God’s Favor Extended to Both Jews and Gentiles
June 15, 2022
Commentary
God speaks once more (v. 1). Judah has received her just deserts but God is also merciful. He still has a passionate love for Judah (v. 2). Twice he says in this passage “I was jealous for Zion.” the thought being that God’s heart desire is to pour out abundant blessings with expressions of His love for His people. He is prejudiced (in a good sense) for Israel and never acts apart from His love for her. His love for her cause Him to be opposed to those who oppress Israel. The presence of Jehovah in the city causes the city to take on His character. As a result Jerusalem “shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the Lord of Hosts” completely set apart for the purpose of God (v. 3). No other city in the world has ever been so honored with the promise and presence of God. God says, I am sowing peace and prosperity among you.
Zechariah prophecies that Israel will be back in the land. Jerusalem will be populated with people old and young (vv. 4,5). This small group of exiles who had returned from Babylon were discouraged over opposition from hostile neighbors (v. 6). However the Lord says He will save them from the people from the west (v. 7), and bring them back to live with the people in Jerusalem (v. 8). The Lord is telling them to make their hands strong and rebuild the temple (v. 9). In previous years God has permitted the nation to be affected because of her disobedience. But now they are listening to the prophets, Haggai and Zechariah and as a result God will deal graciously with His remnant and they will prosper (vv. 10-11). Your crops will prosper; the grapevines will be loaded down with fruit; the ground will be fertile with plenty of rain; all these blessings will be given to the people left in the land (vv. 12-13).
Application
I have a joy that need never be diminished (John 15:11). A nearness to God that can never be reversed (Ephesians 2:13). A peace that can never be disturbed (John 14:27). A righteousness that can never be tarnished (2 Corinthians 5:21). A salvation that can never be canceled (Heb. 5:9).
Zechariah 8:1– 13 (NET)
1 Then the message of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies came to me as follows: 2 “The Lord of Heaven’s Armies says, ‘I am very much concerned for Zion; indeed, I am so concerned for her that my rage will fall on those who hurt her.’ 3 The Lord says, ‘I have returned to Zion and will live within Jerusalem. Now Jerusalem will be called “truthful city,” “mountain of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies,” “holy mountain.”’ 4 Moreover, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says, ‘Old men and women will once more live in the plazas of Jerusalem, each one leaning on a cane because of advanced age. 5 And the streets of the city will be full of boys and girls playing. 6 And,’ says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, ‘though such a thing may seem to be difficult in the opinion of the small community of those days, will it also appear difficult to me?’ asks the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
7 “The Lord of Heaven’s Armies asserts, ‘I am about to save my people from the lands of the east and the west. 8 And I will bring them to settle within Jerusalem. They will be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and righteousness.’
9 “The Lord of Heaven’s Armies also says, ‘Gather strength, you who are listening to these words today from the mouths of the prophets who were there at the founding of the house of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, so that the temple might be built. 10 Before that time there was no compensation for man or animal, nor was there any relief from adversity for those who came and went, because I had pitted everybody—each one—against everyone else. 11 But I will be different now to this remnant of my people from the way I was in those days,’ says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, 12 ‘for there will be a peaceful time of sowing, the vine will produce its fruit, and the ground its yield, and the skies will rain down dew. Then I will allow the remnant of my people to possess all these things. 13 And it will come about that just as you, both Judah and Israel, were a curse to the nations, so I will save you and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid! Instead, be strong.’
Illustration: J Paul Getty Rich But Couldn’t Keep a Wife
J. Paul Getty was one of the richest men who ever lived. You wouldn’t expect him to be envious of anyone. But Getty once said he was envious of those who knew how to make marriage work and be happy in marriage. Getty knew whereof he spoke, because his record was five marriages and five divorces. If you have a happy home, you’re rich. You’re blessed. (Adrian Rogers, Ten Secrets for a Successful Family, Crossway Books, 1996).