Verse of the Day: Zechariah 14:9
Verse of the Day
Monday, June 30, 2025
Zechariah 14:9
And the LORD will become king over all the earth; on that day the LORD will be one and his name one.
Introduction
The Book of Zechariah is a rich tapestry of prophetic visions, apocalyptic imagery, and messianic hope. Written after the Babylonian exile, it encouraged the people of Judah to rebuild the temple and restore their faith. Zechariah 14:9 stands as a bold and triumphant proclamation of God's future reign—not just over Israel, but over the entire earth. It anticipates a time when God's kingship is universally acknowledged, and His name is honored in unity.
Commentary
“The LORD will become king over all the earth”
This is a statement of global sovereignty. Unlike the local or regional gods worshiped in ancient times, the Lord (YHWH) is declared as King over all the earth. It’s a vision of the full realization of divine authority—when no corner of creation resists His rule.
“On that day”
This phrase refers to “the Day of the Lord,” a recurring theme in prophetic literature. It points to a decisive moment in redemptive history—when God intervenes definitively to judge evil, deliver His people, and establish everlasting peace. This eschatological phrase anticipates both climactic judgment and restorative justice.
“The LORD will be one and his name one”
The word "one" (echad in Hebrew) carries theological weight. It echoes the Shema of Deuteronomy 6:4: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD is our God, the LORD alone.” Here, the oneness of God speaks not only to monotheism but also to the unification of all divided loyalties under God's name. His name—representing His character, presence, and authority—will no longer be confused, profaned, or forgotten. All will know and revere the one true God.
Understanding the Context
Zechariah 14 describes an apocalyptic confrontation in Jerusalem, followed by divine deliverance and the renewal of the world. After a time of chaos and conflict, the Lord Himself appears to fight for His people. The final verses, including 14:9, depict a healed and holy world where God's reign is uncontested.
Historically, Zechariah wrote to post-exilic Jews who had returned to a ruined city and temple. They were politically weak and religiously discouraged. This vision gave them hope beyond their immediate struggles—a glimpse of God’s ultimate plan to dwell with His people and be acknowledged by all nations.
Theologically, this verse foreshadows New Testament themes of Christ’s return and the establishment of His eternal kingdom (Revelation 11:15: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah…”).
Application for Today
In a world fractured by nationalism, division, and competing ideologies—even within the Church—this verse calls believers to a singular allegiance: God as King. We are reminded that no earthly system, government, or movement holds eternal power. Only God's reign is sovereign, just, and lasting.
When we pray “Thy kingdom come,” we are aligning ourselves with this vision from Zechariah. Living under God's kingship means striving for unity in His name, rejecting idolatry in all forms, and placing our ultimate hope not in politics, wealth, or status—but in the Lord.
We can begin now to model the reality that will one day be fulfilled: honoring His name in all we do, proclaiming His reign with our lives, and witnessing to a unity that reflects His oneness.
Reflection
Are you living as though the Lord is King over your life today?
Can you say His name is “one” in your heart—not shared with other idols or loyalties?
Let this verse stir a deeper longing for His rule and a commitment to reflect His holiness.
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Verse of the Day is a daily inspirational and encouraging Bible verse extracted from BibleGateway.com. Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM.