Zechariah 9:13

Zechariah 9:13 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

For I will bend Judah as My bow and fit it with Ephraim. I will rouse your sons, O Zion, against the sons of Greece. I will make you like the sword of a mighty man.

King James Version KJV

When I have bent Judah for me, filled the bow with Ephraim, and raised up thy sons, O Zion, against thy sons, O Greece, and made thee as the sword of a mighty man.

American Standard Version ASV

For I have bent Judah for me, I have filled the bow with Ephraim; and I will stir up thy sons, O Zion, against thy sons, O Greece, and will make thee as the sword of a mighty man.

Bible in Basic English BBE

For I have made Judah a bow bent for my use, I have made Ephraim the arrows of the bow; I will make your sons, O Zion, take up arms against your sons, O Greece, and will make you like the sword of a man of war.

Free Bible Version FBV

I will use Judah as my bow, and I will load it with Ephraim my arrow. I will call up you men of Zion to fight against you men of Greece, wielding you like a warrior's sword.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

For Iudah haue I bent as a bowe for me: Ephraims hand haue I filled, and I haue raised vp thy sonnes, O Zion, against thy sonnes, O Grecia, and haue made thee as a gyants sword.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

For I have trodden for Me Judah, A bow I have filled [with] Ephraim, And I have stirred up thy sons, O Zion, Against thy sons, O Javan, And I have set thee as the sword of a hero.

World English Bible WEB

For indeed I bend Judah as a bow for me. I have loaded the bow with Ephraim. I will stir up your sons, Zion, against your sons, Greece, and will make you like the sword of a mighty man.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

When I have bent Judah for me, filled the bow with Ephraim, and raised up thy sons, O Zion, against thy sons, O Greece, and made thee as the sword of a mighty man.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Because I have bent Juda for me as a bow, I have filled Ephraim: and I will raise up thy sons, O Sion, above thy sons, O Greece, and I will make thee as the sword of the mighty.

Translation for Translators T4T

I will cause Judah to be like [MET] my bow, and I will cause Israel to be like [MET] my arrow. I will enable you young men of Jerusalem to fight against the soldiers of Greece; you will be like [SIM] a warrior’s sword.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Zechariah 9:13

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Zechariah 9:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB כִּֽי דָרַ֨כְתִּי לִ֜/י יְהוּדָ֗ה קֶ֚שֶׁת מִלֵּ֣אתִי אֶפְרַ֔יִם וְ/עוֹרַרְתִּ֤י בָנַ֨יִ/ךְ֙ צִיּ֔וֹן עַל בָּנַ֖יִ/ךְ יָוָ֑ן וְ/שַׂמְתִּ֖י/ךְ כְּ/חֶ֥רֶב גִּבּֽוֹר

כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

דָרַ֨כְתִּי dârak H1869 to tread V-Qal-Perf-1cs

לִ֜/י Prep | Suff

יְהוּדָ֗ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 Judah N-proper

קֶ֚שֶׁת qesheth H7198 bow N-fs

מִלֵּ֣אתִי mâlêʼ H4390 to fill V-Piel-Perf-1cs

אֶפְרַ֔יִם ʼEphrayim H669 Ephraim N-proper

וְ/עוֹרַרְתִּ֤י ʻûwr H5782 to rouse Conj | V-o-1cs

בָנַ֨יִ/ךְ֙ bên H1121 son N-mp | Suff

צִיּ֔וֹן Tsîyôwn H6726 Zion N-proper

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

בָּנַ֖יִ/ךְ bên H1121 son N-mp | Suff

יָוָ֑ן Yâvân H3120 Greece N-proper

וְ/שַׂמְתִּ֖י/ךְ sûwm H7760 to set Conj | V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff

כְּ/חֶ֥רֶב chereb H2719 sword Prep | N-fs

גִּבּֽוֹר gibbôwr H1368 mighty man Adj

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Zechariah 9:13

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

דָרַ֨כְתִּי dârak H1869 "to tread" V-Qal-Perf-1cs

To tread means to walk or step on something, and is used in the Bible to describe various actions, such as treading a press or leading an army. In Exodus 15:6 and Psalm 60:12, the word is used to describe God's power and leadership, highlighting His ability to guide and direct His people.

