1Hospodin zástupů promluvil takto: 2“Tak praví Hospodin zástupů: Velikou horlivostí horlím pro Sión, horlím pro něj velikým hněvem. 3Tak praví Hospodin: Vrátím se na Sión, budu přebývat uprostřed Jeruzaléma, Jeruzalém bude nazván věrným městem a hora Hospodina zástupů horou svatou. 4Tak praví Hospodin zástupů: Znovu budou sedat starci a stařeny na jeruzalémských náměstích, pro vysoké stáří každý s holí v ruce. 5Náměstí města budou plná chlapců a děvčat, budou si hrát na jeho náměstích. 6Tak praví Hospodin zástupů: I když se to zdá podivuhodné v očích těch, kdo v těchto dnech zbyli z tohoto lidu, musí to být podivuhodné i v mých očích? – praví Hospodin zástupů. 7Tak praví Hospodin zástupů: Hle, vysvobodím svůj lid ze země východu i západu slunce, 8přivedu je, budou bydlet uprostřed Jeruzaléma, budou mým lidem a já jim budu Bohem v pravdě a spravedlnosti. 9Tak praví Hospodin zástupů: Ať zesílí ruce vám, kteří v těchto dnech z úst proroků slyšíte slova o dni, kdy byl položen základ k domu Hospodina zástupů, abyste mohli vystavět chrám. 10Neboť před těmi dny nedostávali mzdu ani lidé, ani dobytek; ten, kdo vcházel, i ten, kdo vycházel, nebyl v bezpečí před nepřítelem; dopouštěl jsem vzájemnou nenávist lidí. 11Nyní se však nebudu chovat jako v dřívějších dobách k těm, kdo zbyli z tohoto lidu – praví Hospodin zástupů. 12Vzejde setba pokoje: vinice vydá svůj plod, země vydá svou úrodu, nebesa vydají svou rosu; to všechno dávám do vlastnictví těm, kdo zbyli z tohoto lidu. 13Jako jste byli pro pohany kletbou, dome judský a dome izraelský, tak vás zachráním, abyste byli požehnáním; nebojte se! Ať vaše ruce zesílí! 14Neboť tak praví Hospodin zástupů: jako jsem se rozhodl působit vám zlo, když mě popouzeli k hněvu vaši otcové – praví Hospodin zástupů a neměl jsem slitování, 15tak jsem se v těchto dnech znovu rozhodl obdařit dobrem Jeruzalém a judský dům, nebojte se! 16Musíte však plnit toto: jeden druhému mluvte pravdu, ve svých branách konejte soudy, které vedou k pokoji! 17Nesmýšlejte v srdci špatně o svém bližním, nelibujte si v křivé přísaze, neboť právě to všechno nenávidím“ praví Hospodin. 18Hospodin zástupů mě oslovil: 19„Tak praví Hospodin zástupů: Půst ve čtvrtém, pátém, sedmém a desátém měsíci se změní pro Judův dům v jásot a radost, ve veselé slavnosti. Milujte však pravdu a pokoj! 20Tak praví Hospodin zástupů: Ještě přijdou národy a obyvatelé mnohých měst, 21přijdou obyvatelé jednoho města k obyvatelům města druhého a řeknou: 'Pojďme usmířit Hospodina, pojďme hledat Hospodina zástupů! Já půjdu také.' 22Přijdou mnohé národy, mocné kmeny, aby hledaly Hospodina zástupů v Jeruzalémě a usmířily ho. 23Tak praví Hospodin zástupů: V těch dnech deset lidí ze všech pohanských jazyků uchopí lem šatu jednoho Judovce a řeknou: 'Chceme jít s vámi, neboť jsme slyšeli, že s vámi je Bůh.'“
Jamieson Fausset Brown Bible Commentary 2 CONTINUATION OF THE SUBJECT IN THE SEVENTH CHAPTER. After urging them to obedience by the fate of their fathers, he urges them to it by promises of coming prosperity. (Zec. 8:1-23)
jealous for Zion-- (
Ζαχ. 1:14).
with great fury--against her oppressors.
3 I am returned--that is, I am determined to return. My decree to that effect is gone forth.
Jerusalem . . . city of truth--that is, faithful to her God, who is the God of truth (
Ησ. 1:21,
Ησ. 1:26;
Ιωάν. 17:17). Never yet fully fulfilled, therefore still to be so.
the mountain of the Lord-- (
Ησ. 2:2-
Ησ. 2:3).
holy mountain-- (
Ιερ. 31:23).
4 So tranquil and prosperous shall the nation be that wars shall no longer prematurely cut off the people: men and women shall reach advanced ages. The promise of long life was esteemed one of the greatest blessings in the Jewish theocracy with its temporal rewards of obedience (
Έξ. 20:12;
Δευτ. 4:40). Hence this is a leading feature in millennial blessedness (
Ησ. 65:20,
Ησ. 65:22).
for very age--literally, "for multitude of days."
