Zechariah 9 16

Zechariah 9:16 kjv

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 9:16 nkjv

The LORD their God will save them in that day, As the flock of His people. For they shall be like the jewels of a crown, Lifted like a banner over His land?

Zechariah 9:16 niv

The LORD their God will save his people on that day as a shepherd saves his flock. They will sparkle in his land like jewels in a crown.

Zechariah 9:16 esv

On that day the LORD their God will save them, as the flock of his people; for like the jewels of a crown they shall shine on his land.

Zechariah 9:16 nlt

On that day the LORD their God will rescue his people,
just as a shepherd rescues his sheep.
They will sparkle in his land
like jewels in a crown.

Zechariah 9 verses

Zechariah 9 16 Meaning

Zechariah 9:16 conveys a profound promise of God's future and ultimate salvation, restoration, and exaltation of His people. In "that day," referring to a climactic time of divine intervention, the LORD will act as a tender shepherd, saving His flock from all adversity. He will not only deliver them but transform them into something exquisitely valuable—like precious "stones of a crown," signifying their esteemed and royal status in His sight. Furthermore, they will be "lifted up as an ensign," becoming a visible standard or banner on God's own land, a glorious testimony to His power and faithfulness, drawing attention and reverence.

Zechariah 9 16 Context

Zechariah 9 begins a new prophetic section often referred to as "the burden of the word of the LORD." It follows chapters dealing with calls to repentance, restoration of the temple, and visions related to Israel's leadership. Chapter 9 itself shifts focus dramatically, starting with divine judgment upon surrounding nations (Damascus, Hamath, Tyre, Sidon, Philistia) as a prelude to Israel's security and blessing. The passage then moves to a highly significant messianic prophecy of the humble King riding on a donkey (v. 9-10), bringing peace to the nations and reigning from sea to sea. Immediately after, it speaks of God saving His people by the "blood of thy covenant" (v. 11), delivering them from a "pit wherein is no water," referring to their captivity and spiritual dryness. Verses 13-15 depict God raising up Judah and Ephraim (symbolizing reunited Israel) against their enemies, making them like a "sword" and "bow" and bringing powerful, supernatural victory likened to stepping stones. Verse 16 culminates these promises, transitioning from martial victory to the resulting status of the redeemed and unified people: protected, precious, and exalted in their land by their God. It portrays a future of peaceful flourishing and recognition, building on the messianic foundation laid earlier in the chapter.

Zechariah 9 16 Word analysis

• And the LORD their God: This phrase emphasizes God's personal, covenantal relationship (YHWH Elohim, יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהֵיהֶם). YHWH is the proper name of the covenant God, stressing His faithfulness and eternal nature. Elohim (God) points to His power and supremacy. The possessive "their" highlights the intimacy and exclusive claim God has on His people, a relationship secured through the covenant.
• will save them: The Hebrew word yasha (יָשַׁע) means to deliver, to rescue, to bring salvation. This is a foundational theme throughout the Bible, denoting both physical deliverance from danger and spiritual salvation from sin. The passive voice implies that God is the primary agent of this saving action. The term Yeshua (Jesus) directly stems from this root, underscoring the ultimate divine salvation embodied in the Messiah.
• in that day: The Hebrew ba-yom ha-hu (בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא) is a crucial eschatological phrase in prophetic literature, pointing to a specific, future period of significant divine intervention. It signifies the culmination of God's plan, often associated with judgment on enemies and ultimate blessing for His people. It points to a definitive end-time event or an era initiated by God's action.
• as the flock of his people: The Hebrew ketzon ammo (כְּצֹאן עַמּוֹ) uses the simile of a flock of sheep, a common biblical metaphor. "Flock" implies dependence, vulnerability, and the need for a shepherd. "His people" reinforces the covenant relationship. This imagery evokes God's tender care, protection, provision, and gathering instinct for His own, contrasting with scattering and vulnerability experienced in exile.
• for they shall be as the stones of a crown: This introduces the second primary simile. "For" (ki, כִּי) indicates the reason or further description of their saved state. Avne nezer (אַבְנֵי נֵזֶר) refers to the stones or jewels of a diadem or crown, often a priestly or royal crown. This signifies extreme preciousness, honor, dignity, and a treasured possession. Just as jewels adorn a king's crown and reflect light and glory, so too will God's people reflect His glory and be highly valued by Him, possibly suggesting a royal priesthood status.
• lifted up as an ensign: The Hebrew mitnoses k'nes (מִתְנוֹסְסוֹת כָּאֶבֶן) means "exalted as a banner" or "displayed as a standard." An "ensign" or "banner" (nes) serves as a rallying point, a visible sign for all to see, symbolizing victory, identity, and a summons. To be "lifted up" (nasas, derived from nasa) implies being elevated to a place of prominence and visibility. This suggests God's people will become a public testimony, a demonstration of God's work, a point of attraction and recognition in the world, embodying His victory and sovereignty.
• upon his land: The Hebrew al admatoh (עַל־אַדְמָתוֹ) specifically emphasizes the geographical location. It is "His land," underscoring God's ultimate ownership and sovereignty over the land of Israel. This suggests that this future restoration and exaltation will take place literally within the boundaries of the land promised to Abraham, further affirming God's faithfulness to His territorial covenants, and implying a state of secure, peaceful dwelling in their ancestral inheritance.

Zechariah 9 16 Bonus section

The progressive nature of the metaphors in Zechariah 9:16 is noteworthy. Starting with the vulnerable yet cared-for "flock," it transitions to the precious "stones of a crown," emphasizing inherent value and royal identity. Finally, the "ensign lifted up" signifies a dynamic, public display of God's work. This movement suggests a transition from being a protected people to a prized possession, and then to a living, visible testimony. This multi-layered promise highlights God's multifaceted approach to redemption, which includes physical security, intimate spiritual value, and global witness. The verse's fulfillment encompasses both the ongoing care for His covenant people and the ultimate, eschatological display of His glory through a restored and exalted Israel, potentially foreshadowing the New Jerusalem where believers are living stones. The term "ensign" also subtly links back to the Messiah Himself as an ensign for the Gentiles in Isa 11:10, implying that God's people, in their exalted state, will reflect the very nature of their Shepherd-King, drawing others to Him.

Zechariah 9 16 Commentary

Zechariah 9:16 powerfully depicts the transformed destiny of God's chosen people. After detailing divine judgment and a future messianic reign bringing peace and deliverance, the verse assures the unified "flock" (Judah and Ephraim/Israel) of God's active, protective salvation. The metaphor of being "as the stones of a crown" signifies not just a return to favor but an elevated status of profound value and honor in God's eyes. They are no longer mere exiles or a downtrodden nation but His cherished jewels, part of His royal diadem. The image of being "lifted up as an ensign" on "His land" expands on this: they will be a public, visible display of God's work, a banner attracting attention and pointing to the divine. This isn't merely about personal salvation but a collective witness and a visible sign of God's glory manifested through them in their restored homeland. It underscores the culmination of prophetic hopes—a secure, blessed, and glorified Israel, cherished by God and serving as a testament to His faithfulness and redemptive power to all nations.

Practical usage:

• This verse assures believers of God's ultimate protective care and high value for His people.
• It highlights our identity in Christ as God's treasured possession and His glorious testimony to the world.
• It points to the future hope of full redemption and exaltation in God's presence and kingdom.