“And Hamath also shall border thereby; Tyrus, and Zidon, though it be very wise.”
My Notes
What Does Zechariah 9:2 Mean?
"And Hamath also shall border thereby; Tyrus, and Zidon, though it be very wise." This verse is part of Zechariah's oracle concerning the nations surrounding Israel. Hamath was a Syrian city-state to the north; Tyre and Sidon were Phoenician coastal cities famous for their wealth and cunning. The phrase "though it be very wise" applies particularly to Tyre, renowned for its commercial brilliance and strategic fortification on an island.
Zechariah's point is that human wisdom — even the legendary craftiness of Tyre — provides no ultimate security against God's advancing purposes. The nations that bordered Israel and often dominated her politically will themselves face judgment. Their proximity to God's people doesn't protect them; their wisdom doesn't exempt them. This sets up the following verses where Tyre's wealth and fortifications are specifically dismantled by God.
Reflection Questions
- 1.In what areas of your life do you rely on your own intelligence more than on God?
- 2.What's the difference between wisdom that comes from fearing God and wisdom that replaces God?
- 3.Have you ever had a 'Tyre moment' — where your best plans proved insufficient against something bigger?
- 4.How do you hold your own competence and God's sovereignty in tension without becoming passive or arrogant?
Devotional
Tyre was famous for being smart. Strategically brilliant. Built on an island, practically unconquerable, with trade networks spanning the ancient world. If any city had reason to feel secure in its own intelligence, it was Tyre. And Zechariah's quiet editorial — "though it be very wise" — is devastating precisely because of how understated it is.
Though it be very wise. As if to say: yes, it's clever. Noted. And it won't matter.
We live in a culture that worships intelligence. Strategic thinking, financial savvy, relational calculus — we admire people who have it figured out. And there's nothing wrong with wisdom. Proverbs spends thirty-one chapters praising it. But there's a difference between wisdom that flows from the fear of the LORD and wisdom that replaces the fear of the LORD. Tyre had the second kind. Brilliant, self-sufficient, and utterly exposed when God moved.
If you've been relying on your own cleverness to navigate a situation — your ability to plan, to control outcomes, to stay three steps ahead — this verse is a gentle but firm reminder. Your wisdom is real. But it's not enough. The smartest strategy in the world is no substitute for surrender to the God whose plans can't be outmaneuvered.
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
And Hamath also shall border thereby,.... By the land of Hadrach, or by Damascus; and that it was near Damascus is clear…
And Hamath also shall border thereby - o. Near to it in place and character, it shall share its subdual. After the…
And Hamath also shall border thereby - Hamath on the river Orontes; and Tyre and Sidon, notwithstanding their political…
After the precious promises we had in the foregoing chapter of favour to God's people, their persecutors, who hated…
shall border thereby i.e. as it is near Damascus in situation and like it in character, so shall it be the neighbour or…
Cross References
Related passages throughout Scripture