5 boys and girls playing--implying security and a numerous progeny, accounted a leading blessing among the Jews. Contrast
Ιερ. 6:11;
Ιερ. 9:21.
6 However impossible these things just promised by Me seem to you, they are not so with God. The "remnant" that had returned from the captivity, beholding the city desolate and the walls and houses in ruins, could hardly believe what God promised. The expression "remnant" glances at their ingratitude in rating so low God's power, though they had experienced it so "marvellously" displayed in their restoration. A great source of unbelief is, men "limit" God's power by their own (
Ψαλ. 78:19-
Ψαλ. 78:20,
Ψαλ. 78:41).
these days--"of small things" (
Ζαχ. 4:10), when such great things promised seemed incredible. MAURER, after JEROME, translates, "in those days"; that is, if the thing which I promised to do in those days, seems "marvellous," &c.
7 save my people from . . . east . . . west--that is, from every region (compare
Ψαλ. 50:1; the "West" is literally, "the going down of the sun") to which they are scattered; they are now found especially in countries west of Jerusalem. The dispersion under Nebuchadnezzar was only to the east, namely, to Babylonia. The restoration, including a spiritual return to God (
Ζαχ. 8:8), here foretold, must therefore be still future (
Ησ. 11:11-
Ησ. 11:12;
Ησ. 43:5-
Ησ. 43:6;
Ιεζ. 37:21;
Άμ. 9:14-
Άμ. 9:15; also
Ζαχ. 13:9;
Ιερ. 30:22;
Ιερ. 31:1,
Ιερ. 31:33).
8 in truth--in good faith, both on their side and Mine: God being faithful to His everlasting covenant and enabling them by His Spirit to be faithful to Him.
9 All adversities formerly attended them when neglecting to build the temple: but now God promises all blessings, as an encouragement to energy in the work.
hands . . . strong--be of courageous mind (
2Σαμ. 16:21), not merely in building, but in general, as having such bright prospects (
Ζαχ. 8:13, &c.).
these days--the time that had elapsed between the prophet's having spoken "these words" and the time (
Ζαχ. 8:10; compare
Αγγ. 2:15-
Αγγ. 2:19) when they set about in earnest restoring the temple.
the prophets--Haggai and Zechariah himself (
Εσδ. 5:1-
Εσδ. 5:2). The same prophets who promised prosperity at the foundation of the temple, now promised still greater blessings hereafter.
10 before these days--before the time in which ye again proceeded with the building of the temple (
Ζαχ. 8:9), namely, at the time that the temple lay neglected.
no hire for man . . . beast--that is, no produce of the field to repay the labor of man and beast on it (
Αγγ. 1:6,
Αγγ. 1:9-
Αγγ. 1:10;
Αγγ. 2:16).
neither . . . peace to him that went out or came in-- (
2Χρ. 15:5). No one could in safety do his business at home or abroad, in the city or in the country, whether going or returning.
because of the affliction--so sorely pressed were they by the foe outside. MAURER translates, "Because of the foe" (
Εσδ. 4:1).
every one against . . . neighbour--There was internal discord, as well as foes from without.
11 "But now that the temple has been built, I will not do as I had formerly done to those who returned from Babylon" [JEROME]. Henceforth I will bless you.
12 seed . . . prosperous--that is, shall not fair to yield abundantly (
Ωσ. 2:21-
Ωσ. 2:22;
Αγγ. 2:19). Contrast with this verse
Αγγ. 1:6,
Αγγ. 1:9-
Αγγ. 1:11;
Αγγ. 2:16.
dew--especially beneficial in hot countries where rain is rare.
13 a curse--As the heathen have made you another name for "a curse," wishing to their foes as bad a lot as yours (
Ιερ. 24:9;
Ιερ. 29:18); so your name shall be a formula of blessing, so that men shall say to their friend, May thy lot be as happy as that of Judah (
Γέν. 48:20). Including also the idea of the Jews being a source of blessing to the Gentile nations (
Μιχ. 5:7;
Σοφ. 3:20). The distinct mention of "Judah" and "Israel" proves that the prophecy has not yet had its full accomplishment, as Israel (the ten tribes) has never yet been restored, though individuals of Israel returned with Judah.
14 I thought--I determined.
you--that is, your fathers, with whom ye are one; the Jewish Church of all ages being regarded as an organic whole (compare
Αγγ. 2:5;
Ματθ. 23:31-
Ματθ. 23:32).
repented not--I changed not My purpose, because they changed not their mind (
2Χρ. 36:16). With the froward God shows Himself froward (
Ψαλ. 18:26). If the threatened punishment has been so unchangeably inflicted, much more will God surely give the promised blessing, which is so much more consonant to His nature (
Ιερ. 31:28).
