mh_parser/vol_split/38 - Zechariah/Chapter 8.xml

<div2 id="Zech.ix" n="ix" next="Zech.x" prev="Zech.viii" progress="95.19%" title="Chapter VIII">
<h2 id="Zech.ix-p0.1">Z E C H A R I A H.</h2>
<h3 id="Zech.ix-p0.2">CHAP. VIII.</h3>
<p class="intro" id="Zech.ix-p1" shownumber="no">The work of ministers is rightly to divide the
word of truth and to give every one his portion. So the prophet is
here instructed to do, in the further answer he gives to the case
of conscience proposed about continuing the public fasts. His
answer, in the foregoing chapter, is by way of reproof to those
that were disobedient and would not obey the truth. But here he is
ordered to change his voice, and to speak by way of encouragement
to the willing and obedient. Here are two words from the Lord of
hosts, and they are both good words and comfortable words. In the
former of these messages (<scripRef id="Zech.ix-p1.1" osisRef="Bible:Zech.8.1" parsed="|Zech|8|1|0|0" passage="Zec 8:1">ver.
1</scripRef>) God promises that Jerusalem shall be restored,
reformed, replenished (<scripRef id="Zech.ix-p1.2" osisRef="Bible:Zech.8.2-Zech.8.8" parsed="|Zech|8|2|8|8" passage="Zec 8:2-8">ver.
2-8</scripRef>), that the country shall be rich, and the affairs of
the nation shall be successful, their reputation retrieved, and
their state in all respects the reverse of what it had been for
many years past (<scripRef id="Zech.ix-p1.3" osisRef="Bible:Zech.8.9-Zech.8.15" parsed="|Zech|8|9|8|15" passage="Zec 8:9-15">ver.
9-15</scripRef>); he then exhorts them to reform what was amiss
among them, that they might be ready for these favours designed
them (<scripRef id="Zech.ix-p1.4" osisRef="Bible:Zech.8.16-Zech.8.17" parsed="|Zech|8|16|8|17" passage="Zec 8:16,17">ver. 16, 17</scripRef>). In
the latter of these messages (<scripRef id="Zech.ix-p1.5" osisRef="Bible:Zech.8.18" parsed="|Zech|8|18|0|0" passage="Zec 8:18">ver.
18</scripRef>) he promises that their fasts should be superseded by
the return of mercy (<scripRef id="Zech.ix-p1.6" osisRef="Bible:Zech.8.19" parsed="|Zech|8|19|0|0" passage="Zec 8:19">ver.
19</scripRef>), and that thereupon they should be replenished,
enriched, and strengthened, by the accession of foreigners to them,
<scripRef id="Zech.ix-p1.7" osisRef="Bible:Zech.8.20-Zech.8.23" parsed="|Zech|8|20|8|23" passage="Zec 8:20-23">ver. 20-23</scripRef>.</p>
<scripCom id="Zech.ix-p1.8" osisRef="Bible:Zech.8" parsed="|Zech|8|0|0|0" passage="Zec 8" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="Zech.ix-p1.9" osisRef="Bible:Zech.8.1-Zech.8.8" parsed="|Zech|8|1|8|8" passage="Zec 8:1-8" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Zech.ix-p1.10">
<h4 id="Zech.ix-p1.11">Encouraging Prospects. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Zech.ix-p1.12">b. c.</span> 517.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Zech.ix-p2" shownumber="no">1 Again the word of the <span class="smallcaps" id="Zech.ix-p2.1">Lord</span> of hosts came <i>to me,</i> saying,  
2 Thus saith the <span class="smallcaps" id="Zech.ix-p2.2">Lord</span> of hosts; I
was jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I was jealous for her
with great fury.   3 Thus saith the <span class="smallcaps" id="Zech.ix-p2.3">Lord</span>; 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 <span class="smallcaps" id="Zech.ix-p2.4">Lord</span>
of hosts the holy mountain.   4 Thus saith the <span class="smallcaps" id="Zech.ix-p2.5">Lord</span> 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 <span class="smallcaps" id="Zech.ix-p2.6">Lord</span> 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 <span class="smallcaps" id="Zech.ix-p2.7">Lord</span> of hosts.   7 Thus saith the <span class="smallcaps" id="Zech.ix-p2.8">Lord</span> 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.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Zech.ix-p3" shownumber="no">The prophet, in his foregoing discourses,
had left his hearers under a high charge of guilt and a deep sense
of wrath; he had left them in a melancholy view of the desolations
of their pleasant land, which was the effect of their fathers'
disobedience; but because he designed to bring them to repentance,
not to drive them to despair, he here sets before them the great
things God had in store for them, encouraging them hereby to hope
that their case of conscience would shortly determine itself and
that God's providence would as loudly call them to <i>joy and
gladness</i> as ever it called them to <i>fasting and mourning.</i>
It is here promised,</p>
<p class="indent" id="Zech.ix-p4" shownumber="no">I. That God will appear for Jerusalem, and
will espouse and plead her cause. 1. He will be revenged on Zion's
enemies (<scripRef id="Zech.ix-p4.1" osisRef="Bible:Zech.8.2" parsed="|Zech|8|2|0|0" passage="Zec 8:2"><i>v.</i> 2</scripRef>): <i>I
was jealous for Zion,</i> or <i>of</i> Zion; that is, "I have of
late been heartily concerned for her honour and interests, <i>with
great jealousy.</i> The great wrath that was against her (<scripRef id="Zech.ix-p4.2" osisRef="Bible:Zech.7.12" parsed="|Zech|7|12|0|0" passage="Zec 7:12"><i>ch.</i> vii. 12</scripRef>) now turns against
her adversaries. I am now <i>jealous for her with great fury,</i>
and can no more bear to have her abused in her afflictions than I
could bear to be abused by her provocations." This he had said
before (<scripRef id="Zech.ix-p4.3" osisRef="Bible:Zech.1.14-Zech.1.15" parsed="|Zech|1|14|1|15" passage="Zec 1:14,15"><i>ch.</i> i. 14,
15</scripRef>), that they might promise themselves as much from the
power of his anger, when it was turned for them, as they had felt
from it when it was against them. The sins of Zion were her worst
enemies, and had done her the most mischief; and therefore God, in
his jealousy for her honour and comfort, will <i>take away her
sins,</i> and then, whatever other enemies injured her, it was at
their peril. 2. He will be resident in Zion's palaces (<scripRef id="Zech.ix-p4.4" osisRef="Bible:Zech.8.3" parsed="|Zech|8|3|0|0" passage="Zec 8:3"><i>v.</i> 3</scripRef>): "<i>I have returned to
Zion,</i> after I had seemed so long to stand at a distance, and I
will again <i>dwell in the midst of Jerusalem</i> as formerly."
