Zechariah 9:12 Exposition And God's Promises
Zechariah 9:12 states, "Turn you to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope: even to day do I declare that I will render double unto thee" (KJV) [1]. This verse is part of a larger prophetic section in Zechariah that offers encouragement and promises to the people of God, particularly those returning from exile.
The book of Zechariah is set during the post-exilic period, with the prophet receiving visions in the second year of Darius's reign, around 520 BCE, five months after the rebuilding of the temple had resumed [5]. The prophecies in Zechariah 9-14 are often considered a distinct unit, sometimes referred to as "the burden of the word of the Lord" [6, 7]. This particular passage (Zechariah 9:11-12) follows a declaration of God's protection over His house and His people, promising to cut off chariots and horses from Ephraim and Jerusalem, and to speak peace to the nations [1].
The phrase "strong hold" (מִבְצָר, mibtsar) contrasts with the "pit" mentioned in the preceding verse (Zechariah 9:11), which refers to a dungeon or a place of captivity [10]. The stronghold represents security and refuge, an image for the safety God provides to His people through the Messiah [10]. Cross-references for "stronghold" include Psalms 46:1 and Proverbs 18:10, emphasizing divine protection [2, 10].
The address "ye prisoners of hope" is a key interpretive point. It refers to those who, despite their afflictions and captivity, maintain hope in God's covenant promises [10]. This contrasts with unbelievers who despair [10]. Adam Clarke interprets this as an invitation to those burdened by sin to look to Christ for justification and peace [9]. Matthew Henry suggests that these promises, while offering some immediate happiness to the returning exiles, find their ultimate fulfillment in the spiritual blessings of the Gospel [4]. The "blood of the covenant" mentioned in Zechariah 9:11 is seen as the basis for their deliverance and hope, pointing towards the Messiah [4, 3].
The promise "I will render double unto thee" signifies an abundance of peace and salvation [9]. This "double" can be understood as a restoration or blessing that exceeds previous suffering or loss. The concept of God taking possession of Judah as His portion and choosing Jerusalem is a recurring theme in Zechariah, indicating a future where Israel's appointment as God's possession becomes a perfect reality through the coming of the Lord [8].
Sources
- King James Version “[KJV] Zechariah 9:12 — Turn you to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope: even to day do I declare that I will render double unto thee;”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Zechariah 9:8 cross-references: Genesis 32:1, Exodus 3:7, Exodus 3:9, 2 Samuel 16:12, 2 Kings 19:34, 2 Kings 23:29, 2 Kings 24:1, Psalms 34:7, Psalms 46:1, Psalms 72:4, Psalms 125:1, Proverbs 3:25, Isaiah 4:5, Isaiah 26:1, Isaiah 31:5, Isaiah 33:20, Isaiah 52:1, Isaiah 52:12, Isaiah 54:14, Isaiah 60:18, Jeremiah 31:12, Jeremiah 46:2, Jeremiah 46:13, Ezekiel 28:24, Ezekiel 39:29, Daniel 11:6, Daniel 11:10, Daniel 11:27, Daniel 11:40, Joel 3:16, Amos 9:15, Zechariah 2:1, Zechariah 12:4, Zechariah 12:8, Zechariah 14:11, Acts 7:34, Revelation 20:1, Revelation 20:9”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Zechariah 9:11 cross-references: Exodus 24:8, Deuteronomy 5:31, 2 Samuel 13:13, 2 Chronicles 7:17, Psalms 30:3, Psalms 40:2, Psalms 69:33, Psalms 102:19, Psalms 107:10, Isaiah 42:7, Isaiah 42:22, Isaiah 49:9, Isaiah 51:14, Isaiah 58:12, Isaiah 61:1, Jeremiah 38:6, Daniel 2:29, Matthew 26:28, Mark 14:24, Luke 4:18, Luke 16:24, Luke 22:20, Acts 26:17, 1 Corinthians 11:25, Colossians 1:13, Hebrews 9:10, Hebrews 10:29, Hebrews 13:20, Revelation 20:3”
