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

The elders of Jerusalem are likened to a torch in a heap of firewood, or a blazing torch that has consumed much. This vivid imagery signifies their ability to cause destruction among their enemies, much like a burning torch ignites dry wood, or the immense heat generated when many torches are gathered. It points to a potent and decisive spiritual and perhaps physical force unleashed upon those who would oppress them. The elders represent the leadership and heritage of Zion, who, empowered by God, will actively contribute to the vanquishing of hostile nations.

Zechariah 12 5 Context

This verse is found within Zechariah chapter 12, which focuses on God's ultimate deliverance of Jerusalem from her enemies. The preceding verses describe an impending battle where all nations will gather against Jerusalem. Chapter 12 shifts to God's intervention and the ultimate fate of these nations. Verse 5 specifically describes the internal strength and decisive impact of Jerusalem's leadership—the elders—in the context of this divine victory. The broader historical context involves the period after the Babylonian exile, with ongoing tensions and potential threats to the restored community in Jerusalem. The prophecy offers assurance of God's protection and judgment against aggressors.

Zechariah 12 5 Word Analysis

• And (וְ): Conjunction, linking this verse to the preceding descriptions of God's actions and judgment.
• the governors (הַשָּׂרִים): (ha-sarim) from שַׂר (sar), meaning chief, prince, ruler, captain. Refers to leaders, commanders, or nobles, not necessarily exclusively the elderly but those in positions of authority.
• of Judah (יְהוּדָה): (Yehudah) Judah, the most prominent tribe and later the southern kingdom. Refers to the people or the territory of Judah, encompassing Jerusalem.
• shall be like: A future tense affirmation of their state or capacity.
• a hearth (מַחְתָּה): (mach'tah) A fire pan or censer, used for carrying coals or incense.
• of firewood (בְּעִים): (ba'im) Plural of בְּעִיר (ba'ir), meaning fuel, pasture, cattle used for plowing; here implies material for burning, such as dry wood.
• or (וּכְ): (u'k'h) Conjunction, indicating an alternative or an additional similitude.
• a torch (לַפִּיד): (lapid) A flame, a torch.
• in a sheaf (בְּעָמִיר): (b'amir) Bundle, sheaf of grain or straw. Something easily combustible when ignited.
• and: Conjunction.
• shall devour (וְאָכְלוּ): (v'achlu) Future tense of אָכַל (achal), to eat, consume. Signifies a rapid and thorough destruction.
• all (כָּל): (kol) All, every. Emphasizes totality.
• the surrounding nations (הָעַמִּים הַסָּבִיב): (ha'amim ha'saviv) The nations round about. Refers to those nations hostile to Israel and Jerusalem.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "the governors of Judah shall be like a hearth of firewood": This phrase personifies the leadership as a source of immense, destructive heat, capable of igniting and consuming anything in its vicinity, emphasizing their capacity to inflict severe damage on their foes through God's power.
• "or a torch in a sheaf": This elaborates on the destructive capability. A torch set to a bundle of dry grain (or straw) represents an easily ignitable and rapidly spreading conflagration, highlighting the swift and widespread devastation they will bring.
• "and shall devour all the surrounding nations": This completes the imagery, showing that the effect of this fiery power will be comprehensive, consuming all nations that are positioned against them.

Zechariah 12 5 Bonus Section

The concept of God using His people, even their leadership, as instruments of fire is not unique to Zechariah. This verse resonates with themes of divine judgment found throughout Scripture, where fire often symbolizes purification, judgment, and the overwhelming power of God. The elders being compared to "a hearth of firewood" or "a torch in a sheaf" implies an almost elemental, irresistible force that can be ignited by God's Spirit. This verse anticipates a future where the remnant, empowered by divine presence, actively participates in bringing about the overthrow of opposition, rather than being solely passive recipients of deliverance.

Zechariah 12 5 Commentary

The elders of Judah are not merely passive observers in the coming conflict; they are depicted as active agents of God's judgment. Their role is characterized by fervent energy and devastating effectiveness. They will be like an inextinguishable fire, consuming their enemies. This signifies not just military might, but also a powerful spiritual force unleashed upon those who oppose God’s people and purposes. The imagery points to God Himself empowering His leaders, making them instruments of His righteous judgment against the nations surrounding Jerusalem.