This secures to them the tokens of his presence in his ordinances
and the instances of his favour in his providences.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Zech.ix-p5" shownumber="no">II. That there shall be a wonderful
reformation in Jerusalem, and religion, in the power of it, shall
prevail and flourish there. "<i>Jerusalem,</i> that has dealt
treacherously both with God and man, shall become so famous for
fidelity and honesty that it <i>shall be called</i> and known by
the name of <i>a city of truth,</i> and the inhabitants of it shall
be called <i>children that will not lie.</i> The <i>faithful
city</i> has become a <i>harlot</i> (<scripRef id="Zech.ix-p5.1" osisRef="Bible:Isa.1.21" parsed="|Isa|1|21|0|0" passage="Isa 1:21">Isa. i. 21</scripRef>), but shall now become a
<i>faithful city</i> again, faithful to the <i>God of Israel</i>
and to the worship of him only." This was fulfilled; for the Jews
after the captivity, though there was much amiss among them, were
never guilty of idolatry. Jerusalem shall be called <i>the mountain
of the Lord of hosts,</i> owning him and owned by him, and
therefore <i>the holy mountain,</i> cleared from idols and
consecrated to God, and not, as it had been, the <i>mount of
corruption,</i> <scripRef id="Zech.ix-p5.2" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.23.13" parsed="|2Kgs|23|13|0|0" passage="2Ki 23:13">2 Kings xxiii.
13</scripRef>. Note, The city of God ought to be <i>a city of
truth</i> and the <i>mountain of the Lord of hosts a holy
mountain.</i> Those that profess religion, and relation to God,
must study to adorn their profession by all instances of godliness
and honesty.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Zech.ix-p6" shownumber="no">III. That there shall be in Jerusalem a
great increase of people, and all the marks and tokens of a
profound tranquillity, When it has become a <i>city of truth</i>
and a <i>mountain of holiness,</i> it is then peaceable and
prosperous, and every thing in it looks bright and pleasant. 1. You
may look with pleasure upon the generation that is going off the
stage, and see them fairly quitting it in the ordinary course of
nature, and not driven off from it by war, famine, or pestilence
(<scripRef id="Zech.ix-p6.1" osisRef="Bible:Zech.8.4" parsed="|Zech|8|4|0|0" passage="Zec 8:4"><i>v.</i> 4</scripRef>): <i>In the
streets of Jerusalem,</i> that had been filled with the bodies of
the slain, or deserted and left desolate, shall now dwell <i>old
men</i> and <i>old women,</i> who have not been cut off by untimely
deaths (either through their own intemperance or God's vengeance),
but have the even thread of their days spun out to a full length;
they shall feel no distemper but the decay of nature, and go to
their grave in a full age, as a <i>shock of corn in his season.</i>
They shall have <i>every one his staff in his hand, for very
age,</i> to support him, as Jacob, who <i>worshipped, leaning upon
the top of his staff,</i> <scripRef id="Zech.ix-p6.2" osisRef="Bible:Heb.11.21" parsed="|Heb|11|21|0|0" passage="Heb 11:21">Heb. xi.
21</scripRef>. Old age needs a support, and should not be ashamed
to use it, but should furnish itself with divine graces, which will
be the strength of the heart and a better support than a staff in
the hand. Note, The hoary head, as it is a crown of glory to those
that wear it, so it is to the places where they live. It is a
graceful thing to a city to see abundance of old people in it; it
is a sign, not only of the healthfulness of the air, but of the
prevalence of virtue and the suppression and banishment of those
many vices which cut off the number of men's months in the midst;
it is a sign, not only that the climate is temperate, but that the
people are so. 2. You may look with as much pleasure upon the
generation that is rising up in their room (<scripRef id="Zech.ix-p6.3" osisRef="Bible:Zech.8.5" parsed="|Zech|8|5|0|0" passage="Zec 8:5"><i>v.</i> 5</scripRef>): <i>The streets of the city shall
be full of boys and girls playing in the streets.</i> This
intimates, (1.) That they shall be blessed with a multitude of
children; their families shall increase and multiply, and replenish
the city, which was an early product of the divine blessing,
<scripRef id="Zech.ix-p6.4" osisRef="Bible:Gen.1.28" parsed="|Gen|1|28|0|0" passage="Ge 1:28">Gen. i. 28</scripRef>. Happy the man,
happy the nation, whose quiver is full of these arrows! They shall
have of both sexes, <i>boys and girls,</i> in whom their families
shall afterwards be joined, and another generation raised up. (2.)
That their children shall be healthful, and strong, and active;
their boys and girls shall not lie sick in bed, or sit pining in
the corner, but (which is a pleasant sight to parents) shall be
hearty and cheerful, and play in the streets. It is their pleasant
playing age; let us not grudge it to them; much good may it do them
and no harm. <i>Evil days</i> will come time enough, and
<i>years</i> of which they will <i>say</i> that they have <i>no
pleasure in them,</i> in consideration of which they are concerned
not to spend all their time in play, but to remember their Creator.
