Zechariah 12 5

Zechariah 12:5 kjv

And the governors of Judah shall say in their heart, The inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be my strength in the LORD of hosts their God.

Zechariah 12:5 nkjv

And the governors of Judah shall say in their heart, 'The inhabitants of Jerusalem are my strength in the LORD of hosts, their God.'

Zechariah 12:5 niv

Then the clans of Judah will say in their hearts, 'The people of Jerusalem are strong, because the LORD Almighty is their God.'

Zechariah 12:5 esv

Then the clans of Judah shall say to themselves, 'The inhabitants of Jerusalem have strength through the LORD of hosts, their God.'

Zechariah 12:5 nlt

And the clans of Judah will say to themselves, 'The people of Jerusalem have found strength in the LORD of Heaven's Armies, their God.'

Zechariah 12 verses

Zechariah 12 5 Meaning

Zechariah 12:5 foretells a profound transformation in the perception of the leaders of Judah. Witnessing God's miraculous defense of Jerusalem against its enemies, they will recognize and confess deeply in their hearts that their own strength, as well as the strength of Jerusalem's inhabitants, is solely derived from the LORD of hosts, their God. This declaration signifies a shift from potential human reliance to a full acknowledgment of divine power as the ultimate source of security and might for God's people.

Zechariah 12 5 Context

Zechariah chapter 12 is part of the final section of Zechariah's prophecies (chapters 9-14), often referred to as the "Burden concerning Israel" or the "Second Oracle." This section is highly eschatological, describing future events surrounding God's ultimate salvation of His people and the establishment of His kingdom. Chapter 12 specifically focuses on the climactic siege of Jerusalem by all surrounding nations in the last days. It describes God's miraculous intervention to make Jerusalem an immovable burden to its enemies (v. 2-4) and promises the utter defeat of those nations. Verse 5 is a pivotal moment, immediately following the description of God's active defense of Jerusalem. It captures the spiritual awakening and recognition by the leaders of Judah that their ultimate power, and Jerusalem's, resides in the LORD alone, leading into a deeper national repentance. Historically, the post-exilic community faced vulnerability and the constant threat of larger empires, making the promise of divine strength and protection particularly resonant, even if its ultimate fulfillment is still future.

Zechariah 12 5 Word analysis

• Then (וְהָיָה, v'haya): This conjunctive indicates a consequence or development that will happen after the preceding events (God's protective actions described in Zech 12:1-4). It signals a significant turning point or a divinely ordained outcome.
• the chiefs (נְגִידֵי, negidei) of Judah: Refers to the influential leaders, governors, or princes of the territory of Judah, separate from Jerusalem's inhabitants. Their realization carries significant authority and implications for the entire region. This emphasizes the unity that will be forged between the general populace of Judah and those dwelling within Jerusalem, under a common understanding of divine power.
• shall say in their hearts (יֹאמְרוּ בִלְבָבָם, yomru bilvavam): This denotes a deep, sincere conviction and an internal, spiritual acknowledgment, not merely an outward verbal statement. It implies a transformation of belief and a fundamental shift in their understanding and reliance, stemming from an undeniable divine demonstration.
• 'Strength for me and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem is in the LORD of hosts, their God.' (כֹּחַ לִי וְלִיֹּשְׁבֵי יְרוּשָׁלַ‍ִם בַּיהוָה צְבָאוֹת אֱלֹהֵיהֶם, koach li u'liyoshvei Yerushalaim ba'YHWH Ts'vaot Eloheichem): This is the direct quote from the heart of Judah's leaders. The phrase "strength for me and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem" explicitly states that Judah's leaders include themselves in this acknowledgment. It's a recognition of shared divine empowerment, affirming their unity with Jerusalem in God's power. It challenges any notion of self-sufficiency or reliance on human alliances.
• the LORD of hosts (בַּיהוָה צְבָאוֹת, b'Yahweh Ts'vaot), their God (אֱלֹהֵיהֶם, Eloheichem): This majestic title, "LORD of hosts," portrays God as the divine warrior, commander of all heavenly and earthly armies, highlighting His absolute sovereignty and immense power. "Their God" personalizes this immense power, emphasizing His covenant relationship and faithful protection of His people. It unites supreme might with intimate belonging.

Zechariah 12 5 Bonus section

The recognition of divine strength by Judah's leaders (Zech 12:5) plays a crucial role in preparing them for the deep repentance described later in Zech 12:10-14. By first understanding who delivered them, they become ready to lament for whom they have pierced, signifying that the turning to God as Protector naturally leads to a turning from sin. This demonstrates that an awareness of God's saving power often precedes and facilitates genuine spiritual transformation and national reconciliation within His people.

Zechariah 12 5 Commentary

Zechariah 12:5 captures a pivotal moment of spiritual awakening and corporate unity for God's people. As nations gather against Jerusalem in the final eschatological conflict, God intervenes dramatically, protecting His city. It is after this divine intervention that the leaders of Judah, observing God's active defense of Jerusalem (described in preceding verses), come to a profound realization. Their acknowledgment, spoken "in their hearts," is more than a casual observation; it is a deep-seated confession of faith. They understand that their own power, distinct from that of Jerusalem, as well as Jerusalem's capacity to stand firm against overwhelming odds, is not due to military might or human strategy, but wholly to "the LORD of hosts, their God." This marks a significant internal shift, uniting Judah with Jerusalem under the banner of their common reliance on God's invincible strength. It forecasts a time when internal divisions will give way to a unified spiritual conviction, recognizing God alone as their deliverer and the source of all victory. This realization sets the stage for the subsequent national mourning and repentance over the pierced one (Zech 12:10).