Zechariah 8:1-17

The LORD Promises to Bless Jerusalem

1 Another message came to me from the LORD who rules over all. He said,

2 "I am very jealous for my people in Zion. In fact, I am burning with jealousy for them."

3 He continued, "I will return to Zion. I will live among my people in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called The City of Truth. And my mountain will be called The Holy Mountain."

4 He continued, "Once again old men and women will sit in the streets of Jerusalem. All of them will be using canes because they are old.

5 The city streets will be filled with boys and girls. They will be playing there."

6 He continued, "All of that might seem wonderful to the people who are living at that time. But it will not seem wonderful to me."

7 He continued, "I will save my people. I will gather them from the countries of the east and the west.

8 I will bring them back to live in Jerusalem. They will be my people. I will be their faithful God. I will keep my promises to them."

9 The LORD who rules over all says to his people, "Listen to the words that were spoken by the prophets Haggai and Zechariah. They spoke to you when the work on my temple started up again. Let your hands be strong so that you can rebuild the temple.

10 "Before the work was started again, there was no pay for the people or food for the animals. People could not go about their business safely because of their enemies. I had turned all of them against one another.

11 But now I will not punish you who are living at this time. I will not treat you as I treated your people before you," announces the LORD who rules over all.

12 "Your seeds will grow well. Your vines will bear fruit. The ground will produce crops for you. And the heavens will drop their dew on your land. I will give all of those things to those who are still left alive here.

13 "Judah and Israel, in the past the nations called down curses on you. But now I will save you. You will be a blessing to others. Do not be afraid. Let your hands be strong so that you can do my work."

14 The LORD who rules over all says, "Years ago your people made me angry. So I decided to bring trouble on them. I did not show them any pity.

15 But now I plan to do good things to Jerusalem and Judah again. So do not be afraid.

16 "Here is what you must do. Speak the truth to one another. Make true and wise decisions in your courts.

17 Do not make evil plans against your neighbors. When you take an oath to tell the truth, do not lie. Many people love to do that. But I hate all of those things," announces the Lord.

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Zechariah 8:1-17 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO ZECHARIAH 8

This chapter contains promises of various blessings to the people of the Jews; and exhortations to each of the duties incumbent on them; and is concluded with a prophecy of the calling of the Gentiles. The cause of all the blessings promised is the love of God to them, signified by zeal, or jealousy for them, Zec 8:1,2. The blessings promised are the Lord's return to dwell in Jerusalem, and the integrity and holiness of that city, Zec 8:3. The long life of the inhabitants of it, and the plenty of children that should be born in it, Zec 8:4,5 and, however wonderful and incredible this might seem to some, it was not to the Lord, who was determined to bring his people that were in various distant countries to Jerusalem, and settle them there; and renew and reestablish his covenant with them, Zec 8:6-8 wherefore the Lord encourages them to go on in rebuilding the temple, Zec 8:9 and promises them that things would be better with them than in times past; that whereas there had been nothing but penury, affliction, and distress, now there should be great affluence and prosperity, Zec 8:10-12 and though before they were a curse among the nations, now they should be a blessing; and though their fathers were punished, they should be dealt well with, Zec 8:13-15 and then they are exhorted to the discharge of several duties mentioned, to which they are induced by the Lord's hatred of that which is evil, and by his turning their fasts into cheerful feasts. Zec 8:16-19 to which is added a prophecy of the calling and conversion of the Gentiles, which would make for the glory of the Jewish church; who are described by their numbers, being many people, and the inhabitants of many cities; by their association together, to pray to the Lord, and worship him; by their coming up to Jerusalem for that purpose; and by their junction with the Jews, to which they will be encouraged by having heard that God is with them, Zec 8:20-23.

Taken from John Gill's Exposition of the Bible

Zechariah 8:1-17

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The LORD Promises to Bless Jerusalem

Images for Zechariah 8:1-17

Zechariah 8:1-17 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO ZECHARIAH 8