Zechariah 9:1

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

מַשָּׂ֤א

H4853

The burden

a burden; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire

דְבַר

H1697

of the word

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

לַֽיהוָה֙

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בְּאֶ֣רֶץ

H776

in the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

חַדְרָ֔ךְ

H2317

of Hadrach

chadrak, a syrian deity

וְדַמֶּ֖שֶׂק

H1834

and Damascus

damascus, a city of syria

מְנֻחָת֑וֹ

H4496

shall be the rest

repose or (adverbially) peacefully; figuratively, consolation (specifically, matrimony); hence (concretely) an abode

כִּ֤י

H3588

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

לַֽיהוָה֙

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#10

עֵ֣ין

H5869

thereof when the eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

#11

אָדָ֔ם

H120

of man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

#12

וְכֹ֖ל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#13

שִׁבְטֵ֥י

H7626

as of all the tribes

a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan

#14

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Zechariah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Zechariah chapter 9 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?