Zechariah 8:13

13 Among the other nations, Judah and Israel became symbols of a cursed nation. But no longer! Now I will rescue you and make you both a symbol and a source of blessing. So don’t be afraid. Be strong, and get on with rebuilding the Temple!

Zechariah 8:13 Meaning and Commentary

Zechariah 8:13

And it shall come to pass, [that] as ye were a curse among
the heathen
Reproached, vilified, and called accursed by them; see ( Jeremiah 24:9 ) as true Christians, and real believers in Christ, are by the men of this world, ( 1 Corinthians 4:12 1 Corinthians 4:13 ) : O house of Judah, and house of Israel;
both being carried captive at different times, and were typical of the true and Spiritual Israel of God: so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing;
be blessed in themselves with the above blessings of plenty and prosperity in outward things; see ( Haggai 2:19 ) and a blessing to others, and blessed by them; and all those who are saved in the Lord with an everlasting salvation are blessed with all spiritual blessings in him: fear not;
neither their enemies, nor the accomplishment of these promises: [but] let your hands be strong;
as in ( Zechariah 8:9 ) .

Zechariah 8:13 In-Context

11 “But now I will not treat the remnant of my people as I treated them before, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.

12 For I am planting seeds of peace and prosperity among you. The grapevines will be heavy with fruit. The earth will produce its crops, and the heavens will release the dew. Once more I will cause the remnant in Judah and Israel to inherit these blessings.

13 Among the other nations, Judah and Israel became symbols of a cursed nation. But no longer! Now I will rescue you and make you both a symbol and a source of blessing. So don’t be afraid. Be strong, and get on with rebuilding the Temple!

14 “For this is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: I was determined to punish you when your ancestors angered me, and I did not change my mind, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.

15 But now I am determined to bless Jerusalem and the people of Judah. So don’t be afraid.