Zechariah 8:2-3

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 8:2

Thus saith the Lord of hosts. This formula occurs ten times in this chapter, thus enforcing the truth that all the promises made to Zion come from the Lord himself, and are therefore sure to be fulfilled. I was jealous; — I am jealous, as Zechariah 1:14 (where see note). With great fury. Against her enemies ( Zechariah 1:15 ). "Zelus" is defined by Albertus Magnus: "amor boni cum indignatione contrarii." One side of God's love for Zion is shown in the punishment of her enemies.... 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

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Zechariah 8:2

Thus saith the Lord of hosts - Jerome: “At each word and sentence, in which good things, for their greatness, almost incredible are promised, the prophet premises, “Thus saith the Lord of hosts,” as if he would say, Think not that what I pledge you are my own, and refuse me not credence as man. What I unfold are the promises of God.”I was jealous - Literally, “I have been and am jealous for.” . He repeats in words slightly varied, but in the same rhythm, the declaration of tits tender love... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Zechariah 8:3

I am returned - Dionysius: “Without change in Myself, I am turned to that people from the effect of justice to the sweetness of mercy, “and I will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem,” in the temple and the people, indwelling the hearts of the good by charity and grace. Christ also, Very God and Very Man, visibly conversed and was seen in Zion.” Osorius: “When He says, ‘I am turned,’ He shows that she was turned too. He had said, “Turn unto Me and I will turn unto you;” otherwise she would not have... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Zechariah 8:2

Zechariah 8:2. I was jealous for Zion with great jealousy With great care that she should not, as formerly, sin against my love and her own welfare, and with a great desire to do her good, and rescue her from her enemies. Jealousy is properly the passion of a lover, or husband, made up of love, care, and anger, in their highest degrees, for his beloved, and against all that he thinks hurtful to her. Thus God had greatly loved Zion, had been careful of her honour and welfare, and displeased... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Zechariah 8:3

Zechariah 8:3. I am returned unto Zion “I have punished her infidelities with all the rigour of despised and abused love; but, though sensible of her fault, my tenderness has continued, and my love is rekindled for her, upon her change in conduct, and return in true repentance to me. I have received her, restored my love to her, and will render to her my former kindnesses.” And will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem Once more, as of old, I will manifest my presence and fix my residence... read more

Donald C. Fleming

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

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Zechariah 8:2

Thus saith , &c. There is a decalogue of prophecies concerning Jerusalem and its inhabitants in this mem ber ("V", see p. 1287). See verses: Zechariah 8:2 , Zechariah 8:3 , Zechariah 8:4 , Zechariah 2:6 , Zechariah 2:7 , Zechariah 2:9 , Zec 2:14 , Zec 2:19 , Zec 2:20 , Zec 2:23 . All refer to the future, and await their fulfilment in millennial days. saith = hath said. was = I was and still am. read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Zechariah 8:3

the LORD . Hebrew. Jehovah . App-4 . will dwell in the midst, &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Exodus 29:45 ). App-92 . a city of truth = a city of fidelity. truth = the truth. Compare Isaiah 1:21 , Isaiah 1:26 . the holy mountain. Compare Isaiah 2:2 .Jeremiah 31:23 .Ezekiel 40:2 .Micah 4:1 . holy. See note on Exodus 3:5 . read more