Zechariah 9:7
And I wil take away his blood out of his mouth, and his abominations from betweene his teeth: but he that remaineth, euen hee shalbe for our God, and he shall be as a gouernour in Iudah, and Ekron as a Iebusite. Zechariah 9:7 (KJV)
Zechariah 9:7 belongs to a larger prophetic passage that looks forward to the coming of the Messiah and the restoration of God’s people. To grasp its meaning it is essential to consider the surrounding context. In the preceding verses, Zechariah 9:1‑6, the prophet pronounces judgment on several hostile nations and cities—Damascus, Tyre, Sidon, Ashkelon, and others—emphasizing God’s displeasure with those who have oppressed Israel and affirming His promise to protect His people.
The verse itself can be understood in two main parts. The first part declares, “And I will take away his blood out of his mouth, and his abominations from between his teeth.” This language is generally understood to refer to the removal of idolatrous and violent practices associated with pagan worship, especially those of the Philistines. The imagery of blood and abominations suggests the cleansing of defilement that has plagued the land.
The second part reads, “but he that remaineth, even he, shall be for our God, and he shall be as a governor in Judah, and Ekron as a Jebusite.” This phrase speaks of a faithful remnant who, after the removal of idolatry, will belong to God and be appointed as leaders in Judah. The mention of Ekron as a Jebusite highlights the inclusion of people from non‑Israelite origins in God’s redemptive plan, demonstrating divine inclusiveness.
Some readers note that certain translations do not render the governor and Ekron language, yet the KJV rendering includes it, and the verse therefore conveys both purification and the promise of governance for those who remain loyal.
Later in the chapter, especially verses 9:9‑10, the tone shifts toward a hopeful proclamation of a coming ruler who brings peace—a passage many Christian interpreters view as Messianic. While Zechariah 9:7 focuses on judgment and cleansing, it sets the stage for that subsequent hope.
As with any biblical text, studying Zechariah 9:7 in its historical and literary context, and consulting a range of reputable commentaries, can provide deeper insight into its meaning and its place within the larger prophetic narrative.
