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More Zechariah commentaries
Zechariah 5:1-11
The Woman in the Measuring Basket
Zechariah 6:1-8
The Four Chariots
Zechariah 6:9-15
The Ultimate King-Priest
Zechariah 7:1-14
Hearts Like Flint
Zechariah 8:1-13
God’s Favor Extended to Both Jews and Gentiles
Zechariah 8:14-23
God Expects His People to be Truthful
Zechariah 9:1-10
Rejoice in the Coming King
Zechariah 9:11-17
God Helps His People Fight Their Battles
Zechariah 10:1-17
Strengthening in the Lord of Victory
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God Expects His People to be Truthful
Zechariah 8:14–23
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)
The story is told of two brothers who were rich but very wicked. Both lived a very wild life, using their wealth to cover up the dark side of their lives. They attended the same church and gave large sums to various church related projects. Suddenly one of the brothers died … More
These verses point out the Lord’s part in bringing truth and blessing to the people. In the past He had been determined to bring disaster on them but now He is determined to bless them. He says, “I will certainly bless you and don’t think that I will change my mind. I did what I said I would when your fathers angered me and I promised to punish them; and I won’t change these decisions of mine to bless you” (vv. 14-15). After the announcement of God’s gracious action above He shares what He expects of His people. He says, “here is your part, tell the truth, live at peace with everyone, don’t plot harm to others, don’t say that something is true when it isn’t and above all remember these are the things that I hate” (vv. 16-17).
Next the Jews are told that there will be a reversal of their position in the world. Returning to the previous question about traditional fasts and times of mourning you have kept in July, August, October, and January are ended. This will change to joyous festivals if you love truth and peace (vv. 18-19)! The prophet announces that a day is coming when these fasts and mourning will give way to festivals. People will pour into Jerusalem to attend these celebrations. They will say to their friends, “Let’s go to Jerusalem to ask the Lord to bless us (vv. 20-21). Many people even from other nations will come to Jerusalem to ask the Lord for His blessing and help (v. 22). At this point it will be an honor to be a Jew, for it will be known that God is with His people (v. 23).Application
I want to make sure that the things I do in life are anchored in the truth of God’s Word and not because of money, prestige, or what is thought to be politically correct.
Zechariah 8:14-23 (English Standard Version)
For thus says the LORD of hosts: "As I purposed to bring disaster to you when your fathers provoked me to wrath, and I did not relent, says the LORD of hosts, so again have I purposed in these days to bring good to Jerusalem and to the house of Judah; fear not. These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another; render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace; do not devise evil in your hearts against one another, and love no false oath, for all these things I hate, declares the LORD." And the word of the LORD of hosts came to me, saying, "Thus says the LORD of hosts: The fast of the fourth month and the fast of the fifth and the fast of the seventh and the fast of the tenth shall be to the house of Judah seasons of joy and gladness and cheerful feasts. Therefore love truth and peace. "Thus says the LORD of hosts: Peoples shall yet come, even the inhabitants of many cities. The inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, 'Let us go at once to entreat the favor of the LORD and to seek the LORD of hosts; I myself am going.' Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem and to entreat the favor of the LORD. Thus says the LORD of hosts: In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, 'Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.'"
View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway) »
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