Read & Study the Bible Online - Bible Portal
John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 8:4

Verse 4 He confirms what we have already stated, that the Jews would be safe under the hand and protection of God, as he would dwell among them. The cause of a safe and quiet state he made to be the presence of God. For when we have peace with the whole world, we may yet disturb one another, except the God of peace restrains us; inasmuch as mutual and intestine discord may harass us, though we may be spared by external enemies. It is then necessary in the first place, that the God of peace and... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 8:5

Verse 5 He repeats and confirms the same thing by another representation — that boys and girls would play in the streets and on the public roads, which could not be during the troublous time of war; for when arms clatter, the sound of trumpets is heard, and assaults of enemies are dreaded, every one keeps his children at home, and in public there is sad confusion, and few are found abroad; in short there is no cheerfulness even in children when fear is hanging over them. We hence see, that what... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 8:6

Verse 6 He sharply reproves here the lack of faith in the people; for as men are wont to measure whatever is promised by their own understanding, the door of entrance for these prophecies was nearly closed up when they saw that the fury of their enemies could by no means be pacified. They had indeed tried in various ways to check them, or at least to conciliate them; and we know that many edicts had been proclaimed in favor of the Jews by the kings of Persia; but such was the common hatred to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Zechariah 8:1-6

The blessed community of men yet to appear on the earth. "Again the word of the Lord of hosts came to me, saying, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; I was jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I was jealous for her with great fury," etc. This chapter does not commence a new subject, but continues the subject of the preceding one. The awful consequences of disregarding the will of Heaven had often been set forth by the prophets; and here, in this chapter, we have the assurance of the renewal... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Zechariah 8:1-8

§ 4. The Lord promises to show his love for Zion, to dwell among his people, and to fill Jerusalem with a happy lace. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Zechariah 8:1-8

Assurance of favour. "Again the word of the Lord of hosts came to me." When warning is carried too far, it degenerates into threatening, and defeats its own end, producing despair instead of desire to escape. It is probably on this account that the solemn warning with which Zechariah 7:1-14 . concludes gives place, in this chapter, to an animating series of encouragements and promises. (For somewhat similar transitions, see Hebrews 6:9 ; Isaiah 1:18 , etc.) In the verses now... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Zechariah 8:1-23

The future glory of the Church. God speaks. Formerly stern rebuke; here sweet encouragement. Glowing picture of the good time coming. I. GOD 'S ABIDING LOVE TO HIS CHURCH . There are times when it would seem as if God had cast off his people. "Has God forgotten to be gracious?" Here is the answer. "I am jealous," etc. There is real, intense, and abiding attachment. Words of good cheer verified by facts. "I am returned," etc. II. GOD 'S GRACIOUS PURPOSE TO ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Zechariah 8:3

I am returned ( Zechariah 1:16 ); I return. When Jerusalem was taken and given over to the enemy, God seemed to have deserted her ( Ezekiel 10:18 ; Ezekiel 11:23 ); but new the restoration of the exiles, the rebuilding of the temple, the voice of prophecy, showed that the Lord had returned, and that new he will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem ( Zechariah 2:10 ). A city of truth; city of truth; no longer full of lies and treachery and infidelity. God dwelling therein, it shall... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Zechariah 8:4

There shall yet old men … dwell ( sit ), etc. A picture of happy security and plenty, in vivid contrast to the desolation deplored in Lamentations 2:1-22 .; 5. In the days of the Maccabees it is noted, among other tokens of peace and prosperity, that "the ancient men sat all in the streets, communing together of good things" (1 Macc 14:9). For very age; Hebrew, for multitude of days. People shall reach the utmost limits of human life. According to the old Law, length of days was... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Zechariah 8:5

Full of boys and girls. Jerusalem and the other cities had long been strangers to any such happy sight. Large increase of population is a blessing often promised in the latter days ( Hosea 1:10 ; Micah 2:12 ). Perowne remarks that our Lord alludes to the games of children the marketplaces as a familiar incident his days ( Matthew 11:16 , Matthew 11:17 ; comp. Jeremiah 11:1-23 ). read more

Group of Brands