Behold, Your King Comes

Zechariah 9 opens a new section of the book, introduced as a revelation, Yahweh's word. It first describes God's judgment on the proud cities surrounding Israel, from Hadrach and Damascus to Tyre and the Philistine cities. Tyre trusted its strongholds and wealth, but the Lord would strip her power. God promises, I will encamp around my house against the army, that no one pass through or return; and no oppressor will pass through them any more.

Against this background comes one of the best-known promises in the prophets: rejoice greatly, daughter of Zion! Shout, daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King comes to you! He is righteous, and having salvation; lowly, and riding on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a donkey. This King does not arrive like a conqueror on a war horse. He removes the chariot and the battle bow, he will speak peace to the nations, and his dominion will be from sea to sea. In the New Testament, Matthew 21:5 and John 12:15 quote this verse to describe Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey.

God then addresses his scattered people: because of the blood of your covenant, I have set free your prisoners. Turn to the stronghold, you prisoners of hope! Even today I declare that I will restore double to you. The chapter ends with God as shepherd and protector: Yahweh their God will save them in that day as the flock of his people, for they are like the jewels of a crown. For how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty!