Zechariah 9 is a fascinating chapter, filled with messianic prophecies, warnings to powerful nations, and a promise of hope for God’s people. If we read it carefully, we find a clear message: God is sovereign over history and always fulfills His promises.
Here, Zechariah speaks of divine judgment upon Israel’s enemy nations, but he also introduces one of the most well-known prophecies about the coming of the Messiah: the righteous and humble King who enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9), a verse that was fulfilled exactly with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:5).
Let’s break it down into three key parts:
- The judgment against neighboring nations (Zechariah 9:1-8)
- The arrival of the King of Peace (Zechariah 9:9-10)
- The restoration of God’s people (Zechariah 9:11-17)
Zechariah 9 complete
Zechariah 9
- The word of the Lord is against the land of Hadrach and will rest upon Damascus. For the eyes of all people and all the tribes of Israel are on the Lord.
- Also Hamath, which borders on it, Tyre and Sidon, though they are very wise.
- Tyre has built herself a stronghold and heaped up silver like dust, and gold like the dirt of the streets.
- Behold, the Lord will impoverish her and cast down her power into the sea, and she will be consumed by fire.
- Ashkelon will see it and fear, Gaza will writhe in agony, and Ekron too, for her hope will be dashed. Gaza will lose her king, and Ashkelon will be deserted.
- A mongrel people will dwell in Ashdod, and I will cut off the pride of the Philistines.
- I will take the blood from their mouths and the forbidden food from between their teeth. Those who are left will belong to our God and become a clan in Judah, and Ekron will be like the Jebusites.
- I will encamp at my temple to guard it against marauding forces. Never again will an oppressor overrun my people, for now I am keeping watch.
- Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
- I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the warhorses from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be broken. He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.
- As for you, because of the blood of my covenant with you, I will free your prisoners from the waterless pit.
- Return to your fortress, you prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you.
- I will bend Judah as my bow and fill it with Ephraim. I will rouse your sons, Zion, against your sons, Greece, and make you like a warrior’s sword.
- Then the Lord will appear over them; his arrow will flash like lightning. The Sovereign Lord will sound the trumpet; he will march in the storms of the south.
- The Lord Almighty will shield them. They will destroy and overcome with slingshots. They will drink and roar as with wine; they will be full like a bowl used for sprinkling the corners of the altar.
- The Lord their God will save his people on that day as a shepherd saves his flock. They will sparkle in his land like jewels in a crown.
- How attractive and beautiful they will be! Grain will make the young men thrive, and new wine the young women.
1. The Judgment Against Neighboring Nations (Zechariah 9:1-8)
In the opening verses, God announces His judgment against cities such as Damascus, Tyre, Sidon, and the Philistine cities. These nations were known for their pride, wealth, and opposition to Israel.
Especially Tyre, a city that trusted in its stronghold and immense wealth, receives a clear warning:
“Tyre has built herself a stronghold and heaped up silver like dust, and gold like the dirt of the streets. Behold, the Lord will impoverish her and cast down her power into the sea, and she will be consumed by fire.” (Zechariah 9:3-4).
Here is a powerful lesson: security based on wealth and power is fragile. No nation, no matter how strong, can withstand God’s judgment if it walks in pride and sin.
However, in the midst of judgment, there is a promise of protection for His people:
“I will encamp at my temple to guard it against marauding forces; never again will an oppressor overrun my people, for now I am keeping watch.” (Zechariah 9:8).
This reminds us that, even in turbulent times, God continues to protect His faithful people.
2. The Arrival of the King of Peace (Zechariah 9:9-10)
Here we arrive at one of the most impactful messianic prophecies of the Old Testament:
“Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” (Zechariah 9:9).
This verse is remarkable because it was fulfilled literally when Jesus made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, riding on a colt (Matthew 21:5).
At that time, kings entered a city in two ways:
- If they came in war, they rode a horse.
- If they came in peace, they entered on a donkey.
By fulfilling this prophecy, Jesus was sending a clear message: He is the King of Peace, bringing justice, salvation, and humility.
But that’s not all. In verse 10, we see another promise:
“He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.” (Zechariah 9:10).
This tells us that this King will not only rule Israel, but all nations. His kingdom is not temporary or earthly, but eternal and universal.
3. The Restoration of God’s People (Zechariah 9:11-17)
God not only promises a King of Peace but also freedom and restoration for His people:
“Return to your fortress, you prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you.” (Zechariah 9:12).
This verse gives us a beautiful title for believers: “prisoners of hope.” Even when we face trials and difficulties, our hope is secure in God.
The final verses show God fighting for His people and blessing them:
“The Lord Almighty will shield them… The Lord their God will save his people on that day as a shepherd saves his flock.” (Zechariah 9:15-16).
The image here is clear: God is our protector and Savior.
Final Reflection on Zechariah 9
This chapter gives us three great lessons: 1. God is just and sovereign: Proud nations cannot escape His judgment. 2. Jesus is the promised King of Peace: His kingdom is eternal, and His victory is spiritual. 3. God restores His people: If we trust in Him, we can live as “prisoners of hope.”
The question is: Do we live trusting in the King of Peace?