Question 1

What does it mean that “the LORD shall be seen over them” in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The line “the LORD shall be seen over them” pictures God openly standing with His people in battle. It is like a commander over an army or a cloud of glory over a camp. For the first hearers, it meant God would not be distant while enemies raged, but would show Himself as their defender and leader. Many also see in this the way God showed Himself in the life, death, and rising of Jesus, and in the sending of the Spirit, making clear that He is present with those who trust Him.

Question 2

What is meant by God’s arrow going forth as lightning?

Accepted Answer

“His arrow shall go forth as the lightning” uses a quick, bright arrow as a picture of how fast and effective God’s action is. In the near sense, it points to God striking down enemies who attack His people. In a wider sense, it can also point to the message of Christ spreading with power, cutting through darkness and reaching hearts. Lightning is sudden and cannot be stopped, and this image teaches that nothing can block what God decides to do for His people.

Question 3

Why does the Lord blow the trumpet and go with whirlwinds of the south?

Accepted Answer

The trumpet in this passage is a picture of God calling and leading. Trumpets sounded for war and also for joy and freedom. Here God Himself blows the trumpet, showing that He starts the battle and leads His people. The “whirlwinds of the south” were known as strong, hot winds, so this picture shows the force and energy of His coming. Many see in this how God sends out the good news with power by His Spirit, both comforting His people and shaking what stands against Him.

Question 4

What does it mean that the Lord of hosts shall defend them?

Accepted Answer

When it says “the LORD of hosts shall defend them,” it means God takes up the role of shield and protector for His people. “Hosts” speaks of heavenly armies, so this reminds us God has all power at His command. In the picture, Israel is not winning by its own strength but because God covers them, fights for them, and keeps them. This can be read not only about human enemies in history, but also about spiritual enemies. Those who belong to Him are not left to stand alone.

Question 5

Why does the passage talk about devouring, drinking, and noise like wine?

Accepted Answer

The strong words about devouring, drinking, and making noise like wine are picture language. On one level, they describe a complete victory over enemies and a feast of joy afterward. On a deeper level, many readers see here how God feeds His people with Himself and His promises, so they are satisfied and joyful, like guests at a rich banquet. The “noise like wine” is not about wild drunkenness but about loud gladness that comes from knowing God’s love and rescue.

Question 6

What does it mean that they will be filled like bowls and like the corners of the altar?

Accepted Answer

Bowls and corners of the altar were places that caught the blood of sacrifices, showing fullness and plenty in God’s worship. Saying God’s people will be “filled like bowls, and as the corners of the altar” points to them being filled up with what God gives. It suggests rich spiritual blessing and nearness to Him, not emptiness or lack. The picture is that God does not just help a little, but pours out enough grace and joy that His people are full and ready to serve Him.

Question 7

Why are God’s people called the flock and stones of a crown?

Accepted Answer

Calling them “the flock of his people” shows God as a gentle shepherd who rescues, feeds, and guards His own. The phrase “stones of a crown” adds another picture: His people are like jewels in a royal crown, set high and shining on His land. This means they are precious to Him, carefully kept, and meant to show His beauty. Even those the world might ignore are honored by God. He does not just spare them from harm, He delights in them and gives them dignity.

Question 8

What does this passage teach about God’s goodness and beauty?

Accepted Answer

The words “how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty” invite us to look at who God is, not only at what He gives. His goodness is His generous heart, seen in saving, protecting, and blessing His people. His beauty is the loveliness of His character, shining in mercy, faithfulness, and in the person of Christ. The grain and new wine at the end show that God’s goodness reaches everyday life too. He is not harsh or stingy, but kind and worth loving and praising.

Question 9

Why does it mention corn making young men cheerful and new wine the maids?

Accepted Answer

This line uses common gifts, grain and new wine, to picture the joy that comes when God restores His people. Young men and young women stand for the strength and freshness of the people. When God blesses the land, there is food, drink, and shared gladness. Many also see a deeper picture of the joy the message of Christ brings to hearts, giving energy and song. It reminds us that God cares for both spiritual and daily needs, and that His blessings lead to thankful happiness.

Question 10

How can this passage encourage believers today?

Accepted Answer

These verses encourage believers by showing that God is not distant from the struggles of His people. He goes before them, defends them, feeds them, and values them like jewels. The war images remind us that God is stronger than every enemy, seen or unseen. The flock and crown images remind us we are cared for and treasured. The closing words about goodness, beauty, grain, and wine point to joy in His presence. In hard times, this passage can steady the heart with hope in God’s active care.

Zechariah 9:14

And the Lord shall be seen over them, and his arrow shall go forth as the lightning: and the Lord God shall blow the trumpet, and shall go with whirlwinds of the south.

The LORD Will Save His People

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Zechariah 9:14

And the Lord shall be seen over them, and his arrow shall go forth as the lightning: and the Lord God shall blow the trumpet, and shall go with whirlwinds of the south.

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The LORD Will Save His People

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