Zechariah 9
Prophecy against Syria; Prophecy against the Enemies of Israel; Judgments and Mercies. After the promises of blessing to God’s people in the last chapter, Zechariah now describes how God will deal with the nations around Israel who have been their enemies. These prophecies show that God is just and will punish those who harm His people, but He is also able to show mercy and bring some from the nations to Himself.v. 1-2: God’s judgment is coming to the land of Hadrach, which is Syria, especially its capital Damascus. The “burden” of the word of the Lord rests on these places, meaning they will experience God’s anger and punishment. This happens because God’s people look to Him for help, and God is watching over all people, not just Israel (Isaiah 17:7-8 a). Hamath, a region near Damascus, will also share in this judgment. When a nation does evil, sometimes its neighbors also suffer because of their closeness. v. 2-4: Tyre and Sidon, famous cities on the coast, are next. Tyre thinks she is wise, strong, and rich. She trusts in her walls and in her great wealth, heaping up silver like dust and gold like the mud in the streets. But all her riches and wisdom will not save her when God judges her. God will drive her out and destroy her defenses. Tyre will be burned with fire, showing that nothing can stop God’s plan (Ezekiel 28:3 b). – – v. 5-6: The Philistine cities—Ashkelon, Gaza, Ekron, and Ashdod—will be terrified when they see what happens to Damascus and Tyre. Ashkelon will become empty, Gaza will lose its king, Ekron will lose hope, and Ashdod will be taken over by foreigners. God will remove the pride and power of the Philistines. These things happened later when Alexander the Great conquered these cities. – v. 7: God will also take away the evil practices and idols of these nations. Some people from these nations will turn to God and become part of His people. A Philistine will become as accepted as a leader in Judah, and an Ekronite will be like a Jebusite, fully welcomed. In God’s family, all nations can be included if they turn to Him (2 Samuel 24:16 c). v. 8: God promises to protect His people and their land. He will “camp around” His house, making sure no enemy can harm them. No oppressor will pass through them again. God is watching with careful eyes, ready to defend His people. His protection is sure, and He knows how to keep His people safe (Psalm 34:15; 2 Chronicles 16:9 d). Predictions Relating to MessiahThis passage begins a prophecy about the coming Messiah and his kingdom. It is clearly connected to Jesus Christ because verse 9 is fulfilled when Christ rides into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:5; John 12:15 e). The prophecy tells us about the joy and hope the Messiah brings, and it describes his character and the nature of his kingdom. It also explains the salvation he provides, using the picture of the Jews’ release from Babylon as a symbol for the greater deliverance from sin that Jesus offers.v. 9: The verse announces that the Messiah, Zion’s King, is coming. He is not just any ruler; he is given authority by God, as it says, I have set my King on my holy hill of Zion (Psalm 2:6 f). His kingdom starts in Zion, but its influence spreads through the church. This King’s arrival is very good news, so people are told to rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The Messiah’s coming is a reason for happiness, and everyone should be ready to welcome him with praise, saying Hosanna (Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:9 g).The Messiah is described as a just and righteous ruler. Everything he does is fair, because he is just. He is also a powerful Saviour, since he has salvation. He can save all who trust in him, and he even saved himself by rising from the grave. Another important part of his character is his humility. He is meek and lowly (Matthew 11:29 h). When Jesus entered Jerusalem, he did not come as a proud king on a horse or in a chariot, but riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey . This showed his gentle nature and willingness to be humble for our sake. v. 10: The kingdom of the Messiah is described as peaceful and spiritual. He will remove the chariot from Ephraim and the horse from Jerusalem, showing that his rule does not depend on military power . Instead, he will protect his people himself and bring peace. His rule will be spread through the preaching of the gospel. He will speak peace to the nations, just as Christ came and preached peace to those who were far off and to those who were near (Ephesians 2:17 i). His kingdom will turn people away from war and violence, making them peaceful. The prophecy says his rule will stretch from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth (Psalm 72:8 j), showing that the gospel will reach the whole world. v. 11: The Messiah will bring redemption and freedom. This is shown by the Jews’ release from Babylon, which was like being saved from a dry, hopeless pit. God says, As for you, because of the blood of my covenant with you, I will free your prisoners from the waterless pit . The covenant with Abraham and Israel, sealed with blood, points forward to the blood of Christ, which is the true foundation of our salvation. By this blood, people are rescued from the prison of sin and spiritual death. Jesus proclaims freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners (Isaiah 61:1 k), and everyone who trusts in him can receive this great deliverance. Gospel Invitations; Promises of God's Favour to Israel This section is about God’s invitation and promises to His people after they return from exile. The prophet encourages them to put their hope in the coming Messiah and to trust in God’s protection and blessings. Although the people have been through hard times, God promises even greater spiritual blessings and victories in the future. The passage uses the recent history of Israel to point to even greater things that God will do through Jesus Christ and the gospel. v. 12: The people are called to “turn you to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope” . Those who returned from captivity are called “prisoners of hope” because, even though they are not fully free, they still have hope in God’s promises. God invites them to look to the Messiah as their place of safety and to trust in Him for help. God promises, “even to day do I declare that I will render double unto thee”, meaning He will give them blessings far greater than their former troubles. v. 13: God says He will use Judah and Ephraim like a bow and arrow against their enemies. He says He will raise up Zion’s sons against Greece and make them as strong as a warrior’s sword . This was partly fulfilled when the Jews overcame their enemies in the time of the Maccabees, but it points even more to the victories that come through Christ and the spread of the gospel. v. 14: The Lord will lead His people in battle. He will be seen over them, His arrow will go out like lightning, and He will blow the trumpet and go forth in power like a whirlwind from the south . This shows that God Himself is the leader and protector of His people, giving them victory by His own strength. v. 15: The Lord of hosts will defend His people, and they will defeat their enemies, subdue them, and be filled with joy, like people celebrating with wine. They will have abundance, like the bowls and corners of the altar filled during sacrifices . God’s people will be protected and their joy will be full. v. 16: On that day, the Lord will save His people as a shepherd saves his flock. They will be precious to Him, like stones in a royal crown lifted up as a sign of victory and honor in the land . God shows how valuable and loved His people are, and how He will display them to the world as His special possession. v. 17: The prophet ends by celebrating God’s goodness and beauty: “For how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty!” (Zechariah 9:17 l). God’s blessings will make the young men and women happy and strong. Corn and new wine are signs of abundance and joy. God’s gifts should lead His people to praise Him and enjoy the life He gives.
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