evil. Hebrew. ra a '. App-44 love no false oath. Reference to Pentateuch (Leviticus 6:3 ; Leviticus 19:12 ). all these are things that I hate. Some codices, with Septuagint and Syriac, read "all these things do I hate". read more
Zechariah 8:17. And let none of you imagine evil— And let none of you devise in your heart the hurt of his neighbour, &c. It is worthy of observation, that the prophet here not only condemns evil actions, but evil intentions; devise not evil in your hearts. read more
17. all these . . . I hate—therefore ye too ought to hate them. Religion consists in conformity to God's nature, that we should love what God loves and hate what God hates. read more
D. Israel’s restoration to God’s favor 8:1-17Chapter 8 not only contains two major messages from the Lord (Zechariah 8:1-23) but 10 minor messages, "a decalogue of divine words," [Note: Leupold, p. 141.] that make up the two major ones. Another writer believed there were seven oracles in this section. [Note: Waltke, p. 846.] "Thus says the Lord" introduces each of these minor messages (Zechariah 8:2-23) each of which contains a promise of future blessing for Israel. These short sayings may have... read more
In view of this promise, the remnant should speak truthfully with each other. They should also practice justice and promote peace (Heb. shalom) in their community life. They should stop plotting to take advantage of one another and stop lying under oath because the Lord hates these things (cf. Proverbs 6:16-19; Malachi 2:16)."One theological rationale for ethics, then, is awareness that God hates attitudes and actions contrary to his character. We are to love what God loves and hate what he... read more
Reiteration of God’s Promises concerning JerusalemThe whole chapter is made up of ten short oracles each introduced by the formula, ’Thus saith the Lord of hosts’ (except Zechariah 8:3). God has come to dwell with His people. Happiness and prosperity are in store for Jerusalem if it will do His will. All nations will seek to join in worshipping God in Jerusalem.1. Again] RV ’and’: there is no break in thought between the two chapters 2. I was jealous] better, ’I am jealous.’ The word indicates... read more
(14-17) As the Captivity had been brought about by God’s decree, so, too, the Restoration. The people, therefore, need not fear, if only they do that which is righteous in His sight. read more
Work and Play Zechariah 8:5 I shall set play in a threefold light: I. In the light of work. II. In the light of the Gospel. III. In the light of heaven. I. Play in the Light of Work. What is the difference between work and play? It is not in the things we do so much that the real difference between work and play is found: it is in the spirit in which the thing is done. And can we distinguish that difference of spirit? I do not suppose that it was ever better done than by that great thinker... read more
; Zechariah 8:1-23"THE SEED OF PEACE"Zechariah 7:1-14; Zechariah 8:1-23THE Visions have revealed the removal of the guilt of the land, the restoration of Israel to their standing before God, the revival of the great national institutions, and God’s will to destroy the heathen forces of the world. With the Temple built, Israel should be again in the position which she enjoyed before the Exile. Zechariah, therefore, proceeds to exhort his people to put away the fasts which the Exile had made... read more
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Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Zechariah 8:1-23
Confidence for the future (8:1-23)Zechariah goes on to outline the blessings that will come to Jerusalem when God dwells there. God’s love for Jerusalem was the reason why he punished it so severely. With corresponding zeal he will restore it to a favoured place according to his covenant promises (8:1-3).In the new community of God’s people, there will be no place for fear or violence. Old and young alike will enjoy lives of freedom and contentment greater than they imagined possible (4-6).... read more