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Part III. THE FUTURE OF THE POWERS OF THE WORLD AND OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD.
Verse 1-11:17
A. THE FIRST BURDEN.
Zec_9:1-8
§ 1. To prepare the land for Israel, and to prove God's care for his people, the neighbouring heathen shall be chastised, while Israel shall dwell in safety and independence.
Zec_9:1
The burden (see note on Nah_1:1). (On the circumstances connected with this prophecy, see Introduction, § I.) Destructive critics attribute ch. 9-11, to an anonymous prophet, whose utterances have been by mistake appended to the genuine work of Zechariah. We have given reasons for disputing this conclusion in the Introduction, § II. In (upon) the land of Hadrach. This expression is found nowhere else, and has occasioned great trouble to the commentators. But Assyrian inscriptions have cleared away the difficulty, and shown that it was the name of a city and district near Damascus, called in the monuments Hatarakha or Hatarika. Expeditions against this place are mentioned as occurring in various years, e.g. B.C. 772. 765, 755. Damascus shall be the rest thereof. The "burden" shall light upon Damascus in wrath, and settle there (comp. Eze_5:13). This district should be the first to suffer. The LXX. has, Καὶ Δαμασκοῦ θυσία αὐτοῦ , "In the land of Sedrach and Damascus is his sacrifice." When the eyes of man, etc.; literally, for to Jehovah (is, or will be) the eye of man and of all the tribes of Israel. This gives the reason why Hadrach and Damascus are thus united. Because Jehovah has his eye on men and on Israel. Septuagint, "because the Lord looketh upon men" (comp. Zec_4:10; and Zec_4:8 below). We may then translate, "For to Jehovah is an eye over man," etc. He sees their evil doings and their oppression of Israel, and therefore the judgment falls upon them (comp. Jer_32:19). The Authorized Version intimates a conversion of the Gentiles, of which, however, the context says nothing: and there is no sense in saying that judgment shall fall upon a particular nation when, or because, the eyes of all men look to the Lord. Wright explains thus: When the wrath of God falls on Damascus, the eyes of the heathen, as well as those of Israel, will look to the Lord, and they will marvel at the judgment and the close fulfilment of the prediction. This would be a very sound and probable exposition of the passage if the expression, "the eye of man being towards Jehovah," can mean that man marvels at his doings. All the tribes of Israel. God watches over them to guard them from evil (Deu_11:12; Ezr_5:5; Psa_33:18).
Zec_9:2
And Hamath also shall border thereby; Revised Version, and Hamath also which bordereth thereon. Hamath, which is near unto Damascus, shall share in the Divine judgment. The Authorized Version probably means that Hamath shall be the companion of Damascus in punishment. (For Hamath, see note on Amo_6:2.) These Syrian towns, as well as those below in Phoenicia and Philistia, shall be visited, because they were all once included in the territory promised to Israel. The judgment was inflicted by Alexander the Great after the battle of Issus, B.C. 333, when Damascus was betrayed into his hands and plundered of all its enormous treasures. Tyrus and Zidon. Tyre was taken after a siege of seven months, its walls were demolished, its houses burnt, ten thousand of its defenders were massacred, the women and children sold as slaves; and it never rose to greatness again. Zidon, originally the chief city of the country, had long been eclipsed by its daughter, Tyre: it submitted to Alexander without a struggle. Though it be very wise; or, because she is very wise. The pronoun refers to Tyre, the mention of Zidon being, as it were, parenthetical. In spite of, or because of, its boasted wisdom, Tyre should suffer heavy punishment. The wisdom of Tyre is spoken of in Eze_28:3, Eze_28:4. Wright, as the LXX; makes the clause refer to both cities, "though they be very wise." Vulgate, Assum pserunt quippe sibi sapientiam valde.
Zec_9:3
Tyrus (Zor) did build herself a stronghold (mazor). Wright endeavours to imitate the parouomasia, "Tyre built for herself a tower." It was in her strong fortifications and her amassing of riches that Tyre showed her worldly wisdom. The city was built partly on the mainland, and partly on an island nearly half a mile distant, which rose abruptly out of the water in rocky precipices, and was surrounded with walls a hundred and fifty feet high. The insular portion of the town was that which so long mocked the Macedonian's utmost efforts, which were only successful when he had united the island to the mainland by erecting an enormous mole between them. This causeway has now become an isthmus of some half mile in width, owing to accumulations of sand and debris. As the dust.
Zec_9:4
Will cast her out; will take possession of her; i.e. will conquer her by the hands of her enemies, as Jos_8:7; Jos_17:12. Septuagint, κληρονομήσει , "will inherit;" Vulgate, possidebit; Ewald and Hitzig render, "will impoverish her." Will smite her power in the sea. "Power" here includes all that made Tyre proud and confident—her riches, her fleets, her trade, her fortifications. God declares that she shall be smitten there as she stood in the midst of the sea, which formed her bulwark, and which should soon dash over her ruins. The LXX. translates, "shall smite into the sea." Zechariah seems here to have a reminiscence of Eze_27:32, "What city is like Tyres, like the destroyed in the midst of the sea?" (comp. Eze_26:4). With fire (comp. Amo_1:10). The city was burned by Alexander (see note on Eze_27:2. The siege is narrated by Arrian, 2.15-24; Quint. Curt; 4.2, etc.; Diod. Sic; 17.46, etc.).
