Zechariah 8 summary meaning ai explained commentary

Zechariah 8 meaning explained in AI Summary

Chapter 8 of Zechariah offers a message of hope and restoration for Jerusalem and its people after a period of exile and hardship. It can be summarized in these key themes:

1. God's Unwavering Love for Jerusalem (8:1-8):

The chapter opens with God's passionate declaration of love and zeal for Zion (Jerusalem).
He promises to return and dwell in Jerusalem, making it a city of truth and righteousness.
The streets will be filled with elderly and children playing, symbolizing peace and prosperity.

2. Reversal of Fortune and Blessings (8:9-17):

God encourages the people, who are rebuilding the temple, to be strong and courageous.
He promises to bless their work and bring forth an abundant harvest.
The nations that once scattered Judah will seek their favor and join them in worshipping God.
God calls for honesty, justice, and peace among the people.

3. Transformation from Mourning to Joy (8:18-23):

The fasts observed during exile will be transformed into festivals of joy and celebration.
People from all nations will come seeking the Lord in Jerusalem.
The city will be known for its truth and holiness, a beacon of God's presence.

Overall Message:

Zechariah 8 paints a vivid picture of God's faithfulness and the glorious future awaiting Jerusalem. It's a message of hope, restoration, and the ultimate triumph of God's plan. The chapter emphasizes the importance of righteousness, justice, and peace as essential elements of this restored community. It serves as a powerful reminder that even in times of despair, God's love remains steadfast, and He is faithful to fulfill His promises.

Zechariah 8 bible study ai commentary

Zechariah chapter 8 describes God’s unwavering commitment to restore Jerusalem and its people. Moving from judgment to grace, God promises to return and dwell in Zion, transforming it into a city of truth and holiness. This restoration will be so complete that it brings incredible peace, longevity, and security. The chapter culminates in a vision where the fasts of mourning become feasts of joy, and Jerusalem becomes the spiritual center of the world, drawing masses of Gentiles who seek the LORD because they recognize His presence with His people.

Zechariah 8 Context

The prophecies in Zechariah 7-8 are dated to the fourth year of King Darius (518 BC), about two years after the work on the Second Temple had resumed. The immediate context is a question from a delegation from Bethel about whether they should continue the fasts that commemorated the destruction of Jerusalem (Zech 7:1-3). After rebuking their self-centered mourning in chapter 7, God responds in chapter 8 with ten powerful promises, painting a vivid picture of the glorious future that awaits a restored and faithful Jerusalem, thus answering their question by showing that a time of feasting, not fasting, is coming.

Zechariah 8:1-2

And the word of the Lord of hosts came, saying, “Thus says the Lord of hosts: I am jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I am jealous for her with great wrath.”

In-depth-analysis

The chapter is structured around ten oracles, each beginning with "Thus says the LORD of hosts," emphasizing divine authority and power.
Jealous (קָנָא, qana'): This Hebrew word means a zealous, passionate, and exclusive love, like that of a husband for his wife. It is not petty envy but a holy ardour for His covenant people.
God’s jealousy is expressed in two ways:
1. Great Jealousy: An intense, protective love for His people, Zion.
2. Great Wrath: A fierce anger directed at the nations who harmed His people and defiled His city. This wrath is the active expression of his zealous love.

Bible references

Exodus 20:5: "...for I the LORD your God am a jealous God..." (Establishes God's covenantal jealousy).
Joel 2:18: "Then the LORD became jealous for his land and had pity on his people." (Parallels God's jealousy leading to restoration).
Nahum 1:2: "The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD is avenging and wrathful..." (Connects jealousy directly with wrath against enemies).

Cross references

Deut 4:24 (jealousy as consuming fire); Isa 9:7 (the zeal of the LORD will do this); Ezek 36:5-6 (jealousy for His land); Ezek 39:25 (jealousy for my holy name).

Zechariah 8:3

“Thus says the Lord: I have returned to Zion and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem, and Jerusalem shall be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the Lord of hosts, the Holy Mountain.”

