Zechariah 9:7

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 9:7 is a profound prophetic declaration of God's transformative power and redemptive plan, even for long-standing enemies of Israel. It foretells a radical purification of the Philistine city of Ekron from its pagan practices and violence, followed by its surprising spiritual assimilation into the people of God, where its remnant will serve the Lord and even attain positions of influence within the covenant community. This verse highlights God's sovereign ability to break down barriers and extend His grace to those previously outside His covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 9:7 is situated within the first major section of "Second Zechariah" (chapters 9-14), which shifts from the post-exilic temple rebuilding concerns of chapters 1-8 to a series of future-oriented prophecies concerning the Messiah's coming and the establishment of His kingdom. Chapter 9 specifically begins with a prophetic oracle of judgment against various surrounding nations—Syria, Phoenicia, and the Philistine cities (Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron). However, amidst these pronouncements of divine judgment and the subsequent promise of protection for Judah and Jerusalem ([Zechariah 9:8](/zechariah/9-8 "Zechariah 9:8 - God's Protection of His House")), verse 7 offers a remarkable and unexpected turn: a promise of purification and inclusion for a remnant of these very adversaries, particularly Ekron. This surprising inclusion sets the stage for the broader vision of God's universal reign and the ingathering of the nations under the Messiah's rule, as hinted at in the subsequent verses describing the peaceful reign of the coming King ([Zechariah 9:9-10](/zechariah/9-9-10 "Zechariah 9:9-10 - The Coming King of Zion")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Zechariah ministered to the Jewish remnant who had returned to Judah from Babylonian exile, encouraging them in the rebuilding of the temple and reminding them of God's enduring covenant promises. The Philistines, including the city of Ekron, had been perennial adversaries of Israel throughout its history, from the time of the Judges through the monarchy. They were known for their pagan worship, often involving detestable practices, and their frequent military conflicts with Israel. The imagery of "blood out of his mouth" and "abominations from between his teeth" likely alludes to their pagan sacrificial rituals, possibly even child sacrifice, or their consumption of blood and unclean foods, which were anathema to the Mosaic Law. The reference to Ekron becoming "as a Jebusite" is highly significant. The Jebusites were the original inhabitants of Jerusalem (ancient Jebus) before David conquered the city ([2 Samuel 5:6-9](/2_samuel/5-6-9 "2 Samuel 5:6-9 - David Conquers Jerusalem")). Rather than being utterly destroyed, a remnant of the Jebusites was assimilated into Israelite society, serving in various capacities, as seen in David's purchase of the threshing floor from Araunah the Jebusite ([2 Samuel 24:18-25](/2_samuel/24-18-25 "2 Samuel 24:18-25 - David Buys Araunah's Threshing Floor")). This historical precedent serves as a powerful cultural paradigm for the future assimilation of Ekron, signifying not annihilation, but transformation and integration.
* **Key Themes:** Zechariah 9:7 contributes significantly to several major theological themes. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Purification and Transformation**, illustrating God's power to radically cleanse a people from their deep-seated paganism and violent ways, making them fit for His presence and service. Secondly, it is a striking example of **Inclusion of Gentiles** into God's covenant people, foreshadowing a broader New Testament reality. The Philistines, long-standing enemies, are brought into a relationship with the God of Israel. Thirdly, the verse highlights **God's Sovereignty and Remnant Theology**, demonstrating that even in judgment, God preserves a remnant, and He sovereignly orchestrates the transformation of even the most unlikely candidates into His servants, even elevating them to positions of influence ("as a governor in Judah"). This theme resonates with the broader prophetic message of God gathering a people for Himself from all nations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blood (Hebrew, _dâm'_):** This term (H1818) refers to the life-force of man or animal, often associated with bloodshed, guilt, or the juice of the grape. In the context of "taking away his blood out of his mouth," it likely signifies the cessation of violent acts, bloodguilt, or the consumption of blood, which was forbidden under Mosaic Law. It points to a cleansing from practices that defile and incur guilt before God.
* **Abominations (Hebrew, _shiqqûwts'_):** This word (H8251) denotes something disgusting, filthy, or detestable, especially in a religious sense, often referring to idolatrous practices or idols themselves. Its removal "from between his teeth" vividly portrays the complete cessation of pagan rituals, idolatrous sacrifices, or unclean eating habits that were characteristic of Philistine worship and life, signifying a thorough spiritual purification.
* **Jebusite (Hebrew, _Yᵉbûwçîy'_):** A patrial term (H2983) referring to an inhabitant of Jebus (ancient Jerusalem). The phrase "Ekron as a Jebusite" is a crucial simile. It does not imply destruction but rather assimilation and integration. Just as the Jebusites, former enemies, were incorporated into Israelite society after David's conquest of Jerusalem, Ekron's remnant would similarly be brought into the community of God's people, serving Him rather than opposing Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will take away his blood out of his mouth, and his abominations from between his teeth:"** This powerful and vivid imagery describes a radical act of divine purification. "His blood out of his mouth" signifies the cessation of violent acts, perhaps even the shedding of human blood, or the consumption of blood which was a pagan practice and forbidden by the Mosaic Law. "His abominations from between his teeth" refers to the removal of all detestable, idolatrous practices, including pagan sacrifices and unclean foods, that were consumed or uttered. The imagery of "mouth" and "teeth" emphasizes that the very source of their defilement—their speech, their diet, their rituals—will be cleansed by God. This is not merely an external change but a deep, internal transformation initiated by God Himself.
* **"but he that remaineth, even he, [shall be] for our God,"** This clause introduces a remnant, a portion of the Philistine population (specifically Ekron) that will be preserved through God's judgment. Crucially, this remnant will no longer be an enemy but will be "for our God" (referring to Yahweh, the God of Israel). This signifies a complete shift in allegiance and identity, from paganism to true worship, from opposition to devotion. It highlights God's sovereign power to call and transform individuals from any background into His own.
* **"and he shall be as a governor in Judah, and Ekron as a Jebusite."** This final clause describes the surprising elevation and complete integration of this transformed remnant. To be "as a governor in Judah" implies that some among them will not only be accepted but will even hold positions of leadership and authority within the covenant community, demonstrating full trust and inclusion. The phrase "Ekron as a Jebusite" is the key to understanding the nature of this integration. As discussed in the context, the Jebusites were assimilated into Israel after David's conquest of Jerusalem. Thus, Ekron, a former enemy city, will not be annihilated but will undergo a spiritual conversion and be fully incorporated into the people of God, becoming a part of the spiritual Israel, serving the Lord rather than opposing Him.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 9:7 is rich in **Metaphor** and **Simile**, creating vivid imagery to convey its profound message. The phrases "take away his blood out of his mouth" and "abominations from between his teeth" are powerful **Metaphors** for a thorough spiritual cleansing and cessation of pagan, violent, and unclean practices. The "mouth" and "teeth" serve as **Synecdoche**, representing the entirety of the Philistines' defiling actions and rituals. The transformation of Ekron is conveyed through **Simile**: "he shall be as a governor in Judah" and "Ekron as a Jebusite." These similes illustrate the surprising elevation and complete assimilation of former enemies into the covenant community, drawing on the historical precedent of the Jebusites' integration. The entire verse functions as a **Prophecy**, foretelling a future divine act of transformation and inclusion, a testament to God's redemptive scope.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 9:7 is a remarkable testament to God's expansive redemptive plan, demonstrating His power not only to judge but also to transform and integrate those who were once His adversaries. The verse powerfully illustrates that God's grace extends beyond the boundaries of Israel, foreshadowing a time when people from all nations would be brought into His covenant. It reveals a God who breaks down cultural and historical barriers, purifying hearts and minds from idolatry and violence, and bringing former enemies into a place of belonging and even leadership within His people. This prophetic vision speaks to the universality of God's saving purpose and His desire to gather a people for Himself from every tribe and tongue.

