In these days; rather, in those days . If what is promised in Zechariah 8:3-5 seems incredible to those who shall see the fulfilment. The remnant. The returned Jews and their posterity ( Haggai 1:12-14 ). Should it also be marvellous in mine eyes? Certainly not. Nothing is impossible with God. read more
God promises to bring his dispersed people home again—a promise only yet partially fulfilled. My people. A title of honour ( Hosea 2:23 ). From the east country, and from the west country. Two regions are named, symbols of the whole world (comp. Psalms 50:1 ; Malachi 1:11 ). The return of the captives from Babylon was a prelude of the future restoration of the dispersed, when all Israel shall be saved ( Romans 11:26 ). (See a similar promise, Isaiah 43:5 , Isaiah 43:6 ; comp. ... read more
A twofold Divine restoration. "Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Behold, I will save my people ['out of the land of the rising and the land of the setting' (Keil)] from the cast country, and from the west country; 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." "The east and the west are here put as parts for the whole. The meaning is, 'I will deliver my people from regions whither they... read more
If it should be marvelous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in those - (not these) days, shall it be marvelous in Mine eyes also? saith the Lord of hosts Man’s anticipations, by reason of his imperfections and the chequered character of earthly things, are always disappointing. God’s doings, by reason of His infinite greatness and goodness, are always beyond our anticipations, past all belief. It is their very greatness which staggers us. It is not then merely that the temporal promises... read more
I will save My people from the East country and from the West country - Dionysius: “that is, the whole world; for Israel had been scattered in every part of the world.” God had said to Israel, “I will bring thy seed from the east and gather thee from the west; I will say to the north, Give up, and to the south, Keep not back” Isaiah 43:5-6. The two tribes had been carried to Babylon and had been dispersed, or had been allowed to migrate to the various provinces of the Babylonian or Persian... read more
Zechariah 8:6-7. If it be marvellous If these things promised appear difficult, and in a manner impossible; in the eyes of the remnant of this people In the judgment and opinion, or rather to the unbelief, of this people, who are few in number, exceedingly poor, and perpetually surrounded with dangers; in these days Which are days of small things; should it also be marvellous in mine eyes Impossible, or so much as difficult to me, who am the Almighty God. Thus saith the Lord of hosts... read more
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
the remnant. The exiles who had then returned. Compare Haggai 1:12 , Haggai 1:14 . should it also be marvellous , &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Genesis 18:14 , where the verb is the same). App-92 . Mine eyes. Add by Figure of speech Ellipsis ( App-6 ), from preceding clause: "[in those future days]" of which He was speaking. saith the LORD of hosts = [is] the oracle of Jehovah of hosts. read more
Behold, I will , &c. = Behold Me saving, &c. from the east country, &a Compare Isaiah 43:5 . Note the Figure of speech Synecdoche (of the Part), App-6 , for the whole earth, See Psalms 50:1 ; Psalms 113:3 .Isaiah 59:19 . Malachi 1:11 , &c. read more
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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