Matthew Poole and continuators on Zechariah 8

1 AGain the word of the LORD of hosts came to me, saying,

Or, And, Heb. as the word of reproof in the former Chapter, so the word of consolation in this Chapter was from God.

Hereby God assureth the Iewes that what he promiseth he can perform, and therefore in this Chapter, where so many things, so great, are promised, this name is very many times repeated in this chapter, viz. 18.

2 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I was jealous for Zion with great jealousie , and I was jealous for her with great fury .

I have been in time past in dayes of old before the captivity, and I have been so since the captivity for some years past.

Properly 'tis the Passion of a Lover or Husband, mixt of Love, Care, and Anger in their highest degrees for the Beloved, and against all that is hurtful to it, so God had greatly loved Zion, had been careful of her honour, and welfare, and displeased with her sins, (which first hurt her) and then with the Chaldeans, which violated her.

With great care that she should not, as formerly, sin against my love, and her own welfare and with a great love to do her good now, and to rescue her from her Enemies.

On her behalf, and not as formerly against her, I am jealous in favour to her (as the Heb. phrase importeth)

With heat of Anger against her Enemies, as chap. 1.14, 15. which see.

3 Thus saith the LORD, I am return'd 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 .

I did in anger depart from sinful and incorrigible, and unhumbled Israel, and sent them into a long captivity, and a far distance from my house, but now I am pacified, they punished, and I will be no longer absent from them; I am returned, not by change of place, but by change of my dealings with them.

Literally to my place of antient Residence, where the Temple and City of David stood; spiritually to the Church wheresoever it was humbled in distresses.

Once more, as of old, I will fix my Residence, and afford my Presence there, as 1 Kin. 6.13. and Psal. 68.16. according to promise repeated to my people. Ierusalem shall be my dwelling place.

It shall be, for I will make it, a

City of Truth, her Cit[illegible: 2 letters]ens shall love the Truth and speak it, shall worship me in truth of heart, as well as in the true manner prescribed to them, and they shall inherit the truth of my promises too; much to this, is that of Ezek. 37.23, 24, to the end of the chap.

Either Ierusalem shall be called, The mountain of the Lord of Hosts, or Mount Moriah, on which the Temple was built.

Shall be called, and be the holy mountain, for that the Temple is rebuilt there, and the holy worship of God restored there, impure Idols which were worship'd there by your impure Fathers, and thereby was the Mountain defiled, shall now be cast out and none but▪ the Holy God worship'd in his holy Temple.

Marginal references: Isa. 1.21, 26.

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 staffe in his hand for very age .

Very old Men, and very old Women; formerly War, or Famine, or Pestilence, and wasting Diseases, or wild Beasts, did cut off Men and Women before they grew to old Age; but now it shall be otherwise, I will bless with Health, and long Life, in a peaceful State,

Though naturally the weaker, though by Child-bearing farther weakned; yet there shall be many of these very old, or possibly it may intimate a very long life with their beloved Mates, and so old men will be ancient Husbands, old women their ancient Wives. However, this old Age shall be a crown of honour to this City.

Every one, as H[illegible: 1 letter]b. will bear it.

Through multitude of dayes, it shall not be from weakness, and diseases, that they lean upon their staf[illegible: 1 letter]e but very Age shall bring them to it.

Marginal references: See 1 Sam. 2.31. Lam. 2.20. &c. & 5.11.14.; Heb. multitude of days.

5 And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and of girls playing in the streets thereof.

Every street.

Have many young ones healthful▪ strong, brisk, and lively, the present joy, and future hop[illegible: 1 letter] of all.

So will I fulfil the promise of multiplying your Children.

Ie[illegible: 2 letters] salem shall be in that peace, health, and plenty, that Parents shall neither fear danger to their Children abroad, nor need their Labour at home. So shall that, Psal. 128. be fulfilled to them.

6 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, If it be marvellous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in these dayes , should it also be marvellous in mine eyes? saith the LORD of hosts .

These things promised may perhaps seem very strange and difficult if not impossible.

In the Judgment and opinion, or rather, to the unbelief of this people.

Few in number, exceedingly poor, and perpetually surrounded with dangers.

