Bible Strands
Zechariah 9:1
This is the burden of the word of the LORD against the land of Hadrach and Damascus its resting place—for the eyes of men and of all the tribes of Israel are upon the LORD—
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Zechariah delivers a prophetic oracle from Yahweh against specific territories during the post-exilic period. The message addresses external regions while simultaneously addressing the spiritual posture of Israel.
The words — The Hebrew מַשּׂא (ma.Saʿ) literally means “burden” or “oracle,” framing the passage as a weighty divine declaration. מְנוּחָתוֹ (me.nu.cha.to) translates to “its resting place,” identifying Damascus as the settled center of the condemned land.
The thread — This structure of Yahweh sending a prophetic message against specific lands runs through Isaiah 9:8, where the word falls upon Jacob and Israel. Jeremiah 49:23 similarly records an oracle concerning Damascus and its neighboring cities.
Why it lands — The verse states that the eyes of men and all tribes of Israel are fixed on Yahweh, contrasting divine judgment on nations with Israel’s required focus. Readers must acknowledge that geopolitical turmoil functions to direct the covenant community’s attention solely to God.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
The burden of the word of the Lord in the land of Hadrach, and Damascus shall be the rest thereof: when the eyes of man, as of all the tribes of Israel, shall be toward the Lord.
Cross-references
- Psalms 25:15 My eyes are always on the LORD, for He will free my feet from the mesh.
- Isaiah 9:8 The Lord has sent a message against Jacob, and it has fallen upon Israel.
- Jeremiah 49:23 Concerning Damascus: “Hamath and Arpad are put to shame, for they have heard a bad report; they are agitated like the sea; their anxiety cannot be calmed.
- Amos 1:3 This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Damascus, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they threshed Gilead with sledges of iron.
- Genesis 14:15 During the night, Abram divided his forces and routed Chedorlaomer’s army, pursuing them as far as Hobah, north of Damascus.
- 2 Chronicles 20:12 Our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast army that comes against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”
- Psalms 145:15 The eyes of all look to You, and You give them their food in season.
- Isaiah 13:1 This is the burden against Babylon that Isaiah son of Amoz received:
- Isaiah 17:1 This is the burden against Damascus: “Behold, Damascus is no longer a city; it has become a heap of ruins.
- Isaiah 17:7 In that day men will look to their Maker and turn their eyes to the Holy One of Israel.