Zechariah 9:1-8

Zechariah 9:1-8. The punishment of Israel's enemies

The first section opens with a prediction (Zechariah 9:1-8), from which the title of the whole of this first group of prophecies is derived, of the judgments of God upon the enemies of Israel and of the deliverance of Jerusalem, as a preparation for the coming of her King. Jehovah, whose eye is on the affairs of men, will punish the neighbours and enemies of His people on every side, the Syrians (Zechariah 9:1), the Phœnicians, in spite of their resources and their wisdom (Zechariah 9:2-4), and the Philistines (Zechariah 9:5-6). This last nation shall be converted from idolatry and incorporated into the family of God (Zechariah 9:7). Judah and Jerusalem shall be protected from the invading armies by which the surrounding nations are scourged, and shall await in safety the advent of their King (Zechariah 9:8).