Which are dayes of small things.

Impossible? Or so much as difficult to me.

The Almighty God will do this.

Marginal references: Or, [illegible: 1 span].; Gen. [illegible: 1 span] Luk. 1.3[illegible: 1 letter]. Rom. 4.[illegible: 1 letter].

7 Thus saith the LORD of hosts , Behold , I will save my people from the east-countrey , and from the west-countrey .

Here again God engageth his Almighty Power to make good his Promise.

Consider well what power is to do this.

Bring them safe.

Persia and Media, which lay East from Ierusalem, and being now Masters of Babylon, and the captive Iewes, they are said to be brought out of the East, though otherwhiles they are brought out of the North, both very consistent.

No doubt some of the Iewes were carried Westward, the Trade of selling men was known in those dayes, and Tyr[illegible: 1 letter]s is noted, and threatned for it, by Ezek. 27.13, beside other Sea-towns West of Canaan, which would be ready to buy captive Iewes, and convey them Westward. But if this Promise should look to the Roman Empire, and secure the Iewes a return from that captivity it is plain how their Empire lay west from the Iewes. Or perhaps 'tis a Synechdoche, these two parts of the World mention'd, but all parts intended, as Psal. 50.1. and 113.3. and Mal. 1.11.

Marginal references: Heb. [illegible: 1 span].

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 .

Though many things interpose to hinder, none shall keep them from returning; I will lead the way, I will guard them in it, I will supply their necessities, I will give strength to the weak, and cheer up the dejected, I will gather and carry too.

Settle their Habitation in Ierusalem.

A peculiar people to obey and honour me, it contains very much, Ier. 30.22. and 31.33. and 32.37, 38. Ezek. 11.20.

I will own them, perform all my Promises to them.

Both on Gods part, and on their part; on Gods in Truth, on theirs in Righteousness, in obedience to Gods righteous Law.

9 ¶ Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Let your hands be strong , ye that hear in these dayes 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 .

Be of good courage, and hearten on each other to the expectation of Gods Promise, and the doing your duty.

You returned Captives.

This is an Argument to revive their courage, they hear God by his word very fairly proposing great things.

In these dayes of Darius Hys[illegible: 1 letter]aspis, some 12 or 15, or perhaps 18 years since the time I point [illegible: 1 word]. In these days of hope from Darius favourably helping, but most from God assisting and blessing.

Promises, Exhortations, and Counsels.

Haggai and Zechariah.

In the second year of Cyrus which if reckoned from his succeeding of his Father Cambyses in the Persian Crown, and his Father in law Cyaxares in the Crown of Media; which happened near about, A[illegible: 1 letter]no M. 3467, unto the second of Darius Hystaspis, Anno M. 3485. that is 18 years agone, will make it likely that Haggai and Zechariah are intended here: But to lay it so that this Re-edifying of the Temple be in the second of Darius Noth[illegible: 1 letter]s is to make these two Prophets either to be silent 112 years together or to preach with little success, and less complaint, for I do not remember that either of them chargeth this people with this particular fault.

According to Gods command and your Duty.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 paragraph]

10 For before these dayes 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.

For eighteen years together.

Reward or Recompence, no profit by the Labour of Man or Beast, sowing or planting. Vid. Hag. 1.6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. and Hag. 2.15, 16, 17. and Mal. 3.10, 11. Or else though the poor Iew laboured and received wages, it profited him not, God blasted it.

No safety, or content, and rest at home, or abroad; nothing prosper'd as might be hoped, in Field or House; if they went out 'twas trouble to see all unprosperous there, if they came home 'twas not one whit better, perhaps it may intimate troubles by War, b[illegible: 1 letter]t I incline to interpret [non-Latin text not transcribed] as I have done with respect, partly to the Heb[illegible: 1 letter]ew, partly to the twelfth verse.

Distress, or straitness, and want, through such great barrenness, as attended all their labour.

God just and holy.

Let out, or took off the restraints which kept men in some order, and when they were thus let out, they did discompose all, fell into Seditions, and taking of Parties, and breaking their own and others Peace.

