Out of him. — Literally, from him. It is much disputed whether “him” means the Lord of Hosts or Judah. It appears to us best to take it as referring to “Judah” — i.e., to the whole Jewish nation.
Came forth. — Better, shall proceed. (Comp. Jeremiah 30:19; Jeremiah 30:21.)
Corner, or corner-stone, denotes a chieftain, on whom the whole national fabric is put together (1 Samuel 14:38; Isaiah 19:13).
Nail. — Also a chieftain, as him on which everything hangs, or depends (Isaiah 22:23); or the figure may be taken from the tent-peg which holds firm the ropes which support the tent.
Oppressor. — Either in the sense of ruler, as being one who keeps people to their work, or else it means oppressor of the heathen, and is so used in contrast with the heathen “oppressor” of Zechariah 9:8.
Together, or altogether, is added by way of emphasis. The meaning of the passage is that when the Lord of Hosts visits His flock, He will cause to arise from them such rulers and leaders as may be necessary to enable them to successfully resist their enemies.