Zechariah 9:17
For how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty! corn shall make the young men cheerful, and new wine the maids.
Zechariah 9:17 (KJV)
Context
Zechariah ministered after the Babylonian exile, when the people of Israel were returning to Jerusalem and rebuilding their nation. His prophecies look beyond the immediate restoration to the coming of the Messiah and the blessings God would bring through Him. This verse concludes a passage in which God promises restoration, victory, and blessing for His people.
Meaning
Zechariah 9:17 exclaims, “For how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty!” The prophet marvels at the greatness of God’s goodness and beauty, attributes that reflect His benevolence, holiness, and perfection. The verse then pictures the result of God’s blessing: corn (grain) makes young men cheerful, and new wine makes young women glad. In ancient Israel’s agricultural society, grain and wine represented prosperity and abundance. The joy of the young men and women symbolizes the celebration that comes when God provides for His people. This imagery of agricultural abundance points to a future time of peace and prosperity that God will bring about. The goodness and beauty spoken of are conferred by God, demonstrating His benevolence and care. As John Calvin noted, the abundance described is a proof of God’s great kindness, meant to lift the thoughts of the people above the world.
Biblical connections
The verse also carries messianic implications. The goodness and beauty described here point to the Messiah, who would show goodness to His people by becoming their Saviour. This connects to the broader context of Zechariah 9, which includes the prophecy of Zion’s King coming in triumph, often seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. The abundance and joy foreshadow the spiritual blessings brought through Jesus Christ, who is associated with bread and wine as symbols of His body and blood given for salvation (Matthew 26:26-28).
Application
Gratitude: This verse reminds us of God’s abundant goodness in our lives, encouraging us to recognize and appreciate His blessings.
Trust in God’s Provision: It reassures us that God is the source of all blessings, and we can trust Him to meet our needs.
Spiritual Joy: The joy depicted extends beyond material blessings to the spiritual joy found in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
Reflection
Zechariah 9:17 invites us to admire the amiableness of God’s being—all His perfections make Him infinitely lovely. As we recognize His goodness and beauty in His provision, we respond with gratitude and praise, trusting in His promises of restoration and blessing.
