Zechariah 8:11

But now I [will] not [be] unto the residue of this people as in the former days, saith the LORD of hosts.

But now I will not be unto the residue {H7611} of this people {H5971} as in the former {H7223} days {H3117}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}.

But from now on, I will not treat the remnant of this people as I did before,' says ADONAI-Tzva'ot.

But now I will not treat the remnant of this people as I did in the past,” declares the LORD of Hosts.

But now I will not be unto the remnant of this people as in the former days, saith Jehovah of hosts.

Commentary

Zechariah 8:11 marks a significant turning point in God's relationship with the returned Jewish exiles, signaling a dramatic shift from past judgment to future favor. The verse, "But now I [will] not [be] unto the residue of this people as in the former days, saith the LORD of hosts," reveals God's compassionate promise of restoration and blessing.

Context

This verse is part of a series of prophecies given to Zechariah after the Babylonian exile, as the Jewish remnant had returned to Jerusalem and were in the process of rebuilding the Temple. The "former days" refer to the period of God's severe discipline, characterized by the seventy-year captivity in Babylon and the subsequent hardships faced during the initial return. Zechariah 8:9-10 details the struggles of that time, noting a lack of prosperity and constant fear of adversaries. Verse 11 introduces a powerful contrast, declaring an end to this punitive era and the beginning of a new season of divine favor for the faithful remnant rebuilding their lives and their sanctuary.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Reversal of Fortune: The core message is God's decision to reverse the fortunes of His people. Where there was scarcity and fear, there will now be prosperity and peace. This highlights God's sovereign power to change circumstances and His faithfulness to His covenant promises.
  • Covenant Faithfulness: Despite Israel's past disobedience that led to exile, God demonstrates His unwavering faithfulness by choosing to bless the "residue," the faithful remnant who have returned and are striving to obey Him. This is a promise of hope and renewal.
  • Hope for the Remnant: The phrase "residue of this people" specifically refers to those who survived the exile and returned to Judah. For them, this verse is a profound assurance that their suffering is not eternal and that God has a glorious future planned for them, contrasting sharply with the affliction of the past.

Linguistic Insights

The title "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: Yahweh Sabaoth) is significant here. It emphasizes God's supreme authority and power over all armies, celestial beings, and earthly events. When the "LORD of hosts" declares a change in disposition, it is an undeniable and powerful decree, ensuring the fulfillment of His promise for the remnant. This title underscores the certainty and might behind God's word of restoration.

Related Scriptures

  • This shift from judgment to blessing echoes prophecies found in Jeremiah 29:10, where God promises to visit His people after 70 years and bring them back.
  • The immediate context further clarifies these blessings. Zechariah 8:12 directly follows, detailing the prosperity that will come: "For the seed shall be 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."

Practical Application

Zechariah 8:11 offers timeless encouragement. It reminds us that even after periods of hardship, discipline, or difficulty, God can bring about a dramatic turnaround. It speaks to God's merciful nature, His willingness to forgive and restore, and His faithfulness to His promises. For believers today, it serves as a powerful reminder that God's plan for His people is ultimately one of blessing and peace, even when circumstances seem dire. It encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty and to continue in obedience, knowing that He is able to bring about new seasons of favor and prosperity, both spiritually and practically, working all things for good for those who love Him.

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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 12:1 (5 votes)

    ¶ And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me.

  • Haggai 2:19 (4 votes)

    Is the seed yet in the barn? yea, as yet the vine, and the fig tree, and the pomegranate, and the olive tree, hath not brought forth: from this day will I bless [you].

  • Psalms 103:9 (3 votes)

    He will not always chide: neither will he keep [his anger] for ever.

  • Zechariah 8:8 (3 votes)

    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.

  • Zechariah 8:9 (3 votes)

    ¶ Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Let your hands be strong, ye that hear in these days these words by the mouth of the prophets, which [were] in the day [that] the foundation of the house of the LORD of hosts was laid, that the temple might be built.

  • Malachi 3:9 (2 votes)

    Ye [are] cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, [even] this whole nation.

  • Malachi 3:11 (2 votes)

    And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.