Zechariah 9:5Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

But upon witnessing their own downfall, they lost all self-assurance; the ruler of Gaza would vanish, surely to perish. “The foreigners shall dwell in Azotus,” likely after the native populace has been decimated by war. This can also signify that I shall bring an end to the foreigners or inhabitants of Palestine, as this term is commonly employed. If one wishes, this pronouncement may also pertain to other nations that have oppressed Israel and were surrounding the land of Judah. It is important to grasp the literal meaning here. Moreover, it is crucial to recognize that during the time of the church’s persecution, as previously noted, her enemies cruelly attacked and mocked her, perhaps uttering, “Good, good, good,” in line with what is written in Psalms 34:21. Yet, Christ comes to her aid, dismantling all their might, fortifying her temple, and raising His unyielding wrath against those who plot against her. He brings down, as if shattering, the assemblies of heretics and the wicked throngs of idolaters that remain.

Ascalon will see and fear, as will Gaza, mourning deeply, and Akkaron will be shamed by its hopes. The monarch will vanish from Gaza, and Ascalon will stand uninhabited. Foreigners will settle in Azotus; I will eradicate their unrighteousness and free them from their blood and abominations. They will find refuge with our God, becoming leaders among multitudes, and Akkaron shall be as Jebus. I will establish an elevated place in my house, where no one shall pass through or return, and no more will any predator or threat overwhelm them, because I have witnessed it.

The names Ascalon, Gaza, and Akkaron carry meanings worth noting: Ascalon could signify fire unknown or scales; Gaza, strength or power; Akkaron, barrenness or being uprooted; Azotus in Hebrew, as esdod, may denote fire that begat or the fire of kin. Jebusai reflects being trampled underfoot. We mention these meanings to capture the essence of the passage. Ascalon, Gaza, and Akkaron, with Emath under the influence of Damascus, and Tyre and Sidon falling under the Lord’s authority post-destruction of their surroundings, experienced great terror, grief, and shame, yet began to hope for renewal.

Ascalon, once ruled by the adversary and burdened by sin, shook in fear devoid of inhabitants. Gaza grieved, reflecting on her prior transgressions, once proud and invincible, now diminished without her king and leaders—once symbols of defiance against the Lord. Akkaron, barren and lacking knowledge of God, was prompted by this prophetic declaration: "Rejoice, O barren woman, who has not given birth; cry out with a loud voice, you who have not been in labor, for she who is desolate has more children than she who has a husband."

When Ascalon, Gaza, and Akkaron experience dismay, whether from lack of inhabitants, loss of leadership, or false hopes shattered, foreigners will reside in Azotus, where the fire that God sent forth will yield its intended fruit. He desires it to burn, as He administers the baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire. The mention of the Separator suggests the Lord will distinguish the righteous from the unrighteous, separating wheat from chaff and good from bad fish. Following this, He promises to destroy the pride of the Philistines, which, as translated, refers to outsiders.

In our terminology, Philistines signifies those who are cast down from intoxication, having drunk from the cup of Babylon. This era, marked by the call of the Gentiles and the coming of Christ, will strip them of their pride as they follow the humble Christ. He shall cleanse their mouths of blasphemy and idolatrous offerings, leaving them to serve the Lord faithfully, as Judah, the believer’s community, becomes the preeminent leader. The once prominent will fall behind, while those previously overlooked will rise to prominence.

Akkaron, erstwhile barren, will resemble Jebus, synonymous with Jerusalem, a city known by multiple names: Jebus, Salem, and Jerusalem. The Lord says He will surround His house, referring to the Church, with those who serve Him, each going forth and returning at His command. He will encircle His dwelling with angels, who guard those who revere Him, ensuring no one further threatens His people. The oppressor spoken of by Isaiah will no longer prevail, as the Lord observes the gathering of the nations and safeguards the church through His insightful gaze.

When it is said, "The Lord will inherit me," it signifies that they have distanced themselves from God's providence and will thus experience His might. Ascalon and Gaza, witnessing this devastation, will be filled with dread, and along with Akkaron, they will mourn their downfall. "I will indeed bring an end to the kingdom of Gaza; its inhabitants shall be taken away, leaving the cities of Ascalon and Ashdod to be populated by outsiders." Thus the Prophet asserts that "Ascalon shall not be inhabited" regarding those who were delivered over to suffering and captivity.