CHAPTER VIII _In this chapter God promises the continuance of his favour to_ _those who are returned from the captivity; so that upon the_ _removal of his judgments, the fasts they had observed during_ _the captivity may now be converted to so many occasions of_ _rejoicing. He likewise promises... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Zechariah 8:2. _I WAS JEALOUS_] Some refer this to the _Jews_ themselves. They were as the _spouse_ of Jehovah: but they were _unfaithful_, and God punished them as an _injured husband_ might be expected to punish an unfaithful wife. Others apply it to the _enemies of the_ _Jews_. Though I gav... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Zechariah 8:3. _I AM RETURNED UNTO ZION_] I have restored her from her captivity. I will dwell among them. The temple shall be rebuilt, and so shall Jerusalem; and instead of being false, unholy, and profligate, it shall be _the city of truth_, and _my holy mountain_. _TRUTH shall dwell in it_... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Zechariah 8:4. _THERE SHALL YET OLD MEN AND OLD WOMEN_] In those happy times the followers of God shall live out all their days, and the _hoary head_ be always found in the way of righteousness.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Zechariah 8:5. _THE STREETS OF THE CITY SHALL BE FULL OF BOYS AND_ _GIRLS_] The progeny shall be _numerous, healthy_, and _happy_. Their innocent gambols and useful exercises shall be a means of _health_, and a proof of _happiness_. To be healthy, children must have exercise. But they cannot t... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Zechariah 8:6. _IF IT BE MARVELLOUS_] You may think that this is impossible, considering your present low condition: but suppose it be impossible in _your eyes_, should it be _so_ in _mine_! _saith the_ _Lord of hosts_.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Zechariah 8:7. _I WILL SAVE MY PEOPLE FROM THE EAST COUNTRY, AND FROM_ _THE WEST_] From every land in which any of them may be found. But these promises principally regard the Christian Church, or the bringing in the Jews with the fulness of the Gentiles.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Zechariah 8:9. _BY THE MOUTH OF THE PROPHETS_] The day or time of the foundation was about _two years_ before, as this discourse of the prophet was in the _fourth_ year of Darius. After this God raised up prophets among them.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Zechariah 8:10. _FOR BEFORE THESE DAYS THERE WAS NO HIRE FOR MAN_] Previously to this, ye had no prosperity; ye had nothing but civil divisions and domestic broils. I abandoned you to your own _spirits_, and to your own _ways_.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Zechariah 8:12. _FOR THE SEED_ SHALL BE _PROSPEROUS_] Ye shall be a holy and peaceable people; and God will pour down his blessing on yourselves, your fields, and your vineyards.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Zechariah 8:13. _AS YE WERE A CURSE_] Instead of being execrated among the people, ye shall be blessed; instead of being reproached, ye shall be commended. Ye shall be a _blessing_ to all the nations round about. All these promises we may expect to be completely fulfilled when the Jews acknowl... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Zechariah 8:16. _SPEAK YE EVERY MAN THE TRUTH_] See Zechariah 7:9.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Zechariah 8:19. _THE FAST OF THE FOURTH_ MONTH] To commemorate the _taking of Jerusalem_; 2 Kings 25:3; Jeremiah 39:2; Jeremiah 52:6. _THE FAST OF THE FIFTH_] In memory of the _ruin of the temple_, 2 Kings 25:8; Jeremiah 52:12. _THE FAST OF THE SEVENTH_] For the _murder of Gedaliah_,... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Zechariah 8:20. _THERE SHALL COME PEOPLE_] Similar promises to those in Isaiah 2:3 and in Micah 4:1. Many _Gentiles_, as well as _Jews_, will then be found devoting themselves to the Lord.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Zechariah 8:21. _I WILL GO ALSO._] This is the answer of the person _invited_. It is a good work. We must have God for our friend. We cannot expect this unless we _seek_ him: and as we know not what an hour may bring forth, let us go _speedily_.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Zechariah 8:22. _AND STRONG NATIONS_] This may refer to the conversion of the _Mohammedan_ tribes; especially to those in the vicinity of Palestine. Perhaps even the _Egyptians_, inhabitants of _Arabia_ _Petraea_, of _Syria_, c.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 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, sho... [ Continue Reading ]