Zechariah 8: The Promise of Restoration and the Coming Kingdom
Again the word of the Lord of hosts came to me, saying,
Thus saith the Lord of hosts; I was jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I was jealous for her with great fury.
Thus saith the Lord; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the Lord of hosts the holy mountain.
Thus saith the Lord of hosts; There shall yet old men and old women dwell in the streets of Jerusalem, and every man with his staff in his hand for very age.
And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof.
Thus saith the Lord of hosts; If it be marvellous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in these days, should it also be marvellous in mine eyes? saith the Lord of hosts.
Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Behold, I will save my people from the east country, and from the west country;
And I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness.
Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Let your hands be strong, ye that hear in these days these words by the mouth of the prophets, which were in the day that the foundation of the house of the Lord of hosts was laid, that the temple might be built.
For before these days there was no hire for man, nor any hire for beast; neither was there any peace to him that went out or came in because of the affliction: for I set all men every one against his neighbour.
But now I will not be unto the residue of this people as in the former days, saith the Lord of hosts.
For the seed shall be prosperous; the vine shall give her fruit, and the ground shall give her increase, and the heavens shall give their dew; and I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things.
And it shall come to pass, that as ye were a curse among the heathen, O house of Judah, and house of Israel; so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing: fear not, but let your hands be strong.
For thus saith the Lord of hosts; As I thought to punish you, when your fathers provoked me to wrath, saith the Lord of hosts, and I repented not:
So again have I thought in these days to do well unto Jerusalem and to the house of Judah: fear ye not.
These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:
And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour; and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate, saith the Lord.
And the word of the Lord of hosts came unto me, saying,
Thus saith the Lord of hosts; The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts; therefore love the truth and peace.
Thus saith the Lord of hosts; It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities:
And the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to pray before the Lord, and to seek the Lord of hosts: I will go also.
Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the Lord.
Thus saith the Lord of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you.
Zechariah 8 is a powerful chapter filled with promises of restoration, hope, and the ultimate establishment of God's kingdom. Following the historical reflections and reminders of past failures in chapter 7, Zechariah 8 shifts to a forward-looking vision, offering comfort and encouragement to a people struggling to rebuild their lives and their nation. This chapter speaks of God's unwavering love for Zion and His commitment to transforming Jerusalem into a city of faithfulness, security, and joy. This section of Zechariah ultimately answers the question raised in Zechariah 7:3, revealing God's plan for the future.
God's Jealous Love and Promise of Return (Zechariah 8:1-3)
The chapter opens with a powerful declaration of God's passionate love for Zion: "I am extremely jealous for Zion; I am jealous for her with great wrath" (Zechariah 8:2). This "jealousy" isn't born of insecurity, but of God's righteous indignation against the forces that have defiled and destroyed His chosen city. It's a protective love, a fierce determination to restore Zion to its intended glory.
This love is followed by a promise: "I will return to Zion and live in Jerusalem" (Zechariah 8:3). This isn't just a physical return, but a promise of God's manifest presence dwelling among His people. The result of this divine indwelling will be a transformed Jerusalem, no longer defined by its past failures, but known as "the Faithful City" and "the Holy Mountain." This future Jerusalem, where the LORD of Armies resides, stands in stark contrast to the pre-exilic city, promising a new era of faithfulness and security under God's righteous rule. This foreshadows the messianic kingdom when Jesus Christ will dwell in the midst of the city.
A Reversal of Circumstances and the Possibility of the Impossible (Zechariah 8:4-8)
Zechariah paints a picture of complete restoration, a reversal of the devastation the people had experienced. He envisions a vibrant city where "old men and women will again sit along the streets, which will be filled with boys and girls playing" (Zechariah 8:4-5). This imagery speaks of peace, security, and a return to normalcy. The presence of the elderly and the laughter of children signify a thriving community with a future.
The promise extends beyond mere survival; God declares, "I will save my people from the land of the east and the land of the west. I will bring them back to live in Jerusalem; they will be my people, and I will be faithful and righteous to them" (Zechariah 8:7-8). This underscores God's covenant faithfulness and His commitment to gathering His scattered people back to their land. While the people might have found this hard to believe, considering their situation, God reminds them that "with God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26).
Strength for the Task and the Assurance of God's Favor (Zechariah 8:9-15)
With the promise of restoration firmly established, God encourages the people to be strong and complete the work of rebuilding. "Let your hands be strong, you who now hear these words from the prophets who were present when the foundation was laid for the house of the LORD of Armies, the temple" (Zechariah 8:9).
The people are reminded that just as God had resolved to punish their ancestors for their disobedience, He has now resolved to bless Jerusalem. "Just as I had resolved to inflict harm on you when your ancestors angered me," says the LORD of Armies, "and I did not relent, so now I have resolved again to do good to Jerusalem and to Judah. Do not be afraid" (Zechariah 8:14-15). This is a powerful reassurance that God's favor has returned, and He is committed to their well-being.