Zec_9:5
Ashkelon shall see it. The ruin of so mighty a city as Tyre naturally filled neighbouring people with dismay. The prophet directs his attention to Philistia, and threatens its chief cities. The cities are enumerated in the same order as in Jer_25:20. Gath is omitted, as in Amo_1:6-8 and Zep_2:4 :. It seems never to have recovered its destruction by Uzziah (2Ch_26:6). (For Ashkelon, Gaza, and Ekron, see note on Amo_1:6.) Her expectation shall be ashamed. The hope of aid from Tyre shall not be fulfilled. After the fall of Tyre, Alexander continued his march southwards towards Egypt, subduing the cities on his way. The siege of Gaze delayed him some months; and when it was taken, it shared the treatment of Tyre. Its governor, one Batis, a eunuch, was tied alive to the conqueror's chariot, and dragged round the walls, in cruel imitation of the fate of Hector. The king shall perish from Gaza. No particular king is meant; but the prediction says that henceforward no king should reign in Gaze. In contrast with the Eastern policy of allowing conquered nations to retain their own rulers as tributary sovereigns, Alexander always deposed or slew reigning monarchs, and consolidated his empire by replacing them with governors of his own. The various chastisements are meted out by the prophet among the various cities, though they equally apply to all.
Zec_9:6
A Bastard. The word (mamzer) occurs in Deu_23:2 (3, Hebrew), where it may possibly mean "a stranger." It is generally considered to signify one whose birth has a blemish in it—one born of incest or adultery. In Deuteronomy the LXX. renders, ἐκ πόρης , "one of harlot birth;" here, ἀλλογενής , "foreigner." The Vulgate has separator, which is explained as meaning either the Lord, who as Judge divides the just from the unjust, or the Conqueror, who divides the spoil and assigns to captives their fate. Here it doubtless signifies "a bastard race"; a rabble of aliens shall inhabit Ashdod, which shall lose its own native population. The Targum explains it differently, considering that by the expression is meant that Ashdod shall be inhabited by Israelites, who are deemed "strangers" by the Philistines. Ashdod (see note on Amo_1:8). The pride. All in which they prided themselves. This sums up the prophecy against the several Philistine cities. Their very nationality shall be lost.
Zec_9:7
Personifying Philistia, the prophet declares that she shall cease to practise idolatry, and shall be incorporated in Israel. I will take away his blood out of his mouth. This refers to the practice of drinking the blood of sacrifices as an act of worship, or of eating the victims with the blood—a practice strictly forbidden to the Israelites (see Le 3:17; 7:26; 17:10, 12; and comp. Gen_9:4). Abominations. Sacrifices offered to idols, and afterwards eaten. The two clauses intimate the entire abolition of idolatry. Many see in this prediction a reference to the doings of the Maccabees; how, e.g; Judas destroyed the altars and idols in Azotus (1 Macc. 5:68); Jonathan again took that city, and burned it and the neighbouring towns, and, besieging Ashkelon, was received with great honour by the inhabitants, and confirmed in the possession of this place and Ekron (1 Macc. 10:84, etc.); and Simon stormed Gaza (? Gazara, a place near Ashdod), cleansed the houses of idols, "put all uncleanness out of it, and placed such men there as would keep the Law" (1 Macc. 13:47, 48). But though such events partially fulfil the prophecy, the seer looks forward to a greater issue, and in these comparatively petty details beholds the working of the great principle that all nations shall be subdued to the faith. He that remaineth, even he, shall be for our God; better, he too shall be left (or, a remnant) for our God. The Philistine shall become a choice and elect remnant unto the God of the Israelites, and no longer regarded as alien and impure. As a governor; Septuagint, χιλίαρχος , "head over a thousand." which the word alluph means (Zec_12:5, Zec_12:6). It is used of the chiefs of Edom in Gen_36:15, Gen_36:16, etc; where the Authorized Version gives "dukes." The tribes of Israel were divided into thousands, consisting of families, each of which was held together by closer affinities than the mere tribal bond (see note on Mic_5:2). The meaning is that the Philistine shall be admitted into the commonwealth of Israel as one of her chiefs. Ekron as a Jebusite. "Ekron" is equivalent to "the Ekronite," who again stands in the place of all the Philistines. The Jebusites were the ancient possessors of Zion, who held their position till the days of David, and, when at last conquered by him (2Sa_5:6, etc.), were incorporated into his nation, and, as we may infer from Araunah's conduct, adopted his religion (2Sa_24:22; 1Ch_21:23). God promises here that the Philistines, like the Jebusites, shall be absorbed into the Jewish Church. Mr. Drake ('Speaker's Commentary,' in loc.) curiously renders, "He shall be as Eleph (Jos_18:28) in Judah, and Ekron as Jebusi," explaining that the cities of Philistia were to be incorporated into Judaea. The conquests of Alexander conduced to the conversion of the heathen and their reception into the Church of God; and the general principle enunciated by all the prophets was tiros abundantly confirmed. But it is rot easy to discover the exact historical fulfilment of the latter part of this prophecy, concerning the merging of the Philistines in the Jewish nation. Josephus ('Ant.,' 13.15. 4) tells us that, about B.C. 100, the Jews held most of their cities, destroying some whose inhabitants refused to become proselytes. In the time of our Lord, by reason of intermarriage and social intercourse, the Philistines had ceased to be regarded as a separate nation; and a little later Philistia, far from being considered as alien and hostile, under the form Palestine, gave its name to the whole country. Christianity, too, made rapid progress in this district, so that the psalmist's words received herein a fulfilment, "Behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Gush; this one was born there" (Psa_87:4).
Zec_9:8
While the heathen world suffers the judgment of God, he protects his own people. I will encamp about (for the protection of) my house. God's house, or family, is the kingdom and Church of Israel, as Hos_8:1. Septuagint, Υποστήσομαι τῷ οἴκῳ μου ἀνάστημα , "I will erect a fortification for my house." Because of the army. It may also be translated "against," or "from;" i.e. to defend it from the hostile army. Others, pointing differently, render, "as a garrison," or "rampart." Because of (against) him that passeth by, etc. Against all hostile attacks. The phrase, "him that passeth by and him that returneth," is used of an enemy making incursions, or attacking at various points (see note on Zec_7:14). The Vulgate gives the whole clause thus: Circumdabo domum meam ex his, qui militant mihi euntes et revertentes, "I will defend my house with a guard chosen from those who serve me and do my will," i.e. angels. But this seems far from the signification of the Hebrew. Pusey restricts the meaning to the proceedings of Alexander, who passed by Judaea on his way to Egypt, and returned by the same route, without doing any injury to Jerusalem. Here comes in the Talmudic story related by Josephus ('Ant.,' 11.8). The Jews "repaid the protection of Persia with a devoted loyalty, which prompted them to refuse the demand of submission made by Alexander during the siege of Tyre. He marched to chastise them after the fall of Gaza, and the beautiful city had already risen before his view on the hill of Zion, when he found the high priest Jaddua waiting his approach at the watch station of Sapha, clad in his robes of gold and purple, and followed by a train of priests and citizens in pure white. The conqueror bowed in reverence to the Holy Name upon the high priest's frontlet; and, being asked by Parmenio the reason of his conduct, said that in a dream at Dium, he had seen the God of Jaddua, who encouraged him to pass over into Asia, and promised him success. Then entering Jerusalem, he offered sacrifice in the temple, heard the prophecy of Daniel about himself; and granted certain privileges to all the Jews throughout his empire. The desire to honour a shrine so celebrated as, the Jewish temple is quite in accordance with the conduct of Alexander at Ilium and Ephesus, Gordium and Tyre. The privileges he is said to have conferred upon the Jews were enjoyed under his successors, and some minor matters have been adduced in confirmation of the story. On the other hand, the classical writers are entirely silent on the subject, and the details of Josephus involve grave historical inconsistencies. It seems not an unreasonable conjecture that the story is an embellishment of some incident that occurred when the high priest came to Gaza to tender the submission of the Jews. But we must not dismiss it without a remark on the vast influence which the conquests of Alexander had in bringing the Jews into closer relations with the rest of Asia, and so preparing them to fulfil their ultimate destiny as Christians" (P. Smith, 'History of the World,' 1.60, etc). Oppressor. The word is used for "taskmaster" in Exo_3:7. Septuagint, ἐξελαύνων , "one who drives away;" Vulgate, exactor. This latter rendering would imply that Israel would no longer have to pay tribute to foreign nations, but should henceforward be independent. For now have I seen with mine eyes. It is as though, during Israel's calamities, God had not looked upon her; but now he notices her condition, and interposes for her succour (comp. Exo_2:25; Exo_3:7, Exo_3:9; Act_7:34). This is done by sending the personage mentioned in the following section.
Zec_9:9, Zec_9:10
§ 2. Then shall the righteous King come to Zion in lowly fashion, and inaugurate a kingdom of peace.
Zec_9:9
The prophet invites Jerusalem to rejoice at the coming of the promised salvation in the Person of her King; no mighty earthly potentate and conqueror, like Alexander the Great, but one of different fashion (comp. Zep_3:14). Thy King cometh unto thee. St. Matthew (Mat_21:5) and St. John (Joh_12:15) see a fulfilment of this prophecy in Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem on the first day of the week in which he was crucified. All attempts to disprove the Messianic import of this passage have been unavailing. Even critics who refer this part of Zechariah (ch. 9-11.) to an unknown author writing in the time of Hezekiah, allow that it is replete with Messianic ideas, and can be applied to no hero of Jewish story or event of Jewish history. There is no other "King" of Israel to whom it can refer. Our blessed Lord himself, by his abnormal actions on Palm Sunday, plainly assumed the part of the predicted King, and meant the people to recognize in him the promised Messiah. Thy King. A king of thine own race, no stranger, but one predestined for thee. He who was foretold by all the prophets, who was to occupy the throne of David, and reign forever (Psa_2:6; Psa_45:1, Psa_45:6, Psa_45:7; Isa_32:1). Unto thee. For thy good, to bless thee (Isa_9:6). Just. Righteous in character and in practice, ruling in equity (Psa_72:1-4, Psa_72:7; Isa_11:2-4). Having salvation; Septuagint, σώζων , "saving." Vulgate, salvator; so the Syriac and Chaldee. The genius of the language requires the participle to be taken passively, as it is in two other passages where it occurs (Deu_33:29; Psa_33:16). The context has seemed to some to demand that it be understood in an active sense, thus contrasting him who came to save with the haughty Grecian conqueror, whose progress was marked by bloodshed. But the usual meaning of the word affords a satisfactory sense. The King who comes is "saved," endowed with salvation, either as being protected and upheld by God (Psa_18:50; Psa_110:1, Psa_110:2, Psa_110:5; Isa_42:1; Isa_49:8), or as being victorious and so able to aid his people. In this latter view, the active sense is included in the passive. His own deliverance is a sure sign of the deliverance of his people. Lowly; Septuagint, πραύς , "meek;" Vulgate, pauper—meek and lowly, as Christ himself says (Mat_11:29),far removed from warlike pomp and worldly greatness. The word is also rendered "afflicted," and would then be in accordance with the description in Isa 52:13-53:5; Psa_22:6. Riding upon an ass. In illustration of his poor or afflicted estate; it is this, and not merely the peace. fulness of his reign, that is meant by this symbolical action, as we see by the following clause, where the youthfulness of the animal is the point enforced. And (even, and that) upon a colt the foal of an ass; such as she asses bear, and one not trained; as the evangelist says, "whereon never man sat." Christ sat upon the foal. In old times judges and men of distinction rode upon asses (Gen_22:3; Jdg_5:10; Jdg_10:4); but from Solomon's days the horse had been used, not only in war, but on all state occasions (Jer_17:25); and the number of horses brought back on the return from Babylon is specially mentioned (Ezr_2:66). So to predicate of a King that he would come to his capital riding, not on a war horse, but on a young, unbroken ass, showed at once that he himself was not to be considered a victorious general or a worldly potentate, and that his kingdom was not to be won or maintained by carnal arms. This is signified more fully in the following verse, which describes the character and extent of Messiah's kingdom.
