Zechariah 9

1. The burden. Or, “oracle”: see Isa. xiii. 1.

the land of Hadrach. The name “Hadrach” does not occur elsewhere in Scripture; but it is probably to be identified with Ha-ta-rak-ka, near Damascus and Hamath, mentioned in Assyrian inscriptions (Schrader).

the rest (resting-place) thereof. That is, of the burden; the place on which the impending judgement shall settle. “The goal” (Moffatt).

When the eyes of man, etc. Rather, “For the eyes of men and of all the tribes of Israel,” etc.; cp. R.V.

2. And Hamath also shall border thereby. Rather, “And Hamath also, [which] bordereth thereby”; i.e., Hamath shall share in the same judgement.

though (or, because) it be very wise. That is, Tyre: see Isa. xxiii.; Ezek. xxvi.-xxviii., and notes, particularly Ezek. xxviii. 3, 4, 17.

6 a bastard. Meaning, perhaps, a mongrel, degraded race.

7. And I will take away, etc. The remnant of the people shall forsake their idolatrous and abominable practices for the worship of “our God”; and thus be incorporated (like the ancient Jebusites in Jerusalem) with God’s people. See Psa. lxxxvii.

8 for now have I seen with Mine eyes. Or, “now I will see.” God will guard His own people against the armies that march to and fro, and not suffer any enemy to injure them; for which purpose His eyes will be constantly on the watch.

9 having salvation. Heb., “saved.” As to His subjects He is “just”; as to His enemies He is “saved” from all their designs, and therefore He becomes “the Author of salvation” to His people. Yet He does not ride in the chariot or on the horse of the warrior (10); but, as one who is both peaceful and lowly, upon “the foal of an ass”: cp. Matt. xxi. 4, etc.

10. And I will cut off the chariot, etc. Warlike equipages and equipments will no more be needed in the Messiah’s peaceful reign. Cp. Hosea ii. 18; Micah v. 9-11.

from sea [even] to sea, etc. See Psa. lxxii. 8. From the Dead Sea to the Mediterranean, and from the Euphrates to the South.

11. As for thee also. This is addressed still to Zion.

by the blood of thy covenant. That is, on account of the blood of the covenant which I have made with thee: see Exod. xxiv. 8.

out of the pit, etc. That is, “out of their prison”; empty cisterns being often used as dungeons (see Jer. xxxviii. 6).

12. Turn you. Rather, “Return.” The “stronghold” is Zion. The people are “prisoners of hope”; prisoners who have hope. Though distressed, they have the prospect of deliverance.

double. That is, abundantly: see note on Isa. xi. 2.

13. When I have bent Judah, etc. Rather, “For I will use Judah as My bow, and Ephraim as My arrow, and raise up,” etc.; making My people, now saved and led by the Messiah (14), the conquerors of the world for Him.

14 whirlwinds of the south. See Isa. xxi. 1.

15 subdue with sling stones. Rather, as R.V., “and shall tread down the sling-stones,” crushing these threatening missiles under foot. Cp. Job xli. 28.

they shall drink. That is, the blood of the slain, like a lion: see Numb. xxiii. 24.

like bowls. Rather, “like the bowl,” filled with sacrificial blood, which was sprinkled on “the corners of the altar.”

16. His land. The earth now subject to Messiah: see Isa. lxii. 3.