In-depth-analysis

I have returned (שַׁבְתִּי, shavti): A prophetic perfect tense, indicating that God’s decision is so certain it is spoken of as already accomplished. His presence will once again sanctify the city.
Dwell in the midst: This promise reverses the tragic scene in Ezekiel 10-11 where God’s glory departed from the Temple. It signifies a restored, intimate relationship.
New Titles for Jerusalem:
- City of Truth ('ir ha'emet): Its character will reflect God’s own faithfulness and righteousness. Truth will permeate its society and justice system.
- The Holy Mountain (har haqqodesh): Its purpose will be restored as the center of true worship, set apart for God.

Bible references

Revelation 21:3: "...Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people..." (Ultimate fulfillment of God dwelling with His people).
Isaiah 1:26: "And I will restore your judges as at the first... Afterward you shall be called the city of righteousness, the faithful city." (Parallel promise of a restored, righteous Jerusalem).
Ezekiel 43:7: "...Son of man, this is the place of my throne and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the people of Israel forever." (Promise of God's permanent dwelling).

Cross references

Joel 3:17 (Jerusalem shall be holy); Zeph 3:15 (The King of Israel is in your midst); John 1:14 (The Word dwelt among us); Rev 22:3 (His throne will be in it).

Zechariah 8:4-5

“Thus says the Lord of hosts: Old men and old women shall again sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each with staff in hand because of great age. And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in its streets.”

In-depth-analysis

These verses paint a powerful picture of shalom—complete peace, security, and well-being.
Old Men and Women: Longevity was a sign of covenant blessing. For them to sit in the open streets signifies a city free from war, famine, and plague.
Boys and Girls Playing: This image contrasts sharply with the recent past, where children were victims of siege and exile (Lam 2:11-12, 19). It indicates profound societal stability and a hopeful future.
Polemics: This promise of life and security stands in stark contrast to the death and chaos promised by the gods of the surrounding nations, who were often associated with war and instability. YHWH is a God of life.

Bible references

Isaiah 65:20: "No more shall there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not fill out his days..." (A parallel vision of long life in the New Jerusalem).
Lamentations 2:21: "In the dust of the streets lie the young and the old; my young women and my young men have fallen by the sword..." (The tragic reality that Zechariah's promise reverses).
Psalm 128:5-6: "The LORD bless you from Zion! May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life! May you see your children's children!" (The ideal blessing for a faithful Israelite).

Cross references

Deut 30:20 (loving God to live long); Psa 122:6-7 (pray for the peace of Jerusalem); Jer 31:13 (joy for the young and old).

Zechariah 8:6

“Thus says the Lord of hosts: If it is marvelous in the sight of the remnant of this people in those days, should it also be marvelous in my sight? declares the Lord of hosts.”

In-depth-analysis

Marvelous (פָּלָא, pala'): Means wonderful, extraordinary, or too difficult to comprehend.
This is a rhetorical question that rebukes the people's limited faith. What seems impossible to them, the "remnant" who have seen so much destruction, is simple for God.
God's power is not constrained by human experience or perception. He contrasts human weakness with His omnipotence.

Bible references

Genesis 18:14: "Is anything too hard for the LORD?..." (God's question to Sarah, echoing the same theme of divine power vs. human doubt).
Luke 1:37: "For nothing will be impossible with God." (The angel's assurance to Mary, a foundational NT truth).
Jeremiah 32:27: "Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?" (God reaffirms His power to restore Israel against all odds).

Cross references

Matt 19:26 (with God all things are possible); Isa 55:8-9 (God's ways are higher); Num 11:23 (Is the LORD's hand shortened?).

Zechariah 8:7-8

“Thus says the Lord of hosts: Behold, I will save my people from the east country and from the west country, and I will bring them to dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness.”

In-depth-analysis

East and West: A merism signifying a worldwide regathering of the Jewish diaspora, not just from Babylon in the east.
I will be their God, they shall be my people: This is the classic covenant formula, but here it is qualified. The renewed relationship will be characterized by:
- Truth (be'emet): God's faithfulness and their genuine fidelity.
- Righteousness (uvitzedaqah): God's justice and their righteous living.

Bible references

Jeremiah 31:33: "But this is the covenant that I will make... I will be their God, and they shall be my people." (The new covenant promise).
Isaiah 43:5-6: "Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you..." (Direct parallel of a global regathering).
Hosea 2:19-20: "And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy." (Defines the character of the restored relationship).

