Zechariah 8

Chap. VIII. Ver. 1—23. Prophetic assurances of the restoration of Israel, with great additions from the Gentiles.— God’s zeal on the behalf of his people operates in two ways; first, in the reproof and punishment of enemies, who had taken advantage of their depressed situation under divine chastisement, (see (Zechariah 1:14-15);) and, secondly, as it respects his people, in promoting their interest and prosperity, so long as they live in obedience to his commands. In the chapter before us, the Lord promises increase of population; health, and length of days; success in all their labours; favourable treatment from the surrounding nations, who had formerly oppressed them; and, eventually, a large accession from them.

The consequence of their prosperity should not be envy, (as often is the case,) but a desire of others to unite with them in their holy festivities and devotions. “In those days,” as Archbishop Newcome renders the concluding verse, ‘ten men shall take hold, from all the languages of the nations; they shall even 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.’”—“ To take hold of another’s skirt,” is a gesture naturally used to entreat assistance and protection. This and the three foregoing verses refer to the great accession of converts which the Jewish church received between the captivity and the coming of Christ; to the number of Christian disciples which the first preachers made, and to the future conversions, of which the restoration of the Jews will be an eminent mean.

(See President Edwards’ works, vol. iii. pages 345 and onwards, new edition.)