CHAP. VIII. V. 2. The Lord had been exceedingly jealous for his people, and displeased with their predrars Ref . Note , id
with
with his staff in his hand for
very age.
5 And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls, & playing in the streets thereof.
6 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, If it be marvellous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in these days, should it also be marvellous in mine eyes? saith the LORD of hosts.
7 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Behold, I will save my people from the east country, and from the west country.
8 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.
* Heb. multitude of days. g 2:4. Ps. 128:3,4. 144:12-15. Jer. 30:19,20. 31:27. 33:11. Lam. 2:19. Matt. 11:16,17. Or, hard , or, difficult .
h Gen. 18:14. Num. 11:22,23. 2 Kings 7:2. Jer. 32:17,27. Luke 1:20,37. 18:27. Rom. 6: 19-21.
Rom. 11:25-27,
Heb. country of the going down of the sun. Ps. 50:1. 113:3.
k Jer. 3:17,18. 23:8. 32:41. Ez. 37:25. Joel 3:20. Am. 9:14, 15. Obad. 17-21. Zeph. 3. 14-20.
113:9. Lev. 26:12. Jer. 4:2. 30:22. 31:1,33. 32:38,39. Ez. 11:20. 36:28. 37:27. Hos. 2:19
i Ps. 107:2,3. Is. 11:11-16.27: 12,13. 43:5,6. 49:12. 59:19.66: 19,20. Jer. 31:8. Ez. 37:1925. Hos. 11:10,11. Mal. 1:11. 21:3,7.
23. 2 Cor. 6:16-18. Rev.
This
turn to her in mercy. The construction of the original, which is required for this interpretation, and is objected to by by Bp. Bp. Ne Newcombe, is exactly the same, as in Ps . 106:16. V. 3. Marg . Ref . b, c.- Notes , 2:10-13. Is . 12:4-6, v . 6. Ez. 48:30-35, v. 35. Joel 3:9-17, v. 17. Zeph. 3:14-17.
Rev. 21:1-4.- A city , &c.] Tha That is, a city, in which divine truth was known and believed; the true God worshipped in the appointed manner, and in sincerity; and where fidelity, as well as justice and equity, equi was practised among men. primarily related to the state of Jerusalem, as reformed by Zerubbabel, Joshua, Ezra, Nehemiah, and others: yet it was typical of the Christian church consisting of true believers, which alone can fully answer to these characters. (Marg. Ref . d, e.- Notes , 14:20,21. Is . 1:25-27. 11:6-9. 60:10-14, υ . 14. 65:24,25. Jer . 31:23-26. Heb . 12:22-25.
Rev. 21:22-27.) V. 4, 5. These verses are beautifully descriptive of a state of great outward tranquillity, attended with plenty, temperance, and contentment. The inhabitants of the city are supposed to live to extreme old age, and to walk cheerfully and without fear in the streets; whilst their numerous descendants, being healthful and lively, free from want, fear, or sorrow, amicably engage in their childish diversions on every side of them: a sight extremely pleasing to those aged spectators. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . Notes , 2:1-5, v. 4. Ps . 128:3,4. 144:12-15. Is . 65:20-23.
Jer . 30: 19-22.)-'The walls of Jerusalem were not 'dedicated, till above sixty years after this prophecylar Bp . Newcombe .
V. 6. Marg . and Marg . Ref . Notes , Num . 11 :21-23. 2 Kings 7:1,2. Rom . 4:18-22.
he already in part avenged them on the Chaldeans and their other enemies, with great fury. This is the general interpretation; but perhaps the verse, in the connexion in which it here stands, has another 'dispersions.... The west country here men
meaning. "I have been jealous against Zion, with a vehement jealousy: and I have been angry against her with great fury." Zion, the church of the Jews, acted as an adulterous wife; and the calamities, which she had endured, were the effects of the Lord's jealousy and indignation: but he was now about to re
V. 7, 8. 'This denotes the general restora'tion of the Jewish nation, from their several 'tioned hath a particular relation to their pres'ent dispersion, great numbers of them being 'in these latter ages settled in the western parts of the world. ... They shall constantly 'serve and worship me, and I will bless and 'protect them. (13:9.)' Lowth . The passage in its full import, must be interpreted, either of
9 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, m Let house of Judah, and house of Israel; your hands be strong, ye that hear in these will will I save you, a and ye shall be a blessdays these words by the mouth of the ing: b fear not, but let your hands be 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 .
