Welcome to the next Bible Study of the book of Zechariah, Chapter 8:

Verse 1: “And the word of the LORD of hosts came unto me, saying,”

This verse emphasizes the direct communication from GOD, reminding us of His ongoing relationship with His people. GOD is still speaking to us today; we are called to listen.

Verse 2: “Thus saith the LORD of hosts; I was jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I was jealous for her with great fury.”

GOD’S jealousy for Zion reflects His passionate love for His people. This shows that GOD cares deeply for us and desires our devotion.

Verse 3: “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.”

GOD promises His presence among His people. The idea of Jerusalem becoming a “city of truth” speaks to the beautiful transformation that comes when GOD is present in our lives.

Verses 4-5: “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.”

These verses paint a picture of peace and security a community where families can thrive and enjoy a wonderful life. It signifies hope for restoration and joy in the community.

Verses 6: “Thus saith the LORD of hosts; If it be marvelous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in those days, should it also be marvelous in mine eyes? saith the LORD of hosts.”

GOD challenges us to reconsider what we view as miraculous. His ability to bring about change and restoration is beyond our understanding, reminding us to have faith in His mighty power.

Verse 7-8: “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.”

GOD’S promise of salvation and gathering emphasizes His desire for a intimate relationship with His people, founded in truth and righteousness.

Verses 9-10: “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.”

This is a true call to action and perseverance. Strengthening our hands is symbolic of working diligently to fulfill GOD’S wonderful purposes even amidst challenges.

Verses 11-12: “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.”

GOD will bless His people with prosperity and abundance. This encourages us to trust in GOD’S provision and His ability to turn seasons of drought into beautiful flourishing life.

Verses 13: “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.”

GOD’S transformative power can change our stories. Where we were once a curse, we can become a true blessing. We are encouraged to overcome fear and be strong in faith.

Verses 14-15: “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.”

GOD’S thoughts toward us are of good, not evil. His unwavering mercy and grace serve as a reminder that He seeks to bless us, and we shouldn’t fear His mighty, glorious, fulfilling plans.

Verses 16-17: “These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbor; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates: And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbor; and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate, saith the LORD.”

These verses call for integrity and love in our relationships. GOD values truth and peace, and we are to embody these principles in our daily lives.

Verses 18-19: “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.”

GOD transforms our times of mourning into joyous celebrations. Our understanding of hardship can change when we focus on GOD’S promises of joy.

Verses 20-21: “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.”

This prophecy indicates a future where people actively seek GOD. It’s an great encouragement to pursue GOD’S mighty presence, sharing that passion with others.

Verses 22-23: “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.”

These verses depict a beautiful vision of the nations coming together to seek the LORD. It emphasizes the true nature of GOD’S wonderful salvation and the draw of His glorious presence upon all nations.

Let us Pray:

Dear LORD almighty HEAVENLY FATHER, We thank You for Your marvelous, righteous Word and the promise of Your mighty presence among us. We praise You for Your deep infinite love, mercy, and the hope You offer to us through JESUS CHRIST. May we be emboldened to share Your truth and peace with our neighbors and live out the joy that comes from knowing You. Strengthen our hands to work for Your glorious new Kingdom and help us to seek Your presence daily. May we, like the nations described, earnestly seek You and draw others to You as we experience Your wonderful transformative power in our lives. Thank You dear LORD, almighty HEAVENLY FATHER.
We pray this throughout the mighty, glorious, fulfilling name of JESUS CHRIST. Amen!

Much LoVe, JoY, Peace and Blessings to You, through JESUS CHRIST, our LORD, SAVIOUR and REDEEMER!