Zechariah 9:1-8
"judgment on israel's enemies"
Here, Zechariah is prophesying the downfall of israel's ancient enemies - the philistines (with some other enemies included). The Lord also moves in a general southward direction in this prophecy of judgement (this prophecy is fulfilled through alexander the great, as he conquered the palestinian region).
The Lord moves against hadrach and damascus (the arameans). then tyre and sidon (the phoenicians). Zechariah then gives an in-depth description of tyre's downfall - the destruction of the stronghold, the blocking of the sea lanes and the looting of any possessions.
The Lord then describes philistia's reaction. Ashkelon fears, Gaza writhes and Ekron's hope withers. They will be affraid of the instrument of God's justice (scholars think alex the great). How will they be overrun? Gaza loses its king, Askelon becomes deserted and Ashdod becomes occupied by foreigners. To Ekron is left the fate of the Jebusites (see Joshua) - they remain, but become assimilated and manservants.
God then pronounces that he will defend Israel against intruders and that his people will nevermore be overrun and oppressed. (note that alex the great left jerusalem and the temple intact)
It's pretty cool how God ties up all the loose ends of israelite history and enacts vengeance and judgment on the nations that oppressed israel in the past...
No comments:
Post a Comment