TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Zechariah 8:9–17. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
God, by the prophet, here gives further assurances of the mercy he had in store for Judah and Jerusalem. Here is line upon line for their comfort, as before there was for their conviction. These verses contain strong encouragements with reference to the difficulties they now laboured under. And we may observe,
I.Who they were to whom these encouragements did belong - to those who, in obedience to the call of God by his prophets, applied in good earnest to the building of the temple (Zac 8:9): "Let your hands be strong, that are busy at work for God, you that hear in these days these words by the mouth of the prophets, and are not disobedient to them as your fathers were, in the former days, to the words of those prophets that were sent to them. You may take the comfort of the promises, and shall have the benefit of them, who have obeyed the precepts given you in the day that the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid, when you were told that, having begun with it, you must go on, that the temple might be built; God told you that you must go on with it, and you have laboured hard at it for some time, in obedience to the heavenly vision. Now you are those whose hands must be strengthened and whose hearts must be comforted, with these precious promises; to you is the word of this consolation sent." Note, Those, and those only, that are employed for God, may expect to be encouraged by him; those who lay their hands to the plough of duty shall have them strengthened with the promises of mercy; and those who avoid their fathers' faults, not only cut off the entail of the curse, but have it turned into a blessing.
II.What the discouragements were which they had hitherto laboured under, Zac 8:10.
These are mentioned as a foil to the blessings God was now about to bestow upon them, to make them appear the more strange, to the glory of God, and the more sweet, to their comfort. The truth was the times had long been very bad, and the calamities and difficulties of them were many and great.
1.Trade was dead; there was nothing to be done and therefore nothing to be got. Before these days of reformation began there was no hire for man, nor any hire for beasts. The fruits of the earth (though it had long lain fallow, and therefore, one would think, should have been the more fertile) were thin and poor, so that the husbandman had no occasion to hire harvest people to reap his corn, nor teams to carry it home, for he could be scarcely said to have any. Merchants had no goods to import or export, so that they needed not to hire either men or beasts; hence the poor people, who lived by their labour, had no way of getting bread for themselves and their families.
2.Travelling was dangerous, so that all commerce both by sea and land was cut off; nay, none durst stir abroad so much as to visit their friends, for their was no peace to him that went out, or came in, because of the affliction. The Samaritans, and Ammonites, and their other evil neighbours, made inroads upon them in small parties, and seized all they could lay their hands on; the roads were infested with highwaymen, and both city and country with housebreakers; so that neither men's persons nor their goods were safe at home or abroad.
3.There was no such thing as friendship or good neighbourship among them: I set all men every one against his neighbour. In this there was a great deal of sin, for these wars and fightings came from men's lust, and this God was not the author of; but there was in it a great deal of misery also, and so God was in it a just avenger of their disobedience to him; because they were of an evil spirit towards him, a spirit of contradiction to his laws, God sent among them an evil spirit, to make them vexatious one to another. Those that throw off the love of God forfeit the comfort of brotherly love.
III.What encouragement they shall now have to proceed in the good work they are about, and to hope that it shall yet be well with them:
"Thus and thus you have been harassed and afflicted, but now God will change his way towards you, Zac 8:11. Now that you return to your duty God will comfort you according to the time that he has afflicted you; the ebbing tide shall flow again." 1. God will not proceed in his controversy with them; I will not be to them as in the former days. Note, It is with us well or ill according as God is to us; for every creature is that to us which he makes it to be. And, if we walk not contrary to God as in the former days, he will not walk contrary to us as in the former days; for it is only with the froward that he will wrestle. 2. They shall have great plenty and abundance of all goods things (Zac 8:12): The seed sown shall be prosperous, and yield a great increase; the vine shall give her fruit, which makes glad the heart, and the ground its products, which strengthen the heart; they shall have all they can desire, not only for necessity, but for ornament and delight. The heavens shall give their dew, without which the earth would not yield her increase, which is a constant intimation to us of the beneficence of the God of heaven to men on earth and of their dependence on him. It is said of a sweeping rain that it leaves no food (Pro 28:3); but here the gentle dew waters the earth, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater. And thus God will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things. They are but a remnant, a residue, very few, one would think scarcely worth looking after; but, now that they are at work for God, he will take care that they shall want nothing which is fit for them. This confirms what the prophet's colleague had said, a little before (Hag 2:16, Hag 2:19), From this day will I bless you. Note, God's people, that serve him faithfully, have great possessions. "All is yours, for you are Christ's." 3. They