Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Zechariah 8:18
And the word of the LORD of hosts came unto me, saying,
18 23. The Answer. Fourth Section
In coming now to a direct answer to the question, out of which the whole prophecy arose, Almighty God enumerates not only the fast of the fifth month to which the question immediately referred (Zec 8:3), but three other fasts (one of which, the fast of the seventh month, had been already mentioned, Zec 7:5), which were all governed by the same general principles. All these, He promises, shall become seasons of joy.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
18, 19. The prophet answers thequery (Zec 7:3) as to the fastin the fifth month, by a reply applying to all their fasts: these areto be turned into days of rejoicing. So Jesus replied to Hisdisciples when similarly consulting Him as to why fasting was notimposed by Him, as it was by John the Baptist. When the Sun ofrighteousness shines, tears are dried up (Mt9:15). So hereafter (Isa35:10).
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And the word of the Lord of hosts came unto me, saying. The word of prophecy, as the Targum paraphrases it: here begins a new prophecy, respecting the abrogation of Jewish fasts, and the calling of the Gentiles.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
The last word of God gives, in connection with what precedes, the direct answer to the inquiry concerning the fast-days, and consists of three sayings, Zec 8:19, Zec 8:20, and Zec 8:23, of which the second and third explain the contents of the first more clearly. Zec 8:18 is the same as Zec 8:1 and Zec 8:7 and Zec 4:8. Zec 8:19. “Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: The fasting of the fourth, and the fasting of the fifth, and the fasting of the seventh, and the fasting of the tenth (months), will become pleasure and joy to the house of Judah, and good feasts. But truth and peace ye should love.” On the fast-days mentioned, compare the exposition of Zec 7:3. These fast-days the Lord will turn into days of joy and cheerful feast-days – namely, by bestowing upon them such a fulness of salvation, that Judah will forget to commemorate the former mournful events, and will only have occasion to rejoice in the blessings of grace bestowed upon it by God; though only when the condition mentioned in Zec 8:16 and Zec 8:17 has been fulfilled.
(Note: Luther aptly observes: “Keep only what I command, and let fasting alone. Yea, if ye keep my commandments, not only shall such fasts be over and come to an end; but because I will do so much good to Jerusalem, all the affliction, for which ye have chosen and kept such fasting, shall be so forgotten, that ye will be transported with joy when ye think of your fasting, and of the heart’s grief on account of which ye fasted for the time,” etc.)
Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament
| Encouraging Prospects. | B. C. 517. |
18 And the word of the LORD of hosts came unto me, saying, 19 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. 20 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities: 21 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. 22 Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the LORD. 23 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 contain two precious promises, for the further encouragement of those pious Jews that were hearty in building the temple.
I. That a happy period should be put to their fasts, and there should be no more occasion for them, but they should be converted into thanksgiving days, v. 19. This is a direct answer to the enquiry concerning their fasts, ch. vii. 3. Those of them that fasted in hypocrisy had their doom in the foregoing chapter, but those that in sincerity humbled themselves before God, and sought his face, have here a comfortable assurance given them of a large share in the happy times approaching. The four yearly fasts which they had religiously observed should be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and solemn feasts, and those cheerful ones. Note, Joyous times will come to the church after troublous times; if weeping endure for more than a night, and joy come not next morning, yet the morning will come that will introduce it at length. And, when God comes towards us in ways of mercy, we must meet him with joy and thankfulness; when God turns judgments into mercies we must turn fasts into festivals, and thus walk after the Lord. And those who sow in tears with Zion shall reap in joy with her; those who submit to the restraints of her solemn fasts while they continue shall share in the triumphs of her cheerful feasts when they come, Isa. lxvi. 10. The inference from this promise is, “Therefore love the truth and peace; be faithful and honest in all your dealings, and let it be a pleasure to you to be so, though thereby you cut yourselves short of those gains which you see others get dishonestly; and, as much as in you lies, live peaceably with all men, and be in your element when you are in charity. Let the truths of God rule in your heads, and let the peace of God rule in your hearts.”