Cross references

Ezek 37:27 (covenant formula); Psa 107:3 (gathered from lands); Isa 11:11-12 (remnant from the four corners).

Zechariah 8:9-13

"Thus says the Lord of hosts: 'Let your hands be strong, you who in these days have been hearing these words from the mouth of the prophets who were present on the day that the foundation of the house of the Lord of hosts was laid, that the temple might be built... But now I will not deal with the remnant of this people as in the former days, declares the Lord of hosts... and you shall possess it. For there shall be a sowing of peace. The vine shall give its fruit... I will save you and you shall be a blessing. Fear not, but let your hands be strong.'"

In-depth-analysis

A direct command: "Let your hands be strong." This is an encouragement to continue the physical work of rebuilding the Temple.
Contrast of Past and Future: He reminds them of the pre-rebuilding period of curse and hardship (cf. Haggai 1:6, 9-11) and contrasts it with the coming era of blessing.
Sowing of Peace (zera' hashshalom): A holistic blessing. Peace itself is the "seed" that produces prosperity: fruitful vines, productive ground, and necessary dew.
From Curse to Blessing: Formerly, Israel was an object lesson of a curse among nations ("may you become like them"). Now, they will be the definition of blessing ("may God make you like them").

Bible references

Haggai 2:18-19: "From this day on I will bless you." (God links the blessings directly to the resumption of Temple construction).
Genesis 12:2: "I will bless you... and you will be a blessing." (Echoes the original Abrahamic promise, which is now being renewed with the remnant).
Ephesians 2:10: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works..." (The call for God's people to actively work out their salvation).

Cross references

Ezra 5:1-2 (prophets Haggai and Zechariah); Gal 6:9 (don't grow weary in doing good); Joel 2:21-27 (promise of restoration).

Zechariah 8:14-17

“For thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘As I purposed to bring disaster to you when your fathers provoked me to wrath,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘and I did not relent, so again have I purposed in these days to bring good to Jerusalem and to the house of Judah; fear not. These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another; render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace; do not devise evil in your hearts against one another, and love no false oath, for all these are things that I hate,’ declares the Lord.”

In-depth-analysis

Divine determination is highlighted. Just as God was resolute in bringing judgment, He is now equally resolute in bringing good.
Ethical Conditions: Divine blessing is not unconditional magic. It is tied to human responsibility. God's grace motivates a response of holy living.
The commands focus on social justice and personal integrity:
1. Speak Truth: Foundational to community.
2. True Judgment for Peace: Justice that restores relationships, not just punishes.
3. Do Not Devise Evil: Addresses internal attitudes and motives.
4. Hate False Oaths: Demands absolute integrity in business and legal dealings.

Bible references

Ephesians 4:25: "Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor..." (Paul echoing Zechariah's command for the new covenant community).
Psalm 15:1-3: "O LORD, who shall sojourn in your tent?... He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart..." (Lists the ethical requirements for dwelling with God).
Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (God's positive purpose after the time of judgment).

Cross references

Exod 20:16 (don't bear false witness); Prov 12:17 (whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence); Amos 5:15 (hate evil, love good).

Zechariah 8:18-19

And the word of the Lord of hosts came to me, saying, “Thus says the Lord of hosts: The fast of the fourth month and the fast of the fifth and the fast of the seventh and the fast of the tenth shall be to the house of Judah seasons of joy and gladness and cheerful feasts. Therefore love truth and peace.”

In-depth-analysis

This is the direct answer to the question that began in Zechariah 7:3.
The Fasts Transformed:
- Fourth month: Commemorated the breaching of Jerusalem's walls (Jer 39:2).
- Fifth month: Mourned the burning of the Temple (Jer 52:12-13).
- Seventh month: Marked the assassination of Gedaliah (Jer 41:1-2).
- Tenth month: Recalled the beginning of the siege of Jerusalem (2 Kgs 25:1).
God will so completely reverse their fortune that the very anniversaries of their greatest tragedies will become celebrations. This is the ultimate picture of restoration.
The conclusion is a command: "Therefore love truth and peace," linking the promised joy back to the ethical requirements of v. 16-17.

