Question 1

What does the phrase "burden of the word of the LORD" mean here?

Accepted Answer

In this passage, “the burden of the word of the LORD” means a heavy message God gives about what He is going to do. It is “heavy” because it brings judgment on proud nations like Syria and its cities, yet it also carries hope for God’s people. For those who resist God, His word is a weight of judgment that will surely fall. For those who turn their eyes toward Him, the same word brings comfort, because it shows that God sees injustice and will act for His people.

Question 2

Why are Tyre, Zidon, and the Philistine cities judged in this passage?

Accepted Answer

Tyre, Zidon, and the Philistine cities are judged because they trusted in their own strength, wisdom, wealth, and idols instead of in the Lord. Tyre built strong defenses and piled up silver and gold, thinking that made her safe. The Philistines were proud and cruel toward God’s people. God shows that high walls, money, and clever plans cannot protect anyone from His rule. Their fear and ruin are meant both to punish their pride and to show that only the Lord is the true refuge.

Question 3

What does it mean that God will take away blood from their mouth and abominations from their teeth?

Accepted Answer

This picture points to God removing violent and idolatrous practices from these nations. “Blood in the mouth” and “abominations between the teeth” bring to mind cruel acts and eating food linked with idol worship. God promises to pull these things away so that those who remain are no longer ruled by their old sins and false gods. It is a way of saying He will cleanse a remnant, change their ways, and make them people who belong to Him instead of to their former idols.

Question 4

Who is the "bastard" that shall dwell in Ashdod, and why is this phrase difficult?

Accepted Answer

The word translated “bastard” has been understood in more than one way. Some take it to mean a foreigner or mixed people ruling there, showing that Ashdod’s old power is broken and outsiders now live in the city. Others see it as describing a low or illegitimate ruler left after judgment, showing how humbled the city has become. In either case, the point is that the proud Philistine strength is cut down, their former glory is gone, and God has brought their pride low.

Question 5

What does it mean that "he that remaineth shall be for our God"?

Accepted Answer

This line gives a hopeful turn in the middle of all the judgment. After God cuts off violence and idol worship, those who remain from these enemy nations will belong to Him. They will not just be tolerated; they will be counted among God’s people, like a leader in Judah or like old enemies who became part of Israel. It pictures people from former hostile nations turning from idols, being cleansed, and joining in the worship and service of the Lord alongside Israel.

Question 6

What does it mean that God will encamp around His house because of the army?

Accepted Answer

When God says He will encamp around His house, He is using army language to show personal protection. His “house” points to His people and His dwelling among them. Surrounded by passing armies and powerful rulers going back and forth, Israel could feel trapped and small. God answers by saying, in effect, “I Myself will pitch My camp around you.” No matter who marches by, His presence is the shield. The promise that no oppressor will pass through them anymore shows His close, active care.

Question 7

What does this passage teach about God’s character and how He deals with nations?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that God rules over all nations, not just Israel. He sees pride, greed, and cruelty, even in strong cities that seem untouchable, and He brings them down in His time. At the same time, He is not only about destruction. He keeps a remnant for Himself, even from former enemies, and cleanses them from their old sins. He also guards His own people like a camp around His house. So we see God as just and firm, yet also merciful, watchful, and faithful to protect.

Question 8

How can this prophecy about judgment and protection apply to believers today?

Accepted Answer

This passage reminds believers not to rest their hearts on money, human wisdom, or strong systems, like Tyre and the Philistines did. These things can fall very quickly when God acts. It also encourages trust that God sees both the harm done by enemies and the fears of His people. He can bring down what looks unbeatable and at the same time keep a people for Himself. For anyone coming from a hard or idol-filled past, it gives hope that God can cleanse, claim, and use them as His own.

Zechariah 9:1

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.

The Burden against Israel’s Enemies

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Zechariah 9:1

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.

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The Burden against Israel’s Enemies

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