Introduction: Chapters seven and eight of Zechariah form a unit of prophecy. Chapter seven gives the negative part of the answer to the question of the national fast. Chapter eight presents the positive answer. Chapter seven is a call to repentance, reminding the people that their problems were a direct result of their sins. In chapter eight the prophet proceeds to reveal the fact that in the future Israel's fasts shall change into feasts, but they must give heed to the Word of God spoken through the prophets.

I. THE PRESENT PARTIAL RESTORATION FORESHADOWS AN EVENTUAL FULL RESTORATION OF ISRAEL (8:1-8):

A. Future full restoration assured by the Word of God and the love of God (8:1,2) -

As a jealous God He demands exclusive worship and service (Ex. 34:14; Deut. 4:23,24; 6:14,15).

B. The results of the future restoration (8:3-6) -

[1]. The Lord's return (vs. 3) (Eze. 43:2-5).
[2]. Permanent divine presence (vs. 3).
[3]. Exaltation of Jerusalem (vs. 3).

- "City of truth" (Zeph. 3:13) "The mountain of the Lord of host" (Isa. 2:3), and "The Holy mountain" (Zech. 14:20,21) are all descriptions of Jerusalem.

[4]. Great increase of the-peace and security of Jerusalem (vs. 4,5).
[5]. Exemplification of divine power (vs. 6) (Jer. 32:27).

C. The promise of future regathering and full restoration is repeated 8:7,8) -

It is future for the following reasons:

[1]. At that point in Israel's history, no Jews had immigrated west. Most had been taken to Babylon which was east and north (Isa. 11:11,12; 43:5,6).
[2]. The restoration involves the national conversion of Israel which is still unfulfilled (Rom. 10:3).

 

II. ENCOURAGEMENT IS OFFERED IN THE MIDST OF PRESENT PROBLEMS (8:9-17):

Not only does Israel need prophetic encouragement, but also some present day help which is given.

A. The subjects of the encouragement (8:9) -

"Ye that hear in these days" is obviously intended for the hearers of Haggai and Zechariah. These men had been ministering since the foundations of the temple had been laid 20 years before (Ezra 3:8-13).

B. The reasons for the people's discouragement (8:10) -

[1]. Severe economic depression (Haggai 1:2-11).
[2]. Social relationships had been strained --- is it possible that it is difficult to get along with others when you are out of the will of God?

C. Details of the encouragement given (8:11 15) -

[1]. God terminates His controversy with His people (vs. 11).
[2]. The Lord promises them prosperity (vs. 12).
[3]. The Lord reverses their fortunes--the transformation from a curse to a blessing will be on the basis of experiencing God's redemption (Jer. 24:9; Zech. 12:10-14).
[4]. The Lord Himself determines to do them good (vs. 14,15).

D. The use the people are to make of their encouragement (8:16,17) -

[1]. They are to deal strictly in truth (vs. 16a). (Zech. 7:9; Matt. 12:34).
[2]. They are to render fair and peace producing judicial decisions (vs. l6b). The phrase "in your gates" describes the space inside the city wall near the entrance where public court was often held (Deut. 21:19; 22:15; II Sam. 18:24; 19:9).
[3]. They are not to meditate evil against each other (vs. 17a).
[4]. The are not to tolerate perjury (vs. l7b).
[5]. They are to bear in mind the reason for avoiding these particular sins (vs. . 17c). (Prov. 6:16-19).

 

III. FULL FUTURE RESTORATION TO MILLENNIAL JOY AND DIVINE FAVOR (8:18-23):

A. Jewish fast will one day give way to millennial feasts (8:18,19) -

Only the fasts of the fifth and seventh months had been included in the original inquiry of the embassy. In the final answer Zechariah includes the whole garment of fasts (Isa. 61:2,3;65:19).

B. Gentiles will eagerly seek the Lord in the kingdom (8:20-22) -

C. The Jew millennially restored will enjoy special divine favor (8:23) -

The last verse in the chapter is amazing. God in the midst of Israel will be a great attractive force to draw the nations unto the Jew, Today the world rejects the Jew, then he will be embraced.