Marginal references: Or, [illegible: 1 span]

11 But now q I will not be unto the residue of this people, as in the former dayes , saith the LORD of hosts .

See ver. 10. let. a.

See ver. 7. let. f.

Since this people go about building the Temple and restoring my worship with some cheerfulness.

God changeth not, his not be[illegible: 1 letter]ng what he was to this people is a change of his Providence and his dealings with them. Our affairs will be to us as God is to us.

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.

Which before brought nothing, or very little forth, shall now prosper into a plentiful Harvest, such as Mal. 3.10.

This was very much the Wealth and support of that people, this had been blasted, as Hag. 1.9, 10. now it shall be blest, and bring forth her expected fruit.

Summarily, the ground you plant shall abundantly bring forth her fruit to your satisfaction.

Which before were as Brass, and made your Earth as Iron, hard, barren, shall now drop down their Rain, and make the Earth fruitful. Much like that Psal. 72.3. Hos. 2.18.

By my special, singular providence, and blessing on them.

To enjoy, have the things, and the comfort of them, whereas before, though they eat, they were not satisfied, had not enough, Hag. 1.6.

Marginal references: Heb. of peace.

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 .

As threatned Deut. 28.37. and Ier. 24.9. and 29.18. all which came upon them in this seventy years captivity, and the miseries that preceded.

Nations who knew the Misery, which they heap'd on the Iewes, Nations among whom they were scattered.

Two Tribes.

Ten Tribes, or rather some of them which escaped Salm[illegible: 1 letter]n[illegible: 1 letter]ser's hand▪ and adhered to Iudah; or some that from the division of the Tribes did keep close to the House of David, and the Temple Worship.

In such manner will I save you, so wonderfully, so graciously.

A form or model of Blessing, as Zeph. 3.19, 20.

Be not discouraged, neither slack your hands, in the building of the Temple, and restoring the Worship of God, for God will be with you, and finish all by, and for you.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 letter]uth 4.11, 12

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 .

Determin'd first, then declared my resolution, in my threats and many warnings given.

Iewes, the Body of that Nation; you, one with your Fathers.

Highly, obstinately, and till there was no remedy, my wrath being kindled and continually increased by increase of your Fathers sins and yours.

I did not fail to do as I said I would, I neither changed my mind, for I am not a man, nor changed the course of my Providence, but executed my threats.

15 So again have I thought in these dayes to do well unto Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah: fear ye not .

So with like steddiness of mind with an equal unchangeableness I have purposed and promised to do well to you, O inhabitants of Ierusalem and house of Iudah.

For if in punishing, which I love not, I was constant; in blessing, which pleaseth me, I cannot but be constant.

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 .

You to whom I am return'd, whom I have promis'd to bless, you have something to do that the blessing may come upon you, and look you do it. Beside building the Temple and restoring publick worship in Sacrifices, these things ye must do.

Be true of your word, and he not one to another, as becomes such a people, Psal. 24.4. Prov. 12.19. Hos. 4.1.

To all men, it hath been the sin of your Fathers, they have lived, deceived, and cheated, not strangers but brothers and neighbours, but do not ye so; every one you deal with is your neighbour, do you speak truth to every such one.

Vid. chap. 7. ver. 9. let. m.

That may restore, settle, and promote peace among you as righteous Judgments will do.

Either referring to the places of Judicature where the Judges sate. Or more generally and comprehensively through the whole Land, Exod. 20.10.

Marginal references: Eph. 4.25.; Heb. judge [illegible: 1 word], and the [illegible: 3 letters]gement of [illegible: 1 word].

17 And let none of you imagine evil in your heart against his neighbour , and love no false oath : for all these are things that I hate , saith the LORD.

Vid. chap. 7.10. l[illegible: 1 letter]t. t.

Vid. chap. 5. ver. 4. let. y. you that must not lie to a man, must not swear to a lie before God, Psal. 15.4. Ezek. 17.18, 19.

So that I cannot be reconciled to them, so that I must not, will not let them go unpunish'd, if you'l be blest as I promise, look you do as I prescribe. This is reason enough why you should not do them.

19 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, The fast of the fourth moneth , 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 chearful feasts ; therefore love the truth and peace.

Wherein the City was taken by the Babylonians, who on the ninth day of this moneth broke into the City, Ier. 52.12, 13.

Of which on the tenth day the Temple was burnt.

Wherein Gedaliah was killed, Jer. 41.1.

On the tenth day whereof the King of Babylon's Army sate down before the City and besieged it.

Good dayes, in which they shall rejoice for all the goodness that God hath shewed them in their private, they shall rejoice.

for publick; these dayes of Fasting shall be turned into solemn, and publick Festivals, days of Thanksgiving to the Lord, for turning back their Captivity, and restoring Church and State.

Let your hearty Affection be set on Truth, in all concerns of Religion, and on Peace in all converse with your Neighbours.

This nineteenth Verse is a final decision of the proposed Case, and the whole of this Verse stands on a Proviso or Condition▪ That they do those things required, ver. 16, 17. then shall their fasting cease, and turn into joy and feasts.

Marginal references: Heb. Solemn, or set times.

20 Thus saith the LORD of hosts , It shall yet come to pass , that there shall come people , and inhabitants of many cities.

This solemn attestation, that 'tis the Lord of Hosts who will do that great thing next promis'd, calls both for our heeding, and believing of it.

How low soever the State of my Church doth appear, and really is, yet a time shall come when it shall be more considerable.

People, that is, multitudes of People, for they shall be

Inhabitants of many and great Cities, which is added to explain what was more obscure in that one word, People, The Gentiles shall be added to the Church, and increase her greatly.

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 .

Great was the Zeal and forwardness of primitive Converts, to bring others into the Church, and to acquaint them with the Doctrine of Christ, and this is here foretold under the Zeal, and forwardness of the Iewes to gather one another, and to ascend thus to the Temple.

To call upon his name, entreat his Favour, or face as 'tis, Heb. one part of Religious Worship put for all, and explain'd by seeking the Lord for counsel and supply; for Grace, Comfort and Glory.

This foretels a readiness in the invited, they shall with as much zeal embrace the motion, as others made it.

In going let us go, set forth presently, hold on constantly▪ and chearfully, Isa. 2.3. Mic. 4.2.

Marginal references: Or, continually.; Heb. going.; Heb. to entreat the face of the LORD.

22 Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem , and to pray before the LORD.

Literally understood you have the first fruits of them mentioned in Acts 2.10, 11, 12. Mystically, Jerusalem is the Church of Christ, or the State of it in the ti[illegible: 1 letter]es of the Gospel, Psal. 110. 2. Isa. 2.3.

To perform all Gospel Worship to the Lord.

This Verse is both confirmation and illustration to the former, there 'twas people, here 'tis many people, and mighty, or great, not the Poor, and contemptible, and few, but people of a greater figure in the World. The Gospel first spread it self through the Roman Empire, and triumphed in Rome the Lady of the World. Strong Nations submitted to the Gospel.

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 .

Once more the Lord avows this as his design, so his work as his purpose, so he would effect it,

in the days which shall be the shadow of better; that shall be brought to pass which shall be proportioned to them; thus in the deliverance of the Church from Haman's Conspiracy, many in the Provinces of that mighty Kingdom became Iews; But in the Gospel dayes it shall be more full.

That is, many men,

As Children lay hold on the Nurse, or Mothers skirt to go with them.

No Nation any longer excluded.

To whom the Gospel was first preached, nay, who were the first Preachers of it, as the Apostles, and the seventy Disciples.

We will go, that we may learn your Religion, and be of it.

And now see, believe, and are assured.

The true God, the only true God, whom to know is Life Eternal, is with you, [illegible: 1 letter]ur Gods are vanity▪ a Doctrine of lies, and a pernicious cheat, we will cast them off, and no more trust to Lies.

God is with you only, and we must be with you, and of you, that God the Saviour may be with us too, having hold on you, we will not let you go without us, we seek your God, and our God.

The Lord seems delighted with the reporting what should be done in those dayes of the building up his Ierusalem, and therefore he bids his Prophet report it again, as he doth in this last verse of the chap.

Marginal references: 1 Cor. 14.25.