Zechariah 8:9

9. The promises already uttered should be an inspiration.

Let your hands be strong Equivalent to be of good courage; and, being of good courage, they should undertake their tasks fearlessly (Haggai 2:4; compare Judges 7:11; Ezekiel 22:14). Primarily an exhortation to continue energetically the building of the temple, but also in a more general sense an admonition to face bravely all the difficulties of the present and future.

These words Of promise, found in Zechariah 1:7 to Zechariah 6:8; Zechariah 8:1-8; Haggai 2:1-23.

The prophets Haggai and Zechariah, who are separated from the former prophets (Zechariah 1:4; Zechariah 7:7; Zechariah 7:12) through the relative clause which closes Zechariah 8:9. Instead of “in the day” LXX. and Peshitto read “from the day,” which is more suitable, for the prophets continued their ministrations while the building was progressing.

The foundation The laying of the foundation mentioned in Ezra 5:1-2 (compare Haggai 2:18). The words “even the temple that it might be built” may have been added by the prophet to show that he is not thinking of the first laying of the foundation (Ezra 3:10-12), which came to nothing, but of that which resulted in the erection of the temple. Some omit the words as a later addition.