Zechariah 9:9

KJV

¶ Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he [is] just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.

KJV (with Strong's)

Rejoice {H1523} greatly {H3966}, O daughter {H1323} of Zion {H6726}; shout {H7321}, O daughter {H1323} of Jerusalem {H3389}: behold, thy King {H4428} cometh {H935} unto thee: he is just {H6662}, and having salvation {H3467}; lowly {H6041}, and riding {H7392} upon an ass {H2543}, and upon a colt {H5895} the foal {H1121} of an ass {H860}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Rejoice with all your heart, daughter of Tziyon! Shout out loud, daughter of Yerushalayim! Look! Your king is coming to you. He is righteous, and he is victorious. Yet he is humble - he's riding on a donkey, yes, on a lowly donkey's colt.

Berean Standard Bible

Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion!Shout in triumph, O Daughter of Jerusalem!See, your King comes to you,righteous and victorious,humble and riding on a donkey,on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

American Standard Version

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy king cometh unto thee; he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, even upon a colt the foal of an ass.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 9:9 is a triumphant prophetic declaration, calling the inhabitants of Zion and Jerusalem to rejoice over the imminent arrival of their King. This King is portrayed not as a conquering warrior on a warhorse, but as a righteous and salvific ruler, characterized by humility, entering His city gently riding on a donkey and its colt, foreshadowing a reign established by peace and grace rather than military might.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 9 marks a significant shift in the book's prophetic focus, moving from the immediate post-exilic concerns of temple rebuilding and leadership (chapters 1-8) to a series of oracles concerning the future of Israel and the nations (chapters 9-14). Chapter 9 itself begins with prophecies against surrounding Gentile nations (Tyre, Sidon, Philistia), establishing God's sovereignty over all peoples. Verse 9 then pivots dramatically to a joyous announcement for Jerusalem, contrasting the earthly kings and their military might with the unique nature of Israel's coming King. This verse sets the stage for further messianic prophecies in the latter half of Zechariah, including the King's suffering and ultimate triumph.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Zechariah ministered to the Jewish community that had returned from Babylonian exile, likely between 520-518 BC. They were a people struggling to rebuild their temple and their national identity, often feeling vulnerable and marginalized. In the ancient Near East, kings typically rode horses into battle or as a display of military power and conquest. Riding a donkey, however, was associated with peace, humility, and sometimes with the arrival of a dignitary or judge in a non-military capacity. This imagery would have immediately conveyed a different kind of kingship to Zechariah's original audience—one that defied conventional expectations of power and might, offering hope for a peaceful, divinely-appointed ruler.
* **Key Themes:** This verse is a cornerstone of **Messianic Prophecy**, clearly foretelling the arrival of Israel's promised King, whose identity and manner of arrival are distinct from earthly monarchs. It highlights the theme of **Divine Kingship**, emphasizing that God's chosen ruler operates on principles of **Righteousness and Salvation**, rather than worldly power. The King is described as "just, and having salvation," indicating His character and His mission. Furthermore, the imagery of riding on a donkey underscores the profound theme of **Humility**, a characteristic that would later define the ministry of Jesus Christ, who consciously fulfilled this very prophecy during His [triumphal entry into Jerusalem](/matthew/21-1-11 "Matthew 21:1-11 - Jesus' Triumphal Entry"). The call to "Rejoice greatly" also introduces the theme of **Joy in God's Deliverance**, a recurring motif throughout the prophetic books, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 61:10](/isaiah/61-10 "Isaiah 61:10 - Joy in Salvation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rejoice (Hebrew, _gîyl'_):** This primitive root means "to spin round (under the influence of any violent emotion)," usually implying to be glad, to joy, or to be joyful. When paired with "greatly" (H3966, _mᵉʼôd_), it conveys an intense, exuberant, almost uncontrollable joy, a command for the people to express profound elation at the King's advent.
* **Salvation (Hebrew, _yâshaʻ'_):** Derived from a primitive root meaning "to be open, wide or free, i.e. (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor." The form used here, _noshaʻ_ (participle of _yâshaʻ_), means "having salvation" or "being saved/victorious." This emphasizes that the King embodies and brings deliverance, rescue, and victory to His people, not merely as an attribute, but as an active state of being.
* **Lowly (Hebrew, _ʻânîy'_):** This word describes someone who is "depressed, in mind or circumstances; afflicted, humble, needy, poor." It conveys a profound sense of humility, meekness, and unpretentiousness. It stands in stark contrast to the typical displays of power and grandeur associated with earthly kings, highlighting the King's identification with the humble and His lack of worldly pomp.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem:"** This opening command is a fervent exhortation for the people of God, personified as "daughter of Zion" and "daughter of Jerusalem," to express immense, unrestrained joy. The repetition emphasizes the urgency and significance of the event, calling for a collective, vocal celebration.
* **"behold, thy King cometh unto thee:"** This clause announces the central event: the arrival of "thy King." The word "behold" (Hebrew: _hinnēh_) draws immediate attention to the King's approach, signaling a momentous and certain event. The King is coming directly "unto thee," indicating a personal and intimate relationship with His people.
* **"he [is] just, and having salvation;"** This describes the character and mission of the coming King. He is "just" (Hebrew: _tsaddîyq_), meaning righteous in character and action, upholding divine standards. He is also "having salvation" (Hebrew: _noshaʻ_), meaning He embodies and brings deliverance, rescue, and victory, not through military might but through His inherent righteousness.
* **"lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass."** This final phrase vividly depicts the King's humble mode of arrival. "Lowly" (Hebrew: _ʻânîy_) emphasizes His meekness and lack of worldly ostentation. His choice of transport—a donkey and its colt—underscores His peaceful intentions and contrasts sharply with the warhorses of conquering kings, signifying a reign of peace and spiritual authority rather than military conquest. The repetition of "upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass" serves to emphasize the specific, peaceful mode of transport, leaving no ambiguity about the nature of His arrival, and fulfilling a detail that would later be noted in the Gospel accounts.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 9:9 is rich with **Symbolism** and **Personification**. "Daughter of Zion" and "Daughter of Jerusalem" are classic examples of **Personification**, treating the cities and their inhabitants as a single feminine entity, capable of expressing emotion and receiving a king. The **Symbolism** of the king riding on a donkey versus a warhorse is paramount, immediately conveying a message of peace, humility, and a different kind of kingdom, contrasting with the typical displays of earthly power. The phrase "just, and having salvation" uses **Juxtaposition** to highlight two key attributes of the King, showing His character and His purpose. The repetition of "upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass" is a form of **Emphasis** or **Redundancy**, ensuring the audience grasps the precise, humble nature of the King's entry, leaving no room for misinterpretation of His peaceful intent. The entire verse functions as a powerful **Prophecy**, a divinely inspired foretelling of future events, specifically the Messiah's triumphal entry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 9:9 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of God's Messiah and His kingdom. It redefines traditional expectations of kingship, presenting a ruler whose power is rooted in righteousness and humility, not military might. This challenges human notions of greatness and sovereignty, aligning instead with God's upside-down kingdom values where the last are first and the humble are exalted. The King's "salvation" is not merely political liberation but a holistic deliverance, encompassing spiritual restoration and peace. This prophecy thus connects deeply with the broader biblical narrative of a suffering servant who brings redemption, culminating in a reign of justice and peace that transcends earthly empires.