Zec_9:10
I will cut off the chariot. All the apparatus of war will be removed, Messiah's rule being not established by physical force, or maintained by military defences. The Jews seem to have used war chariots from the time of Solomon, who, we are told, had fourteen hundred of them (1Ki_10:26). Ephraim … Jerusalem. The former term denotes the kingdom of the ten tribes; the latter, that of Judah; the two together comprising the whole Israelite nation. From the use of these terms here it cannot be concluded that the author wrote at a time when the two kingdoms existed side by side. In the first place, the description of the whole people is given poetically, and must not be taken to have more significance than is intended; and secondly, in Zec_8:13, which is confessedly post-exilian, the "house of Judah," and the "house of Israel" are distinguished. Dr. Cheyne notes, too, that in Ezekiel (Eze_37:15-28), who prophesied during the Captivity, the ten tribes are distinguished by the name of Ephraim, and pertinently asks why such term may not be also used by one who wrote after the Captivity. The battle bow stands for all weapons of war. That Messiah's kingdom should be peaceful and peace-bringing, see the prophecies (Psa_72:7; Isa_2:4; Isa_9:4-7; comp. Mic_5:10, Mic_5:11). He shall speak peace unto the heathen. He will extend this peace to all the world, teaching the heathen to receive his spiritual rule, to compose their differences, to lay aside their arms, and live as one united family (comp. Eph_2:17). From sea even to sea. Geographically, the phrase means from the Dead Sea on the east to the Mediterranean on the west, as in Exo_23:31 and Psa_72:8, from whence our passage is derived. Poetically, an Eastern sea, perhaps, is supposed to bound that side of the earth. From the river even to the ends of the earth. From the Enphrates unto the utmost limits of the world (see Amo_8:12; Mic_7:12). Both expressions obtain an unlimited significance, and show the universal extent of Messiah's kingdom; for in him, according to the promise made to Abraham, all the families of the earth should be blessed.
Zec_9:11-17
§ 3. All Israel, united into one people, shall wage successful war against adversaries, and attain to high glory, and increase largely in numbers.
Zec_9:11
As for thee also. The prophet addresses the daughter of Zion, the covenant people (comp. Zec_9:10, Zec_9:13). "Also" is inserted to intimate that this deliverance is given in addition to the blessings promised in the two preceding verses. All who are living far from their native Zion are invited to come to her and partake of her good things. By (because of) the blood of thy covenant. The covenant is that made at Sinai, sealed and ratified by blood (Exo_24:4-8), which still held good, and was the pledge to the nation of deliverance and help. This was a token of that everlasting covenant sealed with the blood of Christ, by which God's people are delivered from the bondage of sin (comp. Mat_26:28; Heb_9:15; Heb_10:14-23; Heb_13:20). I have sent forth; I send forth—the prophetic perfect. The Greek and Latin Versions render, "thou sentest forth," not so correctly. Thy prisoners. Those members of the nation who were still oppressed or captives in foreign lands, as Babylon and Egypt (comp. Oba_1:20; Joe_3:6, etc.; Amo_1:6, Amo_1:9, etc.). The pit wherein is no water. "Pit," or cistern, is a common name for a prison (Gen_40:15; Exo_12:29; Jer_37:16). The absence of water may be notified either to imply that the tortures of thirst were added to the horror of the situation, or to intimate that the prisoners were not hopelessly drowned therein. We Christians see in this paragraph a figure of the redemption of a lost world by the blood of Christ.
Zec_9:12
The prophet calls on the prisoners to avail themselves of the offered deliverance. Turn you to the stronghold. Return ye to Zion, the city defended by God (Zec_2:5), and able to afford you a safe asylum. (For the spiritual meaning, see Luk_4:18-21.) Ye prisoners of hope. Captives who have good hope of deliverance because they are still in covenant with God. Septuagint, δέσμιοι τῆς συναγωγῆς , "prisoners of the synagogue." Pusey remarks that "hope" here and nowhere else has the article, and that what is meant is "the Hope of Israel," that of which St. Paul spoke (Act_26:6, Act_26:7 and Act_28:20). Even today. In spite of all contrary appearances. Septuagint, ἀντὶ μιᾶς ἡμέρας παροικεσίας σου , "for one day of thy sojourning." Double. A double measure of blessing in compensation for past suffering (Isa_40:2; Isa_61:7). There ought to be a full stop at the end of this verse, as in the Revised Version.
Zec_9:13
The Lord proceeds to explain the promised blessings in detail. First is signified the victorious resistance of the Maccabees against the Seleucidae—a figure of Messiah's victory over all the enemies of God. When (for) I have bent Judah for me. The verbs are in the prophetical perfect, and may be rendered future By a grand figure God is represented as a warrior armed for battle, who uses his people for the weapons of his warfare. The Hebrews speak of "treading" the bow, where we say "bend," because they used the foot in bending it. In the present case Judah is God's bow. Filled the bow with Ephraim. Ephraim is the arrow (comp. Psa_127:4, Psa_127:5). Judah and Ephraim, the united people, are God's instruments, and fight against the world power in his strength. And raised up; better, and I will stir up; Septuagint, ἐξεγερῶ : Vulgate, suscitabo. Greece; Javan. Not a vague term for the tar west, whither some prisoners had been carried, but to be taken strictly as the appellation of Greece. Nothing but inspiration could have enabled Zechariah and Daniel to foresee the rise of the Macedonian dynasty, and the struggle between the Jews and the Syro-Grecian power in Maccabean times, which is here plainly announced. The earlier the date assigned to this part of Zechariah's prophecy, the more incredible is it that any mere human sagacity or prescience should have enabled a man to fore. tell these events, or to see in Greece a power arrayed in conflict with the people of God. And made thee; rather, and I will make thee. God will make his people into a hero's sword to execute vengeance on the enemy.
