The Nations Will Seek The God Of Israel. Zechariah 8:18-23 and Zechariah 9:1-8
INTRODUCTION TO ZECHARIAH
The prophet Zechariah lived at the same time as Haggai and was interested in the same effort to induce the Jews to carry on the rebuilding of their neglected Temple. The prophecies are dated a few years later than those of Haggai. In contrast to the direct and simple language of Haggai, Zechariah employs many figures and symbols to enforce his message. He especially wished to give encouragement and help to the leader and governor of the people, Zerubbabel, and the priest Joshua.
In the latter part of the book there are many pictures of the glorious and happy future, which God had in store for His people and of the Deliverer, who was to come to rule over them. There will come a great day “when the Lord shall be King over all the earth.”
The Oracle of the Lord of Hosts
II. REPLY TO DEPUTATION FROM BETHEL, Zechariah 7-8
4. The Nations to Worship in Jerusalem, Zec_8:18-23
THE COMING PEACE AND PROSPERITY OF ZION
Then the word of the LORD of hosts came to me (Zechariah), saying,
“Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘The fast of the fourth [month to mourn the breaching of Jerusalem’s walls], the fast of the fifth [month to mourn the temple’s destruction], the fast of the seventh [month to mourn Gedaliah’s assassination], and the fast of the tenth [month to mourn the siege of Jerusalem] will become times of joy and gladness and cheerful feasts for the house of Judah; so [to bring this about] love truth and peace.’ [Jer_39:2; 2Ki_25:1-2, 2Ki_25:8, 2Ki_25:25]
“Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘It will come to pass that peoples and the inhabitants of many cities will come [to Jerusalem].
‘The inhabitants of one [city] will go to another, saying, “Let us go at once to ask the favor of the LORD and to seek the LORD of hosts. I will go also.”
So many peoples and powerful nations will come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem and to ask the LORD for His favor.’
Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘In those days ten men [as representatives] from all the nations will grasp the robe of a Jew, saying, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.”‘”
Judgment on Israel’s Enemies
The oracle (a burdensome message) of the word of the LORD is against the land of Hadrach [in Syria], with Damascus as its resting place (for the eyes of men, especially of all the tribes of Israel, are toward the LORD), [Nah_1:1]
And Hamath also, which borders on it (Damascus), Tyre and Sidon, though they are very wise.
For Tyre built herself an [impregnable] stronghold [on an island offshore], And she has heaped up silver like dust And gold like the mire of the streets.
Behold, the Lord will dispossess her And throw her wealth into the sea; And Tyre will be devoured by fire.
Ashkelon will see it and fear; Gaza will writhe in pain, And Ekron, for her hope and expectation, has been ruined. The king will perish from Gaza, And Ashkelon will not be inhabited.
And a mongrel race will live in Ashdod, And I will put an end to the pride and arrogance of the Philistines.
I will take the blood from their mouths And their detestable things from between their teeth [those repulsive, idolatrous sacrifices eaten with the blood]. Then they too will be a remnant for our God, And be like a clan in Judah, And Ekron will be like one of the Jebusites.
Then I will camp around My house [as a guard] because of an army, Because of him who passes by and returns; And no oppressor will again overrun them (Israel), For now My eyes are upon them [providentially protecting them].
F. B.Meyer
on
Zechariah 8:18-23 and Zechariah 9:1-8
THE NATIONS WILL SEEK THE GOD OF ISRAEL
In his final answer the prophet gives a delightful picture of the future, which was on the eve of complete realization. So entirely would the memory of the past be obliterated that fateful anniversaries would soon fade from their minds. Indeed they would discover that their dark days had been the source and origin of their glad ones. In all subsequent ages, even when persecuting the Jews, the foremost nations have taken hold of their skirts, appropriating their sacred writings, venerating their lawgivers, prophets, and saints; and believing in the noblest representative of their race.
The prophet passes his eye over the surrounding nations, showing that his people need fear no more, because their oppressors had been effectually silenced.
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