto thee for daughters, but not by thy covenant.

  • Isaiah 19:23 (2 votes)

    In that day shall there be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria, and the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians.

  • Isaiah 19:25 (2 votes)

    Whom the LORD of hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed [be] Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel mine inheritance.

  • Jeremiah 49:39 (2 votes)

    But it shall come to pass in the latter days, [that] I will bring again the captivity of Elam, saith the LORD.

  • Isaiah 49:22 (2 votes)

    Thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people: and they shall bring thy sons in [their] arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon [their] shoulders.

  • Isaiah 49:23 (2 votes)

    And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with [their] face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.