Zec_9:14
The Lord shall be seen over them. To encourage the chosen people in the contest, the Lord shall make iris presence manifest as their Leader. His arrow. God's arrows are the judgments which he inflicts upon his enemies, which come forth suddenly as the lightning flash, and cannot be avoided (Psa_18:14; Hab_3:11). Shall blow the trumpet. As the signal of battle and calamity (Num_10:9; Jdg_7:19, Jdg_7:20; Eze_7:14; Amo_3:6; Zep_1:16). Whirlwinds of the south. He shall come upon the enemy and sweep them away with irresistible force. Storms from the south were the most violent, coming from the Arabian desert (Job_37:9; Isa_21:1; Hos_13:15). Septuagint, Πορεύσεται ἐν σάλῳ ἀπειλῆς αὐτοῦ ," He shall go in the surge of his menace."
Zec_9:15
Shall defend them; ὑπερασπιεῖ αὐτούς , "shall put his shield over them". There are numerous examples, in the Books of Maccabees, of God's special interposition in his people's favour, and thus far and in part fulfilling this prophecy (see 1 Macc. 3:16-24; 4:6-16; 7:40-50; 2 Macc. 2:21, 22; 3:24, etc.; 5:2-4; 11:8; 12:11,15, 22, 28, 37; 15:7, etc.). They shall devour. The prophet seems to have had in view Num_23:24, where Israel is compared to a lion, eating of the prey and drinking the blood of the slain. So here he says they shall "devour," i.e. the flesh of their enemies (comp. Mic_5:8). Subdue with sling stones. So the Vulgate, and virtually the Septuagint, taking the case of the noun as instrumental; but it is best to take it as accusative of the object, as in the margin of the Authorized Version, "They shall tread down the stones of the sling." The "slingstones" are the enemies, as in the next verse "the stones of a crown" are the Jews; and the sentence means that the Jews shall tread their enemies underfoot like spent slingstones, which are of no account. Or it may signify simply and without metaphor that they shall despise the enemies' missiles, which shall fall harmless among them (Job_41:28, Job_41:29). They shall drink the blood of the slain, like lions. Make a noise. As men exhilarated with wine. Vulgate, Bibentes inebriabuntur quasi a vino (Isa_49:26; Eze_39:17-19). Shall be filled like bowls. They shall be filled with blood like the sacrificial vessels in which the blood of victims was received (Zec_14:20). The corners of the altar. The blood was also sprinkled on the corners or sides of the altar (Le Num_1:5, Num_1:11; Num_3:2). There may be included the notion that the war against God's enemies was a sacred war, and accepted by him as a sacrifice. In the Maccabean struggle the bloodshed was often very considerable (see 1 Macc. 7:32, 46; 11:47; 2 Macc. 8:30; 10:17, 23, 31, etc.).
Zec_9:16
Shall save them. He shall give them a positive blessing beyond mere deliverance from enemies. Keil, "Shall endow them with salvation." As the flock of his people; so the Vulgate; literally, as a flock, his people; Septuagint, ὡς πρόβατα , λαὸν αὐτοῦ . He will tend his people as a shepherd tends his flock (Psa_77:20; Psa_100:3; Jer_23:1; Eze_34:2, Eze_34:8, etc.), So Christ calls himself the "good Shepherd," and his followers "little flock" (Joh_10:11; Luk_12:32). Stones of a crown. The valuable gems set in crowns and diadems, or in the high priest's official dress. The people shall be in God's sight as precious as these in the eyes of men, and shall be highly exalted. The Septuagint and Vulgate render, "sacred stones;" and Knabenbauer thinks that by the term is meant the temple of God, which shall arise or shine in the Holy Laud, as a reward for its faithful defence. But the sense given above is satisfactory and simpler. Lifted up as an ensign upon his land; better, as the Revised Version margin, glittering upon his land. "His" may refer to Jehovah, or Israel; probably the latter is meant. The "land" is the crown or diadem in which the precious stones, the redeemed people, are set. They shall be raised to the highest possible glory and honour. If the words be taken in the sense of "raised on high over his land," they must be considered to indicate that the crown which contained the gems shall be raised aloft in victorious triumph.
Zec_9:17
His goodness. The goodness, i.e. the prosperity, of Israel or the land. Revised Version margin, "their prosperity." If the affix "his" is referred to Jehovah, the nouns "goodness" and "beauty" must be taken, not as his attributes, but as gifts bestowed by him, the prosperity and beauty which he confers. But it is more suitable to the context to consider the reference to be to the people, who in the next clause are divided into young men and maidens, and to take the "goodness," or goodliness, as appertaining more especially to the former, and the "beauty" to the latter. His beauty (comp. Eze_16:14). (For the Messianic interpretation, see Psa_45:2; Isa_33:17.) Corn … new wine. This is an expression often found to denote great abundance and prosperity. The two are distributed poetically between the youths and maidens (Deu_33:28; Psa_72:16; Jer_31:12, Jer_31:13; Joe_2:18, Joe_2:19). Make … cheerful; literally, make sprout. It probably refers to the increase of population occurring in times of plenty. This outward prosperity is a symbol of God's favour and the uprightness of the people. In these things, too, we may see adumbrated the spiritual blessings of the gospel, which are, as corn and wine, to strengthen and refresh the soul.
(1) to the circumstances it came in;
(2) to the path it followed; and
(3) to the marks it left.
I. THE CIRCUMSTANCES IT CAME IN. It was a time when the "eyes of man," and especially (so Pusey, in loc.) "of all the tribes of Israel," should be "toward the Lord." This seems to describe, first and generally, a condition of expectation and wonder—perhaps also of fear (see Luk_21:26). Secondly, and more particularly, and it may be of the "tribes of Israel" especially, a spirit of trust and reverence (see Psa_5:3; 2Ch_20:12; Psa_145:15; Psa_123:2; Isa_17:7, Isa_17:8). If so, we may find that in the history supposed to be referred to which corresponds in both respects very exactly. How certainly great, for example, was the expectation and wondering fear of the inhabitants of the East at large, after the astounding victory of Alexander at Issus, when he first sent his general and turned his attention to Syria and Damascus! How exceedingly natural, also, that the marvellous speed and completeness of his triumph should remind "the tribes of Israel" of Dan_8:1-8, Dan_8:20, Dan_8:21, and so fix their eyes on their own Jehovah in adoration and trust! This almost certain, indeed, if we believe what Josephus tells us of the prophecies of Daniel being afterwards shown to Alexander.
