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V.1 prepares us for the apocalyptic material to follow by bringing into focus the sovereign Mover in these events, the Lord, who stretches out the heavens (v.1). The nations of the earth have surrounded and besieged Jerusalem so that her inhabitants are hopelessly outnumbered. But just as Jerusalem had been made to drink from the cup of God’s wrath (Isa 51:17), so now the nations will have their turn. The cup (v.2) is a biblical symbol for an experience that God has purposed for someone (Ps 116:13; Mk 14:36). Yahweh will make Jerusalem an immovable rock that causes injury to whoever tries to displace it (v.3). The Lord also intervenes directly during a cavalry attack against the city (v.4).
Oddly enough, Judah had been compelled to join the siege against Jerusalem (v.2). But Yahweh’s sudden appearance will ignite their resistance (v.5), and their position in the midst of the nations will become Jerusalem’s advantage (v.6). Any residual animosity between Judah and Jerusalem will be alleviated by God’s undeniable protection (v.7). However, the ideals and dreams for the future continue to rest on the house of David, which will become like God (v.8). Yahweh’s ultimate and irrevocable protection for Jerusalem (v.9) is the central message of the unit.