Zechariah 8:9-23 — God’s Restoration & Blessings

Zechariah 8:9-23 — God’s Restoration & Blessings

Zechariah 8 is a continuation of God's response to a delegation from Babylon who asked about whether they should continue observing the fast in the fifth month. The fast was not something that God has asked to do. The people had fasted to commemorate the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar. God's response in chapter 7 emphasized returning to God by heeding His Word and rejecting self-pity and hypocritical practices.
However, in verses 1-8, chapter 8 begins with God expressing His zealous Love for Zion. He promises to return to Jerusalem, which He will call the “City of Truth.” God gives the people a vision of prosperity when old men and women will sit in the streets and when children will be playing in safety. God’s promises of future blessing meant to encourage His people in their present assignment: rebuilding the temple.

Outline of Zechariah 8:9-23
In verses 9-13, God promise restoration. Zechariah continues to call the people to courage. Despite the past hardships, God encourages them not to fear but to work. Their labor will lead to prosperity, peace, and security. In verses 14-17, God assures His people that He will fulfill His promises, thus, reassures them that He will keep His covenant with them. Still, He calls them for a commitment to truth, justice, and peace. In verses 18-19, God finally answers the question of the Babylonian delegation was saw the beginning of chapter 7. God now decrees that the days of Fasting should be turned to days of Joy. Lastly in verses 20-23, God says that all nations will seek the Lord when Israel fulfils God's purpose for the nation: to be blessings for all nations. In the Millenium, ten men from various nations will grasp the sleeve of a Jewish man, saying, "Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you."

Application
Zechariah 8:9-23 is a message of restoration and blessings. Just as God promised restoration to Israel, He offers restoration to us (the Church) through the Lord Jesus. We can experience peace, fruitfulness, and abundance when we align our lives to His will. Zechariah 8 reminds us of God's unwavering love, His promises of restoration, and our role in sharing His grace with others. All of this means that we ought to:

• Trust in God’s faithfulness even during challenging times, knowing that He is a God of restoration.
• Be diligent in our service to Him, whether in family life, work, or ministry.
• Pursue truth, advance peace, and genuinely love others.
• As God’s people, we have been blessed so that we could bless others. Our lives should draw those around us to godliness.

Remember: God’s promises of future blessing should always encourage us to be diligent in our current assignment from Him.