II. That a great accession should be made to the church by the conversion of many foreigners, v. 20-23. This was fulfilled but in part when, in the latter times of the Jewish church, there were abundance of proselytes from all the countries about, and some that lay very remote, who came yearly to worship at Jerusalem, which added very much both to the grandeur and wealth of that city, and contributed greatly to the making of it so considerable as it came to be before our Saviour’s time, though now it was but just peeping out of its ruins. But it would be accomplished much more fully in the conversion of the Gentiles to the faith of Christ, and the incorporating of them with the believing Jews in one great body, under Christ the head, a mystery which is made manifest by the scriptures of the prophets (Rom. xvi. 26), and by this among the rest, which makes it strange that when it was accomplished it was so great a surprise and stumbling-block to the Jews. Observe,
1. Who they are that shall be added to the church–people, and the inhabitants of many cities (v. 20); not only a few ignorant country people that may be easily imposed upon, or some idle people that have nothing else to do, but intelligent inquisitive citizens, men of business and acquaintance with the world, shall embrace the gospel of Christ; yea, many people and strong nations (v. 22), some of all languages, v. 23. By this it appears that they are brought into the church, not by human persuasion, for they are of different languages, not by external force, for they are strong nations, able to have kept their ground if they had been so attacked, but purely by the effectual working of divine truth and grace. Note, God has his remnant in all parts; and in the general assembly of the church of the first-born some will be found out of all nations and kindreds, Rev. vii. 9.
2. How their accession to the church is described: They shall come to pray before the Lord and to seek the Lord of hosts (v. 21); and, to show that this is the main matter in which their conversion consists, it is repeated (v. 22): They shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the Lord. No mention is made of their offering sacrifices, not only because these were not expected from the proselytes of the gate, but because, when the Gentiles should be brought in, sacrifice and offering should be quite abolished. See who are to be accounted converts to God and members of the church: and all that are converts to God are members of the church. (1.) They are such as seek the Lord of hosts, such as enquire for God their Maker, covet and court his favour, and are truly desirous to know his mind and will and sincerely devoted to his honour and glory. This is the generation of those that seek him. (2.) They are such as pray before the Lord,–such as make conscience, and make a business, of the duty of prayer,–such as dare not, would not, for all the world, live without it,–such as by prayer pay their homage to God, own their dependence upon him, maintain their communion with him, and fetch in mercy and grace from him. (3.) They are such as herein have an eye to the divine revelation and institution, which is signified by their doing this in Jerusalem, the place which God had chosen, where his word was, where his temple was, which was a type of Christ and his mediation, which all faithful worshippers will have a believing regard to.
3. How unanimous they shall be in their accession to the church, and how zealous in exciting one another to it (v. 21): The inhabitants of one city shall go to another, as formerly when they went up from all parts of the country to worship at the yearly feasts; and they shall say, Let us go speedily to pray before the Lord; I will go also. This intimates, (1.) That those who are brought into an acquaintance with Christ themselves should do all they can to bring others acquainted with him; thus Andrew invited Peter to Christ and Philip invited Nathanael. True grace hates monopolies. (2.) That those who are duly sensible of their need of Christ, and of the favour of God through him, will stir up themselves and others without delay to hasten to him: “Let us go speedily to pray; it is for our lives, and the lives of our souls, that we are to petition, and therefore it concerns us to lose no time; in a matter of such moment delays are dangerous.” (3.) That our communion with God is very much assisted and furthered by the communion of saints. It is pleasant to go to the house of God in company (Ps. lv. 14), with the multitude (Ps. xlii. 4), and it is of good use to those that do so to excite one another to go speedily and lose no time; we should be glad when it is said to us, Let us go, Ps. cxxii. 1. As iron sharpens iron, so may good men sharpen the countenances and spirits one of another in that which is good. (4.) That those who stir up others to that which is good must take heed that they do not turn off, or tire, or draw back themselves; he that says, Let us go, says, I will go also. What good we put others upon doing we must see to it that we do ourselves, else we shall be judged out of our own mouths. Not, “Do you go, and I will stay at home;” but, “Do you go, and I will go with you.” “A singular pattern (says Mr. Pemble) of zealous charity, that neither leaves others behind nor turns others before it.”
4. Upon what inducement they shall join themselves to the church, not for the church’s sake, but for his sake who dwells in it (v. 23): Ten men of different nations and languages shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, begging of him not to outgo them, but to take them along with him. This intimates the great honour they have for a Jew, as one of the chosen people of God, and therefore well worthy their acquaintance; they cannot all come to take him by the hand, or embrace him in their arms, but are ambitious to take hold of the skirt of his robe, to touch the hem of his garment, saying, We will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you. The gospel was preached to the Jews first (for of that nation the apostles were) and by them it was carried to the Gentiles. St. Paul was a Jew whose skirt many took hold of when they welcomed him as an angel of God, and begged him to take them along with him to Christ; thus the Greeks took hold of Philip’s skirt, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus, John xii. 21. Note, It is the privilege of the saints that they have God with them, have him among them–the knowledge, and fear, and worship of him; they have his favour and gracious presence, and this should invite us into communion with them. It is good being with those who have God with them, and those who join themselves to the Lord must join themselves to his disciples; if we take God for our God, we must take his people for our people, cast in our lot among them, and be willing to take our lot with them.