Bible references

Esther 9:22: "...the month that had been turned for them from sorrow into gladness and from mourning into a holiday..." (A historical precedent of a day of sorrow being transformed into a feast).
John 16:20: "Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy." (Jesus promises his disciples a similar transformation).
Isaiah 61:3: "...to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning..." (The Messianic mission includes turning sorrow into joy).

Cross references

Psa 30:11 (turned my mourning into dancing); Psa 126:5 (sow in tears, reap with joy).

Zechariah 8:20-22

“Thus says the Lord of hosts: Peoples shall yet come, even the inhabitants of many cities. The inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, ‘Let us go at once to entreat the favor of the Lord and to seek the Lord of hosts; I myself am going.’ Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem and to entreat the favor of the Lord.”

In-depth-analysis

The vision explodes from a national restoration to a global pilgrimage.
Enthusiastic Evangelism: The movement is self-propagating. Citizens of one city enthusiastically invite others. This isn't a forced conversion but a willing, eager seeking.
Jerusalem becomes the spiritual capital of the world, the place where God's presence is known and can be sought by all. This fulfills the highest ideals of Israel's mission to be a light to the nations.

Bible references

Isaiah 2:2-3: "...all the nations shall flow to it... ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob..." (The classic text of the nations streaming to Zion for instruction).
Micah 4:2: "And many nations shall come and say: ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob..." (An almost identical prophecy to Isaiah 2).
John 12:20-21: "Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. So they came to Philip... and asked him, ‘Sir, we wish to see Jesus.’" (A foreshadowing of this prophecy during Jesus's life).

Cross references

Isa 60:3 (nations will come to your light); Psa 87:4-6 (Zion as birthplace of nations); Psa 65:2 (To you all flesh shall come).

Zechariah 8:23

“Thus says the Lord of hosts: In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’”

In-depth-analysis

Ten Men: "Ten" often symbolizes completeness or a representative multitude (like the ten commandments, or ten needed for a synagogue quorum).
From the nations of every tongue: Emphasizes the universal scope, fulfilling the reversal of Babel.
Take hold of the robe (kanaph): A gesture of earnest supplication and submission, seeking to associate with and be guided by the one they grab. It acknowledges that this person has a connection to God that they desire.
The motive is clear: "we have heard that God is with you." The visible blessing and presence of God with His people becomes the ultimate evangelistic tool.
Polemics: The reversal here is stunning. The Jew, once despised and exiled, now becomes the object of Gentile pursuit, not for riches, but for their God. This implicitly critiques the powerlessness of pagan deities.

Bible references

Luke 8:44: "[A woman] came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment (Greek: kraspedon), and immediately her bleeding stopped." (kraspedon is the Septuagint's translation for the Hebrew kanaph). This action shows her desperation and faith in the power associated with Jesus.
Acts 2:5-11: "Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews... from every nation under heaven... we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God." (A fulfillment on the day of Pentecost where the gospel is proclaimed to every tongue).
1 Corinthians 14:25: "...he will fall on his face and worship God, declaring that God is really among you." (Describes how the manifestation of God's presence in the church leads to the conversion of an unbeliever).

Cross references

Isa 45:14 (nations bowing to Israel because of God); Num 15:38 (command to make tassels on the kanaph of their garments); Matt 28:19-20 (the Great Commission).

Zechariah chapter 8 analysis

The Ten Oracles: The chapter is deliberately structured with ten affirmations, each starting with "Thus says the LORD of hosts." This gives the chapter a powerful, authoritative, and memorable structure, reminiscent of the Ten Commandments, but as ten promises of grace rather than ten stipulations of law.
From Fasting to Feasting: The chapter brilliantly answers the practical question from Zech 7 by reframing their entire reality. The solution isn't just to stop fasting, but to have the reasons for fasting utterly obliterated and replaced by reasons for celebration.
Holistic Shalom: The promised restoration is comprehensive. It includes physical security (v. 4-5), agricultural prosperity (v. 12), demographic vitality (v. 5), covenantal faithfulness (v. 8), and spiritual centrality on a global scale (v. 20-23).
Grace and Ethics: Zechariah masterfully connects divine initiative with human responsibility. God's determined plan to bless (v. 14-15) is the foundation and motivation for the command to live lives of truth and peace (v. 16-17, 19). Grace is not an excuse for license, but the power for holy living.
Eschatological Layers: The promises of Zechariah 8 have multiple layers of fulfillment.
1. Near Fulfillment: Encouragement for the post-exilic community to complete the Temple, with immediate blessings attached.
2. Messianic Fulfillment: Partially fulfilled in Christ's first coming and the establishment of the Church, which includes Gentiles ("ten men") who hear God is with His people (believers) and join them.
3. Future Fulfillment: Points toward a final, literal restoration and glory for Jerusalem in the Millennial Kingdom, when Christ will reign from the Holy Mountain and the world will stream to Him.

