< Zechariah 8 >

In this chapter the LORD speaks of his return to Jerusalem to exalt her vs.1-3Zechariah 8:1-3XWaiting for response and describes the peace and prosperity of the city which will be marvellous.vs.4-6Zechariah 8:4-6XWaiting for response The people of Israel will be saved from among the nations and brought back to Jerusalem where they will be God’s people again in the land.vs.7-8Zechariah 8:7-8XWaiting for response Those returning from Babylon had this future return as their great hope and were exhorted to be strong, for God would bless them from the day the foundation of the temple was laid.vs.9-15Zechariah 8:9-15XWaiting for response The Jews have for centuries been a curse among the Gentiles, but God promises that in the future they will be a blessing.v.13Zechariah 8:13XWaiting for response

The peace and safety of Jerusalem is described here as people who live within will grow to a very old age v.4,Zechariah 8:4XWaiting for response as opposed to dying young due to poor health, and the children will be happy playing in the streets due to the safety of the city v.5.Zechariah 8:5XWaiting for response Isaiah records that children, if they were to die, would die at 100 years old Isaiah 65:20,Isaiah 65:20XWaiting for response indicating people will live to a very old age, possibly as old as the people who inhabited the earth first (e.g. Genesis 5:27).Genesis 5:27XWaiting for response

The people were exhorted to speak truth and execute judgment and peace in their cities,v.16Zechariah 8:16XWaiting for response to treat one another well, and to avoid the things which God hates,v.17Zechariah 8:17XWaiting for response and they were encouraged to do all this by the glorious future in prospect. The LORD told them of the time when their joyful feasts will be acceptable to him,v.19Zechariah 8:19XWaiting for response and when they will be exalted above the other nations. The Gentiles, including powerful nations, will then be anxious to seek the LORD at Jerusalem.vs.21-22Zechariah 8:21-22XWaiting for response Gentiles will eagerly associate with the Jews because they will hear that God is with them.v.23Zechariah 8:23XWaiting for response What a change for the Jews! After centuries of persecution, they will be highly esteemed and befriended by the Gentiles.