Zechariah 1:14

KJV

So the angel that communed with me said unto me, Cry thou, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy.

KJV (with Strong's)

So the angel {H4397} that communed {H1696} with me said {H559} unto me, Cry {H7121} thou, saying {H559}, Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}; I am jealous {H7065} for Jerusalem {H3389} and for Zion {H6726} with a great {H1419} jealousy {H7068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The angel speaking with me then said to me, "Here is what ADONAITzva'ot says: 'I am extremely jealous on behalf of Yerushalayim and Tziyon;

Berean Standard Bible

Then the angel who was speaking with me said, “Proclaim this word: This is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘I am very jealous for Jerusalem and Zion,

American Standard Version

So the angel that talked with me said unto me, Cry thou, saying, Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 1:14 presents a powerful divine declaration delivered through an angel, revealing the Lord's intense, protective zeal for Jerusalem and Zion. This message serves as a profound assurance to the post-exilic community, reaffirming God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, His holy city, and His chosen people, despite their past failures and present challenges. It underscores His active involvement and passionate determination to restore and glorify His dwelling place.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 1:14 is part of the first of eight nocturnal visions granted to the prophet Zechariah, which span [Zechariah 1:7-6:8](/zechariah/1-7-6-8 "Zechariah's Eight Nocturnal Visions"). This specific verse concludes the first vision, the vision of the horsemen, which portrays the Lord's surveillance of the earth and His response to the nations' excessive cruelty towards Judah. The angel's declaration of God's jealousy follows the report from the horsemen that "all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest" ([Zechariah 1:11](/zechariah/1-11 "Zechariah 1:11 - The Earth is at Rest")). This stillness implies that the nations, who were instruments of God's judgment against Judah, have overstepped their bounds and are now enjoying peace while Judah remains desolate. God's jealous outcry in verse 14 directly responds to this perceived injustice and His people's continued suffering, setting the stage for subsequent visions that promise restoration and judgment on Judah's oppressors.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Zechariah ministered to the Jewish community that had returned to Judah from the Babylonian exile, beginning in 538 BC under the decree of Cyrus the Great. This period, roughly 520-518 BC, was marked by significant challenges. While the initial enthusiasm for rebuilding the Temple had waned due to opposition from surrounding peoples ([Ezra 4](/ezra/4 "Ezra 4 - Opposition to Rebuilding")) and internal discouragement, the people faced economic hardship and a sense of divine abandonment. The Temple, central to their religious and national identity, lay in ruins, and Jerusalem was far from its former glory. God's declaration of "great jealousy" for Jerusalem and Zion would have been a profoundly encouraging and culturally resonant message, reminding them that their God had not forgotten them but was fiercely protective of His covenant relationship and His designated holy city.
* **Key Themes:** Zechariah's early chapters, including this verse, are rich with themes intended to rekindle hope and motivate the returned exiles. A primary theme is **Divine Sovereignty and Control over History**, emphasized by the title "the LORD of hosts," signifying God's absolute power over all cosmic and earthly forces, assuring the people that He is capable of fulfilling His promises despite obstacles. Another crucial theme is **God's Unwavering Covenant Faithfulness**, as His "jealousy" demonstrates His passionate commitment to His covenant with Israel, ensuring their ultimate restoration and the rebuilding of Jerusalem. This ties into the theme of **Restoration and Future Glory for Jerusalem**, which permeates the book, promising a time when Jerusalem will again be prosperous and God's presence will dwell richly within it, as seen in the later vision of the man with the measuring line ([Zechariah 2:1-5](/zechariah/2-1-5 "Zechariah 2:1-5 - The Measuring Line")). Finally, the overall message is one of **Prophetic Encouragement and Call to Action**, urging the people to resume the work of rebuilding the Temple with renewed faith in God's active involvement.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **angel (Hebrew, _mălʼâk'_):** This word (H4397) signifies a "messenger" or "deputy," specifically referring here to a divine messenger, an angel. In Zechariah's visions, this angel often serves as an interpreter or guide, mediating God's messages to the prophet. The presence of the angel underscores the divine origin and authority of the message being conveyed.