10 For before these days there was o hire for man, nor any hire for beast: neither was there any peace to him that went out or came in, because of the affliction: for I set all men every one against his neighbor.
11 But now I will not be unto the residue of this people as in the former days,
saith the LORD of hosts.
12 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 .
13 And it shall come to pass, that as ye were a curse among the heathen,
m 13. Josh. 1:6,8. 1 Chr. 22: 13. 28:20. Is. 35:4. Hag. 2: 4. Eph. 6:10. 2 Tim. 2:1.
n Ezra 5:1,2. Hag. 1:1,12, 2: 21.
o Hag. 1:6-11. 2:16,17. *Or, the hire of man became nothirg, &c.
p Judg. 5:6,7,11. 2 Chr. 15:5- 7. Jer. 16:16.
q Is. 19:2. Am. 3:6. 9:4. Matt. 10:34.
r 8,9. Ps. 103:9. Is. 12:1. Hag. 2:19. Mal. 3:9-11.
$ Gen. 26:12. Lev. 26:4,5. Deut. 28:4-12. Ps. 67:6. Prov. 3:9, 10. Is. 30:23. Ez. $4:26,27. 36: 30. Hos. 2:21-23. Joel 2:22. Am. 9.13-15. Hag. 2:19.
Heb. of peace DeJam 3:18.
t Gen. 27:28. Deut. 32:2. 33: 13,28. 1 Kings 17:1. Prov. 19:12. Hos. 14:5. Hag. 1:10. 6. Mic. 4:6,7.
x Is. 61:7. Ez. 36:12. Ob. 17 20. Matt, 6:33.
y Deut. 28:37. 29:23-28.1 Kings 9:7,8. 2 Chr. 7:20-22. Ps. 44:13,14,16. 79:4. Is. 65: 15,16. Jer. 24:9. 25:13. 26.6. 29:18. 42:18. 44:12,22. Lain. 2:15,16. 4:15. Ez. 5:15. Dan. 9:11.
z 1:19. 9:13. 10:6. 2 Kings 17: 18-20. Is. 9:20,21. Jer. 32: 30-32, 33:24. Ez. 37:11,16- 19.
the Christian church, or of the future restoration of the Jews. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref .- Notes , 13:8,9. Ps . 107:1-7, v . 3. Is . 11:11-16. 27:12,13. 43:5-7. 49:5-13. 59:16-19, v. 19. Jer . 3:16-18. 23:7,8. 30:19—22, v . 22. Ez . 37:25 -28. Hos . 2:18–23. Joel 3:18-21. Zeph . 3: 14-20. 2 Cor . 6:14-18, v . 17. Rev. 21:1-4, v. 3,22-27.)
V. 9-15. The Jews, who had heard and obeyed the words of Haggai and Zechariah, when they called them to build the temple, were encouraged to proceed in that good work with vigor and alacrity. While this
strong.
14 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;
15 So again have I thought in these days to do well unto Jerusalem and to the house of Judah: 'fear ye not.
[ Practical Observations.]
16 These are the things that ye shall do; h Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbor; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:
17 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.
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
c 1:6. Ps. 33:11. Is. 14:24. Jer. i 7:10. 31:28.
d Jer. 4:28. 15:16. 20:16. Ez. 24:14.
e Jer. 29:11-14. 32:42. Mic. 4:10-13. 7:18-20.
f 13. Is. 43:1,2. Zeph. 3:16,17. g Deut. 10.12,13. 11:7,8. Mic. 6:8. Luke 3:8-14. Eph. 4: 17,&c. 1 Pet. 1:13-16.
h 19. Lev. 19:11. Ps. 15:2. Prov. 12:17,19. Jer. 9:3-5.
Prov. 3:29. 6:14. Jer. 4:14. Mic. 2:1-3. Matt. 5: 28. 12:35, 15:19.
k 5:3,4. Jer. 4:2, Mal. 3:5. 1 Ps. 5:5,6. 10:3. Prov. 6:16- 19. 8:13. Jer. 44:4. Hab. 1:13. m 2 Kings 25:3,1. Jer. 39:2. 52: 6,7.
n 7:3. Jer. 52:12-15.
o 7:5. 2 Kings 25:25. Jer. 411
1-3.
