Bible Commentaries
Zechariah 8

Verse 1

the LORD of hosts. See note on Zechariah 1:3 .

to me . Some codices, with three early printed editions, Aramaean, and Syriac, read these words in the text.

Verse 2

Thus saith , &c. There is a decalogue of prophecies concerning Jerusalem and its inhabitants in this mem ber ("V", see p. 1287). See verses: Zechariah 8:2 , Zechariah 8:3 , Zechariah 8:4 , Zechariah 2:6 , Zechariah 2:7 , Zechariah 2:9 , Zec 2:14 , Zec 2:19 , Zec 2:20 , Zec 2:23 . All refer to the future, and await their fulfilment in millennial days.

saith = hath said.

was = I was and still am.

Verse 3

the LORD . Hebrew. Jehovah . App-4 .

will dwell in the midst, &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Exodus 29:45 ). App-92 .

a city of truth = a city of fidelity.

truth = the truth. Compare Isaiah 1:21 , Isaiah 1:26 .

the holy mountain. Compare Isaiah 2:2 .Jeremiah 31:23 .Ezekiel 40:2 .Micah 4:1 .

holy. See note on Exodus 3:5 .

Verse 4

yet. In the days of the future fulfilment.

dwell = sit.

streets = broad or open places.

every man. Hebrew. 'ish. App-14 .

for very age = for multitude of days.

Verse 6

the remnant. The exiles who had then returned. Compare Haggai 1:12 , Haggai 1:14 .

should it also be marvellous , &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Genesis 18:14 , where the verb is the same). App-92 .

Mine eyes. Add by Figure of speech Ellipsis ( App-6 ), from preceding clause: "[in those future days]" of which He was speaking.

saith the LORD of hosts = [is] the oracle of Jehovah of hosts.

Verse 7

Behold, I will , &c. = Behold Me saving, &c. from the east country, &a Compare Isaiah 43:5 . Note the Figure of speech Synecdoche (of the Part), App-6 , for the whole earth, See Psalms 50:1 ; Psalms 113:3 .Isaiah 59:19 . Malachi 1:11 , &c.

Verse 8

they shall be, &c. Ref to Pentateuch (Exodus 6:7 ). App-92 .

God. Hebrew. Elohim . App-4 .

Verse 9

the prophets . See Haggai 1:6-11 ; Haggai 2:15-19 .

in the day that : i.e. two years before (Haggai 1:14 , Haggai 1:15 ; Haggai 2:18 . Compare Ezra 5:1 ). App-18 .

that the temple = even the temple, that is.

Verse 10

these = those.

hire = wages.

man. Hebrew. 'adam. App-14 .

men. Hebrew. 'adam:. App-14 .

every one. Hebrew. 'ish. App-14 .

set = sent.

Verse 11

now. In contrast with the former days.

Verse 12

the seed shall be , &c. Ref to Pentateuch (Deuteronomy 28:3-12 ). App-92 .

and. Note the Figure of speech Polysyndefon ( App-6 ). combined with Figure of speech Anabasis ( App-6 ),

ground = earth.

shall give, &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Leviticus 26:4 , Leviticus 26:20 . Deuteronomy 11:17 . App-92 . Compare Psalms 67:6 ; Psalms 78:46 ; Psalms 85:12 .Ezekiel 34:27 .

Verse 13

as = according as.

heathen = nations.

house of Israel. Looking on to the future fulfilment, which rests on the condition of Zechariah 8:8 .

ye shall be a blessing . Reference to Pentateuch (Genesis 12:2 ). App-92 .

Verse 14

punish = bring calamity upon. Hebrew. ra'a. App-44 .

Verse 16

Speak , &c. Compare Zechariah 8:19 ; Zechariah 7:9 .

every man . Hebrew ' ish . App-14 .

execute , &c. See note on Zechariah 7:9 .

Verse 17

evil. Hebrew. ra a '. App-44

love no false oath. Reference to Pentateuch (Leviticus 6:3 ; Leviticus 19:12 ). all these are things that I hate. Some codices, with Septuagint and Syriac, read "all these things do I hate".

Verse 19

saith = hath said.

the fourth month. The ninth of Tammuz (Jeremiah 52:6 , Jeremiah 52:7 ), when the city was broken up; hence called "the fourth fast".

the fifth. On the tenth of Ab, when the Temple and the houses were burnt (Jeremiah 52:12 , Jeremiah 52:13 ).

the seventh. The third of Tisri, when Gedaliah was slain by Ishmael, the son of Nethaniah (Jeremiah 40:8 ; Jeremiah 41:1-3 , Jeremiah 41:15-18 ).

the tenth. On the tenth of Tebeth, when the king of Babylon set his face against Jerusalem (Ezekiel 24:1 , Ezekiel 24:2 ). So The Talmud, Rosh Hashanah, vol. 18 B.

feasts = appointed seasons. These fasts were appointed by man. The feasts were "feasts of Jehovah" because appointed by Him. Ref: to Pentateuch (Leviticus 23:2-44 ), App-92 . Compare Zephaniah 3:17 .

Verse 20

people = peoples. Some codices, with Septuagint, read "many peoples".

Verse 21

Let us go speedily. Figure of speech Polyptolon. App-6 . Hebrew a going, let us go = Let us by all means go: or, speedily, as in Authorized Version. See note on Genesis 26:28 . Compare Isaiah 2:3 .Micah 4:2 .

to pray , &c. See note on Zechariah 7:2 . the LORD, &c. Hebrew (with 'eth ) = Jehovah of hosts Himself.

Verse 23

those days . The fulfilment of this still future.

men . Hebrew, plural of enosh. App-14 .

you : i.e. with God's People Israel.

that. Some codices, with Aramaean, Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read "that" in the text. Supply the Ellipsis (will be the time] that. "