Zechariah 8:7-8

7, 8. There will be a restoration more extensive than the return of 537.

My people The Jews still in exile (compare Zechariah 2:6 ff.; Isaiah 43:5-6; Jeremiah 30:10).

East… west Literally, rising and setting of the sun. Only two points of the compass are mentioned, though the prophet expects a return from all quarters of the globe (compare Psalms 50:1; Malachi 1:11). All the returning exiles will flock to Jerusalem, the dwelling place of Jehovah, there to worship him as their God (see on Micah 4:1-4; Hosea 2:23). The restoration to fellowship will be sealed with a new covenant (Jeremiah 30:22).

In truth and in righteousness See on Hosea 2:19-20.

Message of encouragement and admonition, 9-17.

After picturing the future in such glowing colors the prophet turns with words of encouragement to his contemporaries, who might be tempted to lose heart. True, they have suffered much, but now Jehovah is thinking “to do good unto Jerusalem and to Judah” (9-15), if they will keep his commandments (16, 17).