Definition: 1) to tread, bend, lead, march 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tread, march, march forth 1a2) to tread on, tread upon 1a3) to tread (a press) 1a4) to tread (bend) a bow 1a5) archer, bow-benders (participle) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to tread, tread down 1b2) to tread (bend with the foot) a bow 1b3) to cause to go, lead, march, tread

Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: archer, bend, come, draw, go (over), guide, lead (forth), thresh, tread (down), walk. See also: Numbers 24:17; Proverbs 4:11; Psalms 7:13.

לִ֜/י "" Prep | Suff

יְהוּדָ֗ה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 "Judah" N-proper

Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.

Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob

Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.

קֶ֚שֶׁת qesheth H7198 "bow" N-fs

The Hebrew word for bow refers to a weapon used for hunting or battle, but also symbolizes strength and is used to describe a rainbow. In the Bible, it appears in Genesis and other books. It represents power and beauty.

Definition: 1) bow 1a) bow (for hunting, battle) 1b) bowmen, archers 1c) bow (fig. of might) 1d) rainbow

Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] arch(-er), [phrase] arrow, bow(-man, -shot). See also: Genesis 9:13; Psalms 44:7; Psalms 7:13.

מִלֵּ֣אתִי mâlêʼ H4390 "to fill" V-Piel-Perf-1cs

To fill means to make something full or complete, like filling a container or fulfilling a promise. This word is used in many contexts, including being full of joy or having a job completed.

Definition: 1) to fill, be full 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be full 1a1a) fulness, abundance (participle) 1a1b) to be full, be accomplished, be ended 1a2) to consecrate, fill the hand 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be filled, be armed, be satisfied 1b2) to be accomplished, be ended 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to fill 1c2) to satisfy 1c3) to fulfil, accomplish, complete 1c4) to confirm 1d) (Pual) to be filled 1e) (Hithpael) to mass themselves against Aramaic equivalent: me.la (מְלָא "to fill" H4391)

Usage: Occurs in 242 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, confirm, [phrase] consecrate, be at an end, be expired, be fenced, fill, fulfil, (be, become, [idiom] draw, give in, go) full(-ly, -ly set, tale), (over-) flow, fulness, furnish, gather (selves, together), presume, replenish, satisfy, set, space, take a (hand-) full, [phrase] have wholly. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 16:14; Psalms 10:7.

אֶפְרַ֔יִם ʼEphrayim H669 "Ephraim" N-proper

Ephraim means doubly fruitful, referring to Joseph's son and the tribe that descended from him. The tribe of Ephraim was a significant part of Israel's history. Ephraim is also the name of a region in the Bible.

Definition: Ephraim = "double ash-heap: I shall be doubly fruitful" the country of the tribe of Ephraim Also named: Ephraim (Ἐφραίμ "Ephraim" G2187)

Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: Ephraim, Ephraimites. See also: Genesis 41:52; 1 Chronicles 27:20; Psalms 60:9.

וְ/עוֹרַרְתִּ֤י ʻûwr H5782 "to rouse" Conj | V-o-1cs

To rouse means to wake up or stir someone into action. It can also mean to be excited or triumphant, and is used in the Bible to describe God stirring up his people. This word is about being awakened or energized.

Definition: 1) to rouse oneself, awake, awaken, incite 1a) (Qal) to rouse oneself, awake 1b) (Niphal) to be roused 1c) (Polel) to stir up, rouse, incite 1d) (Hithpolel) to be excited, be triumphant 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to rouse, stir up 1e2) to act in an aroused manner, awake

Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: (a-) wake(-n, up), lift up (self), [idiom] master, raise (up), stir up (self). See also: Deuteronomy 32:11; Isaiah 10:26; Psalms 7:7.

בָנַ֨יִ/ךְ֙ bên H1121 "son" N-mp | Suff

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

צִיּ֔וֹן Tsîyôwn H6726 "Zion" N-proper

Zion refers to a mountain in Jerusalem, often used as another name for the city, especially in prophetic books like Isaiah and Jeremiah.

Definition: Zion = "parched place" another name for Jerusalem especially in the prophetic books Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: Zion. See also: 2 Samuel 5:7; Isaiah 49:14; Psalms 2:6.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

בָּנַ֖יִ/ךְ bên H1121 "son" N-mp | Suff

Definition: : child/son

יָוָ֑ן Yâvân H3120 "Greece" N-proper

Refers to Greece or the Greeks, descended from Javan, a son of Joktan. This term is used to describe the country and its people, as seen in the KJV translation of Javan.

Definition: § Javan = "Ionia" or "Greece" 1) Greece, Ionia, Ionians 2) location of descendants of Javan

Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: Javan. See also: Genesis 10:2; Ezekiel 27:13; Isaiah 66:19.

וְ/שַׂמְתִּ֖י/ךְ sûwm H7760 "to set" Conj | V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff

This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.

Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set

Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.

כְּ/חֶ֥רֶב chereb H2719 "sword" Prep | N-fs

A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.

Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone

Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.

גִּבּֽוֹר gibbôwr H1368 "mighty man" Adj

This word describes a strong or mighty man, like a warrior or champion, as seen in 1 Samuel 17:51 where David defeats Goliath. It can also imply a brave or valiant person.

Definition: adj 1) strong, mighty n m 2) strong man, brave man, mighty man

Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: champion, chief, [idiom] excel, giant, man, mighty (man, one), strong (man), valiant man. See also: Genesis 6:4; 2 Chronicles 17:16; Psalms 19:6.

Study Notes — Zechariah 9:13

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Zechariah 9:13 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 9:13
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 9:13
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 9:13
Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 9:13
Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 9:13
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 9:13
Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 9:13
Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 9:13
Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 9:13
Sermons on Zechariah 9:13

Context — Zion’s Coming King

11As for you, because of the blood of My covenant, I will release your prisoners from the waterless pit. 12Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope; even today I declare that I will restore to you double.

13For I will bend Judah as My bow and fit it with Ephraim. I will rouse your sons, O Zion, against the sons of Greece. I will make you like the sword of a mighty man.

