Zechariah 1:3

Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the LORD of hosts.

Therefore say {H559} thou unto them, Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}; Turn {H7725} ye unto me, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, and I will turn {H7725} unto you, saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}.

Therefore, tell them that ADONAI-Tzva'ot says this: '"Return to me," says ADONAI-Tzva'ot, "and I will return to you," says ADONAI-Tzva'ot.

So tell the people that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: โ€˜Return to Me, declares the LORD of Hosts, and I will return to you, says the LORD of Hosts.โ€™

Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: Return unto me, saith Jehovah of hosts, and I will return unto you, saith Jehovah of hosts.

Commentary

Context

Zechariah, a contemporary prophet with Haggai, ministered to the Jewish exiles who had returned to Judah from Babylonian captivity around 520 BC. The people were tasked with rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem, but progress had stalled due to discouragement and opposition. This verse marks the very beginning of Zechariah's prophetic ministry, serving as an urgent and foundational call from God to the people. It precedes a series of visions, emphasizing that divine blessing and assistance for the rebuilding effort were contingent upon the people's spiritual renewal and obedience.

Key Themes

  • The Divine Call to Repentance: The core message is a direct command from God for His people to "Turn ye unto me." This signifies a call to repentance, a change of heart and direction away from spiritual apathy or sin, and back towards a right relationship with the Almighty. It is an invitation to re-establish priorities and commitment to God.
  • Covenantal Reciprocity: The powerful promise, "and I will turn unto you," reveals God's responsiveness to His people's sincere repentance. It underscores a fundamental principle of the covenant relationship: when humanity draws near to God, He draws near to them. This theme is echoed throughout Scripture, offering hope for restoration and renewed favor. Malachi 3:7 provides a parallel call to return.
  • The Authority of the LORD of Hosts: The title "the LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: Yahweh Sabaoth) is repeated three times in this single verse, lending immense weight and solemnity to the message. This title emphasizes God's supreme power, sovereignty, and authority over all armies, celestial beings, and the entire universe. It assures the people that the command and promise come from a God who is fully capable of fulfilling His word and intervening on their behalf.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "turn" is shuv (ืฉืื•ึผื‘), which means to return, repent, or turn back. It implies a conscious and deliberate change of direction, both morally and spiritually. It's not merely a superficial action but a heartfelt turning away from disobedience and towards God's will. The repetition of "saith the LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) provides an undeniable emphasis on the divine origin and authoritative nature of this prophetic word, signaling that this is not merely Zechariah's opinion but a direct pronouncement from the sovereign God.

Practical Application

Zechariah 1:3 offers a timeless message relevant to all generations. It reminds us that God is always ready to receive those who genuinely seek Him. For individuals, it's a call to examine our lives and, if we've strayed, to draw near to God through repentance and faith. For communities and nations, it highlights the principle that spiritual renewal often precedes tangible blessings and restoration. This verse assures us that God's desire is for relationship, and His promise to "turn unto you" remains steadfast for all who respond to His gracious invitation to return.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Malachi 3:7

    ยถ Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept [them]. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?

  • Jeremiah 3:22

    Return, ye backsliding children, [and] I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou [art] the LORD our God.

  • Joel 2:12

    ยถ Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye [even] to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:

  • Jeremiah 4:1

    ยถ If thou wilt return, O Israel, saith the LORD, return unto me: and if thou wilt put away thine abominations out of my sight, then shalt thou not remove.

  • Deuteronomy 30:2

    And shalt return unto the LORD thy God, and shalt obey his voice according to all that I command thee this day, thou and thy children, with all thine heart, and with all thy soul;

  • Deuteronomy 30:10

    If thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which are written in this book of the law, [and] if thou turn unto the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul.

  • Lamentations 3:39

    Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins?
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