Zechariah 8 summary

Zechariah 8 is a divine speech of ten promises, countering Israel's despair with God's passionate resolve. God declares His zealous love for Zion and His return, transforming Jerusalem into a city of truth, peace, and security. He promises to reverse the nation's curses into blessings, turning their memorial fasts into joyful feasts. This restored community, characterized by truth and righteousness, will become a magnetic spiritual center, drawing people from all nations who eagerly seek the LORD, recognizing that God is powerfully present with His people.

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Zechariah chapter 8 kjv

¹ Again the word of the LORD of hosts came to me, saying,
² Thus saith the LORD of hosts; I was jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I was jealous for her with great fury.
³ Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain.
⁴ Thus saith the LORD of hosts; There shall yet old men and old women dwell in the streets of Jerusalem, and every man 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.
⁹ Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Let your hands be strong, ye that hear in these days these words by the mouth of the 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 no 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 neighbour.
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, O house of Judah, and house of Israel; so will I save you, and ye shall be a blessing: fear not, but let your hands be 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.
¹⁶ These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:
¹⁷ And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour; 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 the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts; therefore love the truth and 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 go speedily to pray before the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts: I will go also.
²² Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the 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, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you.

Zechariah chapter 8 nkjv

¹ Again the word of the LORD of hosts came, saying,
² "Thus says the LORD of hosts: 'I am zealous for Zion with great zeal; With great fervor I am zealous for her.'
³ "Thus says the LORD: 'I will return to Zion, And dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. Jerusalem shall be called the City of Truth, The Mountain of the LORD of hosts, The Holy Mountain.'
⁴ "Thus says the LORD of hosts: 'Old men and old women shall again sit In the streets of Jerusalem, Each one with his staff in his hand Because of great age.
⁵ The streets of the city Shall be full of boys and girls Playing in its streets.'
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.'
⁹ "Thus says the LORD of hosts: 'Let your hands be strong, You who have been hearing in these days These words by the mouth of the prophets, Who spoke in the day the foundation was laid For the house of the LORD of hosts, That the temple might be built.
¹⁰ For before these days There were no wages for man nor any hire for beast; There was no peace from the enemy for whoever went out or came in; For I set all men, everyone, against his neighbor.
¹¹ But now I will not treat the remnant of this people as in the former days,' says the LORD of hosts.
¹² 'For the seed shall be prosperous, The vine shall give its fruit, The ground shall give her increase, And the heavens shall give their dew? I will cause the remnant of this people To possess all these.
¹³ And it shall come to pass That just as you were a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, So I will save you, and you shall be a blessing. Do not fear, Let your hands be strong.'
¹⁴ "For thus says the LORD of hosts: 'Just as I determined to punish you When your fathers provoked Me to wrath,' Says the LORD of hosts, 'And I would not relent,
¹⁵ So again in these days I am determined to do good To Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. Do not fear.
¹⁶ These are the things you shall do: Speak each man the truth to his neighbor; Give judgment in your gates for truth, justice, and peace;
¹⁷ Let none of you think evil in your heart against your neighbor; And do not love a false oath. For all these are things that I hate,' Says the LORD."
¹⁸ Then the word of the LORD of hosts came to me, saying,
¹⁹ "Thus says the LORD of hosts: 'The fast of the fourth month, The fast of the fifth, The fast of the seventh, And the fast of the tenth, Shall be joy and gladness and cheerful feasts For the house of Judah. Therefore love truth and peace.'
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." ' "

