Zechariah 9:15
The LORD of hosts shall defend them; and they shall devour, and subdue with sling stones; and they shall drink, and make a noise as through wine; and they shall be filled like bowls, and as the corners of the altar.
Zechariah 9:15 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Zechariah describes the protection and empowerment that the Lord provides for His people. "The LORD of hosts shall defend them" signifies that the Lord, as the leader of the heavenly armies, will protect and shield His followers from harm and danger. The imagery of "devouring and subduing with sling stones" demonstrates the strength and victory that God's people will experience in their battles. The mention of "drinking, making a noise as through wine, being filled like bowls, and as the corners of the altar" symbolizes the abundance, joy, and celebration that will come upon them, akin to the overflowing blessings at a feast or during worship. Overall, this verse conveys the idea that the Lord is a powerful defender who not only safeguards His people but also empowers them to triumph over their adversaries with great abundance and jubilation.
Theological Overview
The verse 'The LORD of hosts shall defend them; and they shall devour, and subdue with sling stones; and they shall drink, and make a noise as through wine; and they shall be filled like bowls, and as the corners of the altar' from Zechariah 9:15 speaks to the divine protection and victory that God provides to His people. The phrase 'The LORD of hosts shall defend them' emphasizes God's role as a protector and guardian of His chosen ones. The imagery of devouring and subduing with sling stones conveys the idea of overwhelming victory and conquest. The mention of drinking and making noise like through wine suggests a celebratory atmosphere of joy and abundance. The comparison of being filled like bowls and as the corners of the altar symbolizes the completeness and satisfaction that God's provision brings to His people. Overall, this verse underscores the power and benevolence of God in shielding His people and granting them triumph in their battles.
Zechariah 9:15 in other translations
American Standard Version
Jehovah of hosts will defend them; and they shall devour, and shall tread down the sling-stones; and they shall drink, and make a noise as through wine; and they shall be filled like bowls, like the corners of the altar.
World English Bible
Yahweh of Armies will defend them; and they will destroy and overcome with sling stones; and they will drink, and roar as through wine; and they will be filled like bowls, like the corners of the altar.
Douay-Rheims
The Lord of hosts will protect them: and they shall devour, and subdue with the stones of the sling: and drinking they shall be inebriated as it were with wine, and they shall be filled as bowls, and as the horns of the altar.
Geneva Bible (1599)
The Lord of hostes shall defend them, and they shall deuoure them, and subdue them with sling stones, and they shall drinke, and make a noyse as thorowe wine, and they shalbe filled like bowles, and as the hornes of the altar.