At this chapter begins another sermon, which is continued to the end of Zech. 11:1-17 It is called, “The burden of the word of the Lord,” for every word of God has weight in it to those who regard it, and will be a heavy weight upon those who do not, a dead weight. Here is, I. A prophecy against the Jews’ unrighteous neighbours—the Syrians, Tyrians, Philistines, and others (Zech. 9:1-6), with an intimation of mercy to some of them, in their conversion (Zech. 9:7), and a promise of mercy to God’s people, in their protection, Zech. 9:8. II. A prophecy of their righteous King, the Messiah, and his coming, with a description of him (Zech. 9:9) and of his kingdom, the nature and extent of it, Zech. 9:10. III. An account of the obligation the Jews lay under to Christ for their deliverance out of their captivity in Babylon, Zech. 9:11, 12. IV. A prophecy of the victories and successes God would grant to the Jews over their enemies, as typical of our great deliverance by Christ, Zech. 9:13-15. V. A promise of great plenty, and joy, and honour, which God had in reserve for his people (Zech. 9:16, 17), which was written for their encouragement.