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Book of Zechariah - Chapter 9 - Verse 13

9:13
When I have bent Judah for me, filled the bow with Ephraim, and raised up thy sons, O Zion, against thy sons, O Greece, and made thee as the sword of a mighty man.

Meaning

In this verse, the prophet Zechariah is prophesying about the future role of Judah, Ephraim, Zion, and Greece in a metaphorical way. The bending of Judah and filling of the bow with Ephraim symbolizes the unity and strength that will be given to these nations by God. The raising up of Zion's sons against Greece's sons represents a future conflict or struggle between these two nations. The mention of making Zion as the sword of a mighty man signifies the power and authority that will be bestowed upon Zion by God to defend itself against its enemies.

Overall, this verse is a representation of God's ability to empower and protect his chosen people in times of conflict and adversity. It speaks to the idea of divine intervention and guidance, as well as the importance of unity and strength among nations facing challenges. By understanding the symbolism used in this verse, readers can glean insights into the broader themes of faith, protection, and victory that run throughout the Bible.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the bending of Judah and the filling of the bow with Ephraim depict an image of God preparing His people for battle. The mention of Zion, a symbol of God's chosen people, being raised up against Greece, a powerful empire, highlights God's sovereignty and power over nations. The comparison of Zion to a sword of a mighty man further emphasizes the strength and effectiveness of God's people in carrying out His will. The theological interpretation of this verse underscores God's role as a protector and warrior on behalf of His people. It signifies His commitment to defending and empowering those who are faithful to Him. Through a word study, we can see the significance of each term used in this verse, shedding light on the depth of God's involvement in the affairs of humanity and His ability to use even the seemingly weakest among us to accomplish His purposes.

American Standard Version

For I have bent Judah for me, I have filled the bow with Ephraim; and I will stir up thy sons, O Zion, against thy sons, O Greece, and will make thee as the sword of a mighty man.
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