Fuente: Matthew Henry’s Whole Bible Commentary
CRITICAL NOTES.]
Zec. 8:18-19.] An answer to question (ch. Zec. 7:3). Fasts] shall be turned into Feasts] of joy and gladness. Love] Live in harmony among yourselves as the result: others as the only condition of blessing.
FASTS TURNED INTO FESTIVE JOY.Zec. 8:18-19
These words are fresh grounds for encouragement.
I. Their mourning will be turned into gladness. Their seasons of sorrow and penitential confession should end in feasting and praise. They would be delivered from foreign yoke, and brought back to their own land; restored from spiritual desolation to the privileges of the temple. Personally and socially, joy and gladness would be great. Troublous times often end in joyous songs to the Church. After the night of weeping, the morning dawns in light and cheerfulness. They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
II. This gladness will lead to sincerity of life. Therefore, love the truth and peace. God blesses his people, that they may love him. The greater his promises, the greater should be our obedience. Fasts and feasts are empty forms. God requires truth in our life, and peace in our hearts. What doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
Truth is always straightforward [Sophocles].
HOMILETIC HINTS AND SUGGESTIONS
Zec. 8:19. Mark the practical improvement. Therefore, love the truth and peace. The words may be taken in two senses: First, as an appeal to gratitude, as if Jehovah had said, You owe your deliverance to me. You deserved it not. You never could have wrought it for yourselves. It is all my doing. If, therefore, you feel as you ought; thankful to your covenant God for my interposing on your behalf, think of my will, and henceforward attend to what you know will be pleasing in my sight: love the truth and peace. Secondly, as an appeal to self-lovean appeal grounded on a regard to their own interests: as if he had said, You have been suffering for your own and your fathers sins. You have been delivered. If you would shun a repetition of the sufferingsif you would continue in possession of your now restored land and liberty, and temporal and spiritual blessingslove the truth and peace. Love them in heart: show love to them in practice. It is thus only that you can retain my favour and blessing; thus only that your days can be prolonged upon the land which the Lord your God has again given you [Wardlaw].
Truth and peace, twin virtues. Observe
1. Their connection. Truth should be sought, maintained, and diffused in a peaceful spirit.
2. Their order. Truth first, and then peace. Trust must not be compromised for the sake of peace. It is not peace on any terms. If it be possible (it may not be so always), as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Truth hath a quiet breast [Shakspeare].
ILLUSTRATIONS TO CHAPTER 8
Zec. 8:19. Joy. What is joy? A sunbeam between two clouds [Madame Deluzy]. Joy never feasts so high, as when the first course is of misery [Suckling].
Fuente: The Preacher’s Complete Homiletical Commentary Edited by Joseph S. Exell
THE SIXTH STATEMENT . . . Zec. 8:18-23
RV . . . And the word of Jehovah of hosts came unto me, saying, Thus saith Jehovah 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; there love truth and peace. Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come peoples, and the inhabitants of many cities; and the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to entreat the favor of Jehovah, and go to seek Jehovah of hosts: I will go also. Yea, many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek Jehovah of hosts in Jerusalem, and to entreat the favor of Jehovah. Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold, out of all the languages of the nations, they 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.
LXX . . . And the word of the Lord Almighty came to me, saying, Thus saith the Lord Almighty, The fourth fast, and the fifth fast, and the seventh fast, and the tenth fast, shall be to the house of Juda for joy and gladness, and for good feasts; and ye shall rejoice; and love ye the truth and peace. Thus saith the Lord Almighty; Yet shall many peoples come, and the inhabitants of many cities; and the inhabitants of five cities shall come together to one city, saying, Let us go to make supplication to the Lord, and to seek the face of the Lord Almighty; I will go also. And many peoples and many nations shall come to seek earnestly the face of the Lord Almighty in Jerusalem, and to obtain favour of the Lord. Thus saith the Lord Almighty; In those days my word shall be fulfilled if ten men of all the languages of the nations should take holdeven take hold of the hem of a Jew, saying, We will go with thee; for we have heard that God is with you.
COMMENTS
The final statement in answer to the questioners from Beth-el is also the final entreaty of God to the people to build the temple. It begins with a promise of joy in the stead of fasting and closes with a Messianic promise that through His people all the people of earth will come to share His blessings.
