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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’s Favor Extended to Both Jews and Gentiles
Zechariah 8:1–13
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)
J. Paul Getty was one of the richest men who ever lived. You wouldn’t expect him to be envious of anyone. But Getty once said he was envious of those who knew how to make marriage work and be happy in marriage. Getty knew whereof he spoke, because his record was five marriages an … More
God speaks once more (v. 1). Judah has received her just deserts but God is also merciful. He still has a passionate love for Judah (v. 2). Twice he says in this passage “I was jealous for Zion.” the thought being that God’s heart desire is to pour out abundant blessings with expressions of His love for His people. He is prejudiced (in a good sense) for Israel and never acts apart from His love for her. His love for her cause Him to be opposed to those who oppress Israel. The presence of Jehovah in the city causes the city to take on His character. As a result Jerusalem “shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the Lord of Hosts” completely set apart for the purpose of God (v. 3). No other city in the world has ever been so honored with the promise and presence of God. God says, I am sowing peace and prosperity among you.
Zechariah prophecies that Israel will be back in the land. Jerusalem will be populated with people old and young (vv. 4,5). This small group of exiles who had returned from Babylon were discouraged over opposition from hostile neighbors (v. 6). However the Lord says He will save them from the people from the west (v. 7), and bring them back to live with the people in Jerusalem (v. 8). The Lord is telling them to make their hands strong and rebuild the temple (v. 9). In previous years God has permitted the nation to be affected because of her disobedience. But now they are listening to the prophets, Haggai and Zechariah and as a result God will deal graciously with His remnant and they will prosper (vv. 10-11). Your crops will prosper; the grapevines will be loaded down with fruit; the ground will be fertile with plenty of rain; all these blessings will be given to the people left in the land (vv. 12-13).Application
I have a joy that need never be diminished (John 15:11). A nearness to God that can never be reversed (Ephesians 2:13). A peace that can never be disturbed (John 14:27). A righteousness that can never be tarnished (2 Corinthians 5:21). A salvation that can never be canceled (Heb. 5:9).
Zechariah 8:1-13 (English Standard Version)
And the word of the LORD of hosts came, saying, "Thus says the LORD of hosts: I am jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I am jealous for her with great wrath. Thus says the LORD: I have returned to Zion and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem, and Jerusalem shall be called the faithful city, and the mountain of the LORD of hosts, the holy mountain. Thus says the LORD of hosts: Old men and old women shall again sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each with staff in hand because of great age. And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in its streets. Thus says the LORD of hosts: If it is marvelous in the sight of the remnant of this people in those days, should it also be marvelous in my sight, declares the LORD of hosts? Thus says the LORD of hosts: behold, I will save my people from the east country and from the west country, and I will bring them to dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in faithfulness and in righteousness." Thus says the LORD of hosts: "Let your hands be strong, you who in these days have been hearing these words from the mouth of the prophets who were present on the day that the foundation of the house of the LORD of hosts was laid, that the temple might be built. For before those days there was no wage for man or any wage for beast, neither was there any safety from the foe for him who went out or came in, for I set every man against his neighbor. But now I will not deal with the remnant of this people as in the former days, declares the LORD of hosts. For there shall be a sowing of peace. The vine shall give its fruit, and the ground shall give its produce, and the heavens shall give their dew. And I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things. And as you have been a byword of cursing among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so will I save you, and you shall be a blessing. Fear not, but let your hands be strong."
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