What is the meaning of Zechariah 9:17? How lovely they will be, and how beautiful! • Verse 16 declares that “The LORD their God will save them… like jewels of a crown”; v. 17 opens by describing how that salvation makes His people “lovely” and “beautiful.” • The beauty springs from God’s own goodness being displayed in His redeemed people (Psalm 90:17; Ephesians 5:27; Revelation 21:2). • This is not merely poetic: in the coming Messianic kingdom Israel will literally be restored and honored before the nations (Isaiah 62:3–5; Zechariah 8:23). • Because Scripture is accurate and literal, we expect an actual, observable transformation—a people so visibly blessed that God’s glory shines through them (Isaiah 60:1–3). Grain will make the young men flourish • “Grain” points to tangible, agricultural abundance promised when the Lord reigns (Psalm 72:16; Amos 9:13–14). • Young men, the future strength of the nation, will “flourish” because the land overflows with provision (Deuteronomy 11:13–15; Zechariah 8:12). • Physical bread also hints at spiritual nourishment supplied by the Messiah, “the bread of life” (John 6:35; Matthew 4:4). • The verse ties the two together: as God meets material needs, He simultaneously strengthens hearts to serve Him (Isaiah 40:30–31). and new wine, the young women • “New wine” signifies joy, celebration, and rich fellowship (Psalm 104:15; Jeremiah 31:12). • Young women, often emblematic of hope and future family life, will be enlivened by this joy (Jeremiah 31:13; Joel 2:19). • Literal vineyards will thrive under Christ’s rule (Joel 3:18; Micah 4:4), and the resulting wine pictures a society alive with gladness. • The first sign Jesus performed—turning water into wine (John 2:1–11)—foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of this promise, where earthly joy meets heavenly grace. summary Zechariah 9:17 paints a literal snapshot of Messiah’s kingdom: a redeemed people visibly radiant, a land teeming with grain and wine, and a nation whose young men and women thrive in strength and joy. The verse assures believers that God’s salvation touches every facet of life—spiritual beauty, physical provision, and overflowing gladness—all secured by the unfailing goodness of the Lord. |
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