What does Zechariah 9:1 mean?
"The burden of the word of the LORD in the land of Hadrach, and Damascus shall be the rest thereof: when the eyes of man, as of all the tribes of Israel, shall be toward the LORD." - Zechariah 9:1
Zechariah 9:1 - "The burden of the word of the LORD in the land of Hadrach, and Damascus shall be the rest thereof: when the eyes of man, as of all the tribes of Israel, shall be toward the LORD."
Zechariah 9:1 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "The burden of the word of the Lord in the land of Hadrach, and Damascus shall be the rest thereof: when the eyes of man, as of all the tribes of Israel, shall be toward the Lord."
The book of Zechariah is one of the twelve Minor Prophets in the Old Testament. The book is a collection of prophecies delivered by the prophet Zechariah, who was tasked with the responsibility of encouraging the people of Judah to complete the reconstruction of the temple in Jerusalem following their return from exile in Babylon. In Zechariah 9:1, the prophet is delivering a message from the Lord regarding the land of Hadrach and the city of Damascus.
The verse begins with the phrase, "The burden of the word of the Lord," signaling that the message that follows is a weighty or significant one. The term "burden" is often used in the context of prophetic messages, indicating that the prophet is carrying a heavy message from the Lord that he is compelled to share with the people.
The mention of the land of Hadrach is significant as it was a region located to the north of Damascus, which was a powerful city in the ancient Near East. The inclusion of these geographical locations indicates that the prophecy is not limited to Judah but extends to the surrounding nations as well.
The verse goes on to declare that "Damascus shall be the rest thereof." This expression has been interpreted in different ways by scholars, but it likely refers to the fact that Damascus, like Hadrach, will experience a period of peace or stability. The mention of Damascus in this context is a reminder that God's sovereignty extends beyond the borders of Judah and that His plans and purposes encompass all nations.
The latter part of the verse states, "when the eyes of man, as of all the tribes of Israel, shall be toward the Lord." This is a call to the people to turn their attention and focus towards the Lord. It emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance and direction, especially in times of uncertainty or upheaval. The phrase "all the tribes of Israel" reinforces the idea that the message is for the entirety of God's chosen people, not just a specific group or region.
In this verse, Zechariah is addressing not only the immediate concerns of his audience but also delivering a message of hope and restoration for the future. The mention of Hadrach and Damascus serves as a reminder that God's plans extend beyond the borders of Judah and that His sovereignty is not limited to a particular geographical location.
In a broader sense, Zechariah 9:1 speaks to the universal nature of God's redemptive work. It reminds the reader that God's plans and purposes are not confined to a specific group or nation but encompass all people. It also emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance and direction in all circumstances.
In terms of symbolism, the mention of Hadrach and Damascus can be seen as representative of the broader scope of God's redemptive plan. The inclusion of these locations serves as a reminder that God is not confined by national boundaries and that His plans encompass all nations.
Overall, Zechariah 9:1 is a powerful proclamation of God's sovereignty and universal reign. It reminds the reader that God's plans extend beyond the immediate concerns of the people of Judah and encompass the wider world. The verse also serves as a call to the people to turn their focus towards the Lord and seek His guidance in all things.
Zechariah 9:1 Artwork
Zechariah 9:1 - "The burden of the word of the LORD in the land of Hadrach, and Damascus shall be the rest thereof: when the eyes of man, as of all the tribes of Israel, shall be toward the LORD."
1 Chronicles 9:37 - "And Gedor, and Ahio, and Zechariah, and Mikloth."
1 Chronicles 9:21 - "And Zechariah the son of Meshelemiah was porter of the door of the tabernacle of the congregation."
Zechariah 1:9 - "Then said I, O my lord, what are these? And the angel that talked with me said unto me, I will shew thee what these be."
Zechariah 6:9 - "¶ And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"
Zechariah 1:1 - "In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying,"
Zechariah 9:6 - "And a bastard shall dwell in Ashdod, and I will cut off the pride of the Philistines."
Zechariah 9:2 - "And Hamath also shall border thereby; Tyrus, and Zidon, though it be very wise."
Zechariah 7:1 - "And it came to pass in the fourth year of king Darius, that the word of the LORD came unto Zechariah in the fourth day of the ninth month, even in Chisleu;"
Zechariah 1:20 - "And the LORD shewed me four carpenters."
Zechariah 14:9 - "And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one."
1 Chronicles 24:25 - "The brother of Michah was Isshiah: of the sons of Isshiah; Zechariah."
Zechariah 1:2 - "The LORD hath been sore displeased with your fathers."
Zechariah 8:1 - "Again the word of the LORD of hosts came to me, saying,"
Zechariah 12:9 - "¶ And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem."
Zechariah 7:9 - "Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother:"
Zechariah 1:5 - "Your fathers, where are they? and the prophets, do they live for ever?"
Zechariah 9:3 - "And Tyrus did build herself a strong hold, and heaped up silver as the dust, and fine gold as the mire of the streets."
Zechariah 1:7 - "¶ Upon the four and twentieth day of the eleventh month, which is the month Sebat, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying,"
Zechariah 1:18 - "¶ Then lifted I up mine eyes, and saw, and behold four horns."
Zechariah 1:13 - "And the LORD answered the angel that talked with me with good words and comfortable words."
1 Chronicles 5:7 - "And his brethren by their families, when the genealogy of their generations was reckoned, were the chief, Jeiel, and Zechariah,"
Zechariah 10:9 - "And I will sow them among the people: and they shall remember me in far countries; and they shall live with their children, and turn again."
Zechariah 9:11 - "As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water."
Zechariah 14:1 - "Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee."
Zechariah 11:1 - "Open thy doors, O Lebanon, that the fire may devour thy cedars."
Zechariah 9:16 - "And the LORD their God shall save them in that day as the flock of his people: for they shall be as the stones of a crown, lifted up as an ensign upon his land."
Zechariah 9:12 - "¶ Turn you to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope: even to day do I declare that I will render double unto thee;"
Zechariah 9:17 - "For how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty! corn shall make the young men cheerful, and new wine the maids."
1 Chronicles 15:20 - "And Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with psalteries on Alamoth;"