Zechariah 8 9

Zechariah 8:9 kjv

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.

Zechariah 8:9 nkjv

"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.

Zechariah 8:9 niv

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.

Zechariah 8:9 esv

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.

Zechariah 8:9 nlt

"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.

Zechariah 8 verses

Zechariah 8 9 Meaning

Zechariah 8:9 serves as a divine call to action, delivered by the LORD of hosts, to the generation of Israelites who had returned from exile and witnessed the initial steps of the Temple's reconstruction. The core message is an exhortation to courage, diligence, and unwavering commitment to the task of rebuilding God's house, despite past setbacks and present challenges. It reminds them that the words spoken by prophets, such as Haggai and Zechariah themselves, concerning the very foundation laid years prior, were not merely historical pronouncements but an ongoing divine mandate that they must now complete, spurred on by fresh promises of God's favor.

Zechariah 8 9 Context

Zechariah 8:9 is situated within a series of ten oracles (Zech 7:1–8:23) given in response to a delegation inquiring about the continued practice of fasting. These chapters mark a transition from past sin and judgment (chapters 1-6, including the visions) to future restoration and blessing, contingent on obedience and righteousness. Chapters 7 and 8 primarily deal with Israel's past failures and God's glorious future plans for Jerusalem. Within this larger discourse, verse 9 serves as a crucial interjection, pivoting from promises of future prosperity to a call for present responsibility.

Historically, the exiles had returned to Judah years prior, in 538 BC, under Zerubbabel and Jeshua, energized by Cyrus's decree. The foundation of the Temple was laid in 536 BC with great ceremony (Ezra 3). However, due to Samaritan opposition, Persian bureaucratic delays, and their own spiritual lethargy, the building work ceased for approximately 16 years. It wasn't until the second year of Darius I (520 BC) that God raised up the prophets Haggai and Zechariah to stir the people once again. This verse specifically references those who heard the initial prophetic words (e.g., those from Haggai and Zechariah in earlier phases) concerning the foundation laying and who are now, years later, exhorted to complete the task.

Zechariah 8 9 Word analysis

• Thus says the LORD of hosts:

  • Thus says: This is a classic prophetic formula (כֹּה אָמַר יהוה, koh amar Yahweh), underscoring the divine origin and absolute authority of the message. It is not human advice but a direct command from the Sovereign God.
  • the LORD of hosts (יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת, Yahweh Tseva'ot): A potent title for God, frequently used by the writing prophets, especially after the exile. "Hosts" refers to heavenly armies, stars, or angelic beings, signifying God's omnipotence, His absolute command over all creation, and His power to execute His will, whether in judgment or blessing. In this context, it reinforces that the call to action comes from a powerful, able, and present God. It implies His ability to both empower them and to overcome any obstacles.

• 'Let your hands be strong,

  • Let your hands be strong (יָדֶיכֶם תֶּחֱזַקְנָה, yadekhem tekhezaqnah): This is a Hebrew idiom, meaning "be courageous," "take heart," "be diligent," or "don't give up." It's an active injunction for them to engage physically and mentally in the work, overcoming any weakness, fear, or discouragement. It echoes similar exhortations in contexts of undertaking difficult divine assignments (e.g., Joshua's call to conquer Canaan, David's charge to Solomon for temple building). It's a call to both physical exertion and resolute spirit.

• you who have heard in these days these words from the mouth of the prophets

  • you who have heard (הַשֹּׁמְעִים, haššomeʿim): Refers to the present generation of builders, those living "in these days."
  • in these days (בַּיָּמִים הָאֵלֶּה, bayyamim ha'elleh): Points to the specific, contemporary period (520 BC) when Zechariah and Haggai were actively prophesying and urging the completion of the temple. It draws a clear line between the past proclamation and the present urgent need for action.
  • these words (הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה, haddəḇārim hāʾēlleh): Points directly to the prophetic messages that were delivered, specifically by Haggai and Zechariah (Ezra 5:1). It refers not only to new words but a fresh impetus for fulfilling previous divine commands related to the temple.
  • from the mouth of the prophets (מִפִּי הַנְּבִיאִים, mippi hanneviʾim): Emphasizes the divine source of the message, as prophets speak on behalf of God. The primary prophets active at this specific time were Haggai and Zechariah.