Kingdom Principles and the Pursuit of Truth and Peace (Zechariah 8:16-17)
The restoration isn't just about rebuilding physical structures; it's also about rebuilding moral foundations. God calls His people to live according to kingdom principles: "These are the things you must do: Speak truth to one another; render true and sound judgment in your gates. Do not plot evil in your hearts against your neighbor, and do not love to swear falsely" (Zechariah 8:16-17).
True restoration involves honesty, justice, and integrity in all aspects of life. Avoiding evil intentions and perjury is essential for building a community based on trust and righteousness. These principles are not merely suggestions; they are essential for experiencing the fullness of God's blessing. If they wanted the blessings that their ancestors had lost, they must do the kingdom agenda that their ancestors had rejected.
From Fasting to Feasting: Joy in the Context of Relationship (Zechariah 8:18-19)
The chapter addresses the question initially posed in Zechariah 7:3 regarding fasting. God declares that the appointed fasts will be transformed into "times of joy, gladness, and cheerful festivals for the house of Judah" (Zechariah 8:19). This transformation occurs when fasting is understood within the context of a relationship with God, a relationship marked by truth and peace.
Fasting is not meant to be a mere ritual, divorced from a life lived according to God's principles. True worship involves embracing both religious duties and kingdom principles. This highlights the importance of a holistic approach to faith, where outward observances are connected to inward transformation.
The Millennial Kingdom: A Vision of Global Transformation (Zechariah 8:20-23)
Zechariah concludes with a vision of the millennial kingdom, a future time when people from all nations will seek the LORD in Jerusalem. "Many peoples and strong nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the LORD of Armies and to plead for the LORD’s favor" (Zechariah 8:22).
This vision speaks of a global transformation, a time when the nations will recognize God's presence among His people and desire to be part of His kingdom. God's favor towards His people will be so evident that people from every language will seek to associate with them, urging, "Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you" (Zechariah 8:23). This underscores the universal scope of God's plan and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom.
Zechariah 8 offers a powerful message of hope, restoration, and the promise of a future kingdom where God's presence is manifest, and His people live in faithfulness, security, and joy. It calls us to embrace kingdom principles, pursue truth and peace, and anticipate the day when all nations will recognize the Lord and seek His favor.
Again the word of the Lord of hosts came to me, saying,
Thus saith the Lord of hosts; I was jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I was jealous for her with great fury.
Thus saith the Lord; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the Lord of hosts the holy mountain.
Thus saith the Lord of hosts; There shall yet old men and old women dwell in the streets of Jerusalem, and every man with his staff in his hand for very age.
And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof.
Thus saith the Lord of hosts; If it be marvellous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in these days, should it also be marvellous in mine eyes? saith the Lord of hosts.
Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Behold, I will save my people from the east country, and from the west country;
And I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness.
Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Let your hands be strong, ye that hear in these days these words by the mouth of the prophets, which were in the day that the foundation of the house of the Lord of hosts was laid, that the temple might be built.
For before these days there was no hire for man, nor any hire for beast; neither was there any peace to him that went out or came in because of the affliction: for I set all men every one against his neighbour.
But now I will not be unto the residue of this people as in the former days, saith the Lord of hosts.
For the seed shall be prosperous; the vine shall give her fruit, and the ground shall give her increase, and the heavens shall give their dew; and I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things.
And it shall come to pass, that as ye were a curse among the heathen, O house of Judah, and house of Israel; so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing: fear not, but let your hands be strong.
For thus saith the Lord of hosts; As I thought to punish you, when your fathers provoked me to wrath, saith the Lord of hosts, and I repented not:
So again have I thought in these days to do well unto Jerusalem and to the house of Judah: fear ye not.
These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:
And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour; and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate, saith the Lord.
And the word of the Lord of hosts came unto me, saying,
Thus saith the Lord of hosts; The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts; therefore love the truth and peace.
Thus saith the Lord of hosts; It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities:
And the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to pray before the Lord, and to seek the Lord of hosts: I will go also.
Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the Lord.
Thus saith the Lord of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you.
Zechariah 8 is a powerful chapter filled with promises of restoration, hope, and the ultimate establishment of God's kingdom. Following the historical reflections and reminders of past failures in chapter 7, Zechariah 8 shifts to a forward-looking vision, offering comfort and encouragement to a people struggling to rebuild their lives and their nation. This chapter speaks of God's unwavering love for Zion and His commitment to transforming Jerusalem into a city of faithfulness, security, and joy. This section of Zechariah ultimately answers the question raised in Zechariah 7:3, revealing God's plan for the future.