- Zechariah (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Zechariah 9:12: The prophet, having taught those that had returned out of captivity to attribute their deliverance to the blood of the covenant and to the promise of the Messiah (for they were so wonderfully helped because that blessing was in them, was yet in the womb of their nation), now comes to encourage them with the prospect of a joyful and happy settlement, and of glorious times before them; and such a happiness they did enjoy, in a great measure, for some time; but these promises have their full accomplishment in the spiritual blessings of the gospel which we enjoy by”
- Zechariah (Lutheran) “Keil & Delitzsch on Zechariah 1:7: Three months after his call to be a prophet through the first word of God that was addressed to him, Zechariah received a comprehensive revelation concerning the future fate of the people and kingdom of God, in a series of visions, which were given him to behold in a single night, and were interpreted by an angel. This took place, according to Zac 1:7, "on the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month, i.e., the month Shebat, in the second year of Darius," that is to say, exactly five months after the building of the temple had been resumed (Hag 1:15), with whi”
- Zechariah (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Zechariah 12:1: Here is, I. The title of this charter of promises made to God's Israel; it is the burden of the word of the Lord, a divine prediction; it is of weight in the delivery of it; it is to be pressed upon people, and will be very pressing in the accomplishment of it; it is a burden, a heavy burden, to all the church's enemies, like that talent of lead, Zac 5:7, Zac 5:8. But it is for Israel; it is for their comfort and benefit. As even the fiery law (Deu 33:2), so the fiery prophecies and fiery providences that come from God's right hand, come for them; the word that”
- Zechariah (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Zechariah 12 (introduction): INTRODUCTION TO ZECHARIAH 12 This chapter contains a prophecy of the defence, protection, and salvation of the church of God; and of the effusion of the Spirit; and of the conversion of the Jews in the latter day. It begins with a title and preface, describing the power of God, from the creation of the heavens and earth, and soul of man, Zac 12:1 then follows the subject matter of the prophecy, in a way of judgment upon the enemies of the people of God, and in a way of salvation to them. The judgments on their enemies are signified by various metapho”
- Zechariah (Lutheran) “Keil & Delitzsch on Zechariah 2:12: "And Jehovah will take possession of Judah as His portion in the holy land, and will yet choose Jerusalem. Zac 2:13. Be still, all flesh, before Jehovah; for He has risen up out of His holy habitation." The first hemistich of Zac 2:12 rests upon Deu 32:9, where Israel, as the chosen nation, is called the chēleq and nachălâh of Jehovah. This appointment of Israel to be the possession of Jehovah will become perfect truth and reality in the future, through the coming of the Lord. Yehūdâh is Judah as delivered, i.e., the remnant of the whole of the covenant”
- Zechariah (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Zechariah 9:12: Turn you to the strong hold - Ye who feel your sins, and are shut up under a sense of your guilt, look up to him who was delivered for your offenses, and rose again for your justification. Ye have hope, let that hope lead you to faith, and that faith to the blood of the covenant; and, through that blood, to God, the Father of all. I will render double unto thee - Give thee an abundance of peace and salvation.”
- Zechariah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Zechariah 9:12: stronghold--in contrast to the "pit" (Zac 9:11); literally, "a place cut off from access." MAURER thinks, "a height" (Psa 18:33). An image for the security which the returning Jews shall have in Messiah (Zac 9:8) encamped about His people (Psa 46:1, Psa 46:5; compare Isa 49:9; Pro 18:10). prisoners of hope--that is, who in spite of afflictions (Job 13:15; Psa 42:5, Psa 42:11) maintain hope in the covenant-keeping God; in contrast to unbelievers, who say, "There is no hope" (Jer 2:25; Jer 18:12). Especially those Jews who believe God's word to Isra”