1The burden of the word of the LORD is against the land of Hadrach, and Damascus is where it rests. For the eyes of man, and of all the tribes of Israel, are toward the LORD.
2Hamath also lies on its border, and Tyre and Sidon, though they are very wise.
3Tyre built herself a stronghold. She heaped up silver like dust, and fine gold like the mud of the streets.
4Look, the Lord will drive her out. He will strike down her power in the sea, and she will be eaten up by fire.
5Ashkelon will see it and be afraid. Gaza will see it too and be full of grief, and Ekron as well, for what she hoped for will be put to shame. The king will perish from Gaza, and Ashkelon will not be lived in.
6A bastard will live in Ashdod, and I will cut off the pride of the Philistines.
7I will take away his blood out of his mouth, and his disgusting things from between his teeth. But the one who is left, even he, will belong to our God. He will be like a leader in Judah, and Ekron like a Jebusite.
8I will camp around my house because of the army, because of him who passes by and him who returns. No oppressor will pass through them any more, for now I have seen with my own eyes.
9Rejoice greatly, daughter of Zion. Shout, daughter of Jerusalem. Look, your King is coming to you. He is just, and brings salvation. He is lowly, and rides on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
10I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be cut off. He will speak peace to the nations. His rule will reach from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth.
11As for you also, because of the blood of your covenant I have sent your prisoners out of the pit where there is no water.
12Return to the stronghold, you prisoners of hope. Today I declare that I will repay you double.
13For I have bent Judah for myself, I have filled the bow with Ephraim. I have stirred up your sons, Zion, against your sons, Greece, and made you like the sword of a mighty man.
14The LORD will be seen over them, and his arrow will go out like lightning. The Lord GOD will blow the trumpet, and will go with the whirlwinds of the south.
15The LORD of hosts will defend them. They will devour, and they will crush the sling stones underfoot. They will drink and be noisy as if with wine. They will be filled like bowls, like the corners of the altar.
16The LORD their God will save them on that day, as the flock of his people. They will be like the stones of a crown, lifted up as a banner over his land.
17For how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty! Grain will make the young men cheerful, and new wine the young women.