King James Version

What Does Zechariah 9:13 Mean?

“When I have bent Judah for me, filled the bow with Ephraim, and raised up thy sons, O Zion, against thy sons, O Greece, and made thee as the sword of a mighty man.”

Context

As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water. by: or, whose covenant is by blood

Turn you to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope: even to day do I declare that I will render double unto thee;

When I have bent Judah for me, filled the bow with Ephraim, and raised up thy sons, O Zion, against thy sons, O Greece, and made thee as the sword of a mighty man.

And the LORD shall be seen over them, and his arrow shall go forth as the lightning: and the Lord GOD shall blow the trumpet, and shall go with whirlwinds of the south.

The LORD of hosts shall defend them; and they shall devour, and subdue with sling stones; and they shall drink, and make a noise as through wine; and they shall be filled like bowls, and as the corners of the altar. with: or, the stones of the sling be: or, fill both the bowls, etc

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Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**13. days of Baalim--**the days consecrated to the Baals, or various images of Baal in different cities, whence the names Baal-gad, Baal-hermon, &c. **decked herself with ... earrings--**rather, "nose-rings" (Is 3:21; Eze 16:12, Margin), with which harlots decked themselves to attract admirers: answering to the ornaments in which the Israelites decked themselves on the idols' feasts. **forgat me--**worse than the nations which had never known God. Israel wilfully apostatized from Jehovah, whom she had known.

Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset, David Brown. Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Zechariah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Zechariah 9:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.