shall recover their credit among their neighbours (Zac 8:13): You were a curse among the heathen. Every one censured and condemned them, spoke ill of them, and wished ill to them, upon the account of the great disgrace that they were under; some think that they were made a form of execration, so that if a man would load his enemy with the heaviest curse he would say, God make thee like a Jew! "But now, I will save you, and you shall be a blessing. Your restoration shall be as much taken notice of to your honour as ever your desolation and dispersion were to your reproach; you shall be applauded and admired as much as ever you were vilified and run down, shall be courted and caressed as much as ever you were slighted and abandoned." Most men smile or frown upon their neighbours according as Providence smiles or frowns upon them; but those whom God plainly blesses as his own, shows favour to and puts honour upon, we ought also to respect and be kind to. The blessed of the Lord are the blessing of the land, and should be so accounted by us. This is here promised to the house both of Israel and Judah; for many of the ten tribes returned out of captivity with the two tribes, and shared with them in those blessings; and, it is probable, besides what came at first, many, very many, flocked to them afterwards, when they saw their affairs take this turn. 4. God himself will determine to do them good, Zac 8:14, Zac 8:15. All their comforts take rise from the thoughts of the love that God had towards them, Jer 29:11. Compare these promises with the former threatenings. (1.) When they provoked him to anger with their sins, he said that he would punish them, and so he did; it was his declared purpose to bring destroying judgments upon them, and, because they repented not of their rebellions against him, he repented not of his threatenings against them, but let the sentence of the law take its course. Note, God's punishing sinners is never a sudden and hasty resolve, but is always the product of thought, and there is a counsel in that part of the will of God. If the sinner turn not, God will not turn. (2.) Now that they pleased him with their services; he said that he would do them good; and will he not be as true to his promises as he was to his threatenings? No doubt he will: "So again have I thought to do well to Jerusalem in those days, when you begin to hearken to the voice of God speaking to you by his prophets; and these thoughts also shall be performed."
IV.The use they are to make of these encouragements.
1.Let them take the comfort which these promises give to them: Fear you not (Zac 8:15); let your hands be strong (Zac 8:9); and both together (Zac 8:13), Fear not, but let your hands be strong.
(1.)The difficulties they met with in their work must not drive them from it, nor make them go on heavily in it, for the issue would be good and the reward great. Let this therefore animate them to proceed with vigour and cheerfulness.
(2.)The dangers they were exposed to from their enemies must not terrify them; those that have God for them, engaged to do them good, need not fear what man can do against them.
2.Let them do the duty which those promises call for from them, Zac 8:16, Zac 8:17. The very same duties which the former prophets pressed upon their fathers from the consideration of the wrath threatened (Zac 7:9, Zac 7:10) this prophet presses upon them from the consideration of the mercy promised: "Leave it to God, to perform for you what he has promised, in his own way and time, but upon condition that you make conscience of your duty. These are the things then that you shall do; this is your part of the covenant; these are the articles which you are to perform, fulfil, and keep, that you may not put a bar in your own door and stop the current of God's favours." (1.) "You must never tell a lie, but always speak as you think, and as the matter is, to the best of your knowledge: Speak you every man the truth to his neighbour, both in bargains and in common converse; dread every word that looks like a lie." This precept the apostle quotes (Eph 4:25), and backs it with this reason, We are members one of another. (2.) Those that are entrusted with the administration of public justice must see to it, not only that none be wronged by it, but that those who are wronged be righted by it: Execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates. Let the judges that sit in the gates in all their judicial proceedings have regard both to truth and to peace; let them take care to do justice, to accommodate differences, and to prevent vexatious suits. it must be a judgment of truth in order to peace, and making those friends that were at variance, and a judgment of peace as far as is consistent with truth, and no further. (3.) No man must bear malice against his neighbour upon any account; this is the same with what we had Zac 7:10. We must not only keep our hands from doing evil, but we must watch over our hearts, that they imagine not any evil against our neighbour, Pro 3:29. Injury and mischief must be crushed in the thought, in the embryo. (4.) Great reverence must be had for an oath, and conscience made of it: "Never take a false oath, nay, love no false oath; that is, hate it, dread it, keep at a distance from it. Love not to impose oaths upon others, lest they swear falsely; love not that any should take a false oath for your benefit, and forswear themselves to do you a kindness." A very good reason is annexed against all these corrupt and wicked practices: "For all these are things that I hate, and therefore you must hate them if you expect to have God your friend." These things here forbidden are all of them found among the seven things which the Lord hates, Pro 6:16-19. Note, We must forbear sin, not only because God is angry at it, and therefore it is dangerous to us, but because he hates it, and therefore it ill becomes us and is a very ungrateful thing.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
