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.

Cry {H7121} yet, saying {H559}, Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}; My cities {H5892} through prosperity {H2896} shall yet be spread abroad {H6327}; and the LORD {H3068} shall yet comfort {H5162} Zion {H6726}, and shall yet choose {H977} Jerusalem {H3389}.

In addition, proclaim that ADONAI-Tzva'ot says, 'My cities will again overflow with prosperity.' ADONAI will again comfort Tziyon, and he will again make Yerushalayim the city of his choice."

Proclaim further that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘My cities will again overflow with prosperity; the LORD will again comfort Zion and choose Jerusalem.’”

Cry yet again, saying, Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: My cities shall yet overflow with prosperity; and Jehovah shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem.

Zechariah 1:17 delivers a powerful message of hope and divine assurance to the Jewish exiles who had returned to Jerusalem. This verse, part of a series of visions given to the prophet Zechariah, serves as a direct word from the LORD, promising a glorious future for His people and their land.

Context

The book of Zechariah was written during the early post-exilic period, around 520 BC, roughly 16 years after the first wave of Jewish exiles returned from Babylon under Zerubbabel. The people were struggling to rebuild the Temple and restore their nation, facing both internal discouragement and external opposition. Zechariah, along with Haggai, was raised up by God to encourage and motivate the people to complete the Temple, reminding them of God's faithfulness and His ultimate plans for their prosperity and restoration. This verse specifically follows a vision of four horns and four carpenters, symbolizing the nations that scattered Judah and God's power to overcome them, setting the stage for promises of future blessing.

Key Themes

  • Divine Assurance and Sovereignty: The phrase "Thus saith the LORD of hosts" underscores the absolute authority and power of God. The title "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: Yahweh Sabaoth) emphasizes His role as the commander of heavenly armies and the sovereign ruler over all creation, assuring His people that His promises are backed by limitless might.
  • Restoration and Prosperity: The prophecy that "My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad" promises not only the rebuilding of Jerusalem but also the expansion and flourishing of other cities in Judah. This indicates a period of significant growth, peace, and abundance, reflecting God's blessing upon the land and its inhabitants after years of desolation. This echoes prophecies of future restoration and blessing for Israel.
  • God's Unwavering Choice and Comfort for Zion: The declaration "the LORD shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem" is a profound promise of comfort and renewal for His distressed people. "Zion" and "Jerusalem" are often used interchangeably to refer to God's chosen city and the dwelling place of His people. Despite their past failures and the recent period of exile, God reaffirms His eternal choice of Jerusalem as His holy city and assures them of His enduring love and presence.

Linguistic Insight

The word translated "prosperity" in "My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad" is the Hebrew word rov (רֹב), which means "abundance" or "multitude." It implies not just material wealth but also a multiplication of people and influence, leading to widespread growth and blessing. This indicates a comprehensive well-being and expansion, not merely a return to former conditions, but a flourishing beyond what they had known.

Practical Application

Zechariah 1:17 offers timeless encouragement for believers facing challenging circumstances. It reminds us that even in times of discouragement, delay, or difficulty, God remains faithful to His promises. His plans for His people are for prosperity and comfort, not despair. We can find solace in the fact that the "LORD of hosts" is in control, capable of bringing about His purposes regardless of present obstacles. This verse encourages perseverance in faith, trusting that God will ultimately complete the good work He has begun, bringing comfort and blessing to those who wait on Him.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 51:3

    For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.

  • Zechariah 2:12

    And the LORD shall inherit Judah his portion in the holy land, and shall choose Jerusalem again.

  • Isaiah 14:1

    ¶ For the LORD will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land: and the strangers shall be joined with them, and they shall cleave to the house of Jacob.

  • Zephaniah 3:15

    The LORD hath taken away thy judgments, he hath cast out thine enemy: the king of Israel, [even] the LORD, [is] in the midst of thee: thou shalt not see evil any more.

  • Zephaniah 3:17

    The LORD thy God in the midst of thee [is] mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

  • Psalms 69:35

    For God will save Zion, and will build the cities of Judah: that they may dwell there, and have it in possession.

  • Isaiah 54:8

    In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.

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