Zechariah 9 1

Zechariah 9:1 kjv

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 nkjv

The burden of the word of the LORD Against the land of Hadrach, And Damascus its resting place (For the eyes of men And all the tribes of Israel Are on the LORD);

Zechariah 9:1 niv

A prophecy: The word of the LORD is against the land of Hadrak and will come to rest on Damascus? for the eyes of all people and all the tribes of Israel are on the LORD?

Zechariah 9:1 esv

The oracle of the word of the LORD is against the land of Hadrach and Damascus is its resting place. For the LORD has an eye on mankind and on all the tribes of Israel,

Zechariah 9:1 nlt

This is the message from the LORD against the land of Aram and the city of Damascus, for the eyes of humanity, including all the tribes of Israel, are on the LORD.

Zechariah 9 verses

Zechariah 9 1 Meaning

Zechariah 9:1 is an oracle, a divinely given burden or message, from the LORD concerning judgment upon specific Gentile nations bordering Israel, beginning with the land of Hadrach and Damascus. This divine decree is a solemn pronouncement of God's sovereign power over these nations, asserting that His word will settle upon them. It also highlights a future transformative event: when people universally, paralleling the people of Israel, will fix their attention and hope upon the LORD.

Zechariah 9 1 Context

Zechariah 9:1 marks a significant transition within the book of Zechariah. The preceding chapters (1-8) focused primarily on the rebuilding of the temple and the spiritual restoration of the returned exiles in Jerusalem, largely through visions and encouraging words. Zechariah 9 begins the second major section of the book (chapters 9-14), often referred to as "Second Zechariah." This section adopts a more prophetic, apocalyptic, and eschatological tone, with less emphasis on visions and more on future events, the coming of the Messiah, and the ultimate salvation and judgment of God's people and the nations.

Verse 1 serves as an introductory heading to the oracle (oracles) that follow, outlining God's sovereign hand over surrounding nations before revealing details about the coming king and Israel's future. Historically, the mention of Hadrach and Damascus situates the prophecy in the geo-political landscape known to the post-exilic audience, highlighting powerful neighbors who were often rivals or threats. The shift to "when the eyes of man...shall be toward the LORD" points to a future global recognition of God's supremacy, stemming from His demonstrated power over these worldly powers.

Zechariah 9 1 Word analysis

• The burden: Hebrew: maśśāʾ (מַשָּׂא). This term often translates as "oracle," "prophetic utterance," or "heavy load/weight." In prophetic literature, it typically denotes a weighty, authoritative divine pronouncement, often with a severe or somber tone concerning judgment. It signifies a divine word that "rests" or "falls" upon something, much like a burden.
• of the word: Hebrew: dāḇār (דְּבַר). More than just a spoken word, dāḇār refers to a divine matter, affair, decree, or active principle. It indicates that the oracle is not a mere human thought but an authoritative, powerful declaration originating from God.
• of the LORD: Hebrew: YHWH (יְהוָה). The covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal, immutable, and sovereign nature. This reinforces that the entire oracle proceeds from the supreme, all-powerful God of Israel.
• in the land of Hadrach: Hebrew: bĕʾereṣ Ḥadrāḵ (בְּאֶרֶץ חַדְרָךְ). Hadrach was a regional power, likely an Aramaean kingdom in northern Syria, possibly centered around Aleppo or north of Hamath. While its precise location is debated among scholars, it was known to ancient Assyrian records and represented a significant geo-political entity bordering Israel. Its inclusion here shows the breadth of God's judgment over a region significant to Israel's ancient neighbors.
• and Damascus: Hebrew: Dammeseq (דַּמֶּשֶׂק). The capital city of Aram (Syria), a major regional power and a long-standing enemy of Israel throughout its history (e.g., in the time of the divided kingdom). Its prominent mention indicates it as a primary target of divine judgment, representing the broader northern enemies of Israel.
• shall be the rest thereof: Hebrew: mᵊnuḥāh (מְנוּחָה). This word can mean "rest," "resting place," "repose," or "settlement." In this context, it is widely interpreted as the place where the "burden" (the divine oracle or judgment) will settle or alight. Damascus will be the ultimate destination or the specific place upon which God's word of judgment firmly lands and accomplishes its purpose. It signifies the end or completion of God's action against it.
• when the eyes of man: Hebrew: ʿayin ʾāḏām (עֵין אָדָם). "Eyes" signify focus, attention, expectation, or direction of one's hope. "Man" (ʾāḏām) refers to humanity in general, implying a universal scope. This indicates a future time when human attention will universally shift.
• as of all the tribes of Israel: Hebrew: kaḵol šēḇeṭ Yiśrāʾēl (כְּכֹל שִׁבְטֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל). The "as of" suggests a comparison or an extension. While Israel is always directed towards the LORD, this clause implies that the nations (or "man") will begin to direct their gaze toward the LORD in a manner similar to Israel, demonstrating a universal turning to God. It highlights that the global recognition will mirror the faith characteristic of God's chosen people.
• shall be toward the LORD: Hebrew: ʾel YHWH (אֶל יְהוָה). This phrase denotes direction, devotion, trust, or looking for help/guidance. The culmination of the judgment on nations is this profound spiritual transformation: the focus of all humanity will ultimately be fixed upon the sovereign God. This speaks to a future eschatological age where God's sovereignty is openly recognized.

Zechariah 9 1 Bonus section

The placement of Zechariah 9:1 at the beginning of "Second Zechariah" (chs. 9-14) emphasizes a significant thematic and stylistic shift. This new section focuses less on historical context and more on future events, Messianic prophecies (like the coming king in 9:9), and the ultimate destiny of Israel and the nations. The initial judgment on bordering Gentile powers serves as a divine prelude to demonstrating the LORD's unparalleled power before introducing the Messiah. This chapter and those following envision not merely the physical rebuilding of Jerusalem, but a spiritual, universal transformation orchestrated by God Himself.

Zechariah 9 1 Commentary

Zechariah 9:1 serves as the solemn overture to a new set of prophecies, marking a transition from Jerusalem's internal restoration to God's broader redemptive plan encompassing judgment and universal turning. The term "burden" signifies a weighty divine decree, underscoring that God's word is active and powerful, not merely descriptive. It specifies initial targets of this judgment: Hadrach and Damascus, major geo-political players bordering Israel. This divine pronouncement, settling on Damascus, establishes God's absolute sovereignty over the Gentile world. Importantly, this judgment is not an end in itself but paves the way for a grander spiritual reality. The prophecy pivots to a time "when the eyes of man, as of all the tribes of Israel, shall be toward the LORD." This universal focus—where humanity mirrors Israel's foundational faith—foresees a future epoch when God is recognized and sought after by all peoples. This shift points to a global awareness and turning towards God that transcends ethnic boundaries, a hallmark of eschatological hope where God's glory covers the earth.