Zechariah 8:2 - Exposition

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. Knabenbauer likens this zeal or jealousy of God to the pillar of fire at the Exodus—light and protection to the Israelites, darkness and destruction to the Egyptians ( Exodus 14:20 ).