Zechariah 8:1

KJV

¶ Again the word of the LORD of hosts came [to me], saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

Again the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635} came to me, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

A message came from ADONAI-Tzva'ot:

Berean Standard Bible

Again the word of the LORD of Hosts came to me, saying:

American Standard Version

And the word of Jehovah of hosts cameto me, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 8:1 serves as a pivotal introductory verse, signaling the commencement of a fresh divine oracle from Yahweh, the sovereign God, to the prophet Zechariah. It acts as a foundational header for the profound promises and prophecies of restoration, peace, and spiritual renewal that unfold throughout Zechariah chapter 8, specifically concerning the future of Jerusalem and its returning exiles.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 8:1 immediately follows Zechariah chapter 7, which concluded a series of oracles addressing the people's questions about fasting and their past failures in justice and mercy. Chapter 7 ended with a somber note on God's judgment and dispersion of the people due to their disobedience, as detailed in [Zechariah 7:11-14](/zechariah/7-11-14 "Zechariah 7:11-14 - Disobedience and Dispersion"). The transition to chapter 8, introduced by this verse, marks a dramatic shift from reproof and calls to repentance to a series of hopeful and encouraging prophecies. This new section, often considered the fourth major prophetic message in Zechariah, signals a divine turning point, emphasizing future blessings, peace, and the restoration of Zion, standing in stark contrast to the preceding warnings.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Zechariah 8 are delivered to the Jewish community that has returned from the Babylonian exile, a period of immense national and spiritual rebuilding. The temple reconstruction was underway but faced significant challenges and discouragement, as chronicled in [Ezra 4](/ezra/4 "Ezra 4 - Opposition to Temple Rebuilding"). The people were grappling with their past sins, the consequences of exile, and the daunting task of re-establishing their identity and worship in Jerusalem. Zechariah's messages, including this one, were crucial for providing divine encouragement, reaffirming God's covenant faithfulness, and motivating the people to persevere in their rebuilding efforts, both physical and spiritual. The phrase "LORD of hosts" would have resonated deeply, reminding them of God's supreme power and ability to fulfill His promises despite their current humble circumstances.
* **Key Themes:** Zechariah 8:1 introduces and contributes to several key themes that permeate the chapter and the broader book. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **Divine Communication and Revelation**, emphasizing that God actively speaks His will and plans to His people through His chosen prophet. This divine utterance sets the stage for the theme of **Restoration and Renewal**, promising a glorious future for Jerusalem where it will be known as [the "city of truth" and "holy mountain"](/zechariah/8-3 "Zechariah 8:3 - Jerusalem, City of Truth"). The verse also highlights the **Sovereignty and Power of God**, particularly through the title "LORD of hosts," assuring the audience that the following promises are backed by an omnipotent deity capable of bringing about His word, much like His power is declared in [Psalm 46:7](/psalms/46-7 "Psalm 46:7 - God, the LORD of Hosts"). Furthermore, it implicitly touches upon the theme of **Covenant Faithfulness**, as God reiterates His commitment to His people despite their past failures, promising to dwell among them once more ([Zechariah 8:3](/zechariah/8-3 "Zechariah 8:3 - God Dwells in Jerusalem")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, this term refers to a "word," but with a rich semantic range encompassing "matter," "thing," "affair," "commandment," "decree," or even "report." In Zechariah 8:1, "the word of the LORD" signifies not merely a spoken utterance but a divine decree or message, carrying the full weight of God's authority and intention. It implies a concrete communication that will bring about specific realities.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the personal, covenantal name of God, often rendered "Yahweh" or "Jehovah." It signifies "the self-Existent" or "Eternal One," emphasizing God's unchanging nature, His absolute sovereignty, and His faithfulness to His covenant promises. The use of this name here grounds the message in the character of the God who has historically acted on behalf of His people.
* **hosts (Hebrew, _tsâbâʼ'_):** From H6635, this word means "a mass of persons" or "things," specifically "an army" or "host." When combined with "LORD" to form "LORD of hosts" (_YHWH Sabaoth_), it portrays God as the supreme commander of all heavenly and earthly armies, the cosmic warrior who marshals all forces to accomplish His will. This title underscores His omnipotence, His control over all creation, and His ability to execute His purposes, no matter the obstacles.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Again the word of the LORD of hosts":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the divine origin and authoritative nature of the message. The adverb "Again" (Hebrew: `wayehi dabar-YHWH`) indicates a fresh, distinct revelation, signifying a new phase of communication from God to Zechariah, following the previous oracles. The full title "the word of the LORD of hosts" emphasizes that the message originates from Yahweh, the covenant God, who is also the omnipotent commander of all cosmic and earthly forces, assuring the prophet and the people of the message's reliability and the power behind its fulfillment.
* **"came [to me],":** This clause highlights the direct and personal nature of the divine communication to the prophet Zechariah. While "to me" is supplied in the KJV, the Hebrew implies this direct reception. It signifies that Zechariah is the chosen vessel for this specific revelation, underscoring the prophetic office as a conduit for God's truth to His people. This direct encounter ensures the authenticity and authority of the message that follows.
* **"saying,":** This final word functions as an introduction to the content of the divine message that Zechariah is about to deliver. It signals that the subsequent verses (Zechariah 8:2-23) are the direct utterance of God, spoken through His prophet. It sets the stage for the detailed prophecies of restoration, peace, and blessing that are to follow, reinforcing that these are not Zechariah's own thoughts but the very words of the Almighty.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 8:1 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically the recurring phrase "the word of the LORD of hosts came," which appears frequently throughout Zechariah (e.g., [Zechariah 1:1](/zechariah/1-1 "Zechariah 1:1 - The Word of the LORD Comes"), [Zechariah 4:8](/zechariah/4-8 "Zechariah 4:8 - The Word of the LORD to Zerubbabel"), [Zechariah 7:1](/zechariah/7-1 "Zechariah 7:1 - The Word of the LORD in the Fourth Year")). This repetition serves to underscore the divine origin and absolute authority of the prophetic message, emphasizing that what follows is not human wisdom but God's sovereign declaration. The use of the divine title "LORD of hosts" is a form of **Epithet**, a descriptive phrase expressing a quality characteristic of the person or thing mentioned. This epithet functions as a powerful **Symbolism** for God's omnipotence, His control over all creation, and His ability to fulfill His promises, even in the face of daunting circumstances for the post-exilic community. The verse also acts as a **Framing Device**, serving as a clear header or introduction to the extensive and hopeful oracle that constitutes the rest of chapter 8, signaling a thematic shift from judgment to restoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 8:1 profoundly emphasizes God's active engagement with His people through direct revelation. The recurring phrase "the word of the LORD of hosts came" highlights the consistent and authoritative nature of divine communication, assuring the post-exilic community that God had not abandoned them but was intimately involved in their future. This verse establishes the foundation for the subsequent promises of restoration, peace, and spiritual renewal, underscoring that God's covenant faithfulness is immutable. It reveals a God who initiates dialogue, provides guidance, and offers hope, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His redemptive purposes for Jerusalem and His people. The divine title "LORD of hosts" further reinforces His supreme power and ability to bring about these promises, transforming a desolate city into a vibrant center of truth and righteousness.