* [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2-4 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - Nations Flow to Zion") - Prophesies that in the latter days, all nations will stream to the mountain of the Lord's house to learn His ways.
* [Ephesians 2:11-19](/ephesians/2-11-19 "Ephesians 2:11-19 - Gentiles Made Nigh by Christ") - Explains how Gentiles, once far off, have been brought near by the blood of Christ, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility.
* [Romans 11:25-26](/romans/11-25-26 "Romans 11:25-26 - The Fullness of the Gentiles") - Discusses the "fullness of the Gentiles" coming in before Israel's ultimate salvation, indicating God's ongoing work among the nations.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 9:7 offers profound insights for believers today, reminding us of the boundless reach of God's redemptive grace. It challenges any narrow view of God's salvation, demonstrating that no individual or group is beyond His transformative power, regardless of their past enmity or deep-seated sin. Just as God cleansed the Philistines from their "blood" and "abominations," He desires to purify us from every form of sin, idolatry, and ungodly practice that defiles our "mouth" and "teeth"—our words, our desires, our actions. This verse calls us to embrace a radical inclusivity within the body of Christ, recognizing that all who are purified by God and turn to Him are welcomed into His family, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or past sins. It should inspire us to pray for and actively reach out to those we might consider "unreachable," trusting that God can transform even the hardest of hearts and integrate them into His kingdom, even elevating them to positions of service.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Zechariah 9:7 challenge our preconceptions about who God can redeem and include in His family?**
* **In what ways might we, as individuals or as a church, need God to "take away the blood out of our mouth and abominations from between our teeth" to align more fully with His will?**
* **What practical steps can we take to embody the spirit of radical inclusion and transformation seen in this verse within our own communities and ministries?**

