As we noted in the previous Blog, Zechariah 8 can be divided into two messages: A message of restoration (1-17); and a message of rejoicing (18-23). There is a recurring theme in this chapter that is hard to miss. Twelve times God reveals His Name: LORD Sabaoth, The Lord of Heaven's Armies. Within the first section (vv1-17) we see the following messages by the LORD: Verses 1-8: God asserts His jealousy for His people and provides a message of salvation. He then directly addresses the people His saving grace and encourages them.
The jealousy for the people is God's opening passion: “The word of the Lord Almighty came to me. This is what the Lord Almighty says: “I am very jealous for Zion; I am burning with jealousy for her.”” (Zechariah 8:1–2, NIV). God is not mildly passionate for His people. His love is inflamed in righteous Divine passion. "The Lord’s future dwelling in Zion is so certain that He speaks of it as though it were an accomplished fact." [1] His purpose is to encourage the people to continue to rebuild, for He promises a glorious future: “Just as you, Judah and Israel, have been a curse among the nations, so I will save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid, but let your hands be strong.”” (Zechariah 8:13, NIV). And He desires a return to holy and righteous living. “These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts; do not plot evil against each other, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this,” declares the Lord.” (Zechariah 8:16–17, NIV)
This Day when God will again dwell with His people is a future eschatological day when "old and young, male and female are depicted enjoying their natural habitat. Such an idyllic picture of opposite extremes implies peace and plenty for all ages and both sexes, with images of healthful play and relaxed rest." [2] This is speaking of a condition that is couched in covenantal terms: “This is what the Lord Almighty says: “I will save my people from the countries of the east and the west. I will bring them back to live in Jerusalem; they will be my people, and I will be faithful and righteous to them as their God.”” (Zechariah 8:7–8, NIV).
This time when God returns and dwells with His people will be a time of great prosperity. ““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. Just as you, Judah and Israel, have been a curse among the nations, so I will save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid, but let your hands be strong.”” (Zechariah 8:12–13, NIV).
"The Lord’s commitment to bless them should have a twofold impact: it should free them from fear and motivate them to lives of new obedience toward one another in truth, justice, and grace." [3]
When will all this take place? "Although it may be possible to regard these historical references as stages in
the progressive fulfillment of the passage, they certainly do not completely
fulfill the scope of this grand prophecy as a whole. The final stage awaits the
second advent of the Messiah." [4] "One should interpret the images in these passages as symbolic of the prosperity of God’s community in the era established by Jesus that culminates in his second coming." [5] The scholarly commentary on these verses is well established. We should view these promises relating to a time when Christ comes back and establishes His kingdom. "There has never been a day when the Jews were regathered from the whole earth and restored in righteousness and truth. Either Zechariah was mistaken, an untenable proposition, or else these blessings are yet future and revolve around the reign of the Messiah in His earthly kingdom at the conclusion of the age." [6]
But we also know Christ's Kingdom has come in a sense. We know He has inaugurated His Kingdom presence. And the increase of His government shall continue to the final fulfillment. This is an encouragement for Christian readers, for it is true we have the down payment, the deposit of things to come. The things to come a couched in language of an idyllic world where righteousness and justice abound -- and God is in the midst.
So the message for Israel and for us is summed up well by Matthew Henry: "Leave it to God, to perform for you what he has promised, in his own way and time, but upon condition that you make conscience of your duty." [7] “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, “so now I have determined to do good again to Jerusalem and Judah. Do not be afraid.” (Zechariah 8:14–15, NIV).
Father the arresting and incredulous message that You give to us Your people, through the prophet is that You have great plans for Your People, the Church. You could wish us harm. You have every right to do that. We are unfaithful and often unrepentant. Yet You do not. Your love burns with the heat of a jealous husband for his bride. And the forecast is amazing. Because You are LORD Sabaoth, You can accomplish what You say You will do. Thank you Lord. Grant the grace of no fear and unbounded zeal for You today, Father. In the name of Your Son and my Savior, Amen!
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1. KJV Bible Commentary. 1994 (E. E. Hindson & W. M. Kroll, Ed.) (1818). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
2. Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (1760). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
3. Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (1760–1761). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
4. Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:Zechariah/Exposition of Zechariah/IV. The Problem of Fasting and the Promise of the Future (7:1-8:23)/D. The Restoration of Israel to God's Favor (8:1-17), Book Version: 4.0.2
5. Boda, Mark J. (2009-05-26). Haggai, Zechariah (The NIV Application Commentary) (Kindle Locations 7582-7584). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.
6. Believer’s Study Bible. 1991 (W. A. Criswell, P. Patterson, E. R. Clendenen, D. L. Akin, M. Chamberlin, D. K. Patterson & J. Pogue, Ed.) (electronic ed.) (Zec 8:4). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
7. Henry, M. (1994). Matthew Henry’s commentary on the whole Bible: Complete and unabridged in one volume (1582). Peabody: Hendrickson.
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