(Zec. 8:18-19) The fasts occasioned, albeit without divine sanction, by the punishment of Judah through Babylon will give way to joy and gladness. The fast days themselves will become feast days.
Jewish history provides an ironic footnote concerning these fasts which God promised would become feasts. The fast of the fourth month observed on the 17th of the Hebrew month of Tammuz, is now observed in connection with four incidents: (1) the building of the golden calf. (2) Moses breaking of the tablets of the law. (3) the cessation of daily sacrifices prior to the actual Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem and (4) the actual occupation of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar.
The fast of the fifth month, is held on the 9th day of Abh by modern Jewry, in connection with the destruction of Solomons temple by Nebuchadnezzar and of the second temple on the same day of the year by Titus in 70 A.D. Connected with the modern observance of this fast also is the memory of the day God turned the Israelites back from entering the promised land a year and a half after they left Egypt, and the capture of the city of Bether by Hadrian c. 135 A.D.
The fast of the seventh month, now observed on the third day of Tishri remembers the murder of Gedaliah at Mizpah, just as during the captivity.
The tenth month fast remembers, on the tenth day of Tibheth, as it did in Babylon, the beginning of the siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar.
From this it would seem that the Jews have missed the joy of their deliverance from captivity, just as in rejecting Jesus they have missed the joy of their deliverance from sin.
On is constrained to believe that Zechariahs picture of joy in this passage, as others, is symbolic of the joy of salvation in Christ rather than of any joy on the part of those who seem forever blind to the blessings of Jehovah.
(Zec. 8:20-22) The Messianic age will come. People of many nations will join the faithful of Israel in the enjoyment of Gods blessings. The passage is a perfect picture of what is happening as the influence of the church, beginning in Jerusalem, has brought to the world the Jehovah once known only to the Jews.
These verses are very reminiscent of Isa. 2:4, and of Joe. 2:28 -ff. If by them we are to understand material promises, then history fails to record their fulfillment. If, on the other hand, these verses, and other such prophetic passages are symbolic of the real blessings of Jehovah for His people in the Messianic age, we have but to count our blessings as Christians to know the real meaning of these verses. Personally, I believe the latter to be the intent of the passage.
What God began in the Spirit will not be perfected in the flesh (cp. Gal. 3:3). Gods purpose has always been to bless the peoples of the whole earth. When the temple is completed and the symbolic priesthood and sacrifices restored, the final barrier to Messiahs coming will have been removed. When He comes, men from every nation under heaven will seek the God of Israel. The faithful remnant would become the nucleus of the Messiahs true Israel, and as they went everywhere from Jerusalem preaching the Gospel, men of every nation would turn to them for knowledge of the one true God.
Chapter XXXVIQuestions
Teaching About Worship
1.
Outward formal religious observances unrelated to present life are an ____________________ to ______________________.
2.
Gods promises are to those whose relationship to Him makes a real difference in ____________________.
3.
On December 4, ______________ B.C. those who lived in Beth-el sent messengers to Jehovah with a question.
4.
What was that question?
5.
Where is Beth-el?
6.
Show that those who lived in Beth-el were not Samaritans but Jews.
7.
The fast on the seventh day of the fifth month marked the ________________ anniversary of ________________.
8.
The fast of the seventh Month remembered ___________________.
9.
Zechariahs answer to the question from Beth-el was in ________________ statements.
10.
Give the references for each of these statements.
11.
What was the first answer?
12.
Who were the former prophets?
13.
What was the second answer?
14.
The questioners are further reminded that God, through the former prophets, had commanded their fathers to __________________________.
18.
The happiness of the restored people is presented in figures of happy __________________.
19.
The joy and amazement of the returnees blends quite normally into a glimpse of ________________.
20.
What is Zechariahs fourth answering statement?
21.
Again the ecstasy of blessing blends forward into ____________________ prediction.
22.
At the beginning of their restored national life is the same ________________ terminology which had marked the beginning of _________________.
23.
The returned remnant is once more to be a nation of _________________.
24.
How had the Jews become a curse upon the nations rather than a blessing?
25.
Discuss the idea that God has more at stake in this work than do they.
26.
What was the fifth statement in answer to the questioners from Beth-el?
27.
How does it relate to the first statement?
28.
So; long as the people are _________________ and ______________ they have no reason to fear Gods wrath.
29.
What was the sixth statement?
30.
This statement is also an entreaty to Gods people to
____________________
31.
It begins with a promise of _______________ instead of _______________ and closes with a ____________ promise.
