And I will take away his blood out of his mouth, and his abominations from between his teeth: but he that remaineth, even he, shall be for our God, and he shall be as a governor in Judah, and Ekron as a Jebusite.
ZECHARIAH 9:7KJVWhat does Zechariah 9:7 mean?
Zechariah 9:7 describes how God will remove the violent and idolatrous practices from a foreign nation, but promises that those who survive will belong to God and be accepted among His people, even given a respected place in Judah. The verse uses the example of Ekron, saying its people will be like the Jebusites—former outsiders who became part of Israel.
The prophet Zechariah is speaking God’s words to the people of Israel, describing what will happen to their enemies, especially the Philistine cities. The verse pictures God purifying these nations by taking away their “blood” and “abominations”—references to pagan rituals and forbidden foods. Instead of total destruction, some people will remain and be welcomed into God’s community, just as the Jebusites, once enemies, became part of Jerusalem’s population.
The Hebrew behind Zechariah 9:7
- “blood” (דָּם, dam, H1818): This word often refers to blood used in pagan sacrifices or forbidden foods. Here, it points to God removing violent or idolatrous customs from the people.
- “abominations” (שִׁקּוּצִים, shiqqutsim, H8251): This word means detestable things, usually connected to idol worship or unclean practices. Its use highlights that God is cleansing the people from practices He finds offensive.
- “remaineth” (שָׁאַר, sha’ar, H7604): This word means to be left or to survive. It emphasizes that not everyone will be destroyed; some will be spared and given a new identity among God’s people.
- “governor” (אַלּוּף, alluph, H441): This word can mean a leader or chief. The verse says that those who remain will have a respected status, not just be tolerated.
Why Zechariah 9:7 matters
- Zechariah 9:7 shows that God’s judgment on the nations is not only about punishment but also about redemption and inclusion for those who turn away from old ways.
- The verse connects to the wider passage by showing that God’s plan for Israel’s neighbors includes hope and transformation, not just destruction.
- By mentioning the Jebusites, Zechariah 9:7 reminds readers that outsiders can become part of God’s people, which would have been a surprising and hopeful message for Israel.