Zechariah 9:7
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.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
This prophecy found partial fulfillment in the Hellenistic and Roman periods when many Gentiles, including those from formerly Philistine territories, converted to Judaism or Christianity. The Ethiopian eunuch's conversion (Acts 8:26-39) occurred on the road to Gaza—a Philistine city. Philip preached in Azotus/Ashdod (Acts 8:40). Peter received the vision overturning dietary laws and Gentile exclusion in Joppa, on Philistia's border (Acts 10), then baptized Cornelius, a Roman centurion—demonstrating that God's covenant now includes all who believe, regardless of ethnic origin.
The comparison to Jebusites is illuminating. When David conquered Jerusalem, he allowed Jebusites to remain, and they were gradually assimilated (Joshua 15:63; Judges 1:21). Araunah the Jebusite sold David the threshing floor that became the temple site (2 Samuel 24:18-25)—a Jebusite facilitating Israel's worship! Similarly, former enemies like Philistines would not merely be tolerated but incorporated as equal members. This anticipates Ephesians 2:11-22, where Paul declares that Gentiles, once "alienated from the commonwealth of Israel," are now "fellow citizens with the saints." The gospel accomplishes what military conquest couldn't—true reconciliation and spiritual unity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's removal of Philistine idolatry before converting them illustrate the gospel pattern of repentance preceding faith?
- What does the inclusion of former enemies like Philistines teach about the scope of God's redemptive plan and the church's diversity?
- In what ways should the church today actively pursue and welcome those from backgrounds or identities historically opposed to Christianity?
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Analysis & Commentary
And I will take away his blood out of his mouth, and his abominations from between his teeth—this vivid imagery addresses pagan religious practices. "His blood out of his mouth" (damo mi-piw, דָּמוֹ מִפִּיו) likely refers to consuming blood in pagan rituals, forbidden to Israel (Leviticus 17:10-14; Acts 15:20). "His abominations from between his teeth" (shiqqutsaw mi-beyn shinnayw, שִׁקֻּצָיו מִבֵּין שִׁנָּיו) suggests eating sacrificial meat from idolatrous offerings. God will remove these ceremonially unclean practices, purifying the Philistines from pagan worship.
The remarkable shift follows: "but he that remaineth, even he, shall be for our God" (ve-nish'ar gam-hu le-Eloheinu, וְנִשְׁאַר גַּם־הוּא לֵאלֹהֵינוּ). After judgment purges idolatry, a remnant will convert to worship Israel's God. The phrase "shall be for our God" indicates covenantal belonging—formerly pagan Philistines joining God's people. This anticipates the gospel's power to save even Israel's fiercest enemies.
"And he shall be as a governor in Judah, and Ekron as a Jebusite" (ve-hayah ke-alluph bi-Yhudah ve-Eqron ki-Yevusi, וְהָיָה כְּאַלּוּף בִּיהוּדָה וְעֶקְרוֹן כִּיבוּסִי). The converted Philistine will have status like a clan leader (alluph, אַלּוּף) in Judah. Ekron will be like the Jebusites—the pre-Israelite inhabitants of Jerusalem whom David conquered but who were then absorbed into Israel (2 Samuel 5:6-9). Just as Jebusites became part of God's people, so will Philistines. This prophecy envisions radical inclusion of former enemies into covenant community.