* **LORD of hosts (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh tsâbâʼ'_):** "LORD" (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_) is the sacred covenant name of God, emphasizing His self-existent, eternal nature. "Hosts" (H6635, _tsâbâʼ_) refers to a "mass of persons," often organized for war, an army, or heavenly bodies. Together, "LORD of hosts" signifies God's supreme authority and power over all heavenly and earthly armies, forces, and events. It is a title that inspires awe and confidence, reminding the audience that the Almighty God is actively engaged on their behalf.
* **jealousy (Hebrew, _qinʼâh'_):** This word (H7068) denotes a strong sense of zeal, passion, or indignation. When applied to God, as here and in the related verb "I am jealous" (H7065, _qânâʼ_), it describes His righteous, exclusive devotion to His covenant people and His fierce protective love for His own honor and promises. It is not human envy, but a holy zeal that drives Him to defend what is rightfully His and to vindicate His people against those who harm them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So the angel that communed with me said unto me,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine source and prophetic nature of the message. The angel acts as the direct conduit for God's word to Zechariah, highlighting the authenticity and authority of the subsequent declaration. The phrase "communed with me" emphasizes a direct, intimate communication between the heavenly messenger and the prophet.
* **"Cry thou, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts;"**: The command "Cry thou" (from H7121, _qârâʼ_) indicates an urgent, public proclamation. Zechariah is not merely to receive the message but to declare it boldly to the people. The formula "Thus saith the LORD of hosts" is a classic prophetic introduction, unequivocally asserting that the words are not Zechariah's own, but the direct, authoritative utterance of the Sovereign God, the Commander of all creation.
* **"I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy."**: This is the core declaration. God states His intense, passionate, and protective zeal (H7065, _qânâʼ_) for His chosen city, Jerusalem, and specifically for Zion (H6726, _Tsîyôwn_), often referring to the temple mount and by extension, the entire city and its inhabitants. The repetition of "jealousy" with the intensifier "great" (H1419, _gâdôwl_) underscores the depth and ferocity of God's commitment. This "jealousy" is a holy attribute, signifying His righteous indignation against those who have harmed His people and His unwavering determination to restore and protect His holy dwelling place.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 1:14 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human emotions—specifically, jealousy—to God. This is not to suggest human weakness in God, but rather to convey the intensity and depth of His protective, covenantal love for Jerusalem and Zion. His "great jealousy" (a form of **Repetition** for emphasis, using the root verb and noun) signifies a fierce, righteous passion that will not tolerate harm to His beloved city and people. The use of the title "the LORD of hosts" is a form of **Divine Epithet**, serving as a powerful reminder of God's supreme authority and military might, assuring the struggling exiles that their God is fully capable of defending them and fulfilling His promises. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is at play, as "Jerusalem" and "Zion" represent not just physical locations but the heart of God's covenant relationship with His people and the future hope of His kingdom on earth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The divine jealousy expressed in Zechariah 1:14 is a profound theological statement about God's nature and His relationship with His people. It reveals that God is not a distant, dispassionate deity, but one who is intimately and passionately invested in the destiny of His chosen. This "jealousy" is a holy attribute, distinct from human envy, signifying His righteous insistence on exclusive devotion from His people and His fervent commitment to His own honor and covenant promises. It is a protective zeal that drives Him to defend what is rightfully His and to vindicate His people against those who have oppressed them. This passionate commitment assures believers that God's plans for His kingdom and His people will ultimately prevail, despite present difficulties or opposition.