able and happy nation. For, as nothing could prevent the execution of his purposed wrath upon their fathers; so nothing should interrupt the course of his promised mercy towards them. ( Marg . Ref . r-x.- Notes , Gen. 26:12. Prov. 3:9,10. Hos . 2:18-23. 14:4-8. Ат . 9: 13— 15. Mal . 3:7-12.)-The consideration, that all the nations, which now worship the true God and receive the scriptures as his word, have derived the whole of their knowledge in divine things, and all their privileges, under God, from Jewish prophets, apostles, and teachers; and that the Savior "in whom all nations shall
had been neglected, there had been no profita- be blessed," sprang from that favored race,
ble employment for those, who endeavored to subsist by the labor of their hands, or by that of their cattle; nor could they travel from place to place in safety, because of the calamities of the times: for the Lord had been provoked to leave them exposed to their enemies, and even let them loose to quarrel with each other. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . n-q.- Notes , Judg . 5:6,7. 2 Chr . 15:1-7. Ezra 5:1,2. Is . 19: 2,3. Hag . 1:5-11. 2:15-19.) But he now in tended remarkably to prosper them, beyond the example of all former days. The lands should bring forth abundance, and they should possess it in peace: and the heathen who had deemed them a contemptible, wretched, and
emphatically explains what is meant, when the Lord says, "Ye shall be a blessing." ( Marg . Ref . a. - Notes , 20-23. Gen. 12:1-3, v. 2. Is . 19:23-25.)-"The mentioning of both Judah and Israel, which had been so long 'separated, shews that both the curse and the blessing here spoken of, in the ultimate sense, 'belong to the whole body of the Jews; who 'as they are a public instance of God's judg'ments now, so shall they hereafter be of his blessings; viz. at the general restoration and 'conversion of that nation. Lowth . It may he added, that this event will be "as life from the dead" to all the nations, and the Jews shall then indeed be a blessing to mankind at large.
accursed people, and treated them according-- Ye were a curse , &c. (13) Marg . Ref . y. ly, beholding their wonderful deliverances and V. 16, 17. Let those, who believe these prosperity, should consider them as an honor-promises, shew their faith by their works, and
the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house 22 Yea, "many people and strong na of Judah a joy and gladness and cheerfultions shall come to seek the LORD of hosts feasts: therefore love the truth and in Jerusalem, and to pray before the 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 got speedily to pray before the Lord, and to seek the LORD of hosts: I will go also.
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, a We will go with you; for b we have heard that God is with you.
u Is. 25:7. 55:5. Jer. 4.2. Mic. 4:3. Hag. 2:7. Gal. 3.8. Rev. 15:4. 21:24.
x Gen. 31:7,41. Num. 14:22. Job 19:3. Ec. 11:2. Mic. 5:5. Matt. 18:21,22.
† Or, continually. Heb. going. y Is. 66:18. Rev. 7:9,10. 14:
Heb. entreat the face of. 7:2.
marg .
t Ps 103:22. 146:1,2.
wait the fulfilment of them, in an obedient tenor of conduct, as magistrates and as private persons. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . g-i. See on Note, 7:8-10. Notes , 19. Job 29:7-17. Mic . 2: 1-3.)-The false oath might be "loved," not only because of the gain acquired by it, but also from contempt of God, and enmity against him. (Marg. Ref . See on Note , 5:1-4, v . 4.) V. 19. While the Jews had neglected the truths of God's words, and his true worship; and while they deceived, defrauded, and quarrelled with each other, God had given them occasion for mournful fasts: but he had now promised to change these into cheerful feasts; and he therefore exhorted them to "love the truth and peace," as the proper method of perpetuating their comforts and mercies. (Marg. Ref . Notes, 7:2-7. Ez . 36:25-27. Luke 1:67-75, vv . 74,75. Tit . 2:11-14.)
V. 20-23. 'These verses refer to the great ac'cession of converts, which the Jewish church 'received, between the captivity, and the com'ing of Christ; to the number of Christian dis'ciples which the Jewish preachers made; and 'to the future conversions of which the resto'ration of the Jews will be an eminent cause.' Bp. Newcombe.-Notwithstanding all the miseries, that the Jews had long endured, and the reproach and weakness which still attended them: it would at length "come to pass," that "people," or peoples , from many cities would come to court their friendship.
For the inhabitants of one city should go to those of another, purposely to persuade them to go with them without delay, "to pray before JEHOVAH" the God of Israel, and to seek his favor, each individual purposing to accompany them in so doing. In this manner "many peoples," yea, "strong nations," would come to Jerusalem to seek and worship JEHOVAH, and to lay hold 'on the skirt of a Jew; a gesture naturally used 'to entreat assistance and protection.' Bp . Newcombe . ( Marg .
Ref. z.-Note, Is. 4:1.) For they had heard that God was, in an especial manner present with that people. (Marg. and Marg. Ref. Notes , 2:10-13, v . 11. 14:16--19. Josh . 2:8-16. Ruth 1:16,17. 2: 11,12. Ps . 22:27,28. 72:17-19. 117: Is . 2:2-5. 11:10. 60:1-14. Jer . 16:19-21, v . 19. Hos . 1:8 —10 . Mal . 1:9-11, v . 11. Matt . 1:20-23. 8:10 -12. Acts 15:13-18. Rom . 11:11-15. 15:813. 1 Cor . 14:20-25, υυ . 24,25. Rev. 11:15-18.) -This is indeed a clear prediction of the most
6,7.
z 1 Sam. 15:27,28. Is. 3:6. 4:1.
nations, renowned for arts and arms, for civili zation and philosophy; nations, which had suc cessively subjugated and oppressed Israel; na tions, which had despised and ridiculed, with unbounded scorn, the worshippers of JЕНОVAH, would at length learn religion from that very people!-The Jews, when prosperous in their own land, were exceedingly prone to embrace the idolatries of the surrounding nations: what then could be more improbable, or more contrary to general observation, than that, after they had been crushed and enslaved, by successive conquerors, they should at length become teachers of religion to their oppressors, and to the nations of the earth?
Yet this is expressly foretold: with emphatical repetition and variation of circumstances! The term "Jew," or Judean , became the more general national appellation, from the Babylonish captivity: and we have had repeated occasions to remark, that the prophets foretold the conversion of the gentiles, in language taken from the stated religious worship of their own times. ( Notes , Is . 66:19--23. Ez . 40.2.) It is therefore, here evidently foretold, ( Marg .
Ref . x,) that at least ten times as many gentiles would be converted to the true religion, as there were Jews, properly so called, among them at the time when the prophecy should begin to be fulfilled. The astonishing interposition of God in behalf of his people, at Babylon and Susa, &c. ( Esth . 3:-9: Dan . 2:-6:) and the translation of the scriptures into Greek, and the wide dispersion of them in that language, no doubt had considerable effects; but effects far beneath the language here used.
For this certainly can mean nothing less, than that many powerful nations, of all languages, would renounce idolatry, become the worshippers of the God of the Jews, and learn the way of salvation from them, with the grand peculiarities of their religion: and that they would look up to the Jews, as a people peculiarly blessed by the presence and favor of God, and press with great earnestness to share their privileges.
This and indeed much more is foretold: and accordingly it is an undeniable fact, that Greece and Rome, Egypt, and very great multitudes in Assyria, Persia, renowned countries both in the east and the west, by the propagation of the gospel, renounced their idols, became the worshippers of JEHOVAH, and took the Jewish scriptures as his sacred oracles.
extraordinary and unlikely event, which, at the In process of time, whole nations embraced time when Zechariah delivered it, could be im- Christianity; and all the knowledge of the true agined; namely, that many nations, powerful || God, and ofu of true religion in the world, is deriv
apostles, they may be sure that their labor will not be in vain. But let us not forget, that we best consult our own interest, by giving the
ed from Judah, by the Savior, "the Light of the Gentiles, and the Glory of his people Israel," originally through the writings and preaching of prophets, apostles, and evange-service of God a decided priority in our choice
lists, who were of the stock of Israel: nor is there the least genuine knowledge of the one living and true God in the world at this day, which may not be traced back to that source, and that method of communication. And, no doubt, when the Lord shall render his cause universally triumphant, all the ministers will draw their instructions from the scriptures of the Old and New Testament, nearly the whole of which, excepting the book of Job, and probably the gospel of Luke, and the Acts of the Apostles, ( Preface to Luke,) were written by the descendants of Israel.
For, though it pleased God to employ Gentile converts, as preachers, pastors, and teachers in the primitive times: yet none (except Luke) were honored as writers in the New Testament. And it is highly probable indeed, there can scarcely be a doubt that numbers of the converted Jews will be employed and greatly prospered, in the future conversion of the Gentiles. Hitherto, however, the prophecy has been most wonderfully and exactly accomplished, and future events will no doubt throw still more abundant light upon it.
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.
V. 1-15.
and endeavors. (Note, Matt . 6:33,34.) When he is provoked by men's procrastination or negligence, he can cause trade to decay, and peace to remove, and "set every man against his neighbor:" but when he returns in mercy, peace and plenty result from his smile, and they become most prosperous, honored, and happy, who were most abject and miserable. ( Note and P. O. Ps . 107:33-43.)
