6 “Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘If it is marvelous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in these days, Will it also be marvelous in My eyes?’ Says the Lord of hosts. 7 “Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Behold, I will save My people from the land of the east And from the land of the west; 8 I will bring them back, And they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. They shall be My people And I will be their God, In truth and righteousness.’
8:6
“Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘If it is marvelous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in these days,
Zechariah’s audience might have been skeptical of a future Millennial reign of Christ where peace will be the state of things. In the days of the prophet, Jerusalem was in a state of ruin and in the process of being rebuilt (Neh 7:4). The promises of this chapter are so outstanding that it was difficult for Israel to accept them.
Will it also be marvelous in My eyes?’ Says the Lord of hosts.
Fulfillment of God’s promises is no surprise in His eyes as it is in that of Israel. His promises are certain from His viewpoint.
8:7
“Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Behold, I will save [deliver] My people from the land of the east And from the land of the west;
“My people” here is Israel. The “land of the east” is Egypt, and “the land of the west” refers to Babylon. These two phrases probably have reference metaphorically to the entire world; it is a merism for countries from all directions on earth. It is a worldwide regathering.
8:8
I will bring them back, And they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem.
The Messiah will restore Israel as a nation in the Millennium. This is the future national conversion of Israel to God.
They shall be My people
God will restore Israel to good standing with Him personally. He will claim them as His own again (Jer 11:4). God did not claim Israel as His own for a time because they were in apostasy (Hos 1:9). He sent them into captivity to Babylon.
And I will be their God,
God becoming Israel’s God indicates their conversion as a national entity.
In truth [reality] and righteousness.’
Israel’s national conversion is a reality, as indicated by the word “truth.” They had rejected “the Truth” when He came (Jn 14:6). Religion will be exchanged for salvation.
PRINCIPLE:
There will be a national restoration of Israel to Jerusalem and the land in the future.
APPLICATION:
People will be skeptical of a future Millennial reign of Christ, especially after seven years of Tribulation on earth (Mt 24:15-25). Yet Christ will reign personally on earth in time (Ro 11:25-27).
