Bible Commentaries

the LORD of hosts. See note on Zechariah 1:3.

to me. Some codices, with three early printed editions, Aramaean, and Syriac, read these words in the text.

Thus saith, &c. There is a decalogue of prophecies concerning Jerusalem and its inhabitants in this mem ber ("V", see p. 1287). See verses: Zechariah 8:2, Zechariah 8:3, Zechariah 8:4, Zechariah 2:6, Zechariah 2:7, Zechariah 2:9, Zechariah 2:14, Zechariah 2:19, Zechariah 2:20, Zechariah 2:23. All refer to the future, and await their fulfilment in millennial days.

saith = hath said.

was = I was and still am.

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

will dwell in the midst, &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Exodus 29:45). App-92.

a city of truth = a city of fidelity.

truth = the truth. Compare Isaiah 1:21, Isaiah 1:26.

the holy mountain. Compare Isaiah 2:2. Jeremiah 31:23. Ezekiel 40:2. Micah 4:1.

holy. See note on Exodus 3:5.

yet. In the days of the future fulfilment.

dwell = sit.

streets = broad or open places.

every man. Hebrew. "ish. App-14.

for very age = for multitude of days.

the remnant. The exiles who had then returned. Compare Haggai 1:12, Haggai 1:14.

should it also be marvellous, &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Genesis 18:14, where the verb is the same). App-92.

Mine eyes. Add by Figure of speech Ellipsis (App-6), from preceding clause: "[in those future days]" of which He was speaking.

saith the LORD of hosts = [is] the oracle of Jehovah of hosts.

Behold, I will, &c. = Behold Me saving, &c. from the east country, &a Compare Isaiah 43:5. Note the Figure of speech Synecdoche (of the Part), App-6, for the whole earth, See Psalms 50:1; Psalms 113:3. Isaiah 59:19. Malachi 1:11, &c.

they shall be, &c. Ref to Pentateuch (Exodus 6:7). App-92.

God. Hebrew. Elohim. App-4.

the prophets. See Haggai 1:6-11; Haggai 2:15-19.

in the day that: i.e. two years before (Haggai 1:14, Haggai 1:15; Haggai 2:18. Compare Ezra 5:1). App-18.

that the temple = even the temple, that is.

these = those.

hire = wages.

man. Hebrew. "adam. App-14.

men. Hebrew. "adam:. App-14.

every one. Hebrew. "ish. App-14.

set = sent.

now. In contrast with the former days.

the seed shall be, &c. Ref to Pentateuch (Deuteronomy 28:3-12). App-92.

and. Note the Figure of speech Polysyndefon (App-6). combined with Figure of speech Anabasis (App-6),

ground = earth.

shall give, &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Leviticus 26:4, Leviticus 26:20. Deuteronomy 11:17. App-92. Compare Psalms 67:6; Psalms 78:46; Psalms 85:12. Ezekiel 34:27.

as = according as.

heathen = nations.

house of Israel. Looking on to the future fulfilment, which rests on the condition of Zechariah 8:8.

ye shall be a blessing. Reference to Pentateuch (Genesis 12:2). App-92.

punish = bring calamity upon. Hebrew. ra"a. App-44.

Speak, &c. Compare Zechariah 8:19; Zechariah 7:9.

every man. Hebrew "ish. App-14.

execute, &c. See note on Zechariah 7:9.

evil. Hebrew. ra a ". App-44

love no false oath. Reference to Pentateuch (Leviticus 6:3; Leviticus 19:12). all these are things that I hate. Some codices, with Septuagint and Syriac, read "all these things do I hate".

saith = hath said.

the fourth month. The ninth of Tammuz (Jeremiah 52:6, Jeremiah 52:7), when the city was broken up; hence called "the fourth fast".

the fifth. On the tenth of Ab, when the Temple and the houses were burnt (Jeremiah 52:12, Jeremiah 52:13).

the seventh. The third of Tisri, when Gedaliah was slain by Ishmael, the son of Nethaniah (Jeremiah 40:8; Jeremiah 41:1-3, Jeremiah 41:15-18).

the tenth. On the tenth of Tebeth, when the king of Babylon set his face against Jerusalem (Ezekiel 24:1, Ezekiel 24:2). So The Talmud, Rosh Hashanah, vol. 18 B.

feasts = appointed seasons. These fasts were appointed by man. The feasts were "feasts of Jehovah" because appointed by Him. Ref: to Pentateuch (Leviticus 23:2-44), App-92. Compare Zephaniah 3:17.

people = peoples. Some codices, with Septuagint, read "many peoples".

Let us go speedily. Figure of speech Polyptolon. App-6. Hebrew a going, let us go = Let us by all means go: or, speedily, as in Authorized Version. See note on Genesis 26:28. Compare Isaiah 2:3. Micah 4:2.

to pray, &c. See note on Zechariah 7:2. the LORD, &c. Hebrew (with "eth) = Jehovah of hosts Himself.

those days. The fulfilment of this still future.

men. Hebrew, plural of enosh. App-14.

you : i.e. with God's People Israel.

that. Some codices, with Aramaean, Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate, read "that" in the text. Supply the Ellipsis (will be the time] that. "