II. THE PATH WHICH THIS VISITATION FOLLOWED. Three principal stages are mentioned in the prophecy.
1. Where the "visitation" began; viz. (see verse 1) in the land of Damascus and Hadrach, a principal city, as only lately known (see Pusey), of Syria, towards the northeast.
2. Where it went next; viz. to Tyrus and Zidon (vote. 2 4), cities of Phoenicia, travelling west.
3. Where it went last; viz. to the cities of the Philistines (verses 5, 6), travelling south. Three corresponding stages are also traceable in the history referred to. So Pusey writes, "The selection of the places and of the whole line of country corresponds very exactly to the march of Alexander after the battle of Issue, when the capture of Damascus, which Darius had chosen as the strong depository of his wealth, etc; opened Coele-Syria; Zidon surrendered; Tyre was taken; Gaza resisted, was taken, and, it is said, plucked up." Also Eichhorn, as there quoted, "All the chief places, which Alexander, after the battle of Issue, either took possession of or conquered, are named one by one—the land of Hadrach, Damascus and Hamath, Tyre and Zidon, Ashkelon, Gaza, Ekron, and Ashdod."
III. THE MARKS IT LEFT. Here, again, in the prediction, the description is threefold. In the country of Hadrach and Damascus and their neighbouring city Hamath ("Hamath, which bordereth thereby," so some), the great mark was the abiding character of the visitation, or "burden." There judgment was to come first, and them to remain. In the case of Tyrus (Zidon being only mentioned parenthetically), the result, notwithstanding all her wisdom (Eze_28:2, Eze_28:3), strength, wealth, and power, would be her total overthrow and destruction by fire. In the cities of Philistia the results would be fear, sorrow, disappointment; in one case, the loss of the ruler (verse 5); in another (verse 5), the loss of inhabitants; in all, the abasement of "pride." More briefly still—"subjugated," "ruined," "humbled"—so would this visitation, according to this prediction, leave these three lands. According to the history, we read the same. "The Syrians, not as yet tamed by the losses of war, despised the new empire; but, swiftly subdued, they did obediently what they were commanded" (Q. Curtius, quoted by Pusey). Of Tyre we read, in the pages of history, as to her "stronghold" and her "power on the sea," and wealth, that the inhabitants "determined to resist Alexander, trusting in the strength of the island, and the stores laid up," as also that they "mocked at the king, as though he thought to prevail against Neptune." As to her "wisdom," we read of "unwearied inventiveness of defence," etc. As to the result, that "Alexander, having slain all save those who fled to the temples, ordered the houses to be set on fire." Of Gaza, which had had kings for fifteen hundred years, that Betis, its "king," after a two months' siege, was dragged to death at the chariot wheels of his conqueror (see further Pusey and Wardlaw, in loc.). This passage, thus interpreted, may seem to illustrate, in conclusion:
1. The imperfection of man's knowledge. This city, Hadrach, which turns out to have been most conspicuous and important for many generations, afterwards for many generations is so forgotten that its very name is a riddle. How much beside, therefore, has doubtless been so buried by time that all traces of it are gone!
2. The perfection of God's knowledge. He knows even the future infinitely better than we do the past. Doubtless, on this account, there are some touches in this prediction which we cannot appreciate, but which may, however, have been of peculiar interest to devout Jews at this time.
Zec_9:7, Zec_9:8
(1) indirectly, by converting their enemies; and
(2) directly, by defending themselves.
I. IN CONVERTING THEIR ENEMIES. (Comp. Pro_16:7.) Of this conversion, as described in Zec_9:7, three things should be noted.
1. Its completeness. This evidenced, partly, by the doing away of that especial outward token of religious distinction connected with "eating the blood" (see Le 17:10, 11; Psa_16:4; Eze_33:25); and partly, also, by the fact of this greatly prized heathen indulgence being given up when "between the teeth," and so when most enticing and pleasant (comp. Jon_3:8, "the violence that is in their hands").
2. Its extent. It would apply to all the Philistines that "remained;" and to all of them, also, in such a manner that every one of them individually ("he that remaineth, even he") should be on the God of Israel's side.
3. Its importance. Every individual so gained would he as great a source of strength as a "governor," or captain of a thousand; and every band of them as great an advantage as when their originally indomitable enemy, the "Jebusite," became, in the person of Ornan or Araunah, the king-like giver of the very site on which their temple was built (see Jos_15:60; Jdg_1:21; 1Ch_21:15; 2Sa_24:18; 1Ch_22:1). In supposed fulfilment of all this, some have noticed what Josephus relates as to the way in which the Philistines, many years afterwards, identified themselves with the Jews. But we are, perhaps, on safer ground if we notice, with a similar view, how completely, in New Testament times, the Philistines have disappeared from sight as enemies of the Jews; and how much, also, we read of the early triumphs of the gospel in their part of the land (see the mission of St. Peter as related in Act_9:32-43; Act_10:1-48.; Act_11:1-18). Was not Cornelius as important to the Gentile Church as Araunah to the Jewish temple?
II. IN DEFENDING THEMSELVES. Here also three features to be specially marked. Notice:
1. The completeness of this defence. In many ways there would be danger: in the mere existence of an "army" or hostile body; in its close proximity to them when in movement, and that, both when "passing by" and also when "returning;" perhaps, also, in the terrible character and exceptional might of that army's commander, as signified by what is twice said here so emphatically about "him" in connection with its movements. From all these dangers defence is here promised.
2. Its secret. By God's own hand: "I will encamp" (comp. Psa_20:7; Psa_34:7; 2Ki_6:17). For the sake of God's own house, some expressly render the words, "about mine house" (comp. Psa_122:9; 1Ki_8:29).
