Zechariah 8:9-17

9 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “Now hear these words, ‘Let your hands be strong so that the temple may be built.’ This is also what the prophets said who were present when the foundation was laid for the house of the LORD Almighty.

10 Before that time there were no wages for people or hire for animals. No one could go about their business safely because of their enemies, since I had turned everyone against their neighbor.

11 But now I will not deal with the remnant of this people as I did in the past,” declares the LORD Almighty.

12 “The seed will grow well, the vine will yield its fruit, the ground will produce its crops, and the heavens will drop their dew. I will give all these things as an inheritance to the remnant of this people.

13 Just as you, Judah and Israel, have been a curse^[a] among the nations, so I will save you, and you will be a blessing.^[b] Do not be afraid, but let your hands be strong.”

14 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “Just as I had determined to bring disaster on you and showed no pity when your ancestors angered me,” says the LORD Almighty,

15 “so now I have determined to do good again to Jerusalem and Judah. Do not be afraid.

16 These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts;

17 do not plot evil against each other, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this,” declares the LORD.

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Zechariah 8:9-17 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

Cross References 24

1. S Ezra 5:1
2. S Ezra 3:11
3. S Haggai 2:4
4. S Isaiah 5:10; S Haggai 1:6
5. S 2 Chronicles 15:5
6. Isaiah 12:1
7. S Psalms 85:12; S Joel 2:22
8. S Psalms 67:6
9. S Genesis 27:28
10. S Psalms 65:13; S Isaiah 60:21; Obadiah 1:17
11. S Hosea 2:21
12. S Numbers 5:27; S Deuteronomy 13:15; S Psalms 102:8; Jeremiah 42:18
13. S Psalms 48:8
14. S Genesis 12:2; S Joel 2:14
15. S Haggai 2:5
16. ver 9
17. Jeremiah 31:28; S Ezekiel 24:14
18. ver 13; S Jeremiah 29:11; Micah 7:18-20
19. Jeremiah 31:28; Jeremiah 32:42
20. S Psalms 15:2; S Jeremiah 33:16; S Ephesians 4:25
21. S Ezekiel 18:8
22. S Ezekiel 45:9; S Amos 5:15; S Zechariah 7:9
23. Proverbs 3:29
24. S Proverbs 6:16-19; S Jeremiah 7:9; Zechariah 5:4

Footnotes 2

[a]. That is, your name has been used in cursing (see Jer. 29:22); or, you have been regarded as under a curse.
[b]. Or "and your name will be used in blessings" (see Gen. 48:20); or "and you will be seen as blessed"