Zechariah 8:22-23b
Re-evaluation Translation:
(Repeating) 8:22 Indeed, many people and powerful nations will come to seek Yehuveh over everything, in Jerusalem, and to pray before Yehuveh.
8:23 Thus says Yehuveh of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that an accumulation of men out of all languages of the nations will take hold, even will grasp the garments of men of Judah, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that Elohim is with you.
Bible, KJV Translation:
(Repeating) 8:22 Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek Yehuveh of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before Yehuveh.
8:23 Thus saith Yehuveh 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 Elohim is with you.
Yehuveh’s Assurance of Jerusalem’s full restoration: Commentary on Zechariah 8:1-23 (5 February 2009):
Significant Words and Comments:
Commentary on Zechariah 8:22-23 continued (5 February 2009):
The picture drawn from Scripture is that Yehuveh’s judgments, both natural and humanly devised, will forever remove from the earth all those who will not serve Him. “I will shake the heavens and the earth; and I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms, and I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the heathen; and I will overthrow the chariots, and those that ride in them; and the horses and their riders shall come down, every one by the sword of his brother.” We have little concept of the massive devastation which must yet come to humanity, but when it is finally past, Yehuveh will have forever ended human rebellion. “With righteousness shall He judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and He shall smite the earth: with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips shall He slay the wicked.” When this dramatic human slaughter is past, all who remain will seek Yehuveh and come to His people for instruction. Then “the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Yehuveh, and of His anointed; and He shall reign for ever and ever.” Haggai 2:21-22; Isaiah 11:4; Revelation 11:15.
These people from all remaining nations come to Jerusalem to seek Yehuveh and His righteous instruction, not to live. They come for stays of varying lengths, as their need require, then return to their respective nations to teach what they have learned to their own people. There would not be sufficient space in Jerusalem for all these people to come to live, but more than this, it is not Yehuveh’s purpose to destroy national societies, but rather to instruct them in righteousness and enable them to enjoy all blessings within their own cultures!
Significant Words: 8:22 (5 February 2009):
Many [H7227] and people [H5971] are both discussed in notes on Zechariah 2:11.
Strong, from `atsuwm [H6099], means “powerful; numerous.” That is, many large nations will come to seek Yehuveh! Not just small nations and minority races, but many populous nations will realize the truth of Yehuveh’s righteous ways and will gladly join smaller nations in seeking His instructions. What an awesome picture! `Atsuwm is used only here in Zechariah.
Nations [H1471] is discussed in notes on Zechariah 1:15.
Shall come [H0935] is discussed in notes on Zechariah 1:21.
To seek [H1245] is discussed in notes on Zechariah 6:7.
Yehuveh [H3068] of hosts [H6635] is discussed by Zechariah 1:3.
Jerusalem [H3389] is discussed in notes on Zechariah 1:12.
To pray [H2470] is discussed in notes on Zechariah 7:2.
Yehuveh [H3068] is discussed by Zechariah 1:1.
Gael Bataman
Originally Written: 5 February 2009
Latest Update: 5 February 2009
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