Zechariah 9:6
a mixed people shall dwell in Ashdod, and I will cut off the pride of Philistia.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse uses a loaded term, "bastard," for the inhabitants of Ashdod, but it's less about illegitimacy and more about the Philistines' humiliation. God is saying that this once-proud city will be occupied by a "stranger" or "mixed" people, not the proud Philistine warriors they once were, signaling the end of their dominance.
This prophecy shifts focus to the Philistine cities, particularly Ashdod. Zechariah foretells that Ashdod, once a proud Philistine stronghold, will be occupied by a mixed or "stranger" people, signifying a loss of its native identity. This occupation will be part of God's judgment that will humble the entire Philistine nation, stripping them of the arrogance they've held for centuries.
The word 'bastard' in this verse feels harsh, even offensive. But what does it really signify, and why is it used here?
The Hebrew word translated as 'bastard' (mamzer) is rare, appearing only here and in Deuteronomy 23:2. In its strictest sense, it refers to someone of illegitimate birth.
However, its usage here likely carries a broader, more symbolic meaning:
Philistia was a long-standing rival and source of oppression for Israel. Zechariah makes a bold declaration about their 'pride.' What was this pride, and how would it be cut off?
The Philistines, and specifically their proud city of Ashdod, represented a significant military and cultural threat to God's people. Their 'pride' wasn't just arrogance; it was rooted in:
Understand the original words
mamzer · Hebrew Noun
An ethnic or social group of mixed descent. In a biblical context, it often refers to those who are not purely of the covenant people, highlighting the inclusion of Gentiles into God's purposes.
ga'on · Hebrew Noun
The sense of self-importance or arrogance that refuses to submit to God. It is frequently associated with national defiance and is destined for judgment by the Almighty.
The prophecy in Zechariah 9:6 speaks of a 'bastard' or 'mixed people' inhabiting Ashdod and the downfall of Philistine pride. This points to the historical reality of foreign conquest and cultural assimilation, particularly during the Hellenistic period following Alexander the Great's campaigns, which led to a dilution of the Philistine identity and dominance.
c. 700 BC
Assyrian Dominance over Philistia
The Philistine cities, including Ashdod, were under Assyrian control. This period saw increasing pressure and subjugation of the region by powerful empires.
604 BC
Nebuchadnezzar's Conquest
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon conquered Ashdod and other Philistine cities, incorporating them into the Babylonian empire. This marked a significant shift in regional power.
c. 400 BC
Persian Period and Greek Influence
Following the Babylonian exile, the Philistine territories came under Persian rule. During this era, Greek mercenaries and traders began to appear in the region, contributing to a more mixed population.
332 BC— this verse
Alexander the Great's Conquest
Alexander the Great conquered the region, including Ashdod. His campaigns and the subsequent Hellenistic period led to significant cultural mixing and political upheaval in Philistia.
This passage shows the historical pride of the Philistines in their city of Ashdod and their champion Goliath, directly contrasting with Zechariah's prophecy of their downfall.
Jeremiah 47:4Like Zechariah, Jeremiah prophesies the destruction of the Philistines and the remnant of the 'country of the Philistines,' highlighting a consistent prophetic theme of judgment against them.
Amos 1:6-8Amos also pronounces judgment on Ashdod and the Philistines, mentioning the cutting off of inhabitants and the 'remnant of the Philistines,' echoing Zechariah's message of their subjugation.
This historical account of Jonathan the Maccabee burning Ashdod and its temple aligns with the prophetic fulfillment of God cutting off the pride of the Philistines, as it shows their cities being conquered and their idolatry destroyed.
Philip the evangelist is found in Ashdod (Azotus) after baptizing the Ethiopian eunuch, showing the eventual spread of the Gospel to this Philistine city, fulfilling the idea of a 'stranger' or transformed people dwelling there.
clarkeZechariah 9:6: "And a bastard shall dwell in Ashdod, and I will cut off the pride of the Philistines."
A bastard shall dwell in Ashdod - This character would suit Alexander very well, who most certainly was a bastard; for his mother Olympia said that Jupiter Ammon entered her apartment in the shape of a dragon, and begat Alexander! Could her husband Philip believe this? The word signifies a stranger.
pooleZechariah 9:6: "And a bastard shall dwell in Ashdod, and I will cut off the pride of the Philistines."
A bastard; some say Alexander the Great was by Olympia’s confession declared to be a bastard, and that he is here pointed at; but I think rather strangers, who have no right of inheritance, yet did dwell here, are meant, called bastards because not the rightful heirs, but intruders. Ashdod; Azotus, now a strong town, a city of the Philistines, but still of the same temper with the rest against…
The verse uses a loaded term, "bastard," for the inhabitants of Ashdod, but it's less about illegitimacy and more about the Philistines' humiliation. God is saying that this once-proud city will be occupied by a "stranger" or "mixed" people, not the proud Philistine warriors they once were, signaling the end of their dominance.
This prophecy shifts focus to the Philistine cities, particularly Ashdod. Zechariah foretells that Ashdod, once a proud Philistine stronghold, will be occupied by a mixed or "stranger" people, signifying a loss of its native identity. This occupation will be part of God's judgment that will humble the entire Philistine nation, stripping them of the arrogance they've held for centuries.
This prophecy shifts focus to the Philistine cities, particularly Ashdod. Zechariah foretells that Ashdod, once a proud Philistine stronghold, will be occupied by a mixed or "stranger" people, signifying a loss of its native identity. This occupation will be part of God's judgment that will humble the entire Philistine nation, stripping them of the arrogance they've held for centuries.
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God's promise to 'cut off the pride of Philistia' signifies a complete dismantling of these sources of confidence. This would come through conquest and subjugation, leading to the loss of their cities, their military capability, and ultimately, the shame of their idols being rendered powerless.
While the verse speaks of judgment, it also hints at a surprising transformation. What future is held for these 'mixed people' and even the Philistines?
Though the immediate context is judgment and conquest, Zechariah's prophecy, like many in the Old Testament, contains layers pointing towards a broader redemption. The commentaries shed light on this unexpected turn:
This transformation echoes the New Testament idea of Gentiles (strangers to the covenant) becoming 'fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God' (Ephesians 2:19).
c. 160 BC
Maccabean Wars
Jonathan Maccabeus attacked and burned Ashdod, a major blow to Philistine strength and independence. This conflict further diminished the distinct identity of the Philistines.
"a mixed people shall dwell in Ashdod, and I will cut off the pride of Philistia." — The verse uses a loaded term, "bastard," for the inhabitants of Ashdod, but it's less about illegitimacy and more about the Philistines' humiliation. God is saying that this once-proud city will be o…