(3.) That they shall have great plenty, meat enough for all their
mouths. In time of famine we find the children <i>swooning as the
wounded, in the streets of the city,</i> <scripRef id="Zech.ix-p6.5" osisRef="Bible:Lam.2.11-Lam.2.12" parsed="|Lam|2|11|2|12" passage="La 2:11,12">Lam. ii. 11, 12</scripRef>. If they are playing in the
streets, it is a good sign that they want for nothing. (4.) That
they shall not be terrified with the alarms of war, but enjoy a
perfect security. There shall be <i>no breaking</i> in of invaders,
<i>no going out</i> of deserters, <i>no complaining in the
streets</i> (<scripRef id="Zech.ix-p6.6" osisRef="Bible:Ps.144.14" parsed="|Ps|144|14|0|0" passage="Ps 144:14">Ps. cxliv.
14</scripRef>); for, when there is playing in the streets, it is a
sign that there is little care or fear there. Time was when the
enemy hunted their steps so closely that they could not go in their
streets (<scripRef id="Zech.ix-p6.7" osisRef="Bible:Lam.4.18" parsed="|Lam|4|18|0|0" passage="La 4:18">Lam. iv. 18</scripRef>), but
now they shall <i>play in the streets</i> and fear no evil. (5.)
That they shall have love and peace among themselves. The boys and
girls shall not be fighting in the streets, as sometimes in cities
that are divided into factions and parties the children soon imbibe
and express the mutual resentments of the parents; but they shall
be innocently and lovingly <i>playing in the streets,</i> not
devouring, but diverting, one another. (6.) That the sports and
diversions used shall be all harmless and inoffensive; the boys and
girls shall have no other play than what they are willing that
persons should see <i>in the streets,</i> no play that seeks
corners, no playing the fool, or playing the wanton, for it is the
mountain of the Lord, the <i>holy mountain,</i> but honest and
modest recreations, which they have no reason to be ashamed of.
(7.) That childish youthful sports shall be confined to the age of
childhood and youth. It is pleasing to see the <i>boys and girls
playing in the streets,</i> but it is ill-favoured to see men and
women playing there, who should fill up their time with work and
business. It is well enough for <i>children</i> to be <i>sitting in
the market-place,</i> crossing questions (<scripRef id="Zech.ix-p6.8" osisRef="Bible:Matt.11.16-Matt.11.17" parsed="|Matt|11|16|11|17" passage="Mt 11:16,17">Matt. xi. 16, 17</scripRef>), but it is no way fit
that men, who are able to <i>work in the vineyard,</i> should
<i>stand all the day idle</i> there, <scripRef id="Zech.ix-p6.9" osisRef="Bible:Matt.20.3" parsed="|Matt|20|3|0|0" passage="Mt 20:3">Matt. xx. 3</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Zech.ix-p7" shownumber="no">IV. That the scattered Israelites shall be
brought together again from all parts whither they were dispersed
(<scripRef id="Zech.ix-p7.1" osisRef="Bible:Zech.8.7" parsed="|Zech|8|7|0|0" passage="Zec 8:7"><i>v.</i> 7</scripRef>): "<i>I will
save my people from the east country, and from the west;</i> I will
save them from being lost, or losing themselves, in Babylon, or in
Egypt, or in any other country whither they were driven." They
shall neither be detained by the nations among whom they sojourn
nor shall they incorporate with them; but I will <i>save them,</i>
will separate them, and will bring them to their own land again; by
the prosperity of their land I will invite them back, and at the
same time incline them to return; and <i>they shall dwell in the
midst of Jerusalem,</i> shall choose to dwell there, because it is
the holy city, though, upon many other accounts, it was more
eligible to dwell in the country; and therefore we find (<scripRef id="Zech.ix-p7.2" osisRef="Bible:Neh.11.2" parsed="|Neh|11|2|0|0" passage="Ne 11:2">Neh. xi. 2</scripRef>) that <i>the people blessed
all the men who willingly offered themselves to dwell at
Jerusalem.</i></p>
<p class="indent" id="Zech.ix-p8" shownumber="no">V. That God would renew his covenant with
them, would be faithful to them and make them so to him: <i>They
shall be my people and I will be their God.</i> That is the
foundation and crown of all these promises, and is inclusive of all
happiness. They shall obey God's laws, and God will secure and
advance all their interests. This contract shall be made, shall be
new-made, <i>in truth</i> and <i>in righteousness.</i> Some think
that the former denotes God's part of the covenant (he will be
<i>their God in truth,</i> he will make good all his promises of
favour to them) and the latter man's part of the covenant—they
shall be his people in <i>righteousness,</i> they shall be a
righteous people and shall abound in the <i>fruits of
righteousness,</i> and shall not, as they have done, deal
treacherously and unjustly with their God. See <scripRef id="Zech.ix-p8.1" osisRef="Bible:Hos.2.19-Hos.2.20" parsed="|Hos|2|19|2|20" passage="Ho 2:19,20">Hos. ii. 19, 20</scripRef>. God will never leave nor
forsake them in a way of mercy, as he has promised them; and they
shall never leave nor forsake him in a way of duty, as they have
promised him. These promises were fulfilled in the flourishing
state of the Jewish church, for some ages, between the captivity
and Christ's time; they were to have a further and a fuller
accomplishment in the gospel-church, that <i>heavenly
Jerusalem,</i> which is from above, is free, and is the <i>mother
of us all;</i> but the fullest accomplishment of all will be in the
future state.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Zech.ix-p9" shownumber="no">All these precious promises are here
ratified, and the doubts of God's people silenced, with that
question (<scripRef id="Zech.ix-p9.1" osisRef="Bible:Zech.8.6" parsed="|Zech|8|6|0|0" passage="Zec 8:6"><i>v.</i> 6</scripRef>):
"<i>If it be marvellous in the eyes of this people, should it be
marvellous in my eyes?</i> If it seem unlikely to you that ever
Jerusalem should be thus repaired, should be thus replenished, is
it therefore impossible with God?" The <i>remnant of this
people</i> (and God's people in this world are but a remnant),
being few and feeble, thought all this was too good news to be
true, especially <i>in these days,</i> these difficult days, these
cloudy and dark days. Considering how bad the times are, it is
highly improbable, it is morally impossible, they should ever come
to be so good as the prophet speaks. How can these things be? How
can dry bones live? But should it therefore appear so in the eyes
of God? Note, We do both God and ourselves a deal of wrong if we
think that, when we are <i>nonplussed,</i> he is so, and that he
cannot get over the difficulties which to us seem insuperable.
