Zechariah 9:11-13

A fragment, mutilated at the beginning, apparently slightly earlier than Zechariah 9:9 f., from which it differs in its bellicose tone. The Jewish nation is told that the Lord is now releasing its members confined in the waterless dungeon, i.e. in heathen districts where they are cut off from worship at Jerusalem (cf. Psalms 63:1; Psalms 68:6); these must return to the stronghold of Judah, where they will be safe. For once again the declaration is made to them, as it was to their fathers (Isaiah 40:2 *), that they shall receive double compensation for all that they have suffered. Zechariah 9:13 describes the revival of Jewish power under Jonathan and Simon. The Lord has made Judah His bow, the rest of the land His arrow; He will brandish as a javelin the sons of Zion against the Greeks, and will make them as it were His sword (cf. Psalms 60:7; Psalms 108:8).