Zechariah 8

2. I was jealous. Rather, “I have been jealous”; i.e., against the foes of Zion.

3. I am returned. See Ezek. ix. 3; x. 4, 18, 19; xi. 22, 23; xliii. 1-7.

4 dwell. Rather, “sit”; the aged sitting in the open air, the children playing there: a lovely picture of peace restored. Such scenes are not possible amid the horrors of war.

7 from the east country, etc. From all places, wherever they are dispersed. Lit., “from the sun-rising and from the sun-setting.”

10 no hire for man, etc. That is, no reward of labour.

because of the affliction. Rather, “Because of the adversary” (R.V.).

15 fear ye not. My threatenings have been accomplished; fear not, then, that I shall fail to fulfil My promises.

19. The fast of the fourth [month]. The fast of the tenth month commemorated the beginning of the siege of Jerusalem, and that of the fourth month its capture: see Jer. lii. 4, 6, 7. Respecting the other fasts, see note on vii. 5.

23 ten men. That is, many men.

shall take hold of the skirt. In the manner of one who desires to go with another, and will not take a refusal: see Isa. iii. 6.