<i>With men this is impossible; but with God all things are
possible;</i> so far are God's thoughts and ways above ours.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Zech.ix-p9.2" osisRef="Bible:Zech.8.9-Zech.8.17" parsed="|Zech|8|9|8|17" passage="Zec 8:9-17" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Zech.ix-p9.3">
<h4 id="Zech.ix-p9.4">Encouraging Prospects. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Zech.ix-p9.5">b. c.</span> 517.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Zech.ix-p10" shownumber="no">9 Thus saith the <span class="smallcaps" id="Zech.ix-p10.1">Lord</span> of hosts; Let your hands be strong, ye that
hear in these days these words by the mouth of the prophets, which
<i>were</i> in the day <i>that</i> the foundation of the house of
the <span class="smallcaps" id="Zech.ix-p10.2">Lord</span> 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 <i>was there any</i>
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 <i>will</i> not <i>be</i> unto the residue of this people as
in the former days, saith the <span class="smallcaps" id="Zech.ix-p10.3">Lord</span>
of hosts.   12 For the seed <i>shall be</i> 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 <i>things.</i>   13 And it
shall come to pass, <i>that</i> 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, <i>but</i> let your hands be
strong.   14 For thus saith the <span class="smallcaps" id="Zech.ix-p10.4">Lord</span> of hosts; As I thought to punish you, when
your fathers provoked me to wrath, saith the <span class="smallcaps" id="Zech.ix-p10.5">Lord</span> 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 <i>are</i> 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 <i>are
things</i> that I hate, saith the <span class="smallcaps" id="Zech.ix-p10.6">Lord</span>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Zech.ix-p11" shownumber="no">God, by the prophet, here gives further
assurances of the mercy he had in store for Judah and Jerusalem.
Here is line upon line for their comfort, as before there was for
their conviction. These verses contain strong encouragements with
reference to the difficulties they now laboured under. And we may
observe,</p>
<p class="indent" id="Zech.ix-p12" shownumber="no">I. Who they were to whom these
encouragements did belong—to those who, in obedience to the call
of God by his prophets, applied in good earnest to the building of
the temple (<scripRef id="Zech.ix-p12.1" osisRef="Bible:Zech.8.9" parsed="|Zech|8|9|0|0" passage="Zec 8:9"><i>v.</i> 9</scripRef>):
"<i>Let your hands be strong,</i> that are busy at work for God,
<i>you that hear in these days these words by the mouth of the
prophets,</i> and are not disobedient to them <i>as your fathers
were,</i> in the former days, to the words of those prophets that
were sent to them. You may take the comfort of the promises, and
shall have the benefit of them, who have obeyed the precepts given
you <i>in the day that the foundation of the house of the Lord was
laid,</i> when you were told that, having begun with it, you must
go on, <i>that the temple might be built;</i> God told you that you
must go on with it, and you have laboured hard at it for some time,
in obedience to the heavenly vision. Now you are those whose hands
must be strengthened and whose hearts must be comforted, with these
precious promises; to you is the word of this consolation sent."
Note, Those, and those only, that are employed for God, may expect
to be encouraged by him; those who lay their hands to the plough of
duty shall have them strengthened with the promises of mercy; and
those who avoid their fathers' faults, not only cut off the entail
of the curse, but have it turned into a blessing.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Zech.ix-p13" shownumber="no">II. What the discouragements were which
they had hitherto laboured under, <scripRef id="Zech.ix-p13.1" osisRef="Bible:Zech.8.10" parsed="|Zech|8|10|0|0" passage="Zec 8:10"><i>v.</i> 10</scripRef>. These are mentioned as a foil
to the blessings God was now about to bestow upon them, to make
them appear the more strange, to the glory of God, and the more
sweet, to their comfort. The truth was the times had long been very
bad, and the calamities and difficulties of them were many and
great. 1. Trade was dead; there was nothing to be done and
therefore nothing to be got. <i>Before these days</i> of
reformation began <i>there was no hire for man, nor any hire for
beasts.</i> The fruits of the earth (though it had long lain
fallow, and therefore, one would think, should have been the more
fertile) were thin and poor, so that the husbandman had no occasion
to hire harvest people to reap his corn, nor teams to carry it
home, for he could be scarcely said to have any. Merchants had no
goods to import or export, so that they needed not to hire either
men or beasts; hence the poor people, who lived by their labour,
had no way of getting bread for themselves and their families. 2.
