9:1 An oracle The Hebrew term used here (massa) can refer both to a burden (e.g., Exod 23:5; Deut 1:12) and oracle or prophecy (e.g., Ezek 12:10; Isa 13:1; Hab 1:1). It is frequently used to identify prophetic oracles (Nah 1:1; Isa 15:1; 17:1; 19:1). The prophets may use this word ironically, referring to the oracle as a burden that they must carry or implying that the message is a burden for the audience to bear (see Jer 23:33 and note).

the land of Hadrach A city in northern Syria that is located about 30 miles southwest of Aleppo. Identified with modern Tell Afis. This is the only mention of this place in the ot.

Damascus A city in southern Syria; the chief city of the Arameans.

9:2 Hamath A city in northern Syria that is located on the Orontes River about 130 miles north of Damascus.

Tyre The most important Phoenician city. See note on Neh 13:16; note on Ezek 26:2.

Sidon A city in central Phoenicia (modern Lebanon). Located about 25 miles south of modern-day Beirut. Jezebel was from Sidon.

they are very wise Likely mocking Tyre and Sidon for their confidence in their own abilities. Ezekiel similarly mocks the ruler of Tyre for his arrogant reliance on his own wisdom (see Ezek 28:3–5).

9:3 a fortification A heavily fortified defensive stronghold.

gold like the mud of the streets Tyre became incredibly wealthy as a center of trade and commerce.

9:4 will drive it out Tyre’s downfall is depicted with similar imagery in Ezek 26:4–5.

Philistines

9:6 the pride of the Philistines Refers to the wealth and power of the nation. Everything the Philistines took pride in would be destroyed when Yahweh came in judgment (compare Isa 13:19; 16:6; Jer 13:9; Hos 5:5; 7:10).

9:7 its blood from its mouth Perhaps intimating that the Philistines consumed the blood, something Yahweh had forbidden (Gen 9:4; Lev 3:17). The blood is likely that of animal sacrifices offered to idols.

abominations The Hebrew word here is commonly used to refer to idols, associating them with something disgusting or abhorrent (see 1 Kgs 11:7; 2 Kgs 23:24). Here, it probably refers to meat sacrificed to idols.

the Jebusite A tribe of unknown origin who were the inhabitants of Jerusalem (Jebus) before David captured the city in 1004 bc.

9:8 I will encamp at my temple Refers to the temple in Jerusalem. Yahweh will return to dwell in Jerusalem and protect His people from oppression by foreign nations.

9:9 O daughter of Zion Refers to the inhabitants of Jerusalem (see note on Isa 1:8).

Your king Refers to the Messiah (compare Jer 23:5).

righteous and victorious Yahweh has equipped the coming messianic king with righteousness (Isa 9:7; 11:4–5; compare Psa 72:1). He will fulfill Yahweh’s ideal for kingship (see note on Jer 22:3; compare Deut 10:18).

a donkey An animal similar to a horse that is used for riding or as a beast of burden. A donkey was a common mount for transportation in biblical times (see Num 22:21; Judg 5:10; 2 Sam 16:2). In this context, the reference to a donkey is likely meant evoke the image of an ideal king who rules justly and accepts his rule with humility, not pomp and arrogance. This could also be an allusion to the expectations of a Davidic king (see note on 1 Kgs 1:33).

9:10 the horse from Jerusalem Under the rule of the Messiah, the most important elements of military power will no longer be needed. Jerusalem represents the territory of Judah. See note on Zeph 1:4.

the battle bow Military weapons made of wood and strung with animal sinew that were able to shoot arrows hundreds of yards. Archers were of such great significance in ancient battles that the Hebrew term for “bow” was often used figuratively for warfare (e.g., Isa 22:3).

peace to the nations Universal peace is a characteristic element of the Messiah’s reign and the millennial or eschatological age. Compare Isa 2:4 and note.

the River The Euphrates, the longest and most important river of Mesopotamia. The river has its headwaters in eastern Turkey and empties into the Persian Gulf. The Euphrates flowed through Babylon. This statement about the extent of the Messiah’s kingdom is likely an allusion to Psa 72:8.

9:11 the blood of Ancients often viewed blood as the sign of a covenant because they often ratified covenants with an animal sacrifice.

I will release your prisoners The release of prisoners was a key part of the reign of Yahweh’s ideal king (compare Isa 42:7; 49:9; 61:1). As in Isaiah 42:7, the exiles are depicted as prisoners who can expect that Yahweh will set them free. The Messiah’s coming deliverance should give them hope.

the waterless pit Empty cisterns were common places of confinement in the ancient Near East (Gen 37:24; Jer 38:6).

9:12 to the fortress Israel’s fortress is Yahweh Himself, who has returned to His dwelling place in Jerusalem (Zech 9:8).

that I will repay you double Perhaps as compensation for undeserved suffering brought on by the brutality of the nations (1:15). Alternately, the double restoration could symbolize Yahweh’s commitment to bless His people and make them prosperous (1:17; compare Isa 61:7; Job 42:10).

9:13 O Javan The Hebrew name for the Greeks was yawan (Gen 10:2, 4; Ezek 27:13, 19; Isa 66:19; Joel 3:6; Dan 8:21; 10:20; 11:2). Ezekiel and Joel depict the Greeks as traders, but Isaiah and Zechariah use them as an example of how Yahweh will be victorious even over faraway nations.

9:14 Yahweh will appear Describes Yahweh arriving to fight on behalf of His people. Compare Isa 29:6 and note; 1 Thess 4:16.

Theophany in the Old Testament

the trumpet The horn could be sounded to signal the start of an attack (Judg 3:27), to summon the people for war (Jer 51:27; Hos 5:8), or to raise an alarm and warn the people of danger (Jer 4:5). In this verse, Yahweh is likely signaling His attack.

the storm winds of the south Describes desert sand storms.

9:15 the slingstones A cloth pad with two cords used to hurl small stones as projectiles against a target.

an altar Refers to the sacrificial altar of the temple in Jerusalem.

9:16 on that day Common prophetic language for referring to the future day of Yahweh’s ultimate victory—which involves judgment on His enemies and salvation for His people (e.g., Isa 2:11–12; 4:2; 11:10–11; Zech 2:11).

the flock of his people The Messiah will act as a shepherd for the Israelites—a common motif in prophetic literature (e.g., Isa 40:11; Ezek 34:5, 8, 12, 23; Zech 11). See Ezek 34:1–10 and note.

9:17 Grain A symbol of blessing. Compare Isa 62:8–9; Jer 31:12.