32.
Modem Jews observe the fast of the fourth month in connection with _____________, _______________, _________________, and _________________.
33.
The fast of the fifth month is held in connection with ______________, and ________________,_ It also remembers _________________ and ________________.
34,
The fast of the seventh month is now observed in remembrance of __________________________________.
35.
The tenth month fast recalls ________________________________________.
36.
What do you conclude from the fact that these fasts are still observed by the Jews?
37.
Zec. 8:20-23 are a perfect picture of what is happening as the influence of the ________________, beginning at
____________________ has brought the world the _________________________.once known only to the Jews.
Fuente: College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
(18-23) This fourth section gives at last all that the prophet deigns to answer concerning the fast of the fifth month (Zec. 7:3), and also concerning the other fasts. On the 9th or 17th of the fourth month (Tammuz) Jerusalem was taken by Nebuchadnezzar, in the eleventh year of Zedekiah (Jer. 39:2; Jer. 52:6-7). On the tenth of the tenth month (Tebeth) siege was laid to Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, in the ninth year of Zedekiah (2Ki. 25:1; Jer. 52:4). As, on account of their sins, their feasts had been changed into fasts, and their days of rejoicing into mourning (Amo. 8:10), so now the prophet promises that if only they will keep the required conditions their fasts should be transformed into feasts. No express command is given with respect to the abolition of the fasts; but according to Jewish tradition (T.B. Rosh Hashshanah, 18 b), when the nation was in peace and prosperity the fasts were held in abeyance; when it was in trouble again the fasts were resumed. Since the destruction of the Temple by Titus, the Jews have kept the following fasts: the seventeenth of Tammuz, the ninth of Ab, the third of Tishri, and the tenth of Tebeth, on account of various calamities which took place on those days.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
Zec 8:18 is identical with Zec 8:1.
19. The fast of the fourth month The fast kept in commemoration of the capture of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar on the ninth day of the fourth month (Jer 39:2; Jer 52:7).
Fifth seventh See on Zec 7:4.
Tenth A fast held to commemorate the beginning of the siege on the tenth day of the tenth month (Jer 39:1; 2Ki 25:1).
Joy gladness, cheerful feasts The seasons commemorating the darkest events of Jewish history will become occasions of joy and festivity, because the new blessings of the divine grace will be so rich and so superior to those of the past that the Jews will entirely forget the sorrows of the past. But these blessings can be experienced only if the conditions laid down in Zec 8:16-17 are met, some of which the prophet reiterates.
Love the truth and peace They must exert their efforts on behalf of truthfulness and concord (see on Zec 8:16).
Zec 8:20-23 indicate the magnitude of the future glory. The manifestations of Jehovah will be so marvelous that they will impress even foreign nations with the reality of the power and supremacy of Jehovah, and will attract them to Jerusalem, where they may properly worship him (compare Isa 2:2-4; Mic 4:1-4; Jer 16:19).
People Better, R.V., “peoples”; that is, whole nations. Many cities Scattered throughout many lands. For “many” margin suggests “great,”
that is, populous. Zec 8:21 describes the enthusiasm with which people will exhort one another to seek Jehovah (compare Isa 2:3).
Pray R.V., “entreat the favor.” See on Zec 7:2.
Seek Jehovah As in Amo 5:4 (see there).
I will go also Not an expression of determination on the part of Zechariah to go to Zion to witness the glorious scenes, but the reply of the other city to the exhortation of the first.
Zec 8:22 is an emphatic repetition of the thought of Zec 8:21, as is also Zec 8:23. The Jews, now despised by the surrounding nations, will be honored in that day as mediators between these very nations and Jehovah, and they will be entreated by the former to secure the favor of their God. In great numbers the foreigners will crowd around the Jews, anxious to be admitted into fellowship with them, so that through them they may be admitted into fellowship with Jehovah.
Ten men An expression denoting an indefinite, moderately large number, like seven in Isa 4:1, and the colloquial a dozen.
Shall take hold Repeated for the sake of emphasis (compare Zec 6:10-11); anxiously they will press forward to take hold.
All languages Should perhaps be read, “from all languages and all nations” (compare Isa 66:18); from nations speaking many different languages.
Skirt Literally, wing (compare Hag 2:12); equivalent to border of the garment (Mat 9:20).
We will go Better, cohortative, let us go.
We have heard Through the mighty works of Jehovah.
God Since the speakers are foreigners, they do not use the covenant name Jehovah.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
The Future is Bright for God’s People ( Zec 8:18-23 ).
