King James Version

What Does Zechariah 9:5 Mean?

Zechariah 9:5 in the King James Version says “Ashkelon shall see it, and fear; Gaza also shall see it, and be very sorrowful, and Ekron; for her expectation shall be ... — study this verse from Zechariah chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Ashkelon shall see it, and fear; Gaza also shall see it, and be very sorrowful, and Ekron; for her expectation shall be ashamed; and the king shall perish from Gaza, and Ashkelon shall not be inhabited.

Zechariah 9:5 · KJV


Context

3

And Tyrus did build herself a strong hold, and heaped up silver as the dust, and fine gold as the mire of the streets.

4

Behold, the Lord will cast her out, and he will smite her power in the sea; and she shall be devoured with fire.

5

Ashkelon shall see it, and fear; Gaza also shall see it, and be very sorrowful, and Ekron; for her expectation shall be ashamed; and the king shall perish from Gaza, and Ashkelon shall not be inhabited.

6

And a bastard shall dwell in Ashdod, and I will cut off the pride of the Philistines.

7

And I will take away his blood out of his mouth, and his abominations from between his teeth: but he that remaineth, even he, shall be for our God, and he shall be as a governor in Judah, and Ekron as a Jebusite. blood: Heb. bloods


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ashkelon shall see it, and fear; Gaza also shall see it, and be very sorrowful, and Ekron; for her expectation shall be ashamed—the prophetic gaze shifts south to the Philistine pentapolis. These ancient enemies of Israel will witness Tyre's fall and tremble, recognizing their own vulnerability. "Ashkelon shall see it, and fear" (tire Ashkelon ve-tira, תֵּרֶא אַשְׁקְלוֹן וְתִירָא) uses wordplay with similar sounding verbs ("see" and "fear"). Visual witness of judgment produces terror.

"Gaza also shall see it, and be very sorrowful" (ve-Azzah ve-tachil me'od, וְעַזָּה וְתָחִיל מְאֹד) describes anguish, literally writhing in pain like childbirth (chul, חוּל). "And Ekron; for her expectation shall be ashamed" (ve-Eqron ki hovish mabatah, וְעֶקְרוֹן כִּי־הֹבִישׁ מַבָּטָהּ)—Ekron's mabbat (מַבָּט, expectation/hope) will be hovish (הֹבִישׁ, put to shame). The Philistines apparently trusted Tyre's fortifications as a model of security; when Tyre falls, their confidence collapses.

The remainder of the verse catalogs political and demographic collapse: "and the king shall perish from Gaza, and Ashkelon shall not be inhabited" (ve-avad melek me-Azzah ve-Ashkelon lo tesheiv). The monarchy ends (avad, אָבַד, perish/be destroyed) and populations are deported or flee. This describes the systematic dismantling of Philistine political structures and urban centers. God's judgment against Israel's persistent enemies removes threats to His people's security, preparing for Messiah's peaceful reign (verse 10).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Philistines had antagonized Israel since the conquest era (Judges-1 Samuel), occupying the coastal plain with five major cities: Gaza, Ashkelon, Ashdod, Ekron, and Gath. Despite defeats under David and later kings, Philistia remained a thorn in Israel's side. By Zechariah's day (520 BC), Philistine identity persisted though diminished under Persian rule. The prophecy looks forward to final judgment.

Alexander the Great's conquest (332 BC) fulfilled this oracle precisely. After Tyre's fall, Alexander marched south through Philistia toward Egypt. Gaza resisted fiercely; Alexander besieged it for two months, eventually taking it by assault. The city's commander was killed ("the king shall perish"), and 10,000 inhabitants were massacred or enslaved. Ashkelon and Ekron submitted without resistance but faced demographic changes as Greek settlers displaced native populations. By the Maccabean period (2nd century BC), Philistine identity had largely disappeared, absorbed into Hellenistic culture. The term "Palestine" (from "Philistia") survived, but the people vanished—a remarkable fulfillment showing that God keeps covenant promises to judge Israel's enemies.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's judgment on Philistia—Israel's ancient enemy—demonstrate His faithfulness to protect and avenge His covenant people?
  2. What does the Philistines' misplaced confidence in Tyre's fortifications teach about trusting in worldly alliances and securities?
  3. How should believers respond when witnessing God's judgment on the wicked—with vindictive pleasure or sobering recognition of divine justice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
תֵּרֶ֨א1 of 16

shall see

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

וְאַשְׁקְל֖וֹן2 of 16

Ashkelon

H831

ashkelon, a place in palestine

וְתִירָ֗א3 of 16

it and fear

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

מֵֽעַזָּ֔ה4 of 16

Gaza

H5804

azzah, a place in palestine

וְתָחִ֣יל5 of 16

sorrowful

H2342

properly, to twist or whirl (in a circular or spiral manner), i.e., (specifically) to dance, to writhe in pain (especially of parturition) or fear; fi

מְאֹ֔ד6 of 16

also shall see it and be very

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

וְעֶקְר֖וֹן7 of 16

and Ekron

H6138

ekron, a place in palestine

כִּֽי8 of 16
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הֹבִ֣ישׁ9 of 16
H954

properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed

מֶבָּטָ֑הּ10 of 16

for her expectation

H4007

something expected, i.e., (abstractly) expectation

וְאָ֤בַד11 of 16

shall perish

H6

properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

מֶ֙לֶךְ֙12 of 16

and the king

H4428

a king

מֵֽעַזָּ֔ה13 of 16

Gaza

H5804

azzah, a place in palestine

וְאַשְׁקְל֖וֹן14 of 16

Ashkelon

H831

ashkelon, a place in palestine

לֹ֥א15 of 16
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תֵשֵֽׁב׃16 of 16

shall not be inhabited

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry


Study Guide

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 9:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Zechariah 9:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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