Zechariah 9:16
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.
Original Language Analysis
וְֽהוֹשִׁיעָ֞ם
shall save
H3467
וְֽהוֹשִׁיעָ֞ם
shall save
Strong's:
H3467
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
יְהוָ֧ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֧ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵיהֶ֛ם
their God
H430
אֱלֹהֵיהֶ֛ם
their God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
3 of 13
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
בַּיּ֥וֹם
them in that day
H3117
בַּיּ֥וֹם
them in that day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
4 of 13
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הַה֖וּא
H1931
הַה֖וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
5 of 13
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
כְּצֹ֣אן
as the flock
H6629
כְּצֹ֣אן
as the flock
Strong's:
H6629
Word #:
6 of 13
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
עַמּ֑וֹ
of his people
H5971
עַמּ֑וֹ
of his people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
7 of 13
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
כִּ֚י
H3588
כִּ֚י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
8 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נֵ֔זֶר
of a crown
H5145
נֵ֔זֶר
of a crown
Strong's:
H5145
Word #:
10 of 13
properly, something set apart, i.e., (abstractly) dedication (of a priet or nazirite); hence (concretely) unshorn locks; also (by implication) a chapl
Cross References
Isaiah 62:3Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God.Luke 12:32Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.Haggai 2:23In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, will I take thee, O Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel, saith the LORD, and will make thee as a signet: for I have chosen thee, saith the LORD of hosts.John 10:27My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:Ezekiel 34:31And ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord GOD.Isaiah 60:3And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.Isaiah 60:14The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.Psalms 100:3Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.Jeremiah 31:11For the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of him that was stronger than he.Isaiah 40:10Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him.
Historical Context
Written to a small, vulnerable Jewish community rebuilding Jerusalem, this prophecy assured them that despite present weakness, God would exalt them. The Maccabean victories partially fulfilled this, but ultimate fulfillment awaits Messiah's kingdom when Israel will be displayed as God's treasure to all nations.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your identity shift from seeing yourself as 'needing rescue' to being God's 'crown jewel'?
- What does it mean practically to be 'lifted up as an ensign'—a visible testimony to God's glory?
- In what ways does this verse anticipate the church's role as the 'bride adorned for her husband' (Revelation 21:2)?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the LORD their God shall save them in that day as the flock of his people (וְהוֹשִׁיעָם יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיהֶם בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא כְּצֹאן עַמּוֹ)—shepherd imagery pervades Scripture; here God acts as shepherd-deliverer, fulfilling covenant promises. For they shall be as the stones of a crown, lifted up as an ensign upon his land—the metaphor shifts dramatically from sheep to crown jewels (avnei-nezer), gems displayed as banners or signals.
This remarkable transformation—from vulnerable sheep needing defense to glorious crown jewels displayed prominently—captures the gospel paradox: those saved by grace become God's treasured possession (Exodus 19:5, Malachi 3:17). Peter applies similar language to the church: "a chosen generation, a royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9). God's people aren't merely rescued; they're glorified, made into His royal diadem (Isaiah 62:3).