Zechariah 8: The City of Truth and the Joy of the Nations
Zechariah 8 articulates God's passionate 'jealousy' for Zion, promising to return to Jerusalem and dwell in her midst. The chapter paints a beautiful picture of old men and women sitting in the streets and children playing safely—a sign of total peace. It concludes with the promise that ten men from every language will take hold of the skirt of a Jew, wanting to know the God who is with them.
v1-8: The Return of the Lord and the Safety of the Streets
v9-17: The Command to 'Let Your Hands Be Strong' and the Call to Truth
v18-23: The Fasts Turned to Feasts and the Attraction of the Nations
Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain.
Thus saith the LORD of hosts; There shall yet old men and old women dwell in the streets of Jerusalem, and every man with his staff in his hand for very age.
Thus saith the LORD of hosts; If it be marvellous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in these days, should it also be marvellous in mine eyes? saith the LORD of hosts.
And I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness.
Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Let your hands be strong, ye that hear in these days these words by the mouth of the prophets, which were in the day that the foundation of the house of the LORD of hosts was laid, that the temple might be built.
For before these days there was no hire for man, nor any hire for beast; neither was there any peace to him that went out or came in because of the affliction: for I set all men every one against his neighbour.
For the seed shall be prosperous; the vine shall give her fruit, and the ground shall give her increase, and the heavens shall give their dew; and I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things.
And it shall come to pass, that as ye were a curse among the heathen, O house of Judah, and house of Israel; so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing: fear not, but let your hands be strong.
Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts; therefore love the truth and peace.
And the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to pray before the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts: I will go also.
Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you.
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Jerusalem is called the 'City of Truth,' suggesting that its primary characteristic is a refusal to live in the deception of idolatry. The 'Word Secret' is Tsowm, meaning 'fast,' which is here promised to be transformed into Sassown, or 'gladness.' Discover the riches with zechariah 8 commentary, containing expert led word study (original greek/hebrew) and passage level analysis.
Unlock the hidden zechariah 8 1 meaning and summary by exploring context, analyzing original greek and hebrew words, and studying cross references of each verse.
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