(Verse 11, 12): But now I will not deal with the remnant of this people as in the former days, declares the Lord of hosts. For there shall be a sowing of peace. The vine shall give its fruit, and the ground shall give its produce, and the heavens shall give their dew. And I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things. LXX: And now I will not deal with the remnant of this people as in the former days, declares the Almighty Lord; but I will show peace. The vine shall give its fruit, and the ground shall give its produce, and the heavens shall give their dew. And I will cause the remnant of my people to possess all these things. Before the foundations of the house of God were laid and the temple was built, there was no merchandise of men, nor merchandise of livestock, nor was there peace for those entering and leaving, and all people were in hostile disagreement with one another. But now, because the foundations of the house of the Lord are already laid and the temple is built, I will not do as I did before to those who have returned from the captivity of Babylon; but there will be peace and joy everywhere, and the abundance of the former times will compensate for the drought and famine. For the vine shall yield its fruit, and the earth shall be filled with the produce of the harvest; the presses shall overflow with wine, and the land shall be adorned with bountiful crops. With abundant rain and nightly dew, all shall sprout and grow. I will fulfill all that I have spoken and the remnants of my people shall possess. For the foundations of the house of the Lord have been laid, and the temple has been built. These same words were spoken by the prophet Haggai at the same time, who said: 'I struck you with scorching wind, mildew, and hail, destroying all the work of your hands, after the foundations of the temple were laid. Set it in your hearts from this day forward, from the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month: from the day the foundations of the temple were laid, set it upon your hearts.' Is the seed already in the bud: and has the vineyard, and the fig tree, and the pomegranate, and the olive tree not yet blossomed? From this day forward, I will bless you, and I will shake the heavens and the earth again (Haggai 2:18-19). Let us also say, following another explanation of the Church. Before anyone receives the faith of Christ, and the foundations of the Holy Spirit are laid in them, no one can hear, there is recompense for your work. Whether they are Jewish, or heretic, or pagan: whatever good works they do, if they do not do them in the name of Christ, they will not receive the reward of their good works. We see the virgins of the heretics, the strictness of the philosophers, the variety of observances among the Jews in regard to food; and yet, according to Haggai, we say that they eat, but are not satisfied; they drink, but are not intoxicated; they cover themselves, but are not warmed; and whoever gathers wages, puts them in a bag with holes (Haggai I). But after they have received the faith of Christ, both those who were sinners outside the Church and those within, and have been handed over to the captivity of this world and burned by Babylonian fire, and have heard the Lord preaching: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me; to preach the Gospel to the poor He has sent me, to proclaim release to captives, and sight to the blind, to heal the broken-hearted" (Isaiah LXI, 2), and when in them is fulfilled what is said through Amos: "I will turn again the captivity of my people Israel, and they shall build the desolate cities, and I will plant them" (Amos IX, 14), then in those days righteousness and a multitude of peace shall arise (Psalm LXXI). The vine will produce its fruit, as it says in the Gospel: I am the vine, you are the branches. Every branch that remains in me, the Father cleanses, so that it may bear greater fruit (John 15:8). And when its branches, that is, the shoots and tendrils, have been cleansed, and with budding eyes begin to promise the hope of future fruit, then the flowering vines will give off their fragrance (Song of Solomon 2:13). At that time, the sun of righteousness will color the hanging clusters of grapes, as mentioned in the winepress psalms of the eighteenth and eighty-third, which are inscribed for the winepresses. The feet of the Lord, who ascends from Bosor, will crush them, in order to create the wine that gladdens the heart of man. The earth will also yield its produce, not dry and rocky and full of thorns; but good earth that gives a hundredfold and sixtyfold and thirtyfold fruit (Matt. 13): so that those who sow in tears may reap in joy (Psalm 126). And the heavens will also give their dew, of which it is written in Psalm 18: The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims the work of his hands. About these heavens, it is said in the song of Deuteronomy: Rejoice, O heavens, with him (Deut. 32:43), that is, with the Lord and Savior, whom he foreknew and predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son (Rom. 8), who speaks with Moses: May my teaching come down like rain, my words fall like dew (Deut. 32:2). For those who were dead in sins will rise again, and those who lay in their graves will be raised up, those tombs that are full of the bones of the dead, and those who reside on the earth will rejoice. And the following statement explains the reason for their joy: For health is theirs from the dew of the rose that is from you. And all these things, namely peace and the fruit of the vineyards and the abundance of the lands, which thrive from the dew of the heavens, will be possessed by the remnants of my people, of whom Isaiah speaks: Unless the Lord of hosts had left us a seed, we would have been like Sodom and Gomorrah (Isaiah 1:9). For the elect's sake, the remains were saved by grace: not by works; otherwise grace would not be grace.