* [Matthew 21:4-5](/matthew/21-4-5 "Matthew 21:4-5 - Fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9")
* [John 12:14-15](/john/12-14-15 "John 12:14-15 - Jesus Fulfills Prophecy")
* [Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 9:9 invites us to reconsider our expectations of power, leadership, and divine intervention. In a world that often values strength, wealth, and outward displays of authority, this verse presents a King whose true majesty is found in His justice, His ability to save, and His profound humility. For believers, this means our celebration of Christ should be one of genuine joy, not because He conforms to worldly standards of power, but precisely because He subverts them. It calls us to embrace a counter-cultural humility in our own lives, recognizing that true influence and spiritual authority flow from a posture of service and dependence on God, rather than self-exaltation. Trusting in this humble, righteous King means finding our security not in earthly might, but in His unfailing salvation and just reign, allowing His character to shape our own.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the image of a humble King riding on a donkey challenge your own expectations of power and leadership, both in the church and in the world?**
* **In what ways can you, as a follower of Christ, embody the "lowly" and "just" character of the King in your daily interactions and decisions?**
* **What does it mean for you to "rejoice greatly" in a King who brings salvation through humility, especially when facing personal or societal challenges?**

### FAQ
**Why is the King described as "lowly" and riding on a donkey, rather than a horse?**

Answer: The description of the King as "lowly" (Hebrew: _ʻânîy_, meaning humble, afflicted, or poor) and riding on a donkey is highly significant and intentional. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, kings and military leaders typically rode horses, especially warhorses, to signify power, conquest, and military might. Riding a donkey, however, was associated with peace, humility, and the arrival of a dignitary or judge in a non-military capacity. It conveyed a message of peaceful intent and accessibility. This imagery in Zechariah 9:9 therefore contrasts sharply with worldly expectations of a conquering king, instead foreshadowing a Messiah whose kingdom would be established through peace, righteousness, and humble service, not through military force. This is precisely how [Jesus entered Jerusalem](/matthew/21-1-9 "Matthew 21:1-9 - The Triumphal Entry") centuries later, consciously fulfilling this prophecy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 9:9 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, meticulously recounted in all four Gospels (e.g., [Matthew 21:1-11](/matthew/21-1-11 "Matthew 21:1-11 - Jesus' Triumphal Entry"), [Mark 11:1-11](/mark/11-1-11 "Mark 11:1-11 - The Entry into Jerusalem"), [Luke 19:28-44](/luke/19-28-44 "Luke 19:28-44 - Jesus' Triumphal Entry"), [John 12:12-19](/john/12-12-19 "John 12:12-19 - Jesus' Triumphal Entry")), is a direct, deliberate enactment of this prophecy. Jesus, the true King of Israel, chose to ride on a donkey, not a warhorse, embodying the "lowly" and "just" nature described by Zechariah. He came "having salvation," not as a political liberator from Roman rule, but as the Lamb of God who would offer Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His kingdom, as He declared, is "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")), established not by force but by grace, truth, and the power of His resurrection. Thus, Zechariah 9:9 beautifully prefigures Christ's unique kingship—a reign of peace, humility, and righteous salvation, inviting all to rejoice in His redemptive work.

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

Matthew 21:4

All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,

Matthew 21:7

And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set [him] thereon.

Zephaniah 3:14

¶ Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O daughter of Jerusalem.

Zephaniah 3:15

The LORD hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy: the king of Israel, [even] the LORD, [is] in the midst of thee: thou shalt not see evil any more.

John 12:13

Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed [is] the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.

John 12:16

These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and [that] they had done these things unto him.

Zechariah 2:10

¶ Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD.