Zechariah 9:5
Zechariah 9:5 in Multiple Translations
Ashkelon will see and fear; Gaza will writhe in agony, as will Ekron, for her hope will wither. There will cease to be a king in Gaza, and Ashkelon will be uninhabited.
Ashkelon shall see it, and fear; Gaza also shall see it, and be very sorrowful, and Ekron; for her expectation shall be ashamed; and the king shall perish from Gaza, and Ashkelon shall not be inhabited.
Ashkelon shall see it, and fear; Gaza also, and shall be sore pained; and Ekron, for her expectation shall be put to shame; and the king shall perish from Gaza, and Ashkelon shall not be inhabited.
Ashkelon will see it with fear, and Gaza, bent with pain; and Ekron, for her hope will be shamed: and the king will be cut off from Gaza, and Ashkelon will be unpeopled.
The people of Ashkelon will see this and be terrified; those in Gaza will thrash around in agony like a woman giving birth; and the people of Ekron too, because their hopes are shattered. The king of Gaza will be killed, and Ashkelon will be deserted.
Ashkelon shall see it, and feare, and Azzah also shalbe very sorowfull, and Ekron: for her countenance shalbe ashamed, and the King shall perish from Azzah, and Ashkelon shall not be inhabited.
See doth Ashkelon and fear, Also Gaza, and she is exceedingly pained, Also Ekron — for her expectation dried up, And perished hath a king from Gaza, And Ashkelon doth not remain,
Ashkelon will see it, and fear; Gaza also, and will writhe in agony; as will Ekron, for her expectation will be disappointed; and the king will perish from Gaza, and Ashkelon will not be inhabited.
Ashkelon shall see it , and fear; Gaza also shall see it , and be very sorrowful, and Ekron; for her expectation shall be ashamed; and the king shall perish from Gaza, and Ashkelon shall not be inhabited.
Ascalon shall see, and shall fear, and Gaza, and shall be very sorrowful: and Accaron, because her hope is confounded: and the king shall perish from Gaza, and Ascalon shall not be inhabited.
The people in Ashkelon city will see that happen, and they will become very afraid. The people in Gaza city will shake because of being terrified, and the people in Ekron city will shake too, because they will no longer expect to prosper. The king of the city of Gaza will be killed, and the city of Ashkelon will be deserted.
Berean Amplified Bible — Zechariah 9:5
BAB
Word Study
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Zechariah 9:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
תֵּרֶ֨א
אַשְׁקְל֜וֹן
וְ/תִירָ֗א
וְ/עַזָּה֙
וְ/תָחִ֣יל
מְאֹ֔ד
וְ/עֶקְר֖וֹן
כִּֽי
הֹבִ֣ישׁ
מֶבָּטָ֑/הּ
וְ/אָ֤בַד
מֶ֨לֶךְ֙
מֵֽ/עַזָּ֔ה
וְ/אַשְׁקְל֖וֹן
לֹ֥א
תֵשֵֽׁב
תֵּרֶ֨א
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
אַשְׁקְל֜וֹן
ʼAshqᵉlôwn
H831
Ashkelon
N-proper
וְ/תִירָ֗א
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
וְ/עַזָּה֙
ʻAzzâh
H5804
Gaza
Conj | N-proper
וְ/תָחִ֣יל
chûwl
H2342
to twist
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
מְאֹ֔ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
much
Adv
וְ/עֶקְר֖וֹן
ʻEqrôwn
H6138
Ekron
Conj | N-proper
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
הֹבִ֣ישׁ
bûwsh
H954
be ashamed
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
מֶבָּטָ֑/הּ
mabbâṭ
H4007
expectation
N-ms | Suff
וְ/אָ֤בַד
ʼâbad
H6
to perish
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
מֶ֨לֶךְ֙
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
מֵֽ/עַזָּ֔ה
ʻAzzâh
H5804
Gaza
Prep | N-proper
וְ/אַשְׁקְל֖וֹן
ʼAshqᵉlôwn
H831
Ashkelon
Conj | N-proper
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תֵשֵֽׁב
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Zechariah 9:5
תֵּרֶ֨א
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
אַשְׁקְל֜וֹן
ʼAshqᵉlôwn
H831
"Ashkelon"
N-proper
Ashkelon was a major city in ancient Palestine, southwest of Jerusalem. It was a key Philistine city, mentioned in the books of Joshua and Amos. The KJV translates it as 'Ashkelon' or 'Askalon'.
Definition: Askelon or Ashkelon = "the fire of infamy: I shall be weighed" a maritime city of the Philistines, southwest of Jerusalem Also named: esh.qe.lo.ni (אֶשְׁקְלוֹנִי "Ashkelon" H0832)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: Ashkelon, Askalon. See also: Judges 1:18; Jeremiah 47:5; Jeremiah 25:20.
וְ/תִירָ֗א
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
וְ/עַזָּה֙
ʻAzzâh
H5804
"Gaza"
Conj | N-proper
Azzah is another name for Gaza, a Philistine city in southwest Palestine, meaning 'the strong' in Hebrew.
Definition: § Azzah = "the strong" another name for 'Gaza', a city of the Philistines located in the extreme southwest of Palestine close to the Mediterranean
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: Azzah, Gaza. See also: Genesis 10:19; 1 Kings 5:4; Jeremiah 25:20.
וְ/תָחִ֣יל
chûwl
H2342
"to twist"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to twist or whirl, and can describe dancing, pain, or fear. It is used to convey strong emotions or physical struggles, such as childbirth or great fear.
Definition: : tremble/fear 1) to twist, whirl, dance, writhe, fear, tremble, travail, be in anguish, be pained 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to dance 1a2) to twist, writhe 1a3) to whirl, whirl about 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to dance 1b2) to writhe (in travail with), bear, bring forth 1b3) to wait anxiously 1c) (Pulal) 1c1) to be made to writhe, be made to bear 1c2) to be brought forth 1d) (Hophal) to be born 1e) (Hithpolel) 1e1) whirling (participle) 1e2) writhing, suffering torture (participle) 1e3) to wait longingly 1f) (Hithpalpel) to be distressed
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: bear, (make to) bring forth, (make to) calve, dance, drive away, fall grievously (with pain), fear, form, great, grieve, (be) grievous, hope, look, make, be in pain, be much (sore) pained, rest, shake, shapen, (be) sorrow(-ful), stay, tarry, travail (with pain), tremble, trust, wait carefully (patiently), be wounded. See also: Genesis 8:10; Proverbs 8:24; Psalms 10:5.
מְאֹ֔ד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
"much"
Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
וְ/עֶקְר֖וֹן
ʻEqrôwn
H6138
"Ekron"
Conj | N-proper
Names the city of Ekron, one of the five major cities of the Philistines, mentioned in 1 Samuel 5:10 as a place where the Ark of the Covenant was taken. This city played a significant role in biblical history. It was later given to the tribe of Dan.
Definition: Ekron = "emigration" or "torn up by the roots" the most northerly of the 5 principal cities of the Philistines; located in the lowlands of Judah and later given to Dan Also named: eq.ro.ni (עֶקְרוֹנִי "Ekron" H6139)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: Ekron. See also: Joshua 13:3; 1 Samuel 17:52; Jeremiah 25:20.
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.
הֹבִ֣ישׁ
bûwsh
H954
"be ashamed"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
To be ashamed is what this Hebrew word means, implying a feeling of guilt or disappointment. It is used to describe someone who is disconcerted or delayed, like in the story of Adam and Eve. Shame is a strong emotion.
Definition: 1) to put to shame, be ashamed, be disconcerted, be disappointed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to feel shame 1a2) to be ashamed, disconcerted, disappointed (by reason of) 1b) (Piel) to delay (in shame) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to put to shame 1c2) to act shamefully 1c3) to be ashamed 1d) (Hithpolel) to be ashamed before one another
Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: (be, make, bring to, cause, put to, with, a-) shamed(-d), be (put to) confounded(-fusion), become dry, delay, be long. See also: Genesis 2:25; Isaiah 24:23; Psalms 6:11.
מֶבָּטָ֑/הּ
mabbâṭ
H4007
"expectation"
N-ms | Suff
Mabbat refers to something expected or hoped for, an object of confidence or anticipation.
Definition: expectation, object of hope or confidence
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: expectation. See also: Isaiah 20:5; Isaiah 20:6; Zechariah 9:5.
וְ/אָ֤בַד
ʼâbad
H6
"to perish"
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To perish means to be destroyed or lost, whether it's a person, animal, or thing, like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19.
Definition: 1) perish, vanish, go astray, be destroyed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) perish, die, be exterminated 1a2) perish, vanish (fig.) 1a3) be lost, strayed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to destroy, kill, cause to perish, to give up (as lost), exterminate 1b2) to blot out, do away with, cause to vanish, (fig.) 1b3) cause to stray, lose 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to destroy, put to death 1c1a) of divine judgment 1c2) object name of kings (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (אֲבַד "to destroy" H0007)
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: break, destroy(-uction), [phrase] not escape, fail, lose, (cause to, make) perish, spend, [idiom] and surely, take, be undone, [idiom] utterly, be void of, have no way to flee. See also: Exodus 10:7; Psalms 112:10; Psalms 1:6.
מֶ֨לֶךְ֙
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
מֵֽ/עַזָּ֔ה
ʻAzzâh
H5804
"Gaza"
Prep | N-proper
Azzah is another name for Gaza, a Philistine city in southwest Palestine, meaning 'the strong' in Hebrew.
Definition: § Azzah = "the strong" another name for 'Gaza', a city of the Philistines located in the extreme southwest of Palestine close to the Mediterranean
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: Azzah, Gaza. See also: Genesis 10:19; 1 Kings 5:4; Jeremiah 25:20.
וְ/אַשְׁקְל֖וֹן
ʼAshqᵉlôwn
H831
"Ashkelon"
Conj | N-proper
Ashkelon was a major city in ancient Palestine, southwest of Jerusalem. It was a key Philistine city, mentioned in the books of Joshua and Amos. The KJV translates it as 'Ashkelon' or 'Askalon'.
Definition: Askelon or Ashkelon = "the fire of infamy: I shall be weighed" a maritime city of the Philistines, southwest of Jerusalem Also named: esh.qe.lo.ni (אֶשְׁקְלוֹנִי "Ashkelon" H0832)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: Ashkelon, Askalon. See also: Judges 1:18; Jeremiah 47:5; Jeremiah 25:20.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תֵשֵֽׁב
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
Study Notes — Zechariah 9:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Zechariah 9:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 9:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 9:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 9:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 9:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 9:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 9:5
- Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 9:5
- Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 9:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 9:5
- Sermons on Zechariah 9:5
Context — The Burden against Israel’s Enemies
3Tyre has built herself a fortress; she has heaped up silver like dust, and gold like the dirt of the streets.
4Behold, the Lord will impoverish her and cast her wealth into the sea, and she will be consumed by fire.
5Ashkelon will see and fear; Gaza will writhe in agony, as will Ekron, for her hope will wither. There will cease to be a king in Gaza, and Ashkelon will be uninhabited.
6A mixed race will occupy Ashdod, and I will cut off the pride of the Philistines. 7I will remove the blood from their mouths and the abominations from between their teeth. Then they too will become a remnant for our God; they will become like a clan in Judah, and Ekron will be like the Jebusites.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 8:26 | Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Get up and go south to the desert road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” |
| 2 | Revelation 18:9–17 | Then the kings of the earth who committed sexual immorality and lived in luxury with her will weep and wail at the sight of the smoke rising from the fire that consumes her. In fear of her torment, they will stand at a distance and cry out: “Woe, woe to the great city, the mighty city of Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come.” And the merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, because there is no one left to buy their cargo— cargo of gold, silver, precious stones, and pearls; of fine linen, purple, silk, and scarlet; of all kinds of citron wood and every article of ivory, precious wood, bronze, iron, and marble; of cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, and frankincense; of wine, olive oil, fine flour, and wheat; of cattle, sheep, horses, and chariots; of slaves and souls of men. And they will say: “The fruit of your soul’s desire has departed from you; all your luxury and splendor have vanished, never to be seen again.” The merchants who sold these things and grew their wealth from her will stand at a distance, in fear of her torment. They will weep and mourn, saying: “Woe, woe to the great city, clothed in fine linen and purple and scarlet, adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls! For in a single hour such fabulous wealth has been destroyed!” Every shipmaster, passenger, and sailor, and all who make their living from the sea, will stand at a distance |
| 3 | Jeremiah 47:1 | This is the word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah the prophet about the Philistines before Pharaoh struck down Gaza. |
| 4 | Zephaniah 2:4–7 | For Gaza will be abandoned, and Ashkelon left in ruins. Ashdod will be driven out at noon, and Ekron will be uprooted. Woe to the dwellers of the seacoast, O nation of the Cherethites! The word of the LORD is against you, O Canaan, land of the Philistines: “I will destroy you, and no one will be left.” So the seacoast will become a land of pastures, with wells for shepherds and folds for sheep. The coast will belong to the remnant of the house of Judah; there they will find pasture. They will lie down in the evening among the houses of Ashkelon, for the LORD their God will attend to them and restore their captives. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 47:4–7 | For the day has come to destroy all the Philistines, to cut off from Tyre and Sidon every remaining ally. Indeed, the LORD is about to destroy the Philistines, the remnant from the coasts of Caphtor. The people of Gaza will shave their heads in mourning; Ashkelon will be silenced. O remnant of their valley, how long will you gash yourself? ‘Alas, O sword of the LORD, how long until you rest? Return to your sheath; cease and be still!’ How can it rest when the LORD has commanded it? He has appointed it against Ashkelon and the shore of its coastland.” |
| 6 | Ezekiel 25:15–17 | This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because the Philistines acted in vengeance, taking vengeance with malice of soul to destroy Judah with ancient hostility, therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I will stretch out My hand against the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethites and destroy the remnant along the coast. I will execute great vengeance against them with furious reproof. Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I lay My vengeance upon them.’” |
| 7 | Philippians 1:20 | I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have complete boldness so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. |
| 8 | Isaiah 20:5–6 | Those who made Cush their hope and Egypt their boast will be dismayed and ashamed. And on that day the dwellers of this coastland will say, ‘See what has happened to our source of hope, those to whom we fled for help and deliverance from the king of Assyria! How then can we escape?’” |
| 9 | Ezekiel 26:15–21 | This is what the Lord GOD says to Tyre: ‘Will not the coastlands quake at the sound of your downfall, when the wounded groan at the slaughter in your midst? All the princes of the sea will descend from their thrones, remove their robes, and strip off their embroidered garments. Clothed with terror, they will sit on the ground, trembling every moment, appalled over you. Then they will lament for you, saying, “How you have perished, O city of renown inhabited by seafaring men— she who was powerful on the sea, along with her people, who imposed terror on all peoples! Now the coastlands tremble on the day of your downfall; the islands in the sea are dismayed by your demise.”’ For this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘When I make you a desolate city like other deserted cities, and when I raise up the deep against you so that the mighty waters cover you, then I will bring you down with those who descend to the Pit, to the people of antiquity. I will make you dwell in the earth below like the ancient ruins, with those who descend to the Pit, so that you will no longer be inhabited or set in splendor in the land of the living. I will make you an object of horror, and you will be no more. You will be sought, but will never be found,’ declares the Lord GOD.” |
| 10 | Isaiah 14:29–31 | Do not rejoice, all you Philistines, that the rod that struck you is broken. For a viper will spring from the root of the snake, and a flying serpent from its egg. Then the firstborn of the poor will find pasture, and the needy will lie down in safety, but I will kill your root by famine, and your remnant will be slain. Wail, O gate! Cry out, O city! Melt away, all you Philistines! For a cloud of smoke comes from the north, and there are no stragglers in its ranks. |
Zechariah 9:5 Summary
Zechariah 9:5 is a prophecy about the judgment of God on the cities of Ashkelon, Gaza, and Ekron. The people of these cities will be filled with fear and dread as they see the power of God at work, much like the fear that gripped the people of Israel when they saw the parting of the Red Sea in Exodus 14:13-31. This verse reminds us that God is a God of justice and mercy, who will ultimately bring salvation and restoration to all nations, as seen in Zechariah 9:9-10 and Revelation 21:1-4. As we reflect on this verse, we can ask ourselves what we are putting our hope and trust in, and whether we are living in humility and repentance before God, as seen in 1 Peter 5:6-7 and Psalm 51:17.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for Ashkelon to 'see and fear' in Zechariah 9:5?
This phrase suggests that the people of Ashkelon will witness the judgment of God on their neighboring cities, such as Gaza and Ekron, and will be filled with fear and dread, much like the fear that gripped the people of Israel when they saw the power of God in Exodus 14:31 and Deuteronomy 2:25.
Why will there 'cease to be a king in Gaza' according to Zechariah 9:5?
The cessation of a king in Gaza signifies the end of its power and independence, much like the prophecies against Tyre in Zechariah 9:3-4, where God promises to impoverish the city and cast its wealth into the sea, as seen in Zechariah 9:4.
What is the significance of Ekron's 'hope withering' in Zechariah 9:5?
The withering of Ekron's hope suggests that the city's confidence and trust in its own strength and alliances will be shattered, much like the way God humbles the proud in Isaiah 2:11 and 1 Peter 5:6.
How does Zechariah 9:5 fit into the larger context of God's judgment on the nations?
Zechariah 9:5 is part of a larger section of Scripture that describes God's judgment on the nations surrounding Israel, including Tyre, Gaza, and Ekron, as seen in Zechariah 9:1-8, and ultimately points to the coming Messiah who will bring salvation and restoration, as seen in Zechariah 9:9-10 and Isaiah 11:1-10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can 'see and fear' the power and judgment of God in my own life, and how can I respond in humility and repentance?
- In what ways am I putting my hope and trust in things that are fleeting and uncertain, rather than in the eternal and unchanging God, as seen in Psalm 20:7 and Jeremiah 17:5-8?
- How can I balance the truth of God's judgment and wrath with the truth of His love and mercy, as seen in Psalm 103:8-14 and Romans 11:22?
- What are some ways that I can be a part of God's plan to bring salvation and restoration to the nations, as seen in Zechariah 9:9-10 and Matthew 28:18-20?
Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 9:5
Ashkelon shall see [it], and fear,.... That is, as Kimchi explains it, when Ashkelon shall see that Tyre humbles herself and submits, she shall humble herself and submit also: and the sense may be,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 9:5
Ashkelon shall see it, and fear; Gaza also shall see it, and be very sorrowful, and Ekron; for her expectation shall be ashamed; and the king shall perish from Gaza, and Ashkelon shall not be inhabited. 6.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 9:5
Ashkelon, threatened by Zephaniah, , which threat was executed by the Babylonians soon after the Jews’ captivity, when Nebuchadnezzar wasted the seacoast, and besieged and took Tyre; but this threat of Zechariah was fully executed by Alexander the Great, as is most likely. Shall see it; as cities see the fall of neighbouring cities, they shall have the news of it, and know it; perhaps some Ashkelonites may be there, and see the siege, and tell it. And fear; as men that have no power to defend themselves, nor means left of fleeing from the enemy. Gaza; another strong town, a principality of the Philistines, enemy to Israel; which in Nebuchadnezzar’ s time suffered with Tyre, , and shall again so suffer in Alexander’ s time, as here foretold. Be very sorrowful; at the news of Tyre’ s fall shall take a fright, and fall into sorrows of a travailing woman, as the word imports. Ekron, a city famous for idolatry, see , shall as much fear and grieve as Ashkelon or Gaza. Her expectation, her hope that Tyre would break Alexander’ s power, or hold out against it, and be a refuge to her citizens, who could not hope to withstand the conqueror, shall be ashamed; turned into shame and confusion. The king shall perish from Gaza; the government be overthrown; and perhaps this literally was fulfilled when Alexander the Great took Gaza after two months’ siege, and two slight wounds received, and finding Boetis, the king or roitelet, advanced to that dignity by Darius, thought good to put him to a cruel death, as Curtius, l. 4. Ashkelon shall not be inhabited, i.e. for some years it shall be as waste, or as it was laid by the Babylonian, according to .
Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 9:5
Zechariah 9:5 Ashkelon shall see [it], and fear; Gaza also [shall see it], and be very sorrowful, and Ekron; for her expectation shall be ashamed; and the king shall perish from Gaza, and Ashkelon shall not be inhabited.Ver. 5. Ashkelon shall see it and fear] For, iam proximus ardet Ucalegon, her next neighbour’ s house was now on fire; and she might well fear she should be dashed at least with the tail of that overflowing storm that had swept away Tyre. The sword was now in commission; it was riding circuit, Ezekiel 14:17, and God had given it a special charge against Ashkelon, and against the sea shore; there he had appointed it, Jeremiah 47:6-7. Now Ashkelon, Gaza, and Ekron were situated all along the sea coast, southward of Tyre and Sidon. All these were bitter enemies to the Church; and were therefore destroyed by Alexander the Great, that man of God’ s hand. Gaza also shall see it, and be very sorrowful] Like a travailing woman, as Isaiah 26:17-18, where the same word is used; her heart shall ache and quake within her; she shall have sore throes and throbs. And Ekron; for her expectation shall be ashamed] Her hope hath abused her, her confidence is cut off, her countenance is covered with confusion. She looked that Tyre should have been a bulwark to her: or at least a refuge, if need were, but now she seeth her expectation shamed: "The expectation of the wicked shall perish." They look out of the window with Sisera’ s mother, and say, "Have they not sped? have they not divided the prey," &c.? But what saith the Church? "So let thine enemies perish, O Lord," Judges 5:30-31.
And the king shall perish from Gaza] Rex, id est, Regulus; The King, it is Regulus. for there were five princes of the Philistines; each great city having a prince over it. The Prince of Gaza that is here designed to destruction may very well be that Betis, whom Darius, the last King of Persia, had set over Gaza. He having kept out Alexander for two months, was at length taken up by him together with the city, and put to a cruel death, as Curtius testifieth. And Ashkelon shall not be inhabited] It was so wasted by war and depopulated that it became cottages for shepherds and folds for sheep. See Zephaniah 2:4; Zephaniah 2:6. Howbeit after this it was reinhabited; for that bloody Herod that slew the infants was born there, being surnamed Ascalonita; and at this day it is a strong garrison of the Saracens. Saladin pulled down the walls of it; but our Richard I set them up again, as Adrichomius telleth us out of Gul. Tyrius.
Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 9:5
(5) See it, and fear.—Well might Philistia fear and tremble on hearing of the destruction of Tyre. Ashkelon and Ekron, it is true, are not mentioned in connection with this march of Alexander, but they must necessarily have been occupied by his troops. But Gaza was certainly taken, after a siege of five months; and special mention is made by Hegesias (a contemporary of Alexander) of the “king” of Gaza being brought alive to Alexander after the capture of that city. Not be inhabited.—Or, not remain.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 9:5
Verse 5. Ashkelon shall see it, and fear] All these prophecies seem to have been fulfilled before the days of Zechariah; another evidence that these last chapters were not written by him. Her expectation shalt be ashamed] The expectation of being succoured by Tyre.
Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 9:5
5. her expectation] The cities of Philistia, to which (Zechariah 9:5-7) after the subjugation of Syria (Zechariah 9:1-2) and Phœnicia (Zechariah 9:3-4), the scourge passed, had naturally looked to Tyre to check the course of the invader and so save them from his onslaught. the king shall perish from Gaza] Rather, a king. The prediction is, not that the then reigning monarch should perish, but that monarchical government should cease. No argument can be drawn from this in favour of the ante-captivity date of this prophecy. It had been the policy of the Assyrians, Chaldæans and Persians to leave tributary kings in the countries which they subdued. Hence their own monarchs assumed the title of “king of kings” (Ezra 7:12; Ezekiel 26:7; Daniel 2:37), and as Herodotus states it was the custom of the Persians to put honour upon the sons of the kings whom they had deposed and promote them to the sovereignty of their fathers (iii. 15). Alexander on the contrary pursued an entirely different plan and aimed at a consolidated empire. Such tributary monarchies were therefore abolished by him. Hegesias, a writer contemporary with Alexander, states that the king of Gaza was brought alive to the conqueror after the capture of the city, which in spite of the fate of Tyre had held out for five months. There is considerable difficulty in reconciling the statements of different writers on this point, but there seems no reason to doubt that the ruler of Gaza bore the title of “king” at that time.
Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 9:5
Ashkelon shall see and fear - The words express that to see and fear shall be as one.
Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 9:5
5. Ashkelon… Gaza… Ekron… Ashdod — Four of the five chief cities of Philistia. Here as in Amos 1:6-8; Zephaniah 2:4; Jeremiah 25:20, Gath is omitted (see further on Amos 1:6-8).
Sermons on Zechariah 9:5
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(Spain) the Supply of the Spirit by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal testimony about his wife and daughter battling cancer. Despite the hardships, he emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God's wi |
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A Word From the Lord by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being obedient to God's promptings, even when they don't make sense or seem logical. He uses the example of Philip, who wa |
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(John - Part 12): Nicodemus - the Singular Call of God Upon Him by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of the rich young ruler who came to Jesus seeking eternal life. The young ruler had youth, wealth, morality, and a high position, w |
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The Supply of the Spirit by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of trusting the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to be in control of every aspect of our lives. He shares the joy he experiences i |
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The Church as a Prophetic Presence by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Elijah and the corrupt waters in his nation. The people recognized that their economy and life were paralyzed due to the lack of |
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(Through the Bible) Colossians 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for Jesus Christ, who came to earth as the manifestation of God and dwells in the hearts of believers. The speaker emphas |
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Divine Appointments by Otto Koning | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of time and how people often prioritize worldly possessions over spiritual matters. He mentions how window shopping and constantly |