Matthew Poole and continuators on Zechariah 8:7

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].