12. seed . . . prosperous—that is, shall not fair to yield abundantly (Hosea 2:21; Hosea 2:22; Haggai 2:19). Contrast with this verse Haggai 1:6; Haggai 1:9-11; Haggai 2:16. dew—especially beneficial in hot countries where rain is rare. 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
The Lord promised to treat the remnant of His people differently in the future than He had in the past (cf. Haggai 2:19). Peace would prevail for the people as they sowed their seed, their fields would become productive (cf. Haggai 2:19), there would be abundant moisture so things would grow (cf. Haggai 1:10-11), and the remnant would enjoy the fruits of all these blessings. These were some of the things God had promised the Israelites for covenant obedience (Leviticus 26:3-10; Deuteronomy... 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
(12) For the seed . . . prosperous.—Comp. the Syriac, “for the seed shall be peace.” Better, as in margin, For the seed of peace—viz., “the vine,” which is so called because it can flourish only in times of peace: so that to sit under the vine and under the fig. tree is a common figure to denote the enjoyment of peace and prosperity. For the word “seed” applied to the vine, comp. Jeremiah 2:21.Comp. 1Ma. 14:8 : “Then did they till their ground in peace, and the earth gave her increase, and the... 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
CHAPTER 8 1. The restoration announced (Zechariah 8:1-3 ) 2. The peace of Jerusalem (Zechariah 8:4-5 ) 3. The return to the land (Zechariah 8:6-8 ) 4. The blessing of the land and the people (Zechariah 8:9-23 ) Zechariah 8:1-3 . The answer is now given to the question, and it is an answer which none of the petitioners expected. The answer is closely linked with the third night vision in chapter 2, for here is an enlarged prophecy concerning the restoration of Jerusalem. Jehovah was... read more
The Positive Answer (vv. 1-17) In this chapter the Lord gives a wonderfully positive answer to the question ofZechariah 7:2; Zechariah 7:2. The positive answer is found only in His own great and effective work to which the eyes of Israel are to be directed. Yet the answer looks forward, far beyond any small measure of revival in Israel, to the time when God restores the nation permanently in the age of millennial glory. Another direct word from the Lord of hosts comes to Zechariah, not... read more
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Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Zechariah 8:11
11. "But now that the temple has been built, I will not do as I had formerly done to those who returned from Babylon" [JEROME]. Henceforth I will bless you. read more