Zechariah 8:23

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Zechariah 8:18-23

These verses contain two precious promises, for the further encouragement of those pious Jews that were hearty in building the temple. I. That a happy period should be put to their fasts, and there should be no more occasion for them, but they should be converted into thanksgiving days, Zech. 8:19. This is a direct answer to the enquiry concerning their fasts, Zech. 7:3. Those of them that fasted in hypocrisy had their doom in the foregoing chapter, but those that in sincerity humbled... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Zechariah 8:23

Thus saith the Lord of hosts ,.... For the further confirmation and illustration of this prophecy: in those days it shall come to pass ; this shall be done in the times of the preaching of the Gospel by Christ and his apostles: that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take bold of the skirt of him that is a Jew : which may be understood either of our Lord Jesus Christ; who was a Jew by nation, the Jews were his own people, and Judea his nation;... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 8:23

Ten men - shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew - The converts from among the Gentiles shall be to the Jews as ten to one. But ten may here signify a great number, without comparison. And from this scripture it appears as if the Jews, converted to God, should be the instruments of converting many Gentiles. See on Isaiah 3:6 ; (note). Catching hold of the skirt is a gesture naturally used to entreat assistance and protection. This and the three foregoing verses, says Abp.... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Zechariah 8:23

Verse 23 He pursues the same subject in this verse; for as he had before said, that the nations would willingly come to worship God, and that each would encourage his brother to undertake this pious and holy expedition, so he now adds, that ten men would lay hold on the border of a Jew’s garment: Ten men shall then take hold of the skirt of a Jew. He shows here more clearly what I have briefly referred to — that there would be no need of arms, or of any compulsion, in order to draw or compel... 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 8:16-23

A universal revival of genuine religion. "These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour," etc. The whole of this paragraph may be taken as setting forth a universal revival of genuine religion; and, looking at it in this light, we have here two things: the essential prerequisites; and the signal manifestations of a universal revival of genuine religion. I. THE ESSENTIAL PREREQUISITES . We discover in these verses four prerequisites or... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Zechariah 8:18-23

§ 6. Here follows the direct answer to the question originally proposed. The fasts should be turned into joyful festivals, former calamities being forgotten. Then the change extending its influence, the heathen shall worship the God of Israel, and esteem it an honour to be received into fellowship with the Jewish nation. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Zechariah 8:18-23

Pre-eminent favour. "And the word of the Lord of hosts came unto me, saying, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; The fast of the fourth month," etc. The close of this chapter gives an answer at length to the question asked in Zechariah 7:3 . And this answer consists—unlike the intervening stream of mingled denunciation, warning, and encouragement of an almost unbroken outburst of promise and hope. The only apparent exception, in fact, is to be found in the six brief words of admonition at the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Zechariah 8:23

Ten men. The number ten is used for a large indefinite number (comp. Genesis 31:7 ; Le Genesis 26:26 ; 1 Samuel 1:8 ). Out of all languages ( the languages ) of the nations. The diversity of languages shall not hinder the unity in the faith (comp. Isaiah 66:18 ; Revelation 5:9 ; Revelation 7:9 ). Shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew. Taking hold of the skirt implies a desire to share the privileges, and to be united in fellowship with (comp. Isaiah 4:1 ; ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Zechariah 8:23

Right representation. Much depends on whether religion is rightly represented. In order to be attractive, the representation should be— I. AGREEABLE TO REASON . An irrational religion cannot stand. Christ and his apostles constantly appeal to the moral judgment. II. CONGRUOUS TO MAN 'S NECESSITIES . There is a certain condition of things. The feeling and the cry of sin. The craving for reconciliation with God. Aspirations after holiness. The longing for confirmed... read more

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