Zechariah 1:17

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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."

Berean Standard Bible

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.’”

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 1:17 delivers a profound message of divine assurance and future restoration to the post-exilic community in Jerusalem. Through the prophet Zechariah, the LORD of hosts declares His unwavering commitment to His people, promising not only the widespread prosperity and expansion of Judah's cities but also His enduring comfort and reaffirmation of Jerusalem as His chosen dwelling place. This verse serves as a powerful antidote to the discouragement faced by the returned exiles, reminding them of God's sovereign power and His ultimate plan for their flourishing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 1:17 is situated within the initial prophetic messages and visions of Zechariah, immediately following the vision of the four horns and four craftsmen (Zechariah 1:18-21 KJV, or 2:1-4 in Hebrew/some English versions). The horns represent the oppressive nations that scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem, while the craftsmen symbolize God's agents who will dismantle the power of these adversaries. This verse, therefore, acts as a direct divine declaration that elaborates on the positive outcome of God's intervention: not just judgment on enemies, but active restoration and blessing for His people. It transitions from the imagery of divine judgment against oppressors to the explicit promise of future prosperity and comfort for Zion, setting the stage for the subsequent visions that detail Jerusalem's rebuilding and spiritual renewal.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Zechariah was written around 520 BC, approximately 16 years after the first wave of Jewish exiles returned to Judah from Babylonian captivity under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Joshua the High Priest. The initial fervor for rebuilding the Temple had waned due to internal apathy, economic hardship, and external opposition from surrounding peoples (Ezra 4). The people were discouraged, living in modest homes while God's house lay in ruins. Zechariah, alongside Haggai, was raised up by God to rekindle their faith and motivate them to complete the Temple. Culturally, the people were grappling with their identity as a restored nation, facing the challenge of living faithfully under Persian rule while longing for the full restoration of their former glory. This verse speaks directly into that context of despondency, offering a divine word of hope that transcends their immediate struggles and points to a glorious future ordained by God.
* **Key Themes:** Zechariah 1:17 powerfully encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout the book and the broader prophetic tradition. The phrase "Thus saith the LORD of hosts" immediately establishes God's **divine authority and sovereignty**, emphasizing that these are not mere human hopes but sure promises from the Almighty Commander of heavenly armies. This undergirds the theme of **restoration and prosperity**, as God pledges that Judah's cities, particularly Jerusalem, will not only be rebuilt but will "be spread abroad" through "prosperity," signifying a period of abundant growth, peace, and expansion far beyond their current desolate state. This promise echoes the broader biblical hope for Israel's future flourishing, as seen in passages like [Jeremiah 30:18](/jeremiah/30-18 "Jeremiah 30:18 - Restoration of Jerusalem"). Furthermore, the declaration that "the LORD shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem" highlights God's **unwavering covenant faithfulness and enduring love** for His chosen people and city. Despite their past failures and the recent exile, God reaffirms His eternal choice of Jerusalem as His holy dwelling place and promises profound comfort and renewal, a theme also found in [Isaiah 40:1](/isaiah/40-1 "Isaiah 40:1 - Comfort for Israel") and [Psalm 132:13](/psalm/132-13 "Psalm 132:13 - God's Choice of Zion").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the covenant name of God, often translated as "Yahweh" or "Jehovah." It signifies the self-existent, eternal, and unchanging God who is faithful to His promises. When paired with "of hosts" (H6635, _tsâbâʼ_), it emphasizes His supreme authority as the commander of all heavenly and earthly armies, assuring His people that His declarations are backed by infinite power and unwavering commitment.
* **prosperity (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** From H2896, this word is rich in meaning, encompassing "good" in its widest sense, including "beautiful," "bountiful," "glad," "pleasant," "welfare," and "wealth." In this context, it implies not merely material abundance but a comprehensive well-being, a flourishing that includes population growth, economic stability, peace, and divine favor, leading to widespread expansion and blessing for the cities.
* **comfort (Hebrew, _nâcham'_):** From H5162, this primitive root means "to sigh," implying a strong emotional response. In a favorable sense, it means "to pity," "console," or "rue." Here, it signifies God's deep compassion and active intervention to bring solace, relief, and restoration to Zion, alleviating their distress and grief from the exile and the challenges of rebuilding. It speaks of a profound divine tenderness and active care.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Cry yet, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts":** This opening imperative, delivered to Zechariah (H7121, _qârâʼ_, "to call out to"), underscores the urgency and divine origin of the message. The repetition of "yet" (or "again") emphasizes that this is a renewed declaration, a fresh word of encouragement needed for a discouraged people. The authoritative formula "Thus saith the LORD of hosts" (H559, _ʼâmar_, "to say"; H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_, "LORD"; H6635, _tsâbâʼ_, "hosts") stamps the prophecy with absolute divine authority and omnipotence, assuring the hearers that the promises are certain because they come from the sovereign God who commands all creation.
* **"My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad":** This clause reveals God's specific promise for the physical and demographic restoration of Judah. The phrase "My cities" (H5892, _ʻîyr_) indicates God's proprietary claim and care over these places, not just Jerusalem. The promise that they "shall yet be spread abroad" (H6327, _pûwts_, "to disperse," "scatter abroad," "spread abroad"), combined with "through prosperity" (H2896, _ṭôwb_, "good," "welfare," "abundance"), signifies a dramatic reversal of their desolate state. It implies not just rebuilding within existing boundaries but a significant expansion, population growth, and flourishing that will extend beyond Jerusalem, encompassing all of Judah's urban centers, signifying a period of peace and abundance.
* **"and the LORD shall yet comfort Zion":** This part of the promise focuses on the emotional and spiritual well-being of God's people. "Zion" (H6726, _Tsîyôwn_) is a poetic and theological synonym for Jerusalem, representing the spiritual heart of the nation and the dwelling place of God. The declaration that "the LORD shall yet comfort" (H5162, _nâcham_, "to console," "pity") speaks directly to the deep distress and discouragement felt by the returned exiles. It assures them of God's compassionate intervention to alleviate their suffering, provide solace, and restore their hope and joy after years of hardship and desolation.
* **"and shall yet choose Jerusalem":** This final clause reaffirms God's enduring covenant faithfulness and His special relationship with His holy city. "Jerusalem" (H3389, _Yᵉrûwshâlaim_) is here explicitly named, emphasizing its unique status. The verb "choose" (H977, _bâchar_, "to select," "appoint") highlights God's sovereign and unconditional election of Jerusalem as His dwelling place and the center of His redemptive plan. Despite its destruction and the people's unfaithfulness, God's choice remains steadfast, signifying a restoration of its sacred status and divine favor.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 1:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of hope and divine assurance. The most prominent is **Divine Speech**, introduced by the authoritative formula "Thus saith the LORD of hosts," which immediately establishes the prophetic utterance as a direct, undeniable word from God Himself, lending immense weight and certainty to the promises. The repeated use of the adverb "yet" (or "again") functions as **Repetition** and **Emphasis**, underscoring the renewed nature of God's promises and His persistent faithfulness despite the passage of time or the people's current struggles. This repetition instills a sense of enduring hope. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism** through the pairing of "Zion" and "Jerusalem," which are often used interchangeably to refer to the same sacred city, reinforcing the singular focus of God's comfort and choice. Furthermore, the concept of "My cities... shall yet be spread abroad through prosperity" employs **Imagery** of expansive growth and flourishing, painting a vivid picture of a future state of abundance that contrasts sharply with the current desolate conditions. The implied **Personification** of Zion/Jerusalem, being comforted and chosen, imbues the city with a living quality that can receive divine care and favor.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 1:17 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering covenant faithfulness and His ultimate plan for the restoration of His people. It underscores the theological truth that divine promises are not contingent on human merit or immediate circumstances but on God's immutable character and sovereign will. The declaration of Jerusalem's future prosperity and God's enduring choice of Zion points to the eschatological hope of a fully restored and glorified Israel, a theme woven throughout prophetic literature. This verse assures the reader that God's commitment to His chosen city and people transcends periods of judgment and desolation, culminating in a future marked by divine comfort, expansive blessing, and renewed intimacy between God and His dwelling place. It reminds us that God's ultimate purpose is always redemptive and restorative, bringing His people into a state of flourishing and peace.

