Chapter 9
1 A revelation. The LORD ’s word is against the land of Hadrach , and will rest upon Damascus — for the eye of man and of all the tribes of Israel is towards the LORD —
2 and Hamath , also , which borders on it , Tyre and Sidon , because they are very wise .
3 Tyre built herself a stronghold, and heaped up silver like the dust , and fine gold like the mire of the streets .
4 Behold , the Lord will dispossess her , and he will strike her power in the sea ; and she will be devoured with fire.
5 Ashkelon will see it , and fear ; Gaza also , and will writhe in agony; as will Ekron , for her expectation will be disappointed; and the king will perish from Gaza , and Ashkelon will not be inhabited .
6 Foreigners will dwell in Ashdod, and I will cut off the pride of the Philistines .
7 I will take away his blood out of his mouth , and his abominations from between his teeth ; and he also will be a remnant for our God; and he will be as a chieftain in Judah , and Ekron as a Jebusite .
8 I will encamp around my house against the army , that no one pass through or return ; and no oppressor will pass through them any more : for now I have seen with my eyes .
9 Rejoice greatly , daughter of Zion ! Shout , daughter of Jerusalem ! Behold , your King comes to you ! He is righteous , and having salvation ; lowly , and riding on a donkey , even on a colt , the foal of a donkey .
10 I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the horse from Jerusalem . The battle bow will be cut off ; and he will speak peace to the nations . His dominion will be from sea to sea , and from the River to the ends of the earth.
11 As for you also , because of the blood of your covenant , I have set free your prisoners from the pit in which is no water .
12 Turn to the stronghold , you prisoners of hope ! Even today I declare that I will restore double to you .
13 For indeed I bend Judah as a bow for me . I have loaded the bow with Ephraim. I will stir up your sons , Zion , against your sons , Greece , and will make you like the sword of a mighty man .
14 The LORD will be seen over them . His arrow will flash like lightning . The Lord GOD will blow the trumpet , and will go with whirlwinds of the south .
15 The LORD of Armies will defend them . They will destroy and overcome with sling stones . They will drink , and roar as through wine . They will be filled like bowls , like the corners of the altar .
16 The LORD their God will save them in that day as the flock of his people ; for they are like the jewels of a crown , lifted on high over his land.
17 For how great is his goodness , and how great is his beauty ! Grain will make the young men flourish , and new wine the virgins .