3. Its results; viz. comparative freedom from oppression to God's people till their then work should be accomplished. They might be visited; they might be attacked; but they would not, as before, be left to the oppressor's mercy and will. In apparent fulfilment of this part of the prophecy, we may notice, in the pages of history, how Alexander, when engaged in besieging Tyre, demanded the assistance of the Jews; how the high priest, Jaddua, refused on account of his previous oath to Darius; how Alexander threatened Jerusalem in consequence; how, after destroying Gaza, he passed by them to subdue Egypt; how he returned thence, vowing vengeance; how Jaddua and the priests met him, and showed him the prophecies of Daniel; how Alexander is said to have recognized in Jaddua the same man as had long previously appeared to him in a dream; how, on all these accounts, he not only spared the Jews, but promoted them, and laid the foundation of a policy in regard to them which helped to preserve them till New Testament times (see Josephus and other authorities, as quoted by Wardlaw, and by Pusey in 'Minor Prophets,' and 'Daniel the Prophet').
Thus regarded, we seem taught for ourselves:
1. How God preserves those that are his—how variously; how wonderfully; how abundantly. Though unarmed themselves, they not only escape, they more than disarm, the vengeance of the conqueror of the world.
2. Why God preserves them, viz. because of their connection with his "temple"—in other words, with his Son (comp. Joh_2:19-21; Col_2:9; 1Ti_2:5; Act_4:12; Act_10:43; Act_13:39, etc.).
Zec_9:9-12
(1) to Zion herself; or
(2) to her Gentile neighbours; or
(3) to mankind at large.
I. TO ZION HERSELF. Consider:
1. The purpose of his coming, viz.:
(1) To save his people, not to condemn them (Luk_9:56; Joh_3:17, etc.). This the more necessary to specify, because of the righteousness or justice so specially attributed to him in this place. Although "just," he is coming to pardon.
(2) To save his people indeed. To save them not only from the guilt, but also from the practice and power of their sins; calling "sinners," but calling them to "repentance." Although coming to pardon, he is just (Rom_3:26).
2. The manner of his coming. How admirably this corresponds to his purpose! Being a King, he appears (for once at least) in befitting state, riding on an animal never employed before. Being also a Saviour, he comes in mercy and meekness, in the lowliest way a king could.
II. TO THE HEATHEN NEIGHBOURS OF ZION. As shown by the description given here:
1. Of the aspect of his kingdom towards them. "He shall Speak peace to the heathen" (Zec_9:10). The Jews themselves seem to have expected otherwise; as shown to some extent by such passages as Act_1:6; Mar_10:37; and specially by the extreme unwillingness of the Apostle Peter to treat any Gentile whatever (Act_10:4) as otherwise than common or unclean. This "enmity" (Eph_2:16) was to be so completely "taken away" that the very weapons of warfare were to be "cut off" and perish. A cause for rejoicing, indeed, when accomplished, both to believing Jews (Act_11:18) and to Gentiles (Act_13:48).
2. Of the extent of his kingdom among them. "From sea to sea," etc. (Mar_10:10). The reference, apparently, is to Psa_72:8; also to the promise to Abraham in Gen_15:18; and ultimately to Psa_2:8. How this was fulfilled in gospel times we learn from such passages as Act_11:26 and Act_17:6; Rom_15:19; Col_1:6.
III. TO MANKIND AT LARGE. Whether we consider:
1. The kind of persons saved. These would appear (from Col_1:11) to be the worst cases of all—persons needing salvation the most. They are described as being persons in prison; as being in its lowest part, perhaps in its "pit;" as being there without means of subsistence; as having their life, in fact, like Joseph in Gen_37:24, Gen_37:27, only not gone.
2. The kind of salvation vouchsafed.
(1) Its certainty. A matter of "covenant" (Gen_37:12)—of a covenant still binding, renewed "today;" a covenant made by the greatest of all beings, and in the most solemn of all methods, viz. by shedding of "blood" (see 1Pe_1:19, etc.).
(2) Its fulness. "I will render double unto thee." Not merely as the offence" is this "free gift" (Rom_5:15), though that would be surprising enough. It is very "much more," even "double" (comp. Isa_40:2; Isa_61:7).
CONCLUSION. How great cause, in all this, for us, too, to rejoice! If the prospect was good, the fulfilment is better (Mat_13:16, Mat_13:17; Heb_11:13, Heb_11:39, Heb_11:40; 1Pe_1:10-12). If the mere hope was so bright, how much better the harvest! How great cause, also, for taking warning! The fuller the salvation, the greater the peril of rejecting it (Heb_2:1-3; Heb_10:28, Heb_10:29). The more complete, also, its provisions, the more final. "There remaineth no more sacrifice for sin;" "Last of all he sent unto them his Son"
Zec_9:13-17
I. AS TO WAR. Under this head we may notice:
1. The description of the combatants. On the one hand, "Judah," "Ephraim," and "Zion," representing probably the Jewish people at large, as specially identified with the worship of Jehovah, the true God (Psa_87:2). On the other hand, "Greece," as probably representing the heathen at large (Zec_9:10), in connection with those mythological fictions and philosophical inquiries in which the "sons" of Greece took the lead. When did these combatants and these systems of thought come into conflict? Even when God raised up those Jewish apostles of Christ (so it has been answered), who, by the preaching of the cross, attacked and overcame the religion and wisdom of Greece (1Co_1:18-24). This was most truly a kind of "war," which also spoke "peace" (Zec_9:10); a war, also, in which the "Word of the Lord out of Zion" (Isa_2:3) was as a "sword" (Eph_6:17) in God's hand.
