Zechariah 9

Zechariah 9:1: The burden of the word of the LORD in the land of Hadrach, and Damascus shall be the rest thereof: when the eyes of man, as of all the tribes of Israel, shall be toward the LORD.
Commentary: This verse serves as an introduction to the coming prophecy, where the LORD will bring rest and protection to the people of Hadrach and Damascus. All the tribes of Israel will look to Him for guidance and safety.

Zechariah 9:2: And Hamath also shall border thereby; Tyrus, and Zidon, though it be very wise.
Commentary: Here, the LORD declares that the area of Hadrach and Damascus will be bordered by Hamath, Tyrus, and Zidon. He acknowledges the wisdom of these cities, indicating His favor towards them.

Zechariah 9:3: And Tyrus did build herself a strong hold, and heaped up silver as the dust, and fine gold as the mire of the streets.
Commentary: In this verse, the LORD emphasizes the wealth of Tyrus, noting the city’s impressive fortification and abundance of silver and gold.

Zechariah 9:4: Behold, the Lord will cast her out, and he will smite her power in the sea; and she shall be devoured with fire.
Commentary: Here, the LORD warns of the impending destruction of Tyrus. He will cast her out and smite her power in the sea, and she will be consumed by fire.

Zechariah 9:5: 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.
Commentary: The LORD declares that the cities of Ashkelon, Gaza, and Ekron will see the destruction of Tyrus and be filled with fear and sorrow. He further states that the king of Gaza will perish and Ashkelon will be uninhabited.

Zechariah 9:6: And a bastard shall dwell in Ashdod, and I will cut off the pride of the Philistines.
Commentary: Here, the LORD promises to cut off the pride of the Philistines, and to cause a bastard to dwell in Ashdod. This could be a sign of His displeasure with them and their false gods.

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.
Commentary: The LORD promises to remove the blood and abominations from the mouths of the Philistines, and will make them His own people. He will also appoint one of them as a ruler in Judah, and another as a Jebusite in Ekron.

Zechariah 9:8: And I will encamp about mine house because of the army, because of him that passeth by, and because of him that returneth: and no oppressor shall pass through them any more: for now have I seen with mine eyes.
Commentary: The LORD will encamp around His house, protecting it from the army and any oppressors that may pass by. He has seen with His own eyes the destruction of Tyrus and the oppression of the Philistines, and He will not allow them to pass any longer.

Zechariah 9:9: 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.
Commentary: The LORD declares a time of joy and celebration for the people of Zion and Jerusalem, for their King is coming. He will be just and bring salvation, and will come in a humble manner, riding on a donkey.

Zechariah 9:10: And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off: and he shall speak peace unto the heathen: and his dominion shall be from sea even to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth.
Commentary: The LORD promises to cut off the chariots and horses of Ephraim and Jerusalem, and will bring peace to the heathen. His dominion will extend from sea to sea and from the river to the ends of the earth.

Zechariah 9:11: As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water.
Commentary: This verse speaks of God liberating His people from captivity, setting them free from their imprisonment. He does this through His covenant with them, which is sealed in the blood of Christ. This is an example of God’s mercy and grace, showing that He cares for His people and will not leave them in darkness.

Zechariah 9:12: Turn you to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope: even today do I declare that I will render double unto thee.
Commentary: This verse speaks of God encouraging His people to turn to Him and to the hope that He offers. He promises to bless them doubly, showing His faithfulness and His care for His people. This is an example of God’s unconditional love and grace, reminding us of His goodness and mercy.

Zechariah 9:13: When I have bent Judah for me, filled the bow with Ephraim, and raised up thy sons, O Zion, against thy sons, O Greece, and made thee as the sword of a mighty man.
Commentary: This verse speaks of God’s power and might, as He prepares His people for battle against their enemies. He will raise up His people to be a mighty force, and use them to defend His cause. This is a reminder of God’s sovereignty and His ability to protect His people from their enemies.

Zechariah 9:14: And the LORD shall be seen over them, and his arrow shall go forth as the lightning: and the Lord GOD shall blow the trumpet, and shall go with whirlwinds of the south.
Commentary: This verse speaks of God’s presence with His people, as He will fight alongside them. He will come with great power and might, with His arrow shooting forth like lightning and His trumpet blowing. This is a reminder of God’s faithfulness and His willingness to protect His people from their enemies.

Zechariah 9:15: The LORD of hosts shall defend them; and they shall devour, and subdue with sling stones; and they shall drink, and make a noise as through wine; and they shall be filled like bowls, and as the corners of the altar.
Commentary: This verse speaks of God defending His people and giving them the victory over their enemies. He will fill them with a boldness that allows them to overcome their enemies, and will provide them with an abundance of sustenance. This is a reminder of God’s faithfulness and His commitment to providing for His people and giving them strength in battle.

Zechariah 9:16: And the LORD their God shall save them in that day as the flock of his people: for they shall be as the stones of a crown, lifted up as an ensign upon his land.
Commentary: This verse speaks of God’s salvation and protection of His people. He will gather them together as a flock and will lift them up as a banner over His land. This is a reminder of God’s faithfulness and His willingness to save and protect His people.

Zechariah 9:17: For how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty! corn shall make the young men cheerful, and new wine the maids.
Commentary: This verse speaks of the goodness and beauty of God and His provision for His people. He will provide them with abundance, both physical and spiritual, and will make them joyful and content. This is a reminder of God’s goodness and His willingness to provide for His people and give them joy and peace.