* [Jeremiah 30:18](/jeremiah/30-18 "Jeremiah 30:18 - Restoration of Jerusalem")
* [Isaiah 40:1-2](/isaiah/40-1-2 "Isaiah 40:1-2 - Comfort for God's People")
* [Psalm 132:13-14](/psalm/132-13-14 "Psalm 132:13-14 - God's Choice of Zion as His Dwelling Place")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 1:17 offers profound encouragement for believers navigating seasons of discouragement, delay, or perceived desolation. Just as the post-exilic community faced the daunting task of rebuilding amidst apathy and opposition, we too encounter circumstances that challenge our faith and dim our hope. This verse reminds us that God's promises are not dependent on our current struggles or the visible evidence of progress, but on His unchanging character as the "LORD of hosts"—the sovereign, all-powerful God. It calls us to persevere in faith, to "cry yet" with renewed hope, trusting that God's plans for "prosperity" (comprehensive well-being) and "comfort" are certain. It encourages us to look beyond immediate difficulties to the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive purposes, knowing that He is actively at work to restore, expand, and bless His people, bringing solace to our "Zion" and reaffirming His choice of us as His dwelling place through the Holy Spirit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What current "desolate" or "discouraging" areas in your life or community need to hear God's promise of future "prosperity" and "comfort"?**
* **How does understanding God as the "LORD of hosts" strengthen your trust in His ability to fulfill His promises, even when circumstances seem bleak?**
* **In what ways does God "comfort Zion" (His people) today, and how can you be an instrument of that comfort to others?**
* **How does God's unwavering "choice of Jerusalem" (and by extension, His people) encourage you about His faithfulness despite past failures or present imperfections?**

### FAQ

**What does "My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad" mean for us today?**

Answer: This phrase, originally a promise of physical and demographic expansion for the cities of Judah after the exile, signifies a comprehensive flourishing. For us today, it can be understood spiritually as God's promise for the expansion and growth of His kingdom (His "cities") through the "prosperity" of the gospel message and the spiritual well-being of His people. It speaks to the global spread of Christianity and the spiritual growth of individual believers and local churches, not necessarily material wealth, but an abundance of grace, truth, and spiritual fruit that leads to widespread influence and impact for God's glory. It assures us that God's work will not be confined but will continually expand.

**Why is the title "LORD of hosts" so significant in this verse?**

Answer: The title "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: _Yahweh Sabaoth_) is profoundly significant because it emphasizes God's supreme authority and omnipotence. "Hosts" refers to armies, whether heavenly (angels) or earthly. By declaring "Thus saith the LORD of hosts," God is presenting Himself as the sovereign commander of all creation, assuring His people that His promises are not empty words but are backed by limitless power and an unchallengeable will. In a time when the returned exiles felt weak and vulnerable, this title reminded them that the God who promised their restoration was mighty enough to overcome any obstacle, whether external opposition or internal discouragement, and bring His purposes to fruition. It underscores the certainty and invincibility of His word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 1:17 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and His redemptive work. The promise that "the LORD shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem" points forward to the spiritual comfort and new covenant reality established through Christ. While ancient Jerusalem was God's chosen city, in Christ, God's dwelling place is now among His people, the Church, which is the spiritual "Zion" (Hebrews 12:22-24). Jesus Himself is the ultimate source of comfort, fulfilling the prophecies of God's compassionate care for His distressed people (2 Corinthians 1:3-5). The prosperity promised in Zechariah 1:17, while initially physical, finds its spiritual abundance in the blessings of the New Covenant: forgiveness of sins, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and eternal life (Ephesians 1:3). Through Christ's atoning sacrifice and resurrection, the "cities" of God's people, the Church, are indeed "spread abroad" as the gospel goes forth to every nation, tribe, and tongue (Matthew 28:19-20). The New Testament reveals that the ultimate "Jerusalem" is not merely an earthly city but the "new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God" (Revelation 21:2), where God will dwell with His redeemed people forever, bringing eternal comfort and a flourishing that far surpasses any earthly prosperity. Thus, Zechariah's prophecy, initially for a struggling post-exilic community, becomes a vibrant promise of Christ's ongoing work of building His Church and His future reign, bringing ultimate comfort and choosing His people as His eternal dwelling.

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

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.