Zechariah 9:13-17

3. THE SLAUGHTER OF THE GREEKS

Zechariah 9:13

The next oracle seems singularly out of keeping with the spirit of the last, which declared the arrival of the Messianic peace, while this represents Jehovah as using Israel for His weapons in the slaughter of the Greeks and heathens, in whose blood they shall revel. But Stade has pointed out how often in Chapter s 9-14 a result is first stated and then the oracle goes on to describe the process by which it is achieved. Accordingly we have no ground for affirming Zechariah 9:13 to be by another hand than Zechariah 9:9. The apocalyptic character of the means by which the heathen are to be overthrown, and the exultation displayed in their slaughter, as in a great sacrifice (Zechariah 9:15), betray Israel in a state of absolute political weakness, and therefore suit a date after Alexander's campaigns, which is also made sure by the reference to the "sons of Javan," as if Israel were now in immediate contact with them. Kirkpatrick's note should be read, in which he seeks to prove "the sons of Javan" a late gloss; but his reasons do not appear conclusive. The language bears several traces of lateness.

"For I have drawn Judah for My bow, I have charged it with Ephraim; and I will urge thy sons, O Zion, against the sons of Javan, and make thee like the sword of a hero. Then will Jehovah appear above them, and His shaft shall go forth like lightning; and the Lord Jehovah shall blow a blast on the trumpet, and travel in the storms of the south. Jehovah will protect them, and they shall devour(?) and trample; and they shall drink their blood like wine, and be drenched with it, like a bowl and like the corners of the altar. And Jehovah their God will give them victory in that day How good it is, and how beautiful! Corn shall make the young men flourish and new wine the maidens."