* [Exodus 34:14](/exodus/34-14 "Exodus 34:14 - God is a Jealous God")
* [Deuteronomy 4:24](/deuteronomy/4-24 "Deuteronomy 4:24 - God is a Consuming Fire")
* [Isaiah 62:4-5](/isaiah/62-4-5 "Isaiah 62:4-5 - Zion as God's Delight")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 1:14 offers profound encouragement and a powerful anchor for faith in every generation. It reminds us that God's commitment to His people, the Church, is unwavering and fiercely protective. In times of discouragement, when our spiritual "temple" feels in ruins, or when the world seems to be at ease while we struggle, this verse assures us that the "LORD of hosts" is not indifferent. His "great jealousy" for us means He is passionately invested in our well-being, our restoration, and the fulfillment of His purposes in our lives and in the world. We can take heart knowing that His zeal will ultimately overcome all opposition, bringing about His promised glory for His people and His kingdom. This divine jealousy is not a threat but a profound source of security and hope, guaranteeing that God will complete the good work He has begun in us and that His ultimate plans for His Church will be realized.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's "jealousy" as a holy, protective zeal, rather than human envy, deepen your trust in His character?**
* **In what areas of your life or in the life of your community do you need to be reminded of God's unwavering commitment and "great jealousy" for His people?**
* **How does the title "LORD of hosts" encourage you when facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles or opposition?**
* **What specific actions might you take to align your life more fully with God's passionate desire for His people's restoration and glory?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that God is "jealous" for Jerusalem and Zion?**

Answer: When the Bible describes God as "jealous," especially with "great jealousy" as in [Zechariah 1:14](/zechariah/1-14 "Zechariah 1:14 - God's Jealousy for Zion"), it does not imply a negative human emotion like envy or insecurity. Rather, it signifies His righteous, exclusive devotion and passionate commitment to His covenant relationship and His own honor. For God to be jealous for Jerusalem and Zion means He has a fierce, protective love for His holy city and His chosen people. He is indignant when they are harmed or when His rightful place in their lives is usurped by idols or indifference. This divine jealousy is a holy attribute that drives Him to defend His promises, vindicate His people, and ensure the ultimate fulfillment of His purposes for them. It's a guarantee of His unwavering faithfulness and protective care.

**Who is the "angel" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "angel" (Hebrew: _mălʼâk'_) in [Zechariah 1:14](/zechariah/1-14 "Zechariah 1:14 - The Angel's Message") is a divine messenger, often referred to as the "interpreting angel" in Zechariah's visions. This angel serves as a guide and communicator, mediating God's messages and interpreting the symbolic visions to the prophet. While his specific identity is not revealed, he is clearly a heavenly being with authority to speak on behalf of the Lord. His presence underscores the divine origin and authoritative nature of the message Zechariah is commanded to proclaim.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 1:14, with its declaration of God's "great jealousy" for Jerusalem and Zion, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. While God's zeal was for the physical city and the nation of Israel, Christ embodies and extends this divine passion to His spiritual kingdom, the Church. Jesus' own zeal for His Father's house, as seen when He cleansed the Temple, fulfilling the prophecy in [Psalm 69:9](/psalm/69-9 "Psalm 69:9 - Zeal for God's House"), demonstrates this same holy jealousy ([John 2:17](/john/2-17 "John 2:17 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple")). He is the true Temple, and His body, the Church, is the new Jerusalem ([Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - The New Jerusalem")). God's jealousy for Zion is now perfectly expressed in Christ's unwavering love and protective care for His bride, the Church, for whom He gave Himself up "that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish" ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")). Just as God promised to restore Jerusalem, Christ guarantees the ultimate triumph and glorification of His Church, ensuring that the gates of hell will not prevail against it ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Church Built on the Rock")). Thus, Zechariah's vision of God's jealous love points forward to the zealous, redeeming work of Christ, who perfectly fulfills God's covenant promises and secures the eternal destiny of His people.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joel 2:18

¶ Then will the LORD be jealous for his land, and pity his people.

Zechariah 1:9

Then said I, O my lord, what [are] these? And the angel that talked with me said unto me, I will shew thee what these [be].

Zechariah 1:17

Cry yet, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad; and the LORD shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem.

Isaiah 40:1

¶ Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.

Isaiah 40:6

The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh [is] grass, and all the goodliness thereof [is] as the flower of the field:

Isaiah 42:13

¶ The LORD shall go forth as a mighty man, he shall stir up jealousy like a man of war: he shall cry, yea, roar; he shall prevail against his enemies.

Isaiah 9:7

Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.