2. The description of the conflict. Was not the Lord truly "seen over," or with these combatants for his truth (Mar_16:20; Heb_2:3, Heb_2:4)? Did not God's Word also, as spoken by them, find its mark like an "arrow" (Act_2:37; 1Co_14:24, 1Co_14:25)? Did it not shake and overthrow many deeply rooted convictions, like the "trumpet" of Jericho, as though by its sound (Act_17:6)? And overcome apparently insuperable obstacles as though by a "whirlwind" (2Co_10:4, 2Co_10:5)? Did not God again specially "defend" these combatants when endangered (Act_5:23; Act_12:1-17; Act_14:20, Act_14:21; Act_16:26; Act_19:23-41; Act_21:32, etc.)? Did they not also, with their weapons of peace, "devour and subdue" those weapons of war, "the stones of the sling" (margin), spreading the gospel even when destroyed themselves (Act_11:19-21)? And altogether were they not like men carried along as though with a holy "wine" from the "altar," in their fervour of zeal and success (Act_2:13; Act_26:24; 2Co_5:13)? In all these respects we seem to have here a faithful description of the earlier conquests of Christ's cross.
II. AS TO PEACE. Corresponding to this singular and hallowed warfare shall be its hallowed results. The Church, or congregation of God's believing people, shall be made thereby a new thing on the earth.
1. Externally; and that in three ways.
(1) As to members, Before "that day" the family of God was confined almost entirely to one little people and land. Now, those thus saved by him should be "as the flock of his people."
(2) As to appreciation. Like "the stones of a crown," like so many jewels, that is to say, not only most valuable in themselves, also most appreciatingly employed, shall his people then be. Compare the name of Peter, signifying "a Stone," and such passages as 1Pe_2:5; Rev_2:17; Rev_3:12.
(3) As to effect. The Church becoming then, like a "standard" or "ensign," something easily seen, readily recognized, and faithfully followed (comp. So Rev_6:10). So numerous, so illustrious, so conspicuous, was the New Testament Church, on the one hand, to become. Just so, on the other hand, with all its faults and corruptions, has it actually been!
2. Internally. And this, in turn, manifested in three different ways.
(1) In a special sense of God's love. "How great is his goodness!" (comp. Joh_3:16; 1Jn_3:1; 1Jn_4:16, 1Jn_4:17; Rom_5:5; Eph_2:4-7).
(2) In a special sense of God's perfections. "How great is his beauty!" (Compare such passages as Rom_3:25, Rom_3:26; Rom_11:33; 1Co_1:24, 1Co_1:25, 1Co_1:30.)
(3) In a special consequent sense of satisfaction and rest; and that amongst all. "Corn shall make the young men cheerful, and new wine the maids." Illustrated, perhaps, by such passages as Mat_11:28-30; Rom_5:1, Rom_5:2; Act_16:34; Rom_15:13; 1Co_3:21-23; and it may he also, if we look to the margin, by Act_2:16-18; Act_21:4, Act_21:9. Never have all these things been so deeply and so commonly felt in the "Israel of God," as since the days when the apostles first went forth to preach Christ.
From the various predicted changes thus accomplished, we may see, in conclusion:
1. The supernatural origin of Christianity. Physically, the Roman conquered the world. Intellectually, the Greek conquered the Roman. Spiritually, the Jew has conquered them both. A little society, formed originally out of the most despised of the nations, and principally, if not exclusively, out of the most despised of its provinces (Act_2:7; Joh_7:52), has become the ruling society upon earth. Can we help saying as in Psa_118:23?
2. The supernatural value of Christianity. Is there any system to be compared with it as to the blessings it bestows? Can the statement of 1Ti_4:8 be made of any other religion as it can of this one? Can anything else also so completely satisfy all the cravings of our nature (see Joh_4:14)?
II. THE BRIGHT SIDE. Eye of kindness. Hand of gracious interposition. Incorporation of Jews and Gentiles in one glorious Church.
1. Divine protection. "Encamp," etc.
2. Righteous freedom. No more taskmasters, as in Egypt.
3. Grateful service.—F.
Zec_9:9
II. PASSIONATE LONGING. The heart yearns for what is best. The need presses. Circumstances now and again arise that intensify the feeling and the cry. There is so much to be done—evils to remove, wrongs to be redressed, rights and liberties to be secured. Oh for the coming of the true King! "What he tells us to do must be precisely wisest, fittest, that we can anywhere or anyhow learn, the thing which it will in all ways behove us, with right loyal thankfulness and nothing doubting, to do. Our doing and life were then, so far as government would regulate them, well regulated" (Carlyle).
III. IMMORTAL HOPE. There have been kings, good, bad, and indifferent. Some began well, but did little. The best have come far short of the highest standard. The true King "not yet." Still hope. Faith in the possibilities of human nature; above all, faith in the promise of God.
"Ring out false pride in place and blood,
The civic slander and the spite;
Ring in the love of truth and right,
Ring in the common love of good....
Ring in the valiant man and free,
The larger heart, the kindlier hand;
Ring out the darkness of the land.
Ring in the Christ that is to be."
—F.
Zec_9:9, Zec_9:10
I. THE GREATNESS OF HIS NATURE. Son of man. Son of God. Dignity commanding the highest homage.
II. THE BEAUTY OF HIS CHARACTER. Everything in him that is true and fair and good. He is altogether lovely.
1. Just. Fulfils all righteousness.
2. Merciful. Stoops to the lowest. Kind to the poorest. Equitable to all.
3. Humble. Meek and lowly.
III. THE GLORY OF HIS REIGN.
1. Empire spiritual. His kingdom is "within." He writes his Jaws upon the heart.
2. Based on the free convictions and love of the people. His subjects do not bow the knee in form, but in truth. They honour him not with mere lip service or state ceremonials, but with the homage of the heart.
3. Characterized by righteousness and peace. "Salvation" is brought by him to all. He not only pardons the rebel, but converts him into a loyal subject. He not only emancipates the slave, but binds him forever to himself in grateful devotion. He not only rescues the lost, but unites them with all the redeemed in one holy and loving brotherhood.
4. Destined to universality and immortality. Of his kingdom there shall be no end.—F.
Zec_9:11, Zec_9:12
II. GOD-PITIED. Though we have cast off God, he has not cast off us. He is long suffering and merciful. His voice to us is fall of pity and inspires ho