Travelling was dangerous, so that all commerce both by sea and land
was cut off; nay, none durst stir abroad so much as to visit their
friends, for <i>their was no peace to him that went out, or came
in, because of the affliction.</i> The Samaritans, and Ammonites,
and their other evil neighbours, made inroads upon them in small
parties, and seized all they could lay their hands on; the roads
were infested with highwaymen, and both city and country with
housebreakers; so that neither men's persons nor their goods were
safe at home or abroad. 3. There was no such thing as friendship or
good neighbourship among them: <i>I set all men every one against
his neighbour.</i> In this there was a great deal of sin, for these
wars and fightings came from men's lust, and this God was not the
author of; but there was in it a great deal of misery also, and so
God was in it a just avenger of their disobedience to him; because
they were of an <i>evil spirit</i> towards him, a spirit of
contradiction to his laws, God sent among them an evil spirit, to
make them vexatious one to another. Those that throw off the love
of God forfeit the comfort of brotherly love.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Zech.ix-p14" shownumber="no">III. What encouragement they shall now have
to proceed in the good work they are about, and to hope that it
shall yet be well with them: "Thus and thus you have been harassed
and afflicted, but now God will change his way towards you,
<scripRef id="Zech.ix-p14.1" osisRef="Bible:Zech.8.11" parsed="|Zech|8|11|0|0" passage="Zec 8:11"><i>v.</i> 11</scripRef>. Now that you
return to your duty God will comfort you according to the time that
he has afflicted you; the ebbing tide shall flow again." 1. God
will not proceed in his controversy with them; <i>I will not be to
them as in the former days.</i> Note, It is with us well or ill
according as God is to us; for every creature is that to us which
he makes it to be. And, if we walk not contrary to God as in the
former days, he will not walk contrary to us as in the former days;
for it is only <i>with the froward</i> that he will <i>wrestle.</i>
2. They shall have great plenty and abundance of all goods things
(<scripRef id="Zech.ix-p14.2" osisRef="Bible:Zech.8.12" parsed="|Zech|8|12|0|0" passage="Zec 8:12"><i>v.</i> 12</scripRef>): <i>The
seed</i> sown <i>shall be prosperous,</i> and yield a great
increase; <i>the vine shall give her fruit,</i> which makes glad
the heart, and <i>the ground</i> its products, which strengthen the
heart; they shall have all they can desire, not only for necessity,
but for ornament and delight. The <i>heavens shall give their
dew,</i> without which the earth would not yield her increase,
which is a constant intimation to us of the beneficence of the God
of heaven to men on earth and of their dependence on him. It is
said of a <i>sweeping rain</i> that it <i>leaves no food</i>
(<scripRef id="Zech.ix-p14.3" osisRef="Bible:Prov.28.3" parsed="|Prov|28|3|0|0" passage="Pr 28:3">Prov. xxviii. 3</scripRef>); but here
the <i>gentle dew</i> waters the earth, that it may give <i>seed to
the sower and bread to the eater.</i> And thus God will <i>cause
the remnant of this people to possess all these things.</i> They
are but a <i>remnant,</i> a <i>residue,</i> very few, one would
think scarcely worth looking after; but, now that they are at work
for God, he will take care that they shall want nothing which is
fit for them. This confirms what the prophet's colleague had said,
a little before (<scripRef id="Zech.ix-p14.4" osisRef="Bible:Hag.2.16 Bible:Hag.2.19" parsed="|Hag|2|16|0|0;|Hag|2|19|0|0" passage="Hag 2:16,19">Hag. ii. 16,
19</scripRef>), <i>From this day will I bless you.</i> Note, God's
people, that serve him faithfully, have great possessions.
"<i>All</i> is yours, for you are Christ's." 3. They shall recover
their credit among their neighbours (<scripRef id="Zech.ix-p14.5" osisRef="Bible:Zech.8.13" parsed="|Zech|8|13|0|0" passage="Zec 8:13"><i>v.</i> 13</scripRef>): <i>You were a curse among the
heathen.</i> Every one censured and condemned them, spoke ill of
them, and wished ill to them, upon the account of the great
disgrace that they were under; some think that they were made a
form of execration, so that if a man would load his enemy with the
heaviest curse he would say, <i>God make thee like a Jew!</i> "But
now, <i>I will save you, and you shall be a blessing.</i> Your
restoration shall be as much taken notice of to your honour as ever
your desolation and dispersion were to your reproach; you shall be
applauded and admired as much as ever you were vilified and run
down, shall be courted and caressed as much as ever you were
slighted and abandoned." Most men smile or frown upon their
neighbours according as Providence smiles or frowns upon them; but
those whom God plainly blesses as his own, shows favour to and puts
honour upon, we ought also to respect and be kind to. The blessed
of the Lord are the blessing of the land, and should be so
accounted by us. This is here promised to the house both of Israel
and Judah; for many of the ten tribes returned out of captivity
with the two tribes, and shared with them in those blessings; and,
it is probable, besides what came at first, many, very many,
flocked to them afterwards, when they saw their affairs take this
turn. 4. God himself will determine to do them good, <scripRef id="Zech.ix-p14.6" osisRef="Bible:Zech.8.14-Zech.8.15" parsed="|Zech|8|14|8|15" passage="Zec 8:14,15"><i>v.</i> 14, 15</scripRef>. All their
comforts take rise from the thoughts of the love that God had
towards them, <scripRef id="Zech.ix-p14.7" osisRef="Bible:Jer.29.11" parsed="|Jer|29|11|0|0" passage="Jer 29:11">Jer. xxix.
11</scripRef>. Compare these promises with the former threatenings.
(1.) When they <i>provoked him</i> to anger with <i>their sins,</i>
he said that he would <i>punish them,</i> and so he did; it was his
declared purpose to bring destroying judgments upon them, and,
because they repented not of their rebellions against him, he
repented not of his threatenings against them, but let the sentence
of the law take its course. Note, God's punishing sinners is never
a sudden and hasty resolve, but is always the product of thought,
and there is a counsel in that part of the will of God. If the
sinner turn not, God will not turn. (2.) Now that they pleased him
with their services; he said that he would <i>do them good;</i> and
will he not be as true to his promises as he was to his
threatenings? No doubt he will: "<i>So again have I thought to do
well to Jerusalem in those days,</i> when you begin to hearken to
the voice of God speaking to you by his prophets; and these
thoughts also shall be performed."</p>
<p class="indent" id="Zech.ix-p15" shownumber="no">IV. The use they are to make of these
encouragements.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Zech.ix-p16" shownumber="no">1. Let them take the comfort which these
promises give to them: <i>Fear you not</i> (<scripRef id="Zech.ix-p16.1" osisRef="Bible:Zech.8.15" parsed="|Zech|8|15|0|0" passage="Zec 8:15"><i>v.</i> 15</scripRef>); <i>let your hands be
strong</i> (<scripRef id="Zech.ix-p16.2" osisRef="Bible:Zech.8.9" parsed="|Zech|8|9|0|0" passage="Zec 8:9"><i>v.</i> 9</scripRef>);
and both together (<scripRef id="Zech.ix-p16.3" osisRef="Bible:Zech.8.13" parsed="|Zech|8|13|0|0" passage="Zec 8:13"><i>v.</i>
13</scripRef>), <i>Fear not, but let your hands be strong.</i> (1.)
