20 “Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Peoples shall yet come, Inhabitants of many cities; 21 The inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, “Let us continue to go and pray before the Lord, And seek the Lord of hosts. I myself will go also.” 22 Yes, many peoples and strong nations Shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem, And to pray before the Lord.’ 23 “Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘In those days ten men from every language of the nations shall grasp the sleeve of a Jewish man, saying, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.” ‘ “
8:20
“Thus says the Lord of hosts:
God’s promise assures people that He will keep His word. The resources of Jehovah of armies are behind His word.
‘Peoples shall yet come, Inhabitants of many cities;
Once again, people of many cities will come to Jerusalem in the future day of the Millennium (Is 2:3-4; Mic 4:2).
8:21
The inhabitants of one city shall go to another,
Cities would encourage each other to go to Jehovah in prayer.
saying, “Let us continue to go and pray before the Lord, And seek the Lord of hosts. I myself will go also.”
People will in the future entreat God’s favor again.
8:22
Yes, many peoples and strong nations Shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem, And to pray before the Lord.’
There will be a contrast to the few in Zechariah’s day who come to worship during the Millennium. There will be many people and “strong nations” coming to worship.
8:23
“Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘In those days
“Those days” speaks of the day when God will restore Jerusalem to blessing.
ten men from every language of the nations
This is an idiom for many people from many nations. “Every” language will be represented in the Millennial kingdom of Christ
shall grasp the sleeve of a Jewish man, saying, “Let us go with you,
People of many nations will desire to return to Jerusalem with Jews. Gentile nations will desire to partake of the privileges of the Jews.
for we have heard that God is with you.” ‘ “
The motivation of the Gentile nations coming to worship Jesus in His Millennial kingdom is that they will have come to grips with the reality of God among the Jews.
PRINCIPLE:
The entire world will join with Jews in celebration when Christ comes again.
APPLICATION:
Jerusalem will be the center of worship in the Millennium for nations worldwide (Isa 2:3). Everyone will know that God’s presence will be there then.
