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Zechariah 14:8

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¶ And it shall be in that day, [that] living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be.

And it shall be in that day {H3117}, that living {H2416} waters {H4325} shall go out {H3318} from Jerusalem {H3389}; half {H2677} of them toward the former {H6931} sea {H3220}, and half {H2677} of them toward the hinder {H314} sea {H3220}: in summer {H7019} and in winter {H2779} shall it be.

On that day, fresh water will flow out from Yerushalayim, half toward the eastern sea and half toward the western sea, both summer and winter.

And on that day living water will flow out from Jerusalem, half of it toward the Eastern Sea and the other half toward the Western Sea, in summer and winter alike.

And it shall come to pass in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the eastern sea, and half of them toward the western sea: in summer and in winter shall it be.

Commentary

Context of Zechariah 14:8

Zechariah chapter 14 describes the dramatic events surrounding the "Day of the Lord", a prophetic period encompassing divine judgment and the establishment of God's kingdom on earth. This particular verse paints a vivid picture of the transformed landscape around Jerusalem during this future era, often associated with the Messianic or Millennial Kingdom. The previous verses detail a great battle and the Lord's triumphant return to the Mount of Olives, setting the stage for a new, divinely ordered world.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Provision and Abundance: The central image is that of "living waters" (Hebrew: mayim hayyim), which signifies fresh, flowing, life-giving water, in contrast to stagnant pools. This symbolizes an unending, vital supply of spiritual and physical blessing directly from God.
  • Universal Reach of Blessing: The waters flow "half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea." The "former sea" is the Dead Sea (to the east), and the "hinder sea" is the Mediterranean Sea (to the west). This indicates that the divine blessing originating from Jerusalem will extend across the entire land, transforming even the desolate Dead Sea region into a place of life, much like the vision in Ezekiel 47:1-12.
  • Perpetual Flow: The phrase "in summer and in winter shall it be" emphasizes the continuous and unceasing nature of this flow. Unlike natural rivers in the region that often diminish or dry up during the hot summer months, these waters will be constant, signifying an everlasting source of life and renewal from God.
  • Jerusalem's Centrality: The verse highlights Jerusalem as the source of this life-giving flow, underscoring its pivotal role as the spiritual and governmental center in the coming kingdom age.

Linguistic Insights

The term "living waters" (Hebrew: mayim hayyim) is significant. In ancient Israel, it referred to spring water, which was highly valued for its freshness and purity, as opposed to cistern water. The concept is also used metaphorically in other scriptures to represent spiritual life and truth, such as in Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman in John 4:10-14, where He speaks of Himself as the source of "rivers of living water" (referring to the Holy Spirit).

Practical Application

Zechariah 14:8 offers profound hope and insight for believers today:

  1. Hope in God's Future Kingdom: It assures us of a coming time when God's presence and blessings will be universally evident and perpetually available, transforming even the most barren places.
  2. The Source of Spiritual Life: The "living waters" ultimately point to God Himself and the Holy Spirit as the unending source of spiritual vitality, cleansing, and refreshment for individuals and the world. We are called to draw from this source continually.
  3. Mission and Impact: As recipients of this spiritual life, believers are called to be channels through whom God's life-giving truth can flow to others, bringing transformation to spiritually dry and desolate areas of the world, much like the river from Jerusalem.
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Cross-References

  • Revelation 22:1 (27 votes)

    ¶ And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.

  • Revelation 22:2 (27 votes)

    In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, [was there] the tree of life, which bare twelve [manner of] fruits, [and] yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree [were] for the healing of the nations.

  • John 7:38 (25 votes)

    He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

  • John 4:14 (23 votes)

    But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

  • John 4:10 (20 votes)

    Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

  • Revelation 7:16 (18 votes)

    They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.

  • Revelation 7:17 (18 votes)

    For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.