Zec 8:18-19
‘And the word of YHWH of Hosts came to me, saying, “Thus says YHWH 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 truth and peace.” ’
Many sad incidents of the past were remembered in periods of fasting as men mourned what they had lost, but as we have learned earlier, this was not a genuine mourning over sin but a mourning because of loss. They hoped to move God by their tears, but the problem was that their own hearts were not truly moved towards Him (see on Zec 7:5-6).
Here we learn of four periods of fasting which had been established and observed. But there is always the danger with such activity that it becomes a means in itself. Men begin to think that God should work because of what they do. They lose the heart of the matter which is the transformation of their own hearts, and thus they do not receive the blessing.
However, God in His grace has heard their cry. Now this fasting can be put to one side. These periods will now become periods of joy and gladness. Their fasts will become cheerful feasts. This is because God is again at work among them. But note the final warning. This will only be maintained if they love truth and peace. Honesty and harmony, truth and reconciliation, are at the heart of what God would achieve. Without this His work will come to a halt.
Zec 8:20-23
‘Thus says YHWH of Hosts. “It will yet be that there will come peoples and the inhabitants of many cities, and the inhabitants of one will go to another saying, “Let us go quickly to entreat YHWH’s favour and to seek YHWH of Hosts. I will go also.” Yes many peoples and strong nations will come to seek YHWH of Hosts in Jerusalem and to entreat YHWH’s favour. Thus says YHWH of Hosts, “In those days it will be that ten men will take hold, out of all the languages of the nations, will even take hold of the skirt of him who is a Jewish man, saying, “We will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.” ’
This picture presents what was God’s final purpose for His people, that they should be a kingdom of priests (Exo 19:6), bringing men to God; that they should be His witnesses so that the nations respond to Him and seek His face. And He promises that one day such they will be. And the words are intended to be an encouragement to the returned exiles in their parlous situation. They may at present seem few and obscure, but through their efforts and the efforts of those who would follow God’s vision for the world would finally come to fruition.
And the future would see its fulfilment. First in the many God fearers who would gather to Jerusalem because of their reverence for His Law, including men like the Ethiopian eunuch (Act 8:27), and then those who would come to the leaders of the Christian church centred in Jerusalem, that they may learn certainly of the truth of the things they had heard, and finally in those who would flock to the preaching of the Gospel as the men who were the true fulfilment of the Jewish hope went out from Jerusalem among them preaching Christ.
‘Ten men.’ ‘Ten’ signifies ‘many’ (compare how Jacob said ‘you have changed my wages ten times’ – Gen 31:7). It is also stressed that they will be of many languages. The response will be widespread.
‘Take hold of the skirt.’ Probably signifying the response of discipleship. We must never forget that it was among Jews that the Gospel was first proclaimed and those who first went out with the Gospel to the world were Jews such as the twelve apostles and Paul.
‘God is with you.’ See Isa 7:14; Isa 45:14. As men saw what had happened they would know that it was only because God was in it that it had happened.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
The Extent of the Messianic Influence
v. 18. v. 19. v. 20. v. 21. v. 22. v. 23.
Fuente: The Popular Commentary on the Bible by Kretzmann
And the word of the Lord of hosts came unto me, saying, (19) 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.
Here is another testimony to the spiritual sense of this sweet Chapter. It was one of the uniform characters of Christ’s reign upon earth, that his Church should hold a perpetual feast. Isa 25:6-9 . And spiritually considered, it is always so. For when the believer is most exercised with difficulties, then it is the consolations of Jesus most abound. Yea, the very tear of grace is a tear of holy joy. Reader, do not forget what the Apostle saith. Rom 14:17 .
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Zec 8:18 And the word of the LORD of hosts came unto me, saying,
Ver. 18. And the word ] See Trapp on “ Zec 8:1 “
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Zec 8:18-19
18Then the word of the LORD of hosts came to me, saying, 19Thus says the LORD of hosts, The fast of the fourth, the fast of the fifth, the fast of the seventh and the fast of the tenth months will become joy, gladness, and cheerful feasts for the house of Judah; so love truth and peace.’
Zec 8:19 This literary unit which begins in Zec 7:1 with a question about the need to continue certain fast days related to the Babylonian exile. After discussing the reason for the exile and the hope of restoration, Zechariah returns to the question about specific fast days.
The fast of the fourth This was a fast in memory of Jerusalem’s walls being breached (cf. Jer 39:2; 2Ki 25:3).
the fast of the fifth This was a fast in memory of the destruction of the Temple (cf. 2Ki 25:8).
the fast of the seventh This was a fast in memory of Gedaliah’s death (cf. 2Ki 25:25).
the fast of the tenth This was a fast in memory of the beginning of Nebuchadnezzar II’s siege of Jerusalem (cf. 2Ki 25:1-2; Jer 39:1).
will become joy, gladness, and cheerful feasts There will be no more fasts! Israel’s mourning will be changed to joy, her captivity into deliverance (cf. Jer 31:10-14). Isaiah 65 combines a renewed Jerusalem with the new age!
Fuente: You Can Understand the Bible: Study Guide Commentary Series by Bob Utley
Zec 8:18-23
THE SIXTH STATEMENT . . . Zec 8:18-23
The final statement in answer to the questioners from Beth-el is also the final entreaty of God to the people to build the temple. It begins with a promise of joy in the stead of fasting and closes with a Messianic promise that through His people all the people of earth will come to share His blessings.
(Zec 8:18-19) The fasts occasioned, albeit without divine sanction, by the punishment of Judah through Babylon will give way to joy and gladness. The fast days themselves will become feast days.
Zerr: The inspiration of Zechariah (Zec 8:18) is the thought in this verse. The feasts (Zec 8:19) were seasons of celebrations for the blessings of God. They were done on various occasions, and the ushering in of the months was one of the chief times for such activities. The numerical references to the months is for emphasis only, because each of the 12 months had its holy day signified by the new moon.
Jewish history provides an ironic footnote concerning these fasts which God promised would become feasts. The fast of the fourth month observed on the 17th of the Hebrew month of Tammuz, is now observed in connection with four incidents: (1) the building of the golden calf. (2) Moses breaking of the tablets of the law. (3) the cessation of daily sacrifices prior to the actual Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem and (4) the actual occupation of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar.
The fast of the fifth month, is held on the 9th day of Abh by modern Jewry, in connection with the destruction of Solomons temple by Nebuchadnezzar and of the second temple on the same day of the year by Titus in 70 A.D. Connected with the modern observance of this fast also is the memory of the day God turned the Israelites back from entering the promised land a year and a half after they left Egypt, and the capture of the city of Bether by Hadrian c. 135 A.D.
The fast of the seventh month, now observed on the third day of Tishri remembers the murder of Gedaliah at Mizpah, just as during the captivity.
The tenth month fast remembers, on the tenth day of Tibheth, as it did in Babylon, the beginning of the siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar.
From this it would seem that the Jews have missed the joy of their deliverance from captivity, just as in rejecting Jesus they have missed the joy of their deliverance from sin.
On is constrained to believe that Zechariahs picture of joy in this passage, as others, is symbolic of the joy of salvation in Christ rather than of any joy on the part of those who seem forever blind to the blessings of Jehovah.
(Zec 8:20-22) The Messianic age will come. People of many nations will join the faithful of Israel in the enjoyment of Gods blessings. The passage is a perfect picture of what is happening as the influence of the church, beginning in Jerusalem, has brought to the world the Jehovah once known only to the Jews.
These verses are very reminiscent of Isa 2:4, and of Joe 2:28 -ff. If by them we are to understand material promises, then history fails to record their fulfillment. If, on the other hand, these verses, and other such prophetic passages are symbolic of the real blessings of Jehovah for His people in the Messianic age, we have but to count our blessings as Christians to know the real meaning of these verses. Personally, I believe the latter to be the intent of the passage.
What God began in the Spirit will not be perfected in the flesh (cp. Gal 3:3). Gods purpose has always been to bless the peoples of the whole earth. When the temple is completed and the symbolic priesthood and sacrifices restored, the final barrier to Messiahs coming will have been removed. When He comes, men from every nation under heaven will seek the God of Israel. The faithful remnant would become the nucleus of the Messiahs true Israel, and as they went everywhere from Jerusalem preaching the Gospel, men of every nation would turn to them for knowledge of the one true God.
Zerr: Zec 8:20-23. Contrary to my usual procedure, I have made one paragraph of these verses because the comments will apply to them as a whole. It is another instance where the prophet jumps from fleshly to spiritual Israel. It is a prediction of the setting up of the church and the reign of Christ in his kingdom starting at Jerusalem, The same prediction is in Isa 2:1-4 and Mic 4:1-5, and the fulfillment is recorded in the book of Acts, beginning in the second chapter. It is the kingdom the prophet Daniel saw in his prediction of the kingdom to stand for ever (Dan 2:44).
