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John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 8:14

Verse 14 The Prophet confirms the truth in the preceding verse, when he said that there would be a wholly different lot to the Jews, as they would in every way be blessed. He shows the cause of the change; for God would begin to favor them, who had been before displeased with them. We indeed know that the Holy Spirit everywhere calls men before God’s tribunal, that they may know that no adversity happens to them, except through their sins. So also in this place Zechariah reminds us, that God... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 8:15

Verse 15 Now at the end of the verse the Prophet reminds us of the application of his doctrine, even to encourage the Jews, that they might go on with alacrity in the work of building the temple. But we have said that we ought to be armed with God’s promises, so that we may with courageous hearts follow wherever he may call us; for we shall all presently faint except we find that the hand of God is present with us. Since then we are by nature slothful and tender, and since inconstancy often... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Zechariah 8:1

Again ; rather, and . This chapter contains the second half of the Lord's answer concerning fasting, merging into prophecy. 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 8:2

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

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

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