Zechariah chapter 8 niv

¹ The word of the LORD Almighty came to me.
² This is what the LORD Almighty says: "I am very jealous for Zion; I am burning with jealousy for her."
³ This is what the LORD says: "I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the Faithful City, and the mountain of the LORD Almighty will be called the Holy Mountain."
⁴ This is what the LORD Almighty says: "Once again men and women of ripe old age will sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each of them with cane in hand because of their age.
⁵ The city streets will be filled with boys and girls playing there."
⁶ This is what the LORD Almighty says: "It may seem marvelous to the remnant of this people at that time, but will it seem marvelous to me?" declares the LORD Almighty.
⁷ This is what the LORD Almighty says: "I will save my people from the countries of the east and the west.
⁸ I will bring them back to live in Jerusalem; they will be my people, and I will be faithful and righteous to them as their God."
⁹ This is what the LORD Almighty says: "Now hear these words, 'Let your hands be strong so that the temple may be built.' This is also what the prophets said who were present when the foundation was laid for the house of the LORD Almighty.
¹⁰ Before that time there were no wages for people or hire for animals. No one could go about their business safely because of their enemies, since I had turned everyone against their neighbor.
¹¹ But now I will not deal with the remnant of this people as I did in the past," declares the LORD Almighty.
¹² "The seed will grow well, the vine will yield its fruit, the ground will produce its crops, and the heavens will drop their dew. I will give all these things as an inheritance to the remnant of this people.
¹³ Just as you, Judah and Israel, have been a curse among the nations, so I will save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid, but let your hands be strong."
¹⁴ This is what the LORD Almighty says: "Just as I had determined to bring disaster on you and showed no pity when your ancestors angered me," says the LORD Almighty,
¹⁵ "so now I have determined to do good again to Jerusalem and Judah. Do not be afraid.
¹⁶ These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts;
¹⁷ do not plot evil against each other, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this," declares the LORD.
¹⁸ The word of the LORD Almighty came to me.
¹⁹ This is what the LORD Almighty says: "The fasts of the fourth, fifth, seventh and tenth months will become joyful and glad occasions and happy festivals for Judah. Therefore love truth and peace."
²⁰ This is what the LORD Almighty says: "Many peoples and the inhabitants of many cities will yet come,
²¹ and the inhabitants of one city will go to another and say, 'Let us go at once to entreat the LORD and seek the LORD Almighty. I myself am going.'
²² And many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the LORD Almighty and to entreat him."
²³ This is what the LORD Almighty says: "In those days ten people from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, 'Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.'?"

Zechariah chapter 8 esv

¹ And the word of the LORD of hosts came, saying,
² "Thus says the LORD of hosts: I am jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I am jealous for her with great wrath.
³ Thus says the LORD: I have returned to Zion and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem, and Jerusalem shall be called the faithful city, and the mountain of the LORD of hosts, the holy mountain.
⁴ Thus says the LORD of hosts: Old men and old women shall again sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each with staff in hand because of great age.
⁵ And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in its streets.
⁶ Thus says the LORD of hosts: If it is marvelous in the sight of the remnant of this people in those days, should it also be marvelous in my sight, declares the LORD of hosts?
⁷ Thus says 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 to dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in faithfulness and in righteousness."
⁹ Thus says the LORD of hosts: "Let your hands be strong, you who in these days have been hearing these words from the mouth of the prophets who were present on the day that the foundation of the house of the LORD of hosts was laid, that the temple might be built.
¹⁰ For before those days there was no wage for man or any wage for beast, neither was there any safety from the foe for him who went out or came in, for I set every man against his neighbor.
¹¹ But now I will not deal with the remnant of this people as in the former days, declares the LORD of hosts.
¹² For there shall be a sowing of peace. The vine shall give its fruit, and the ground shall give its produce, and the heavens shall give their dew. And I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things.
¹³ And as you have been a byword of cursing among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so will I save you, and you shall be a blessing. Fear not, but let your hands be strong."
¹⁴ For thus says the LORD of hosts: "As I purposed to bring disaster to you when your fathers provoked me to wrath, and I did not relent, says the LORD of hosts,
¹⁵ so again have I purposed in these days to bring good to Jerusalem and to the house of Judah; fear not.
¹⁶ These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another; render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace;
¹⁷ do not devise evil in your hearts against one another, and love no false oath, for all these things I hate, declares the LORD."
¹⁸ And the word of the LORD of hosts came to me, saying,
¹⁹ "Thus says the LORD of hosts: The fast of the fourth month and the fast of the fifth and the fast of the seventh and the fast of the tenth shall be to the house of Judah seasons of joy and gladness and cheerful feasts. Therefore love truth and peace.
²⁰ "Thus says the LORD of hosts: Peoples shall yet come, even the inhabitants of many cities.
²¹ The inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, 'Let us go at once to entreat the favor of the LORD and to seek the LORD of hosts; I myself am going.'
²² Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem and to entreat the favor of the LORD.
²³ Thus says the LORD of hosts: In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, 'Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.'"