• 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.'

  • who were present on the day (אֲשֶׁר בְּיוֹם, asher bəyom): This clause identifies the specific historical point of reference.
  • the day that the foundation of the house of the LORD of hosts was laid (יִסַּד בֵּית יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת, yissad Beit Yahweh Tseva'ot): Refers to the significant event documented in Ezra 3:8-13, approximately 16 years prior. The laying of the foundation was a foundational (literally and figuratively) step for the new temple, marking the restoration of worship and God's presence among them. The re-use of "LORD of hosts" ties the foundation back to God's authority.
  • that the temple might be built (לְהִבָּנוֹת הַהֵיכָל, lehibbanot hahekhal): This clarifies the ultimate purpose and goal of laying the foundation—not merely a symbolic act, but a precursor to full construction. "The temple" (הֵיכָל, hekhal) emphasizes the completed sanctuary itself, distinct from the broader "house" or "building." The verbal form suggests an ongoing, necessary process of building until completion.

Zechariah 8 9 Bonus section

The context of Zechariah 8, especially leading up to this verse, also emphasizes the transformation from a state of punishment (for past disobedience leading to exile and temple destruction) to future blessings. God's call to "be strong" is not an arbitrary demand but directly follows promises of peace, prosperity, and joy for Jerusalem (Zech 8:1-8). Thus, the completion of the temple is directly tied to the full realization of God's covenant blessings and the establishment of Judah's glorious future. The call to "be strong" is essentially an act of faith, believing in the fulfillment of these greater promises.

Furthermore, Zechariah 8:9 sets the stage for the fulfillment of the spiritual temple in the New Covenant. Just as the physical temple required the people's strong hands, the building of God's spiritual temple (the Church) today requires diligent participation, labor, and spiritual strength from believers. This involves active involvement in Christian service, building up fellow believers, and proclaiming the Gospel, rather than being mere hearers of the Word (Jas 1:22). The "foundation" has been definitively laid in Christ Jesus (1 Cor 3:11), and believers are called to build upon it faithfully, encouraged by the continuing "words from the mouth of the prophets" in the written Word of God.

Zechariah 8 9 Commentary

Zechariah 8:9 encapsulates God's strategic intervention to re-energize a languishing project vital for the post-exilic community. After the initial euphoria of laying the Temple foundation waned, replaced by apathy, opposition, and distraction with personal affairs, the building had stalled. This verse addresses those very individuals, some of whom might have witnessed the original foundation ceremony and now faced disillusionment or weariness.

The phrase "Thus says the LORD of hosts" immediately injects divine authority, reminding them that this is not merely human encouragement but God's direct command. The emphasis on "the LORD of hosts" is particularly fitting, signifying that the one calling them to action is mighty, able to overcome any adversary, and fully present with them. This is crucial for people who felt overwhelmed and weak.

"Let your hands be strong" is a powerful call for resolute action and courage. It challenges them to move past discouragement and idleness. This is not about feeling strong, but acting strong, committing to the physical labor and perseverance required. God does not demand what they cannot do, but empowers them for what He commands.

The specific reference to "who have heard in these days these words from the mouth of the prophets who were present on the day that the foundation...was laid" links their present responsibility to God's past instruction and the prophetic voice. It reminds them that the current prophets (Haggai and Zechariah) are not introducing new demands but reigniting an unfinished divine project, tracing its legitimacy back to the original groundbreaking ceremony. This connection served to validate the prophets' present message and remind the people of their forgotten obligation and the divine continuity of the project.

The ultimate goal, "that the temple might be built," underscores the importance of completing God's house. This was not merely an architectural project but central to the restoration of covenant worship, communal identity, and God's tangible presence among His people after the desolation of the exile. It represents their spiritual revival and readiness for future blessings. The message is simple yet profound: God has given the word, He has provided the initial impetus, and now He calls them to active, diligent completion of the work for which the foundation was laid.

• Practical usage:
  • When faced with a difficult but divinely mandated task: Be encouraged to strengthen your hands and persevere.
  • When an important project for God's kingdom stalls: Revisit the foundational call or promise and ask God for renewed strength and vision.
  • Understanding the role of God's word and His messengers: Hear the ongoing word from the Lord, validating previous divine calls.