ZECHARIAH—NOTE ON ZECHARIAH 9:1 The Return of the King. The reference to the surrounding nations in Zechariah 8:20 and Zechariah 9:1 links the book’s main parts (chs. Zechariah 1:1 and chs. Zechariah 9:1). In the book’s second half, two groups of oracles are introduced as the “oracle of the word of... [ Continue Reading ]
ZECHARIAH—NOTE ON ZECHARIAH 9:9 This campaign against Israel’s enemies ends in the triumphal entry of Israel’s KING into JERUSALEM. He is described as “righteous,” like the ideal ruler of Psalms 72:1. He will secure their “salvation” by guaranteeing God’s blessing. He is also HUMBLE (compare Deutero... [ Continue Reading ]
ZECHARIAH—NOTE ON ZECHARIAH 9:10 The Lord will eliminate Israel’s need for traditional instruments of war: CHARIOT, WAR HORSE, and BATTLE BOW. He will provide universal PEACE (see Psalms 72:8). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length [ Continue Reading ]
ZECHARIAH—NOTE ON ZECHARIAH 9:11 The PRISONERS, those remaining in exile, will be freed from the WATERLESS PIT, a dry well used as a temporary prison (see Genesis 37:24; Jeremiah 38:6). This salvation comes because of the BLOOD OF MY COVENANT, that is, the blood of the sacrifices offered to confirm... [ Continue Reading ]
ZECHARIAH—NOTE ON ZECHARIAH 9:12 The prisoners of war are not the only ones who need to hear the news of the coming king. The day is coming when God will make his people themselves into a weapon against their captors (v. Zechariah 9:13). As the Divine Warrior, the Lord will conquer his people’s oppr... [ Continue Reading ]
ZECHARIAH—NOTE ON ZECHARIAH 9:13 The oppressors of the SONS of ZION (Israel) are identified as the SONS of GREECE. God promises to make Zion LIKE A WARRIOR’S SWORD, defeating the Greeks. This is a predictive prophecy of future events (compare Daniel 8:21). Zechariah was writing between 520 and perha... [ Continue Reading ]
ZECHARIAH—NOTE ON ZECHARIAH 9:15 TREAD DOWN THE SLING STONES. These stones were hurled by slings in battle, but these stones also represent the enemies themselves. Israel’s army will trample them as they move forward to conquer. By contrast, God’s people will be saved LIKE THE JEWELS OF A CROWN. ⇐... [ Continue Reading ]