Zechariah 9
Zechariah 9 is a chapter where judgment on Israel’s enemies and a message of God’s new deliverance and hope appear together. In verses 1–8, declarations of God’s judgment on surrounding nations are given, and in verses 9–17, the king of peace who will come to Zion and the promise of salvation are unfolded.
1verseA revelation. The LORD’s word is against the land of Hadrach, and will rest upon Damascus— for the eye of man and of all the tribes of Israel is toward the LORD—
2verseand Hamath, also, which borders on it, Tyre and Sidon, because they are very wise.
3verseTyre built herself a stronghold, and heaped up silver like the dust, and fine gold like the mire of the streets.
4verseBehold, the Lord will dispossess her, and he will strike her power in the sea; and she will be devoured with fire.
5verseAshkelon will see it, and fear; Gaza also, and will writhe in agony; as will Ekron, for her expectation will be disappointed; and the king will perish from Gaza, and Ashkelon will not be inhabited.
6verseForeigners will dwell in Ashdod, and I will cut off the pride of the Philistines.
7verseI will take away his blood out of his mouth, and his abominations from between his teeth; and he also will be a remnant for our God; and he will be as a chieftain in Judah, and Ekron as a Jebusite.
8verseI will encamp around my house against the army, that no one pass through or return; and no oppressor will pass through them any more: for now I have seen with my eyes.
9verseRejoice greatly, daughter of Zion! Shout, daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King comes to you! He is righteous, and having salvation; lowly, and riding on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
10verseI will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the horse from Jerusalem. The battle bow will be cut off; and he will speak peace to the nations. His dominion will be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth.
11verseAs for you also, because of the blood of your covenant, I have set free your prisoners from the pit in which is no water.
12verseTurn to the stronghold, you prisoners of hope! Even today I declare that I will restore double to you.
13verseFor indeed I bend Judah as a bow for me. I have loaded the bow with Ephraim. I will stir up your sons, Zion, against your sons, Greece, and will make you like the sword of a mighty man.
14verseThe LORD will be seen over them. His arrow will flash like lightning. The Lord GOD will blow the trumpet, and will go with whirlwinds of the south.
15verseThe LORD of Armies will defend them. They will destroy and overcome with sling stones. They will drink, and roar as through wine. They will be filled like bowls, like the corners of the altar.
16verseThe LORD their God will save them in that day as the flock of his people; for they are like the jewels of a crown, lifted on high over his land.
17verseFor how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty! Grain will make the young men flourish, and new wine the virgins.
Judgment on the Nations (Verses 1–8)
In Zechariah 9:1–8, God’s judgment is proclaimed on various regions including Hadrach, Damascus, Tyre, Sidon, and the territories of the Philistines. These are strong powers surrounding Israel—nations that often troubled God’s people. Although Tyre’s wealth and fortresses and the Philistines’ pride are mentioned, it ultimately shows that they cannot escape God’s judgment. Such judgment ultimately reveals God’s justice and sovereignty, leading to the promise to protect Israel.
The Coming of the King of Peace (Verses 9–10)
Zechariah 9:9–10 is a very well-known prophecy and speaks about the king (ruler) who comes humbly riding on a donkey—that is, the king of peace. This passage emphasizes that in Israel, true salvation comes not through military power or strength, but through humility and peace. In the broader context of the entire Bible, this part is often mentioned in connection with Jesus’ scene of entering Jerusalem in the New Testament later on.
The Promise of Salvation and the Future (Verses 11–17)
In verses 11–17, Israel is proclaimed to be freed from exile, along with God’s promise of protection and victory. These passages include the power that will raise hope again among God’s people. It emphasizes that God will personally care for the people, meet their needs, and reveal His beauty and great goodness through them.
Meditation Points
- Can you trust that God is the one who judges evil in history and protects the righteous people?
- Think about how God’s way of ruling in humility and peace—not by power and authority—is different from your own values.
- As you reflect, consider how you can hold on to the message of salvation God has promised for your life and live by it in real life.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- Check what the “fortresses” and “wealth” of the world are that you rely on. Look for areas where you could instead make a change toward a life of trusting God.
- Check how an attitude of humbly coming before God is revealed in your daily life and relationships, and think about what is needed in order to choose a life that makes peace.
