I will surely wave My hand over them, so that they will become plunder for their own servants. Then you will know that the LORD of Hosts has sent Me." I will wave My hand over themThis phrase signifies a divine act of judgment and authority. The imagery of God waving His hand is reminiscent of a king exercising power over his subjects. In the Hebrew context, the hand often symbolizes power and action. The act of waving suggests a swift and decisive movement, indicating that God's intervention is both intentional and effective. Historically, this reflects God's sovereignty over nations, as seen in the Exodus narrative where God delivered Israel with a "mighty hand" ( Exodus 3:19-20). This phrase reassures believers of God's ultimate control over worldly powers. and they will become plunder for their own servants
This phrase indicates a reversal of fortunes, where those who were once oppressors become the oppressed. The Hebrew word for "plunder" (בַּז, baz) implies spoils of war, suggesting a complete overthrow of power. This is a common theme in the Old Testament, where God often turns the tables on Israel's enemies, as seen in the account of Esther, where Haman's plans backfire (Esther 7:10). Theologically, this serves as a reminder of God's justice and the eventual triumph of righteousness over wickedness. Then you will know
This phrase emphasizes the purpose of God's actions: to reveal His identity and power to His people. The Hebrew word for "know" (יָדַע, yada) implies an intimate understanding, not just intellectual awareness. This knowledge is experiential, as the Israelites would witness God's deliverance firsthand. In a broader scriptural context, this echoes the covenant relationship where God desires His people to know Him deeply, as seen in Jeremiah 31:34, "They will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest." that the LORD of Hosts has sent Me
This phrase underscores the divine commissioning and authority of the speaker, often interpreted as a messianic figure or an angelic messenger. "LORD of Hosts" (יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת, Yahweh Tseva'ot) is a title that highlights God's supreme command over the heavenly armies, emphasizing His omnipotence. The sending implies a mission with divine backing, reinforcing the idea that the events unfolding are part of God's sovereign plan. This phrase assures believers of God's active involvement in history and His commitment to fulfilling His promises. Persons / Places / Events 1. ZechariahA prophet who ministered to the Jewish people after their return from Babylonian exile. His prophecies encouraged the rebuilding of the temple and offered visions of hope and restoration. 2. The LORD of HostsA title for God emphasizing His sovereignty and command over the heavenly armies. It underscores His power and authority in executing His plans. 3. The OppressorsThe nations or entities that have subjugated or oppressed God's people. In this context, they are those who will become plunder for their own servants. 4. The ServantsThose who were once subjugated or oppressed, likely referring to the Israelites who will see their oppressors defeated. 5. The Hand of GodA metaphor for God's power and intervention. The waving of His hand signifies divine action and judgment. Teaching Points Divine ReversalGod's justice often involves a reversal of fortunes, where the oppressed are vindicated, and the oppressors face consequences. This encourages believers to trust in God's timing and justice. God's SovereigntyThe title "LORD of Hosts" reminds us of God's ultimate authority over all creation. Believers can find comfort in knowing that God is in control, even when circumstances seem dire. Faith in God's PromisesThe fulfillment of God's promises, as seen in the prophecy of Zechariah, encourages believers to hold fast to God's word, knowing that He is faithful to accomplish what He has spoken. Role of Divine InterventionThe waving of God's hand signifies His active involvement in the affairs of the world. Believers are reminded to seek God's intervention through prayer and faith. Recognition of God's WorkThe phrase "Then you will know that the LORD of Hosts has sent Me" emphasizes the importance of recognizing and acknowledging God's work in our lives and the world. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the concept of divine reversal in Zechariah 2:9 encourage you in your current life situation? 2. In what ways can you see God's sovereignty at work in the world today, and how does this impact your faith? 3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's intervention in your life. How did it strengthen your trust in His promises? 4. How can you actively seek God's intervention in areas of your life where you feel oppressed or challenged? 5. What steps can you take to ensure you recognize and acknowledge God's work in your daily life? How can this awareness influence your relationship with Him? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 3:20God's promise to stretch out His hand against Egypt, leading to the liberation of the Israelites. This parallels the divine intervention seen in Zechariah 2:9. Isaiah 14:2The prophecy that the oppressors will become captives of those they once oppressed, similar to the reversal of fortunes described in Zechariah 2:9. Psalm 110:1The imagery of God making enemies a footstool, reflecting the theme of divine victory over adversaries. People ZechariahPlaces Babylon, Jerusalem, ZionTopics Almighty, Armies, Behold, Goods, Hosts, Plunder, Raise, Servants, Served, Shake, Shaking, Slaves, Spoil, Wave, WavingDictionary of Bible Themes Zechariah 2:9 8650 hands, lifting up Zechariah 2:8-9 5194 touch Library The City Without Walls
'Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls.... For I, saith the Lord, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her.'--ZECHARIAH ii. 4, 5. Zechariah was the Prophet of the returning exiles, and his great work was to hearten them for their difficult task, with their small resources and their many foes, and to insist that the prime condition to success, on the part of that portion of the nation that had returned, was holiness. So his visions, of which …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScripturePrayer for the Lord's Promised Presence. Zech 2:10
…
John Newton—Olney Hymns The Lord Reigneth
Hallelujah; for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth! T he book of the Revelation, being chiefly prophetical, will not, perhaps, be fully understood, till the final accomplishment of the events shall draw near, and throw a stronger light upon the whole series. But while the learned commentators have been, hitherto, divided and perplexed in their attempts to illustrate many parts of it, there are other parts well adapted for the instruction and refreshment of plain Christians. Particularly, those passages …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Covenanting Confers Obligation.
