Zechariah 9:11-17

Deliverance and exaltation of the exiled Jews, 11-17.

The advent of the Messianic king will be followed by a restoration of the Jews still in exile, and their exaltation to highest glory.

In Zechariah 9:11-12 deliverance is promised to the captives.

As for thee The daughter of Zion (Zechariah 9:9).

Also Is to be taken not with thee, but with the verb: “As for thee, I have also sent forth.” In addition to the blessings promised in Zechariah 9:9-10 Jehovah will set free the captives (G.-K., 153).

By the blood of thy covenant R.V., “because of the blood of thy covenant.” Made at the time of the exodus (compare Exodus 24:8), and kept alive throughout the entire history by means of sacrifices and offerings. To this covenant, and even to the earlier covenant with Abraham, Jehovah will remain true, and because of it he will bring back the scattered exiles.

I have sent forth Better, R.V., “I have set free.” The tense is the perfect of prophetic certainty, equivalent to “I shall surely set free.”

Thy prisoners Prisoners of war and exiles in foreign lands (Joel 3:1 ff.; Obadiah 1:20).

Out of the pit The place of imprisonment (Exodus 12:29; Jeremiah 37:16).

Wherein is no water This adds to the horrors. Death stares the prisoners in the face. The whole is a picture of the horrors of an enforced exile.

In Zechariah 9:12 the prophet turns directly to the prisoners, exhorting them to return, for the time of their deliverance is at hand.

Turn Better, margin R.V., “Return.”

Stronghold Where they may find safety from the enemy; here, the promised land, where they will be under the protection of Jehovah (Zechariah 9:8).

Prisoners of hope Since they are members of the covenant nation (Zechariah 9:11), their depressed condition cannot continue forever; though in exile, they may live in hope of a restoration. Israel is pre-eminently a nation of hope. The promise of deliverance is followed by another.

I will render double There will be a twofold recompense for all loss and affliction (compare Isaiah 61:7; Isaiah 40:2).

Unto thee If the text is correct Zion is addressed as in Zechariah 9:11; however, the change is surprising; one would expect “unto you.”

Even today In the face of all the difficulties which seem to make fulfillment impossible.