Zechariah 8:2-8 NIV

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 8:4

There shall yet old men and old women - In those happy times the followers of God shall live out all their days, and the hoary head be always found in the way of righteousness. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 8:5

The streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls - The progeny shall be numerous, healthy, and happy. Their innocent gambols and useful exercises shall be a means of health, and a proof of happiness. To be healthy, children must have exercise. But they cannot take exercise, except in the way of play and diversion: ergo, such playfulness cannot be sinful. Let them be kept from evil words, lying, swearing, and scurrility; and all the rest may be innocent. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 8:6

If it be marvellous - You may think that this is impossible, considering your present low condition: but suppose it be impossible in your eyes, should it be so in mine! saith the Lord of hosts. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 8:7

I will save my people from the east country, and from the west - From every land in which any of them may be found. But these promises principally regard the Christian Church, or the bringing in the Jews with the fullness of the Gentiles. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 8:2

Verse 2 He then says, that the word of Jehovah came to him; (78) we hence learn, that this was a distinct prophecy. He adds, I have been zealous for Sion (for as we have said, the letter ל, lamed, is to be thus taken) with great zeal (79) This was indeed an incredible change, for God had for a time restrained himself, while the ungodly at their pleasure harassed the Church, so that they thought that they could do so with impunity. As God then had for some time remained at rest, what the Prophet... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 8:3

Verse 3 The Prophet now more clearly explains what he intended; but it was necessary to preserve this order — that enemies were to be by force ejected from their possession, and the Church delivered, before God could dwell in the midst of it; for how could God have proved that Jerusalem was under his guardianship and protection without having first subdued its enemies? It was not then without reason that the Prophet commenced with this promise — that God was prepared for war, and was burning... read more

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

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 8:7

Verse 7 He pursues the same subject, and introduces a preface, very necessary in so confused a state of things; for it was very difficult to raise up desponding minds and to inspire them with confidence, when pressed down with fear and trembling. This is the reason why Zechariah repeats so often, that he declared nothing but God’s commands only. Behold, he says, I will save, or deliver my people. As dispersion took away hope, the Prophet restores it, and says, that it would not be difficult to... read more

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 8:4

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 8:5

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 8:6

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 8:7

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 8:2

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 8:3

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

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

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

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 8:7

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