### FAQ

**What does "take away his blood out of his mouth, and his abominations from between his teeth" mean?**

Answer: This vivid imagery is a metaphor for a radical spiritual purification and transformation. "Blood out of his mouth" signifies the cessation of violent acts, bloodshed, or the consumption of blood, which was a pagan ritual and forbidden under Mosaic Law. "Abominations from between his teeth" refers to the removal of all detestable, idolatrous practices, including pagan sacrifices, unclean foods, or blasphemous speech. Together, these phrases indicate a complete cleansing from the Philistines' former pagan and violent way of life, making them spiritually clean and acceptable to God. It highlights God's power to change the very nature and practices of a people, removing everything that is offensive to Him.

**How could Ekron become "as a Jebusite"?**

Answer: This phrase does not imply the destruction of Ekron, but rather its spiritual conversion and assimilation into the people of God. The Jebusites were the original inhabitants of Jerusalem (ancient Jebus) whom King David conquered but did not annihilate; instead, a remnant was integrated into Israelite society, serving among them. Thus, "Ekron as a Jebusite" means that a remnant of this Philistine city, once an enemy, would be transformed and fully incorporated into the covenant community of Israel, serving the true God rather than opposing Him. It signifies a profound shift from hostility to belonging, from paganism to true worship, and even to holding positions of influence within God's people, as indicated by the phrase "as a governor in Judah."

**Does this verse apply to Gentile inclusion in the New Testament?**

Answer: Absolutely. Zechariah 9:7 is a powerful Old Testament foreshadowing of the New Testament truth that God's salvation extends to all nations, not just Israel. The transformation and inclusion of a long-standing enemy like Ekron into God's people prefigures the breaking down of the wall between Jew and Gentile through Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, we see the fulfillment of this promise as God calls people from every tribe, tongue, and nation into His church, the new covenant community, where there is no longer distinction based on ethnicity or former religious practices, but all are one in Christ ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile in Christ")). This verse illustrates God's consistent plan to gather a people for Himself from among the Gentiles.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 9:7 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The radical purification from "blood out of his mouth and abominations from between his teeth" that God promises to the Philistine remnant is supremely accomplished through the atoning sacrifice of Christ. It is by His blood that believers are cleansed from all sin and defilement, transforming hearts and lives from the inside out ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Blood Cleanses Conscience")). The assimilation of Ekron "as a Jebusite" and its remnant becoming "as a governor in Judah" points directly to the New Covenant reality where Gentiles, once alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, are brought near and made fellow citizens with the saints and members of God's household through Christ ([Ephesians 2:11-19](/ephesians/2-11-19 "Ephesians 2:11-19 - Gentiles Made Nigh by Christ")). Jesus is the Prince of Peace, the King who comes humbly on a donkey, as described in the very next verse ([Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - The Coming King of Zion")), whose reign extends to the ends of the earth and who breaks the bow of war, bringing true peace and reconciliation. Through His death and resurrection, Christ has inaugurated a new spiritual kingdom where there is "neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile in Christ")). Thus, Zechariah 9:7 is a powerful prophetic glimpse into the universal scope of the gospel and the transformative power of the cross, where all who believe are purified and integrated into God's one new humanity, the Church.

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 16:57

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.