As it has been shown that all duty, and that alone, ought to be vowed to God in covenant, it is manifest that what is lawfully engaged to in swearing by the name of God is enjoined in the moral law, and, because of the authority of that law, ought to be performed as a duty. But it is now to be proved that what is promised to God by vow or oath, ought to be performed also because of the act of Covenanting. The performance of that exercise is commanded, and the same law which enjoins that the duties …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting The Extent of Messiah's Spiritual Kingdom
The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ, and He shall reign for ever and ever! T he Kingdom of our Lord in the heart, and in the world, is frequently compared to a building or house, of which He Himself is both the Foundation and the Architect (Isaiah 28:16 and 54:11, 12) . A building advances by degrees (I Corinthians 3:9; Ephesians 2:20-22) , and while it is in an unfinished state, a stranger cannot, by viewing its present appearance, form an accurate judgment …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 John's Introduction.
^D John I. 1-18. ^d 1 In the beginning was the Word [a title for Jesus peculiar to the apostle John], and the Word was with God [not going before nor coming after God, but with Him at the beginning], and the Word was God. [Not more, not less.] 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him [the New Testament often speaks of Christ as the Creator--see ver. 10; I. Cor. viii. 6; Col. i. 13, 17; Heb. i. 2]; and without him was not anything made that hath been made. [This …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Noble Results of this Species of Prayer
The Noble Results of this Species of Prayer Some persons, when they hear of the prayer of silence, falsely imagine, that the soul remains stupid, dead, and inactive. But, unquestionably, it acteth therein, more nobly and more extensively than it had ever done before; for God Himself is the mover, and the soul now acteth by the agency of His Spirit. When S. Paul speaks of our being led by the Spirit of God, it is not meant that we should cease from action; but that we should act through the internal …
Madame Guyon—A Short and Easy Method of Prayer Covenanting Predicted in Prophecy.
The fact of Covenanting, under the Old Testament dispensations, being approved of God, gives a proof that it was proper then, which is accompanied by the voice of prophecy, affording evidence that even in periods then future it should no less be proper. The argument for the service that is afforded by prophecy is peculiar, and, though corresponding with evidence from other sources, is independent. Because that God willed to make known truth through his servants the prophets, we should receive it …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Gifts Received for the Rebellious
Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: Thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them. W hen Joseph exchanged a prison for the chief honour and government of Egypt, the advantage of his exaltation was felt by those who little deserved it (Genesis 45:4, 5) . His brethren hated him, and had conspired to kill him. And though he was preserved from death, they were permitted to sell him for a bond-servant. He owed his servitude, …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 This State of Prayer not one of Idleness, but of Noble Action, Wrought by the Spirit of God, and in Dependence Upon Him --The Communication Of
Some people, hearing of the prayer of silence, have wrongly imagined that the soul remains inactive, lifeless, and without movement. But the truth is, that its action is more noble and more extensive than it ever was before it entered this degree, since it is moved by God Himself, and acted upon by His Spirit. St Paul desires that we should be led by the Spirit of God (Rom. viii. 14). I do not say that there must be no action, but that we must act in dependence upon the divine movement. This …
Jeanne Marie Bouvières—A Short Method Of Prayer And Spiritual Torrents Zechariah
CHAPTERS I-VIII Two months after Haggai had delivered his first address to the people in 520 B.C., and a little over a month after the building of the temple had begun (Hag. i. 15), Zechariah appeared with another message of encouragement. How much it was needed we see from the popular despondency reflected in Hag. ii. 3, Jerusalem is still disconsolate (Zech. i. 17), there has been fasting and mourning, vii. 5, the city is without walls, ii. 5, the population scanty, ii. 4, and most of the people …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Zechariah 2:9 NIVZechariah 2:9 NLTZechariah 2:9 ESVZechariah 2:9 NASBZechariah 2:9 KJV
Zechariah 2:9 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