V. 16-23.
While we rely on the Lord's promises, we ought also to consider what are the things which we ought to do. Surely Christians should remember the exhortation to "put away lying, and to speak every man truth with his neighbor;" to execute the judgments of truth and peace, to abhor all malice, fraud, and perjury; to hate what the Lord hates, and to love that in which he delights! When they thus serve him, and he turns their mourning for sin into joy and gladness; when divine ordinances become their "cheerful feasts," and they evidently "love truth and peace;" they appear amiable, excellent, wise, and happy; "their light shines before men;" they "adorn" and recommend "the doctrine of God our Savior," and convince all around them that the Lord is with them of a truth: and thus supported and
The unchangeable love of God, and his faith-elevated, a cottage, a dungeon, a death-bed, a
ful engagements to his people, form their only and their sufficient security, that no enemy shall prevail against them, or injure them with impunity: and his gracious presence with his church, and that alone, renders her worthy to be called, "the city of truth and the mountain of holiness."-Godliness and honesty conduce exceedingly to peace and prosperity, in cities and nations.
It is beautiful to behold the old and young living amicably and comfortably together; and we ought to be thankful to behold our children healthful and cheerful, and engaged in those diversions which suit their tender age, without any cause of terror or complaint: but it is most desirable to see "young men and maids, old men and children," with one accord joining in the worship and service of God, as citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem.
If, in the present low state of vital godliness, we can scarcely conceive how so entire a change can be effected, as to render it general all over the earth; let us not conclude that it cannot be: for it is "no marvellous thing in the eyes of the LORD," that a revolution thus extensive and glorious should be effected; and the almighty power of his new creating Spirit could produce it in less time, than he was pleased to employ in creating the world.
When he pleases thus to work, he will save multitudes in all parts of the earth, and they will become citizens of his holy city, and his obedient people; and he will be "their God in truth and righteousness;" for while he performs his promises, and makes them partakers of his salvation; they will learn "to serve him in righteousness and true holiness." Let then the hands of all those be strong, who are laboring to promote the cause of the gospel; for, while they attend to the words of his prophets and
fiery furnace, or a lion's den may be the scene of great peace and enjoyment. In this way the ancient servants of God attracted the attention and admiration of their heathen neighbors: thus they softened their prejudices, and insinuated themselves into their affections, whilst they saw "what manner of men they were among them for their sakes;" and so Christianity has diffused its blessed influence through many powerful and prosperous nations.
The same cause would again produce the same effect: and when Christians shall generally cease from their sharp contentions, renounce unscriptural tenets and practices. and shew their "love of truth and peace" in the whole tenor of their conduct; we may expect a far more extensive promulgation of true religion, than any which yet has taken place. In the mean time, let us stir up ourselves and each other, to "go and pray before the LORD," and seek his face: let us strive to make known his truth in dark places, and to give weight to exhortation by example.
And let not Britons forget, while they thankfully rejoice in their peculiar privileges, and are themselves living witnesses of the fulfilment, in their case, of this ancient prophecy, how deeply all, of every rank and station, are indebted to the ancestors of the dispersed and too generally despised Jews.
That distinguished nation has been, and will be, "a blessing" to the nations of the earth, and should be loved and honored for their fathers' sake; who, as it were, call upon us to make grateful returns for our immense obligations to them, by attempting, in every scriptural and practicable way, as well as constantly and earnestly praying for, the conversion of their descendants to their divine Messiah.
the eyes of man, as of all the tribes of Is-and he will smite her power in the sea; rael, shall be toward the LORD.
2 And Hamath also shall border thereby; Tyrus, and & Zidon, though very wise.
it be
3 And Tyrus did build herself a stronghold, and heaped up silver as the dust, and fine gold as the mire of the streets.
4 Behold, the Lord will cast her out,
e Num. 13:21. 2 Kings 23:33. 25:21. Jer. 49:23. Am. 6:14. f Is. 23: Ez. 26:-23: Joel 3:4 -8. Am. 1:9,10.
g 1 Kings 17:9. Ez. 23:21-26. Ob. 20.
h Ez. 28:3-5,12.
i Josh. 19.29. 2 Sam. 24.7. k 1 Kings 10:27. Job 22:24, 27: 16. Is. 38. F.z. 27:33. 28:4,5. 1 Prov. 10:2. 11:4. Is. 23:1-7. Ex. 28:16. Joel 3:8.
NOTES.