Zechariah 9:7-8

7. The new population will not continue the attitude of hostility maintained for so many centuries by the Philistines; on the contrary, in time it will be incorporated into the Jewish nation.

His… he These pronouns in Zechariah 9:7 refer to the new population.

Blood According to the law the blood belonged to the deity; it was not lawful for the worshiper to eat it (Leviticus 17:12; Leviticus 19:26; compare Ezekiel 33:25). The eating of blood indicates ignorance or willful transgression of the law of Jehovah. Though temporarily the new inhabitants may live contrary to the divine law, in the end Jehovah will draw them unto himself, when they will cease to eat the blood.

Abominations This word is used of idols themselves, here apparently of the flesh of sacrificial animals offered to idols (Numbers 25:2). The eating of this flesh will be discontinued. The two expressions look forward to a time when idolatry will be completely abolished.

R.V. presents a more satisfactory translation of Zechariah 9:7 b: “and he also shall be a remnant for our God; and he shall be as a chieftain in Judah, and Ekron as a Jebusite.”

A remnant for our God (R.V.) The remnant consists of the true worshipers of Jehovah (see on Amos 5:15); the new inhabitants of Philistia will become such a company. The complete incorporation into the Jewish nation is predicted in the rest of the verse.

As a governor in Judah R.V., “chieftain.” The word translated “chieftain” or “governor” is used of the head of a thousand (compare Zechariah 12:5). Here it denotes not the leader, but the division over which he rules (Micah 5:2), and the thought is that Philistia will become just like one of the divisions of Judah, that is, an integral part of the nation. A slight alteration, ‘eleph for ‘alluph, would bring out the thought more clearly, since the former denotes the division itself (Judges 6:15; 1 Samuel 10:19).

Ekron Represents, like Ashdod in Zechariah 9:6, all Philistia.

As a Jebusite Not the Jewish inhabitants of Jerusalem, but the Canaanitish inhabitants of Jebus, who after the conquest of their stronghold by David were in time incorporated into the Jewish nation, so that they became an integral part of the same.

Some consider Zechariah 9:8 the beginning of the new section. It seems preferable, however, to connect it with Zechariah 9:1-7. While the judgment falls upon the nations, Jerusalem will enjoy the protecting care of Jehovah.

About mine house Literally, for my house; that is, for the protection of my house. House denotes here not the temple, but the whole land (see on Hosea 8:1).

Because of the army R.V., “against the army.” With either translation the thought is that Jehovah will be around his land to protect it against foreign invasions. Another possible translation is “without an army”; Jehovah will not employ an army of soldiers (compare Zechariah 2:5). The word translated “army” is written peculiarly in Hebrew; this, taken in connection with the fact that LXX. does not agree with the Hebrew, has led many to substitute the LXX. reading, “as a garrison” (so margin R.V.).

Because of him that passeth by Better, R.V., “that none pass through or return.” Jehovah will guard the borders so carefully that no invader can cross them.

Oppressor In Exodus 3:7, and other places the same word is translated “taskmaster.” From such taskmasters the Jews suffered again and again, but their staves will be broken. Why, is indicated in the last clause.

For now have I seen with mine eyes The afflictions suffered by the Jews and the cruelties perpetrated by the oppressors. Of these Jehovah will now make an end.