The difficulties they met with in their work must not drive them
from it, nor make them go on heavily in it, for the issue would be
good and the reward great. Let this therefore animate them to
proceed with vigour and cheerfulness. (2.) The dangers they were
exposed to from their enemies must not terrify them; those that
have God for them, engaged to do them good, need not fear <i>what
man can do against them.</i></p>
<p class="indent" id="Zech.ix-p17" shownumber="no">2. Let them do the duty which those
promises call for from them, <scripRef id="Zech.ix-p17.1" osisRef="Bible:Zech.8.16-Zech.8.17" parsed="|Zech|8|16|8|17" passage="Zec 8:16,17"><i>v.</i> 16, 17</scripRef>. The very same duties
which the former prophets pressed upon their fathers from the
consideration of the wrath threatened (<scripRef id="Zech.ix-p17.2" osisRef="Bible:Zech.7.9-Zech.7.10" parsed="|Zech|7|9|7|10" passage="Zec 7:9,10"><i>ch.</i> vii. 9, 10</scripRef>) this prophet presses
upon them from the consideration of the mercy promised: "Leave it
to God, to perform for you what he has promised, in his own way and
time, but upon condition that you make conscience of your duty.
<i>These are the things then that you shall do;</i> this is your
part of the covenant; these are the articles which you are to
perform, fulfil, and keep, that you may not put a bar in your own
door and stop the current of God's favours." (1.) "You must never
tell a lie, but always speak as you think, and as the matter is, to
the best of your knowledge: <i>Speak you every man the truth to his
neighbour,</i> both in bargains and in common converse; dread every
word that looks like a lie." This precept the apostle quotes
(<scripRef id="Zech.ix-p17.3" osisRef="Bible:Eph.4.25" parsed="|Eph|4|25|0|0" passage="Eph 4:25">Eph. iv. 25</scripRef>), and backs it
with this reason, <i>We are members one of another.</i> (2.) Those
that are entrusted with the administration of public justice must
see to it, not only that none be wronged by it, but that those who
are wronged be righted by it: <i>Execute the judgment of truth and
peace in your gates.</i> Let the judges that sit in the gates in
all their judicial proceedings have regard both to truth and to
peace; let them take care to do justice, to accommodate
differences, and to prevent vexatious suits. It must be a judgment
of truth in order to peace, and making those friends that were at
variance, and a judgment of peace as far as is consistent with
truth, and no further. (3.) No man must bear malice against his
neighbour upon any account; this is the same with what we had
<scripRef id="Zech.ix-p17.4" osisRef="Bible:Zech.7.10" parsed="|Zech|7|10|0|0" passage="Zec 7:10"><i>ch.</i> vii. 10</scripRef>. We must
not only keep our hands from doing evil, but we must watch over our
hearts, that they <i>imagine not any evil</i> against our
neighbour, <scripRef id="Zech.ix-p17.5" osisRef="Bible:Prov.3.29" parsed="|Prov|3|29|0|0" passage="Pr 3:29">Prov. iii. 29</scripRef>.
Injury and mischief must be crushed in the thought, in the embryo.
(4.) Great reverence must be had for an oath, and conscience made
of it: "Never take a false oath, nay, <i>love no false oath;</i>
that is, hate it, dread it, keep at a distance from it. Love not to
impose oaths upon others, lest they swear falsely; love not that
any should take a false oath for your benefit, and forswear
themselves to do you a kindness." A very good reason is annexed
against all these corrupt and wicked practices: "For <i>all these
are things that I hate,</i> and therefore you must hate them if you
expect to have God your friend." These things here forbidden are
all of them found among the <i>seven things which the Lord
hates,</i> <scripRef id="Zech.ix-p17.6" osisRef="Bible:Prov.6.16-Prov.6.19" parsed="|Prov|6|16|6|19" passage="Pr 6:16-19">Prov. vi.
