Zechariah 8:5

And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof.

And the streets {H7339} of the city {H5892} shall be full {H4390} of boys {H3206} and girls {H3207} playing {H7832} in the streets {H7339} thereof.

The city's open places will also be full of boys and girls playing there.'

And the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls playing there.โ€

And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof.

Commentary

Commentary on Zechariah 8:5 (KJV)

Zechariah 8:5 paints a vivid and hopeful picture of Jerusalem's future, declaring, "And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof." This verse is part of a larger prophetic message of restoration and divine blessing for the Jewish people returning from Babylonian exile.

Context

Zechariah, a prophet during the post-exilic period, delivered messages of hope and restoration to the Jewish people who had returned from Babylonian captivity. The book of Zechariah encourages the rebuilding of the Temple and promises God's renewed presence and favor. Chapter 8 specifically outlines God's intention to restore Jerusalem to a state of peace, truth, and prosperity. This idyllic scene follows God's promise to return to Zion and dwell in the midst of Jerusalem, and the previous verse (Zechariah 8:4) describes the city being filled with elderly men and women, signifying long life and stability. Verse 5 completes this picture of a vibrant, thriving community across all generations.

Key Themes

  • Restoration and Renewal: This verse symbolizes the complete reversal of fortune for Jerusalem. From a desolate, war-torn city, it is envisioned as a place bustling with life, indicating a return to normalcy and divine favor.
  • Peace and Security: The image of children playing freely signifies a profound sense of peace and security. In ancient cities, children playing in the streets was a sign that the city was safe from invasion, famine, or disease โ€“ a stark contrast to the conditions during siege or exile.
  • Prosperity and Abundance: A city full of children implies a growing population, healthy families, and sufficient resources to sustain them. It is a sign of God's blessing on the land and its inhabitants.
  • Divine Presence: Ultimately, this flourishing life is a direct result of God's decision to dwell among His people, as stated in Zechariah 8:3. His presence brings about the conditions for such joy and vitality.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "playing" is meshaqim (ืžึฐืฉึทื‚ื—ึฒืงึดื™ื), which conveys a sense of joyful activity, laughter, and delight. It's not just idle presence but active, unburdened happiness. This emphasizes the profound transformation from sorrow and desolation to uninhibited joy and freedom.

Practical Application

For believers today, Zechariah 8:5 serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and His desire to bring restoration and peace. It encourages us to:

  • Hope in God's Promises: Even in times of hardship or desolation, God has the power to bring about renewal and joy. This vision of a restored city provides a blueprint for the peace and order God desires for His creation.
  • Long for Ultimate Peace: The verse points to a future, ultimate restoration, echoing the promise of a new heaven and a new earth where peace and joy abound eternally.
  • Value Children and Community: The imagery highlights the importance of a safe, nurturing environment for children and the vitality that a thriving community brings. It underscores the blessing of generations living in harmony and security.

This vision from Zechariah is a timeless testament to God's ability to transform despair into delight, and desolation into a vibrant testimony of His presence and blessing.

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Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 31:13 (4 votes)

    Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, both young men and old together: for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow.

  • Jeremiah 31:27 (2 votes)

    ยถ Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of man, and with the seed of beast.

  • Psalms 144:12 (2 votes)

    That our sons [may be] as plants grown up in their youth; [that] our daughters [may be] as corner stones, polished [after] the similitude of a palace:

  • Psalms 144:15 (2 votes)

    Happy [is that] people, that is in such a case: [yea], happy [is that] people, whose God [is] the LORD.

  • Psalms 128:3 (2 votes)

    Thy wife [shall be] as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.

  • Psalms 128:4 (2 votes)

    Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD.

  • Matthew 11:16 (2 votes)

    ยถ But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,