14Then the LORD will appear over them, and His arrow will go forth like lightning. The Lord GOD will sound the ram’s horn and advance in the whirlwinds of the south. 15The LORD of Hosts will shield them. They will destroy and conquer with slingstones; they will drink and roar as with wine. And they will be filled like sprinkling bowls, drenched like the corners of the altar.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Revelation 17:14	They will make war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will triumph over them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and He will be accompanied by His called and chosen and faithful ones.”
2	Zechariah 10:3–7	“My anger burns against the shepherds, and I will punish the leaders. For the LORD of Hosts attends to His flock, the house of Judah; He will make them like His royal steed in battle. The cornerstone will come from Judah, the tent peg from him, as well as the battle bow and every ruler together. They will be like mighty men in battle, trampling the enemy in the mire of the streets. They will fight because the LORD is with them, and they will put the horsemen to shame. I will strengthen the house of Judah and save the house of Joseph. I will restore them because I have compassion on them, and they will be as though I had not rejected them. For I am the LORD their God, and I will answer them. Ephraim will be like a mighty man, and their hearts will be glad as with wine. Their children will see it and be joyful; their hearts will rejoice in the LORD.
3	Isaiah 49:2	He made My mouth like a sharp sword; He hid Me in the shadow of His hand. He made Me like a polished arrow; He hid Me in His quiver.
4	Zechariah 12:2–8	“Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples. Judah will be besieged, as well as Jerusalem. On that day, when all the nations of the earth gather against her, I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who would heave it away will be severely injured. On that day, declares the LORD, I will strike every horse with panic, and every rider with madness. I will keep a watchful eye on the house of Judah, but I will strike with blindness all the horses of the nations. Then the leaders of Judah will say in their hearts: ‘The people of Jerusalem are my strength, for the LORD of Hosts is their God.’ On that day I will make the clans of Judah like a firepot in a woodpile, like a flaming torch among the sheaves; they will consume all the peoples around them on the right and on the left, while the people of Jerusalem remain secure there. The LORD will save the tents of Judah first, so that the glory of the house of David and of the people of Jerusalem may not be greater than that of Judah. On that day the LORD will defend the people of Jerusalem, so that the weakest among them will be like David, and the house of David will be like God, like the angel of the LORD going before them.
5	Zechariah 1:21	“What are these coming to do?” I asked. And He replied, “These are the horns that scattered Judah so that no one could raise his head; but the craftsmen have come to terrify them and throw down these horns of the nations that have lifted up their horns against the land of Judah to scatter it.”
6	Psalms 45:3	Strap your sword at your side, O mighty warrior; appear in your majesty and splendor.
7	Joel 3:6–8	You sold the people of Judah and Jerusalem to the Greeks, to send them far from their homeland. Behold, I will rouse them from the places to which you sold them; I will return your recompense upon your heads. I will sell your sons and daughters into the hands of the people of Judah, and they will sell them to the Sabeans—to a distant nation.” Indeed, the LORD has spoken.
8	Revelation 19:15	And from His mouth proceeds a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and He will rule them with an iron scepter. He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.
9	Psalms 18:32–35	It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way clear. He makes my feet like those of a deer and stations me upon the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You have given me Your shield of salvation; Your right hand upholds me, and Your gentleness exalts me.
10	Psalms 149:6	May the high praises of God be in their mouths, and a double-edged sword in their hands,

Zechariah 9:13 Summary

[In Zechariah 9:13, God promises to use His people as powerful instruments of war, bending them like a bow and fitting them with the strength of Ephraim, much like in Psalm 18:39 where God girds us with strength for battle, and in 2 Samuel 22:40 where God teaches our hands for war and our fingers for battle. He will rouse them to fight against their enemies, just as He roused the sons of Zion in Zechariah 9:13, and make them strong like a mighty warrior, as seen in Deuteronomy 20:4 where God fights for us and gives us the victory, and in 2 Chronicles 32:7-8 where God is our strength and our shield. This verse reminds us that God is our strength and our shield, and that He will empower us to overcome any challenge, just as He empowered David to defeat Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:45-51, and just as He promises in Isaiah 40:29-31 to give strength to the faint and to increase power to those who have no might.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for God to 'bend Judah as My bow' in Zechariah 9:13?

This phrase is a metaphor for God using Judah as a powerful instrument of war, much like a bow is used to launch arrows, as seen in Psalm 78:9 where the warriors of Ephraim were armed with bows, and in 2 Samuel 22:35 where God teaches David's hands for war and his fingers for battle, making him a skilled archer.

Why does God 'fit it with Ephraim' in Zechariah 9:13?

By fitting Judah with Ephraim, God is uniting the two tribes, symbolizing the reunification of His people, which is also seen in Ezekiel 37:15-28 where God takes two sticks, one for Judah and one for Joseph, and makes them one stick, symbolizing the reunification of the nation.

What does it mean for God to 'make you like the sword of a mighty man' in Zechariah 9:13?

This phrase means that God will give His people the strength and power of a mighty warrior, enabling them to overcome their enemies, much like in Judges 3:10 where the Spirit of the Lord comes upon Othniel, and he judges Israel, or in 1 Samuel 17:45-51 where David, empowered by God, defeats Goliath with a stone and a sling.

How does Zechariah 9:13 relate to the surrounding verses?

Zechariah 9:13 is part of a larger passage that describes God's deliverance of His people, as seen in Zechariah 9:11-12 where God releases prisoners and restores hope, and in Zechariah 9:14-15 where God appears over His people, shielding and empowering them for battle, much like in Isaiah 40:10-11 where God comes with might and His arm rules for Him, and in Isaiah 49:24-26 where God promises to contend with those who contend with His people.

Reflection Questions

What does it mean for you to be 'fitted' by God for a particular purpose, and how can you yield to His plans for your life?
In what ways can you trust God to 'rouse' you, or awaken you, to the challenges and opportunities in your life, just as He rouses the sons of Zion in Zechariah 9:13?
How can you, like the sword of a mighty man in Zechariah 9:13, be an instrument of God's power and strength in your own life and in the lives of those around you, as seen in 2 Corinthians 10:4 where the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds?
What does it mean for you to be 'shielded' by God, as described in Zechariah 9:15, and how can you trust in His protection and care, just as the Psalmist trusted in Psalm 91:4 where God shields us under His wings?

Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 9:13

When I have bent Judah for me,.... By whom are meant the apostles, who were Jews, and whose ministrations were made use of as a bow with arrows, to strike the hearts of men, and bring them into

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 9:13

When I have bent Judah for me, filled the bow with Ephraim, and raised up thy sons, O Zion, against thy sons, O Greece, and made thee as the sword of a mighty man.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 9:13

When I have bent Judah for me; in the days when Judah shall have recovered strength and courage, and be in my hand as a strong bow, ready bent. Filled the bow with Ephraim; Ephraim, the remainder of the ten tribes, (which returned with Judah,) shall be for supply of warriors; as the quiver filled is supply of arrows to the bow-man. And raised up thy sons, O Zion; explicatory to the former. Against thy sons, O Greece; against the Grecians, or Ionians, the sons of Javan, who had formerly oppressed the Jews, and bought them for slaves, and did again oppress them in the reigns of the Selucidae and the Lagidae, against whom the Jews took arms and courage under the conduct of the Maccabees, to whom Christ made good much of this promise. And made thee, O Zion, or Jerusalem, you, O Jews, as the sword of a mighty man; a sharp sword of a mighty man or giant, who cuts down all that stands in his way, as the Maccabees did.

Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 9:13

Zechariah 9:13 When I have bent Judah for me, filled the bow with Ephraim, and raised up thy sons, O Zion, against thy sons, O Greece, and made thee as the sword of a mighty man.Ver. 13. When I have bent Judah for me] God himself did the work, though by the sons of Zion, as his instruments whom he used, and prospered against the sons of Greece, that is, the successors of Alexander the Great, who led them out of Greece against the power of Persia, and who, seizing upon Egypt and Syria, crushed and ground the poor Jews between them, as between two millstones. This prophecy was fulfilled in the Maccabees; but may have an eye to the apostles, who were some of them of Judah, some of Ephraim; that is, of the ten tribes, as of Zebulun, Naphthali. These Christ used as bows and arrows in the hand of a mighty man, whereby the people fell under him, Psalms 45:5; the sons of Greece especially, where so many famous churches were planted, as appears by the Acts and the Revelation. See Revelation 6:2. And make thee as the sword of a mighty man] Given thee both arms and an arm to wield them. For it is God that strengtheneth and weakeneth the arms of either party in battle, Ezekiel 30:24. It is he also that rendereth the weapons vain or prosperous, Isaiah 54:17 Jeremiah 50:9. This Judas Maccabeus well understood, and therefore had his name from the capital letters of this motto written in his ensign, Mi camoca belohim Iehovah, Who is like thee, O Lord, among the gods? St Paul also, that conquered so many countries, and brought in the spoils of so many souls to God (whence the change of his name from Saul to Paul, as some think, from Sergius Paulus, the proconsul, whom he converted to the faith, Acts 13:9). "The weapons of our warfare," saith he, "are mighty through God to the casting down of strong holds." "Not I, but the grace of God that is with me," 2 Corinthians 10:4 1 Corinthians 15:10. And, "Ye men of Israel, why look ye so earnestly upon us," saith Peter, "as if by our own power or holiness," &c., Acts 3:12.

Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 9:13

(13) When.—Better, for; and read the verbs in the future, the tense used being the “prophetic perfect.” These verses are prophetic of the military prowess of Israel, through the aid of the Lord God, and were signally fulfilled in the triumphs of the Maccabees over the Grecian rulers of Syria (B.C. 167-130), even though the prophet may not have had any distinct notion of such distant events. With Ephraim.—As though with an arrow. (Ephraim, see Note on Zechariah 9:10, and on Zechariah 12:1.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 9:13

Verse 13. When I have bent Judah] Judah is the bow, and Ephraim is the arrows; and these are to be shot against the Greeks. I am inclined, with Bp. Newcome, to consider that the language of this prophecy is too strong to point out the only trifling advantage which the Maccabees gained over Antiochus, who was of Macedonian descent; and it is probable that these prophecies remain to be fulfilled against the present possessors of Javan or Greece, Macedonia, and a part of Asia Minor.

Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 9:13

9–17. The Coming of the King The great event for which all that had been foretold in the preceding verses of the chapter, and indeed all the preceding history of Israel and of the world, had been a preparation, and in which as purposed and promised by God was the pledge of Israel’s preservation for its accomplishment, is now announced and its consequences are unfolded. Sion is called upon to welcome with exultation her just and lowly King, who comes to her in humble state (Zechariah 9:9), whose kingdom of peace shall cover all the land and embrace all nations (Zechariah 9:10), and who, mindful of His covenant with her, shall give deliverance to the captives of Israel (Zechariah 9:11-12). Using them, now once more an united nation, as the instruments of His warfare (Zechariah 9:13), Himself fighting for them and manifesting Himself as their Protector (Zechariah 9:14), He will make them victorious over all their enemies (Zechariah 9:15), and will promote them to safety and honour (Zechariah 9:16), magnifying His “goodness” and His “beauty” in the prosperity with which He crowns them (Zechariah 9:17).

Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 9:13

When - or For I have bent Judah for me As a mighty bow which is only drawn at full human strength, the foot being placed to steady it. It becomes a strong instrument, but only at God’s Will. God Himself bends it.

Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 9:13

THE FINAL TRIUMPH OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD, Zechariah 9:1 to Zechariah 14:21.

Sermons on Zechariah 9:13

	Sermon	Description
	Cranbrook Fellowship 2000 Albert Zehr With George Warnock and Russell Stendal - the Family (Tape 2) by George Warnock	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of Jesus being the central focus in our meetings and gatherings. He encourages believers to come to meetings not for performan
	(Revelation) Part 2 the Doom of the Scarlet Woman by Willie Mullan	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of the seven-headed beast mentioned in the book of Revelation. He explains that five of the heads have already fallen, one is cur
	Depart From Me, I Never Knew You - Part 1 by Ralph Mahoney	In this sermon, the speaker discusses a man who was locked up due to an unjust past wound and hurt. The speaker emphasizes that God judged the men who attacked this man severely. H
	Are You One of the Chosen Ones? by Paris Reidhead	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the influence of ideas and philosophy in shaping our society. He points out that in today's generation, ther
	(Gaining God's Approval) 1. Called, Chosen and Faithful by Zac Poonen	Zac Poonen preaches on the distinction between being accepted by God and being approved by God, emphasizing the importance of being faithful over just being called or chosen. He hi
	That Which Is Set Up by the Sword by George Fox	George Fox preaches about the power of spiritual weapons over carnal weapons, emphasizing that what is established by the sword is sustained by the sword, while what is established
	The World War and What Followed by Arno Clemens Gaebelein	Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the events leading up to and during World War I, highlighting the divine inspiration behind the pre-written history of world affairs as penned