Questions
Teaching About Worship
1. Outward formal religious observances unrelated to present life are an ____________________ to ______________________.
2. Gods promises are to those whose relationship to Him makes a real difference in ____________________.
3. On December 4, ______________ B.C. those who lived in Bethel sent messengers to Jehovah with a question.
4. What was that question?
5. Where is Bethel?
6. Show that those who lived in Beth-el were not Samaritans but Jews.
7. The fast on the seventh day of the fifth month marked the ________________ anniversary of ________________.
8. The fast of the seventh Month remembered ___________________.
9. Zechariahs answer to the question from Beth-el was in ________________ statements.
10. Give the references for each of these statements.
11. What was the first answer?
12. Who were the former prophets?
13. What was the second answer?
14. The questioners are further reminded that God, through the former prophets, had commanded their fathers to __________________________.
18. The happiness of the restored people is presented in figures of happy __________________.
19. The joy and amazement of the returnees blends quite normally into a glimpse of ________________.
20. What is Zechariahs fourth answering statement?
21. Again the ecstasy of blessing blends forward into ____________________ prediction.
22. At the beginning of their restored national life is the same ________________ terminology which had marked the beginning of _________________.
23. The returned remnant is once more to be a nation of _________________.
24. How had the Jews become a curse upon the nations rather than a blessing?
25. Discuss the idea that God has more at stake in this work than do they.
26. What was the fifth statement in answer to the questioners from Beth-el?
27. How does it relate to the first statement?
28. So; long as the people are _________________ and ______________ they have no reason to fear Gods wrath.
29. What was the sixth statement?
30. This statement is also an entreaty to Gods people to ____________________
31. It begins with a promise of _______________ instead of _______________ and closes with a ____________ promise.
32. Modem Jews observe the fast of the fourth month in connection with _____________, _______________, _________________, and _________________.
33. The fast of the fifth month is held in connection with ______________, and ________________,_ It also remembers _________________ and ________________.
34, The fast of the seventh month is now observed in remembrance of __________________________________.
35. The tenth month fast recalls ________________________________________.
36. What do you conclude from the fact that these fasts are still observed by the Jews?
37. Zec 8:20-23 are a perfect picture of what is happening as the influence of the ________________, beginning at ____________________ has brought the world the _________________________.once known only to the Jews.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
the Nations Will Seek the God of Israel
Zec 8:18-23; Zec 9:1-8
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.
Fuente: F.B. Meyer’s Through the Bible Commentary
Reciprocal: Zec 8:9 – Let Act 2:5 – were 1Pe 1:11 – the glory
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Zec 8:18, The inspiration of Zechariah is the thought in this verse.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
E. Kingdom joy and Jewish favor 8:18-23
This final section of this part of the book (chs. 7-8) returns full circle to the theme with which it began, namely, the people’s concern about fasting (cf. Zec 7:1-7). These messages began after a few Bethelites came to Jerusalem (Zec 7:2-7), and they ended with the promise that multitudes of Gentiles representing all languages would come to Jerusalem. The fasting of the past would become feasting in the future.
Fuente: Expository Notes of Dr. Constable (Old and New Testaments)
Zechariah received another message from the Lord Almighty. He promised that in the future the sorrowful fasts that the Jews had observed in captivity would give way to joyful feasts. Thus at the end of this section of messages on hypocritical fasting (chs. 7-8), the Lord provided at least a partial answer to the question that the messengers from Bethel had asked about the traditional fasts (Zec 7:3). In addition to the fasts in the fifth and seventh months (Zec 7:3; Zec 7:5), the exiles also had commemorated the breaching of the walls of Jerusalem (2Ki 25:3-4; Jer 39:2) in the fourth month and the beginning of the siege of Jerusalem (2Ki 25:1; Eze 24:2) in the tenth month. [Note: The Illustrated . . ., 8:93.] Strict modern Jews still observe these four fasts. They seemingly died out after the second (restoration) temple was finished, but after the destruction of this temple in A.D. 70 the observance of these fasts revived. [Note: See Keil, 2:319.]
"The manifestation of the kingdom will be attended by such a fulness [sic] of salvation that Judah will forget to commemorate the former mournful events and will only have occasion to rejoice in the benefits of grace bestowed by God." [Note: Unger, p. 148.]
The immediate practical application of this revelation was that the people should love truth and peace (cf. Lev 19:18; Lev 19:34; Deu 6:5; Psa 31:23; Amo 5:15). They could value these ideals in the present because they were sure to come in the future. Before mourning could become joy for them, the returnees would need to love truth and peace.