* [Jeremiah 1:4](/jeremiah/1-4 "Jeremiah 1:4 - The Word of the LORD Came to Jeremiah")
* [Ezekiel 1:3](/ezechiel/1-3 "Ezekiel 1:3 - The Word of the LORD Came to Ezekiel")
* [Hosea 1:1](/hosea/1-1 "Hosea 1:1 - The Word of the LORD Came to Hosea")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 8:1 serves as a powerful reminder that God is a speaking God, one who actively desires to communicate His will, His character, and His plans to humanity. For believers today, this verse underscores the profound privilege and necessity of listening to and cherishing God's Word, which we encounter primarily through the Holy Scriptures. Just as God gave Zechariah messages of hope and restoration in a time of discouragement, He continues to offer promises of renewal, guidance, and future blessings to those who trust Him and engage with His revealed truth. This verse encourages us to approach the Bible with an expectation of encountering the living God, recognizing that His words are not mere human constructs but divine utterances, powerful enough to transform lives and shape destinies. It calls us to anticipate and receive God's truth with open hearts, knowing that His word is reliable, His promises are sure, and His presence is active in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God as "the LORD of hosts" impact your understanding of His power and ability to fulfill His promises in your life?**
* **In what ways do you actively seek to hear "the word of the LORD" in your daily life, and how does it shape your perspective on current challenges or future hopes?**
* **What specific promises of God, similar to those of restoration in Zechariah 8, bring you comfort or encouragement today?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the phrase "the word of the LORD of hosts came"?**

Answer: The phrase "the word of the LORD of hosts came" is highly significant because it emphasizes the divine origin and absolute authority of the message Zechariah is about to deliver. "The word of the LORD" (Hebrew: _davar YHWH_) signifies a direct, authoritative divine utterance, a decree or revelation from God Himself, not merely human insight. The addition of "of hosts" (Hebrew: _tsâbâʼ_) to the divine name "LORD" (Yahweh) forms the title "LORD of hosts" (_YHWH Sabaoth_). This title portrays God as the sovereign commander of all heavenly and earthly armies, highlighting His omnipotence, His control over all creation, and His ability to accomplish His purposes, no matter how challenging the circumstances. Therefore, the full phrase assures the prophet and the audience that the promises and prophecies that follow are backed by the ultimate power and unwavering faithfulness of the Almighty God, much as it does in [Psalm 24:10](/psalms/24-10 "Psalm 24:10 - The LORD of Hosts, the King of Glory").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Zechariah 8:1 introduces a message of restoration for post-exilic Israel, its ultimate fulfillment and deepest spiritual significance are found in Jesus Christ. The "word of the LORD of hosts" that came to Zechariah foreshadows the ultimate Word of God, Jesus Christ, who is the [Logos made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), the complete and final revelation of God to humanity. The promises of peace, truth, and the dwelling of God among His people, introduced by this verse and elaborated in Zechariah 8, find their perfect embodiment in Christ. He is the one who brings true peace between God and humanity ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")), the very embodiment of truth ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), and through whom God now dwells with His people by the Holy Spirit ([John 14:23](/john/14-23 "John 14:23 - Dwelling with Believers")). The vision of Jerusalem as the "city of truth" and "holy mountain" in Zechariah 8:3 points forward to the New Jerusalem, the heavenly city, where God's presence is fully realized and where Christ reigns supreme ([Revelation 21:2-3](/revelation/21-2-3 "Revelation 21:2-3 - The New Jerusalem")). Thus, Zechariah 8:1, by announcing a new divine word of hope, ultimately points to the coming of Christ, who is the living Word and the ultimate source of all God's promises and their fulfillment.

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.