The land of the Philistines

We continue our study from last time. Zechariah prophesied that Alexander the Great, as the executor of the Lord’s judgment, would destroy the cities of Israel’s enemies. In today’s passage, four Philistine cities are listed (Gath is not mentioned because by this time it had already become part of Israel’s territory). They are Ashkelon, Gaza, Ekron, and Ashdod (the four Philistine cities). (1) Ekron, being the northernmost city, would be destroyed first. The people there had hoped that Tyre would stop the advance of Alexander the Great, but that hope proved to be in vain. (2) “And I will eliminate the pride of the Philistines. And I will remove their blood from their mouth and their detestable things from between their teeth” (v 6b-7a). The arrogance of the Philistines will be shattered. “Blood” refers to animal sacrifices offered to idols. “Detestable things” probably refers to the meat of unclean animals and temple prostitutes. All of these are words rebuking idolatry. (3) “Then they also will be a remnant for our God, and be like a clan in Judah, and Ekron will be like a Jebusite” (v 7b). However, the remnant of the Philistines will come to belong to God. The Jebusites, who once lived in Jerusalem, were absorbed into Judah during the time of David (there was a man named Araunah the Jebusite; 2 Sam. 24:16; 1 Chr. 21:18). In the same way, the remnant of the Philistines will also become the people of God.

Jerusalem

Although the cities that opposed God would be destroyed, Jerusalem would be an exception. “But I will camp around My house because of an army, because of him who passes by and returns; and no oppressor will pass over them anymore, for now I have seen with My eyes” (v 8). (1) The first half of verse 8 is a prophecy that Alexander the Great would pass by Jerusalem without attacking it. “Him who passes by” refers to Alexander the Great. (2) The latter half of verse 8 is a prophecy of the Messianic Kingdom. It says, “No oppressor will pass over them anymore,” but after the time of Alexander the Great, many conquerors subjugated Israel. Therefore, this prophecy cannot be fulfilled unless the Messianic Kingdom comes. God protects His own city. He also stands guard against the enemy in order to protect us from those who attack us. Let us give thanks that we are being protected by the hand of the eternal God.