Zechariah 9:15
What does Zechariah 9:15 mean?
A plain-English look at Zechariah 9:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Zechariah 9:15 means
This verse describes the triumphant outcome and exuberant celebration of God's people after their divine defense. "Jehovah of hosts will defend them," reiterating His powerful protection. Empowered by God, they "shall devour, and shall tread down the sling-stones," indicating their decisive victory over the enemy and their weapons. Their celebration is pictured metaphorically: they "shall drink, and make a noise as through wine," signifying great joy and revelry in their triumph. Furthermore, they "shall be filled like bowls, like the corners of the altar," referencing the sacred vessels and sacrificial abundance in the Temple, implying a fullness of blessing and joyous satisfaction in God's presence after their hard-fought victory.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Jehovah of hosts will defend them; and they shall devour, and shall tread down the sling-stones; and they shall drink, and make a noise as through wine; and they shall be filled like bowls, like the corners of the altar.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The Lord of hosts shall defend them; and they shall devour, and subdue with sling stones; and they shall drink, and make a noise as through wine; and they shall be filled like bowls, and as the corners of the altar.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Jehovah of hosts will defend them; and they shall devour, and shall tread down the sling-stones; and they shall drink, and make a noise as through wine; and they shall be filled like bowls, like the corners of the altar.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The Lord of armies will be a cover for them; and they will overcome, crushing under foot the armed men; they will take their blood for drink like wine: they will be full like the sides of the altar.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Jehovah of Hosts doth cover them over, And they consumed, and subdued sling-stones, Yea, they have drunk, They have made a noise as wine, And they have been full as a bowl, As corners of an altar.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The Lord of hosts will protect them: and they shall devour, and subdue with the stones of the sling: and drinking they shall be inebriated as it were with wine, and they shall be filled as bowls, and as the horns of the altar.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jehovah of hosts will defend them; and they shall devour, and shall tread down the sling-stones; and they shall drink, [and] make a noise as from wine; and they shall be filled like a bowl, like the corners of the altar.
Context
Following the explicit portrayal of Jehovah's direct involvement in battle in verse 14, this verse describes the glorious and victorious consequences for His people. It details their complete triumph over their enemies and their subsequent, enthusiastic celebration. This victorious outcome and joyful atmosphere then lead directly into the promise of God's saving act and His people's elevated status in verse 16, underscoring the enduring benefits of God's defense.
v.14And Jehovah shall be seen over them; and his arrow shall go forth as the lightning; and the Lord Jehovah will blow the trumpet, and will go with whirlwinds of the south.
v.15This passage
v.16And Jehovah their God will save them in that day as the flock of his people; for they shall be as the stones of a crown, lifted on high over his land.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Micah 5:8
And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the nations, in the midst of many peoples, as a lion among the beasts of the forest, as a young lion among the flocks of sheep; who, if he go through, treadeth down and teareth in pieces, and there is none to deliver.
- Zechariah 12:8
In that day shall Jehovah defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and he that is feeble among them at that day shall be as David; and the house of David shall be as God, as the angel of Jehovah before them.
- Isaiah 55:1
Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
- 1 Samuel 17:45
Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a javelin: but I come to thee in the name of Jehovah of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.
- Exodus 27:2
And thou shalt make the horns of it upon the four corners thereof; the horns thereof shall be of one piece with it: and thou shalt overlay it with brass.
- Song of Solomon 5:1
I am come into my garden, my sister, my bride: I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk. Eat, O friends; Drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved.
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