Zechariah 8:1-23
Q.1. What promise did God give regarding Zion’s future? Why is this assured? How do we know this restoration is yet future? How did God address doubters? – (Zech.8:1-8)
What Zechariah described has never yet happened. Therefore, it is a prophecy made to – … the remnant of this people in those days … (Zech.8:6). The promises were based on God’s covenant relationship with His people because – 2 … I am exceedingly jealous for Zion, yes, with great wrath I am jealous for her.’ 3 Thus says the Lord, I will return to Zion and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the Lord of hosts will be called the Holy Mountain.’ (Zech.8:2-3). The description of the city, with old people safely sitting in the streets, and with children happily playing, does not seem to describe any time in the history of Israel (Zech.8:4-5). The promised regathering that happened back then, and again since 1948 with the re-formation of the Jewish state, is not yet complete. This is because the Lord declared – … and they shall be My people, and I will be their God in truth and righteousness (Zech.8:8 c.f. Rom.11:25-27). Both in the prophet’s day, and again in these latter days, many doubt that such a prophecy can be fulfilled. Anticipating this, God said – …If it is too difficult in the sight of the remnant of this people in those days, will it also be too difficult in My sight?’ declares the Lord of hosts (Zech.8:6).
Q.2. What will a future remnant inherit? How will Israel be viewed? How should they live? What attitude will future nations have towards Israel? – (Zech.8:9-23 c.f. Is.60:4-14)
God was encouraging the returnees to complete the rebuilding of the temple – “Thus says the Lord of hosts, Let your hands be strong, you who are listening in these days to these words from the mouth of the prophets, those who spoke in the day that the foundation of the house of the Lord of hosts was laid, to the end that the temple might be built (Zech.8:9). He then called on them not to fear, and prophesied – But now I will not treat the remnant of this people as in the former days,’ declares the Lord of hosts (Zech.8:11). He will treat a future generation differently and bring peace to their gates (Zech.8:14-15). However, He warned – 16 These are the things which you should do: speak the truth to one another; judge with truth and judgment for peace in your gates. 17 Also let none of you devise evil in your heart against another, and do not love perjury; for all these are what I hate,’ declares the Lord (Zech.8:16-17). What followed seems to refer to the future Millennial Reign of Christ – 20 “Thus says the Lord of hosts,It will yet be that peoples will come, even the inhabitants of many cities. 21 The inhabitants of one will go to another, saying, “Let us go at once to entreat the favour of the Lord, and to seek the Lord of hosts; I will also go.” 22 So many peoples and mighty nations will come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem and to entreat the favour of the Lord.’ 23 Thus says the Lord of hosts, `In those days ten men from all the nations will grasp the garment of a Jew, saying, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you (Zech.8:20-23). That is certainly not how the nations view Israel today, but it aligns with prophecies of the future of Israel and the nations (c.f. Is.2:1-4; Mic.4:1-3).