Zechariah chapter 8 nlt

¹ Then another message came to me from the LORD of Heaven's Armies:
² "This is what the LORD of Heaven's Armies says: My love for Mount Zion is passionate and strong; I am consumed with passion for Jerusalem!
³ "And now the LORD says: I am returning to Mount Zion, and I will live in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the Faithful City; the mountain of the LORD of Heaven's Armies will be called the Holy Mountain.
⁴ "This is what the LORD of Heaven's Armies says: Once again old men and women will walk Jerusalem's streets with their canes and will sit together in the city squares.
⁵ And the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls at play.
⁶ "This is what the LORD of Heaven's Armies says: All this may seem impossible to you now, a small remnant of God's people. But is it impossible for me? says the LORD of Heaven's Armies.
⁷ "This is what the LORD of Heaven's Armies says: You can be sure that I will rescue my people from the east and from the west.
⁸ I will bring them home again to live safely in Jerusalem. They will be my people, and I will be faithful and just toward them as their God.
⁹ "This is what the LORD of Heaven's Armies says: Be strong and finish the task! Ever since the laying of the foundation of the Temple of the LORD of Heaven's Armies, you have heard what the prophets have been saying about completing the building.
¹⁰ Before the work on the Temple began, there were no jobs and no money to hire people or animals. No traveler was safe from the enemy, for there were enemies on all sides. I had turned everyone against each other.
¹¹ "But now I will not treat the remnant of my people as I treated them before, says the LORD of Heaven's Armies.
¹² For I am planting seeds of peace and prosperity among you. The grapevines will be heavy with fruit. The earth will produce its crops, and the heavens will release the dew. Once more I will cause the remnant in Judah and Israel to inherit these blessings.
¹³ Among the other nations, Judah and Israel became symbols of a cursed nation. But no longer! Now I will rescue you and make you both a symbol and a source of blessing. So don't be afraid. Be strong, and get on with rebuilding the Temple!
¹⁴ "For this is what the LORD of Heaven's Armies says: I was determined to punish you when your ancestors angered me, and I did not change my mind, says the LORD of Heaven's Armies.
¹⁵ But now I am determined to bless Jerusalem and the people of Judah. So don't be afraid.
¹⁶ But this is what you must do: Tell the truth to each other. Render verdicts in your courts that are just and that lead to peace.
¹⁷ Don't scheme against each other. Stop your love of telling lies that you swear are the truth. I hate all these things, says the LORD."
¹⁸ Here is another message that came to me from the LORD of Heaven's Armies.
¹⁹ "This is what the LORD of Heaven's Armies says: The traditional fasts and times of mourning you have kept in early summer, midsummer, autumn, and winter are now ended. They will become festivals of joy and celebration for the people of Judah. So love truth and peace.
²⁰ "This is what the LORD of Heaven's Armies says: People from nations and cities around the world will travel to Jerusalem.
²¹ The people of one city will say to the people of another, 'Come with us to Jerusalem to ask the LORD to bless us. Let's worship the LORD of Heaven's Armies. I'm determined to go.'
²² Many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the LORD of Heaven's Armies and to ask for his blessing.
²³ "This is what the LORD of Heaven's Armies says: In those days ten men from different nations and languages of the world will clutch at the sleeve of one Jew. And they will say, 'Please let us walk with you, for we have heard that God is with you.'"