"Against Tyre and Sidon"
Text: Zechariah 9:2
CONFEDERATION OF NATIONS
It was not uncommon to have a confederation of nations. We read about this as early as in the days of Abraham (Genesis 14). The Assyrians and Babylonians were Empires that were made up of nations who merged their resources under a strong leader. Together, these confederations became a serious threat to Israel’s survival.
A DEADLY THREAT
The threat to the very survival of Israel was very real. Israel was conquered by the Assyrians. Judah fell to the Babylonians. The threat was still very real though the remnant had safely returned to their homeland in Judah.
“Also against Hamath, which borders on it,
And against Tyre and Sidon, though they are very wise.”
Zechariah 9:2
1. The burden of the LORD
a) This was now specifically directed to the nations that threatened Israel.
b) This was a heavy message to preach for it dealt with other nations.
2. The LORD’s right to speak to other nations
a) He is the Creator.
b) He is God.
c) He has sovereign right to address all human beings and nations.
3. The short list of nations that received this word:
a) Hadrach
Little is known about this state, except its single mention here.
b) Hamath
This area was at the border of Israel. It was inhabited by the Hittites in the past. It was even called “Hamath the great” (Amos 6:2).
c) Tyre and Sidon were “twin cities”.
i) The inhabitants were described as “very wise.”
ii) Their skill was in mastering the sea trade. They were masters of the sea.
d) Zechariah was to address these nations that were a threat to Israel’s survival.