16-19</scripRef>. Note, We must forbear sin, not only because God
is angry at it, and therefore it is dangerous to us, but because he
hates it, and therefore it ill becomes us and is a very ungrateful
thing.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Zech.ix-p17.7" osisRef="Bible:Zech.8.18-Zech.8.23" parsed="|Zech|8|18|8|23" passage="Zec 8:18-23" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Zech.ix-p17.8">
<h4 id="Zech.ix-p17.9">Encouraging Prospects. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Zech.ix-p17.10">b. c.</span> 517.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Zech.ix-p18" shownumber="no">18 And the word of the <span class="smallcaps" id="Zech.ix-p18.1">Lord</span> of hosts came unto me, saying,   19
Thus saith the <span class="smallcaps" id="Zech.ix-p18.2">Lord</span> of hosts; The
fast of the fourth <i>month,</i> 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 <span class="smallcaps" id="Zech.ix-p18.3">Lord</span> of hosts; <i>It shall</i> yet <i>come to
pass,</i> that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many
cities:   21 And the inhabitants of one <i>city</i> shall go
to another, saying, Let us go speedily to pray before the <span class="smallcaps" id="Zech.ix-p18.4">Lord</span>, and to seek the <span class="smallcaps" id="Zech.ix-p18.5">Lord</span> of hosts: I will go also.   22 Yea,
many people and strong nations shall come to seek the <span class="smallcaps" id="Zech.ix-p18.6">Lord</span> of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before
the <span class="smallcaps" id="Zech.ix-p18.7">Lord</span>.   23 Thus saith the
<span class="smallcaps" id="Zech.ix-p18.8">Lord</span> of hosts; In those days <i>it
shall come to pass,</i> 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
<i>that</i> God <i>is</i> with you.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Zech.ix-p19" shownumber="no">These verses contain two precious promises,
for the further encouragement of those pious Jews that were hearty
in building the temple.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Zech.ix-p20" shownumber="no">I. That a happy period should be put to
their fasts, and there should be no more occasion for them, but
they should be converted into thanksgiving days, <scripRef id="Zech.ix-p20.1" osisRef="Bible:Zech.8.19" parsed="|Zech|8|19|0|0" passage="Zec 8:19"><i>v.</i> 19</scripRef>. This is a direct answer to the
enquiry concerning their fasts, <scripRef id="Zech.ix-p20.2" osisRef="Bible:Zech.7.3" parsed="|Zech|7|3|0|0" passage="Zec 7:3"><i>ch.</i> vii. 3</scripRef>. Those of them that fasted
in hypocrisy had their doom in the foregoing chapter, but those
that in sincerity humbled themselves before God, and sought his
face, have here a comfortable assurance given them of a large share
in the happy times approaching. The four <i>yearly fasts</i> which
they had religiously observed should be <i>to the house of Judah
joy and gladness, and solemn feasts,</i> and those cheerful ones.
Note, Joyous times will come to the church after troublous times;
if weeping endure for more than a night, and joy come not next
morning, yet the morning will come that will introduce it at
length. And, when God comes towards us in ways of mercy, we must
meet him with joy and thankfulness; when God turns judgments into
mercies we must turn fasts into festivals, and thus <i>walk after
the Lord.</i> And those who <i>sow in tears</i> with Zion shall
<i>reap in joy</i> with her; those who submit to the restraints of
her solemn fasts while they continue shall share in the triumphs of
her cheerful feasts when they come, <scripRef id="Zech.ix-p20.3" osisRef="Bible:Isa.66.10" parsed="|Isa|66|10|0|0" passage="Isa 66:10">Isa. lxvi. 10</scripRef>. The inference from this
promise is, "<i>Therefore love the truth and peace;</i> be faithful
and honest in all your dealings, and let it be a pleasure to you to
be so, though thereby you cut yourselves short of those gains which
you see others get dishonestly; and, as much as in you lies, live
peaceably with all men, and be in your element when you are in
charity. Let the truths of God rule in your heads, and let the
peace of God rule in your hearts."</p>
<p class="indent" id="Zech.ix-p21" shownumber="no">II. That a great accession should be made
to the church by the conversion of many foreigners, <scripRef id="Zech.ix-p21.1" osisRef="Bible:Zech.8.20-Zech.8.23" parsed="|Zech|8|20|8|23" passage="Zec 8:20-23"><i>v.</i> 20-23</scripRef>. This was
fulfilled but in part when, in the latter times of the Jewish
church, there were abundance of proselytes from all the countries
about, and some that lay very remote, who came yearly to worship at
Jerusalem, which added very much both to the grandeur and wealth of
that city, and contributed greatly to the making of it so
considerable as it came to be before our Saviour's time, though now
it was but just peeping out of its ruins. But it would be
accomplished much more fully in the conversion of the Gentiles to
the faith of Christ, and the incorporating of them with the
believing Jews in one great body, under Christ the head, a
<i>mystery</i> which is <i>made manifest</i> by the <i>scriptures
of the prophets</i> (<scripRef id="Zech.ix-p21.2" osisRef="Bible:Rom.16.26" parsed="|Rom|16|26|0|0" passage="Ro 16:26">Rom. xvi.
26</scripRef>), and by this among the rest, which makes it strange
that when it was accomplished it was so great a surprise and
stumbling-block to the Jews. Observe,</p>
<p class="indent" id="Zech.ix-p22" shownumber="no">1. Who they are that shall be added to the
church—<i>people, and the inhabitants of many cities</i>
(<scripRef id="Zech.ix-p22.1" osisRef="Bible:Zech.8.20" parsed="|Zech|8|20|0|0" passage="Zec 8:20"><i>v.</i> 20</scripRef>); not only a
few ignorant country people that may be easily imposed upon, or
some idle people that have nothing else to do, but intelligent
inquisitive citizens, men of business and acquaintance with the
world, shall embrace the gospel of Christ; <i>yea, many people and
strong nations</i> (<scripRef id="Zech.ix-p22.2" osisRef="Bible:Zech.8.22" parsed="|Zech|8|22|0|0" passage="Zec 8:22"><i>v.</i>
22</scripRef>), some of <i>all languages,</i> <scripRef id="Zech.ix-p22.3" osisRef="Bible:Zech.8.23" parsed="|Zech|8|23|0|0" passage="Zec 8:23"><i>v.</i> 23</scripRef>. By this it appears that they
are brought into the church, not by human persuasion, for they are
of different languages, not by external force, for they are strong
nations, able to have kept their ground if they had been so
attacked, but purely by the effectual working of divine truth and
grace. Note, God has his remnant in all parts; and in the general
assembly of the church of the first-born some will be found <i>out
of all nations and kindreds,</i> <scripRef id="Zech.ix-p22.4" osisRef="Bible:Rev.7.9" parsed="|Rev|7|9|0|0" passage="Re 7:9">Rev.