God's Jealous Love and Promise of Return (Zechariah 8:1-3)
The chapter opens with a powerful declaration of God's passionate love for Zion: "I am extremely jealous for Zion; I am jealous for her with great wrath" (Zechariah 8:2). This "jealousy" isn't born of insecurity, but of God's righteous indignation against the forces that have defiled and destroyed His chosen city. It's a protective love, a fierce determination to restore Zion to its intended glory.
This love is followed by a promise: "I will return to Zion and live in Jerusalem" (Zechariah 8:3). This isn't just a physical return, but a promise of God's manifest presence dwelling among His people. The result of this divine indwelling will be a transformed Jerusalem, no longer defined by its past failures, but known as "the Faithful City" and "the Holy Mountain." This future Jerusalem, where the LORD of Armies resides, stands in stark contrast to the pre-exilic city, promising a new era of faithfulness and security under God's righteous rule. This foreshadows the messianic kingdom when Jesus Christ will dwell in the midst of the city.
A Reversal of Circumstances and the Possibility of the Impossible (Zechariah 8:4-8)
Zechariah paints a picture of complete restoration, a reversal of the devastation the people had experienced. He envisions a vibrant city where "old men and women will again sit along the streets, which will be filled with boys and girls playing" (Zechariah 8:4-5). This imagery speaks of peace, security, and a return to normalcy. The presence of the elderly and the laughter of children signify a thriving community with a future.
The promise extends beyond mere survival; God declares, "I will save my people from the land of the east and the land of the west. I will bring them back to live in Jerusalem; they will be my people, and I will be faithful and righteous to them" (Zechariah 8:7-8). This underscores God's covenant faithfulness and His commitment to gathering His scattered people back to their land. While the people might have found this hard to believe, considering their situation, God reminds them that "with God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26).
Strength for the Task and the Assurance of God's Favor (Zechariah 8:9-15)
With the promise of restoration firmly established, God encourages the people to be strong and complete the work of rebuilding. "Let your hands be strong, you who now hear these words from the prophets who were present when the foundation was laid for the house of the LORD of Armies, the temple" (Zechariah 8:9).
The people are reminded that just as God had resolved to punish their ancestors for their disobedience, He has now resolved to bless Jerusalem. "Just as I had resolved to inflict harm on you when your ancestors angered me," says the LORD of Armies, "and I did not relent, so now I have resolved again to do good to Jerusalem and to Judah. Do not be afraid" (Zechariah 8:14-15). This is a powerful reassurance that God's favor has returned, and He is committed to their well-being.
Kingdom Principles and the Pursuit of Truth and Peace (Zechariah 8:16-17)
The restoration isn't just about rebuilding physical structures; it's also about rebuilding moral foundations. God calls His people to live according to kingdom principles: "These are the things you must do: Speak truth to one another; render true and sound judgment in your gates. Do not plot evil in your hearts against your neighbor, and do not love to swear falsely" (Zechariah 8:16-17).
True restoration involves honesty, justice, and integrity in all aspects of life. Avoiding evil intentions and perjury is essential for building a community based on trust and righteousness. These principles are not merely suggestions; they are essential for experiencing the fullness of God's blessing. If they wanted the blessings that their ancestors had lost, they must do the kingdom agenda that their ancestors had rejected.
From Fasting to Feasting: Joy in the Context of Relationship (Zechariah 8:18-19)
The chapter addresses the question initially posed in Zechariah 7:3 regarding fasting. God declares that the appointed fasts will be transformed into "times of joy, gladness, and cheerful festivals for the house of Judah" (Zechariah 8:19). This transformation occurs when fasting is understood within the context of a relationship with God, a relationship marked by truth and peace.
Fasting is not meant to be a mere ritual, divorced from a life lived according to God's principles. True worship involves embracing both religious duties and kingdom principles. This highlights the importance of a holistic approach to faith, where outward observances are connected to inward transformation.
The Millennial Kingdom: A Vision of Global Transformation (Zechariah 8:20-23)
Zechariah concludes with a vision of the millennial kingdom, a future time when people from all nations will seek the LORD in Jerusalem. "Many peoples and strong nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the LORD of Armies and to plead for the LORD’s favor" (Zechariah 8:22).
This vision speaks of a global transformation, a time when the nations will recognize God's presence among His people and desire to be part of His kingdom. God's favor towards His people will be so evident that people from every language will seek to associate with them, urging, "Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you" (Zechariah 8:23). This underscores the universal scope of God's plan and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom.
Zechariah 8 offers a powerful message of hope, restoration, and the promise of a future kingdom where God's presence is manifest, and His people live in faithfulness, security, and joy. It calls us to embrace kingdom principles, pursue truth and peace, and anticipate the day when all nations will recognize the Lord and seek His favor.