16 The promised blessings are connected with obedience. God's covenanted grace will lead those truly blessed by it to holiness, not licentiousness.
truth to . . . neighbour--not that the truth should not be spoken to foreigners too; but He makes it an aggravation of their sin, that they spared not even their brethren. Besides, and above all outward ordinances (
Ζαχ. 7:3), God requires truth and justice.
judgment of . . . peace--Equitable decisions tend to allay feuds and produce peace.
gates--the place where courts of judicature in the East were held.
17 all these . . . I hate--therefore ye too ought to hate them. Religion consists in conformity to God's nature, that we should love what God loves and hate what God hates.
18 The prophet answers the query (
Ζαχ. 7:3) as to the fast in the fifth month, by a reply applying to all their fasts: these are to be turned into days of rejoicing. So Jesus replied to His disciples when similarly consulting Him as to why fasting was not imposed by Him, as it was by John the Baptist. When the Sun of righteousness shines, tears are dried up (
Ματθ. 9:15). So hereafter (
Ησ. 35:10).
19 fast of . . . fourth month--On the fourth month of the eleventh year of Zedekiah's reign, on the ninth day, Jerusalem was taken (
Ιερ. 39:2;
Ιερ. 52:6-
Ιερ. 52:7). It was therefore made a fast day.
fifth . . . seventh--(See on
Ζαχ. 7:3;
Ζαχ. 7:5).
tenth--On the tenth month and tenth day, in the ninth year of Zedekiah, the siege began (
Ιερ. 52:4).
therefore love the truth--or, "only love." English Version is better. God's blessing covenanted to Israel is not made to depend on Israel's goodness: but Israel's goodness should follow as the consequence of God's gracious promises (
Ζαχ. 8:16-
Ζαχ. 8:17;
Ζαχ. 7:9-
Ζαχ. 7:10). God will bless, but not those who harden themselves in sin.
20 (
Ησ. 2:3;
Μιχ. 4:2).
Thus saith the Lord of hosts--a preface needed to assure the Jews, now disheartened by the perils surrounding them, and by the humble aspect of the temple. "Unlikely as what follows may seem to you, Jehovah of hosts, boundless in resources, saith it, therefore it shall be so." Just before Christ's coming, a feeling grew up among the heathen of the unsatisfactoriness of their systems of religion and philosophy; this disposed them favorably towards the religion of the Jew, so that proselytes embraced the worship of Jehovah from various parts of Asia; these again were predisposed to embrace Christianity when it was preached to them (
Πράξ. 2:9-
Πράξ. 2:12,
Πράξ. 2:41). But the full accomplishment of the conversion of the Gentiles foretold here is reserved till "Jerusalem" (
Ζαχ. 8:22) becomes the center of Christianized Jewry (
Ρωμ. 11:12,
Ρωμ. 11:15).
21 Let us . . . I--manifesting zeal and love: converted themselves, they seek the conversion of others (
Άσμ. 1:4). To exhortation in general ("Let us go"), they add individual example ("I will go"). Or, the change from plural to singular implies that the general consent in religious earnestness leads each individual to decide for God.
go speedily--literally, "go, going"; implying intense earnestness.
pray--Hebrew, "entreat the face" (
Ζαχ. 7:2); entreat His favor and grace.
22 many . . . strong nations . . . in Jerusalem--In contrast to the few and weak Jews now building the temple and city, then such shall be their influence that many and strong nations shall come to worship Jehovah their God in Jerusalem (
Ησ. 60:3;
Ησ. 66:23).
23 ten--a definite number for an indefinite. So in
Λευ. 22:26;
Αρ. 14:22.
of all languages of the nations--that is, of nations of all languages (compare
Ησ. 66:18;
Αποκ. 7:9).
take hold of the skirt--a gesture of suppliant entreaty as to a superior. Compare
Ησ. 3:6;
Ησ. 4:1, on a different occasion. The Gentiles shall eagerly seek to share the religious privileges of the Jew. The skirt with a fringe and blue ribbon upon it (
Αρ. 15:38;
Δευτ. 22:12) was a distinguishing badge of a Jew.
God is with you--the effect produced on unbelievers in entering the assemblies of the Church (
1Κορ. 14:25). But primarily, that produced on the nations in witnessing the deliverance of the Jews by Cyrus. Finally, that to be produced on the nations by the future grand interposition of Messiah in behalf of His people.
Written long after the previous portions of the book, whence arise the various features which have been made grounds for attacking their authenticity, notwithstanding the testimony of the Septuagint and of the compilers of the Jewish canon in their favor. See Introduction.
ALEXANDER'S CONQUESTS IN SYRIA (
Ζαχ. 9:1-
Ζαχ. 9:8). GOD'S PEOPLE SAFE BECAUSE HER COMETH LOWLY, BUT A SAVIOUR (
Ζαχ. 9:9-
Ζαχ. 9:10). THE MACCABEAN DELIVERANCE A TYPE THEREOF (
Ζαχ. 9:11-
Ζαχ. 9:17).