vii. 9</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Zech.ix-p23" shownumber="no">2. How their accession to the church is
described: They shall come <i>to pray before the Lord and to seek
the Lord of hosts</i> (<scripRef id="Zech.ix-p23.1" osisRef="Bible:Zech.8.21" parsed="|Zech|8|21|0|0" passage="Zec 8:21"><i>v.</i>
21</scripRef>); and, to show that this is the main matter in which
their conversion consists, it is repeated (<scripRef id="Zech.ix-p23.2" osisRef="Bible:Zech.8.22" parsed="|Zech|8|22|0|0" passage="Zec 8:22"><i>v.</i> 22</scripRef>): They <i>shall come to seek the
Lord of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the Lord.</i> No
mention is made of their offering sacrifices, not only because
these were not expected from the proselytes of the gate, but
because, when the Gentiles should be brought in, sacrifice and
offering should be quite abolished. See who are to be accounted
converts to God and members of the church: and all that are
converts to God are members of the church. (1.) They are such as
<i>seek the Lord of hosts,</i> such as enquire for <i>God their
Maker,</i> covet and court his favour, and are truly desirous to
know his mind and will and sincerely devoted to his honour and
glory. <i>This is the generation of those that seek him.</i> (2.)
They are such as <i>pray before the Lord,</i>—such as make
conscience, and make a business, of the duty of prayer,—such as
dare not, would not, for all the world, live without it,—such as
by prayer pay their homage to God, own their dependence upon him,
maintain their communion with him, and fetch in mercy and grace
from him. (3.) They are such as herein have an eye to the divine
revelation and institution, which is signified by their doing this
<i>in Jerusalem,</i> the place which God had chosen, where his word
was, where his temple was, which was a type of Christ and his
mediation, which all faithful worshippers will have a believing
regard to.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Zech.ix-p24" shownumber="no">3. How unanimous they shall be in their
accession to the church, and how zealous in exciting one another to
it (<scripRef id="Zech.ix-p24.1" osisRef="Bible:Zech.8.21" parsed="|Zech|8|21|0|0" passage="Zec 8:21"><i>v.</i> 21</scripRef>): <i>The
inhabitants of one city shall go to another,</i> as formerly when
they went up from all parts of the country to worship at the yearly
feasts; and they shall say, <i>Let us go speedily to pray before
the Lord; I will go also.</i> This intimates, (1.) That those who
are brought into an acquaintance with Christ themselves should do
all they can to bring others acquainted with him; thus Andrew
invited Peter to Christ and Philip invited Nathanael. True grace
hates monopolies. (2.) That those who are duly sensible of their
need of Christ, and of the favour of God through him, will stir up
themselves and others without delay to hasten to him: "<i>Let us go
speedily to pray;</i> it is for our lives, and the lives of our
souls, that we are to petition, and therefore it concerns us to
lose no time; in a matter of such moment delays are dangerous."
(3.) That our communion with God is very much assisted and
furthered by the communion of saints. It is pleasant to go <i>to
the house of God in company</i> (<scripRef id="Zech.ix-p24.2" osisRef="Bible:Ps.55.14" parsed="|Ps|55|14|0|0" passage="Ps 55:14">Ps.
lv. 14</scripRef>), <i>with the multitude</i> (<scripRef id="Zech.ix-p24.3" osisRef="Bible:Ps.42.4" parsed="|Ps|42|4|0|0" passage="Ps 42:4">Ps. xlii. 4</scripRef>), and it is of good use to those
that do so to excite one another to go speedily and lose no time;
we should be glad when it is said to us, <i>Let us go,</i>
<scripRef id="Zech.ix-p24.4" osisRef="Bible:Ps.122.1" parsed="|Ps|122|1|0|0" passage="Ps 122:1">Ps. cxxii. 1</scripRef>. As iron
sharpens iron, so may good men sharpen the countenances and spirits
one of another in that which is good. (4.) That those who stir up
others to that which is good must take heed that they do not turn
off, or tire, or draw back themselves; he that says, <i>Let us
go,</i> says, <i>I will go also.</i> What good we put others upon
doing we must see to it that we do ourselves, else we shall be
judged out of our own mouths. Not, "Do you go, and I will stay at
home;" but, "Do you go, and I will go with you." "A singular
pattern (says Mr. Pemble) of zealous charity, that neither leaves
others behind nor turns others before it."</p>
<p class="indent" id="Zech.ix-p25" shownumber="no">4. Upon what inducement they shall join
themselves to the church, not for the church's sake, but for his
sake who dwells in it (<scripRef id="Zech.ix-p25.1" osisRef="Bible:Zech.8.23" parsed="|Zech|8|23|0|0" passage="Zec 8:23"><i>v.</i>
23</scripRef>): <i>Ten men</i> of different nations and languages
<i>shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew,</i> begging
of him not to outgo them, but to take them along with him. This
intimates the great honour they have for a Jew, as one of the
chosen people of God, and therefore well worthy their acquaintance;
they cannot all come to take him by the hand, or embrace him in
their arms, but are ambitious to take hold of the skirt of his
robe, to touch the hem of his garment, saying, <i>We will go with
you, for we have heard that God is with you.</i> The gospel was
preached to the Jews first (for of that nation the apostles were)
and by them it was carried to the Gentiles. St. Paul was a Jew
whose skirt many took hold of when they welcomed him as <i>an angel
of God,</i> and begged him to take them along with him to Christ;
thus the Greeks took hold of Philip's skirt, saying, <i>Sir, we
would see Jesus,</i> <scripRef id="Zech.ix-p25.2" osisRef="Bible:John.12.21" parsed="|John|12|21|0|0" passage="Joh 12:21">John xii.
21</scripRef>. Note, It is the privilege of the saints that they
have God with them, have him among them—the knowledge, and fear,
and worship of him; they have his favour and gracious presence, and
this should invite us into communion with them. It is good being
with those who have God with them, and those who <i>join themselves
to the Lord</i> must <i>join themselves to his disciples;</i> if we
take God for our God, we must take his people for our people, cast
in our lot among them, and be willing to take our lot with
them.</p>
</div></div2>