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Summary
Zechariah 8:12 is a profound prophetic declaration of God's comprehensive blessing and restoration for the returned remnant of Israel. It paints a vivid picture of agricultural abundance—where the land, vines, and heavens yield their produce and dew—signifying a reversal of past curses and a new era of divine favor. This prosperity extends beyond mere material gain, encompassing a holistic well-being and security, ensuring that the people who have endured exile will fully possess the promised blessings of God's renewed covenant.
Context
Literary Context
Zechariah 8:12 is nestled within a series of oracles (Zechariah 7-8) that address the people's questions about fasting and their future. Chapters 1-6 primarily contain visions, while chapters 7-8 shift to prophetic messages delivered in response to a delegation from Bethel. This particular chapter, Zechariah 8, is a pivotal section, presenting ten distinct promises of restoration and blessing for Jerusalem and Judah. It follows God's declaration of His zealous return to Zion, promising to dwell in Jerusalem as a city of truth and holiness Zechariah 8:3. The promises in Zechariah 8:12, therefore, are a direct outflow of God's re-established presence and favor, contrasting sharply with the previous period of divine judgment and desolation due to their disobedience. It sets the stage for a future where the fasts of mourning will be turned into joyful feasts Zechariah 8:19.
Historical & Cultural Context
The prophecy in Zechariah 8:12 is addressed to the Jewish community that had returned from the Babylonian exile, a period marked by hardship, scarcity, and the monumental task of rebuilding the temple and city walls. Life in post-exilic Judah was challenging; the land had lain fallow, and the people faced economic struggles and opposition. In an agrarian society, agricultural prosperity was synonymous with survival and divine blessing. The mention of "vine," "ground," and "heavens giving their dew" directly speaks to the fundamental sources of life and livelihood in ancient Israel. Dew, in particular, was critical in a dry climate, often symbolizing divine blessing and refreshing, as seen in other prophetic books. This promise of abundant harvest and dew would have been a profoundly encouraging and tangible sign of God's favor, directly addressing their immediate needs and past experiences of famine and barrenness Haggai 1:6-11.
Key Themes
Zechariah 8:12 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book and broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights Divine Provision and Abundance, showcasing God's commitment to supernaturally provide for His people's physical needs, ensuring a bountiful harvest and overall well-being. This contrasts with the previous period where the heavens withheld dew and the ground its produce due to the people's neglect of God's house. Secondly, the verse underscores the Restoration of the Remnant. The phrase "the remnant of this people" is crucial, emphasizing God's faithfulness to preserve and bless those who survived the exile and returned to rebuild. This concept of a faithful remnant is a recurring motif in prophetic books, signifying God's redemptive plan for a chosen few through whom His purposes will be fulfilled Isaiah 10:20-22. Finally, it signifies a profound Reversal of Curse and Restoration of Covenant Blessings. The barrenness and hardship experienced during the exile were consequences of covenant disobedience. Zechariah 8:12 promises a reversal of these curses, indicating a renewed covenant relationship where God's blessings, including peace and prosperity, are poured out, fulfilling His ultimate plans for their welfare and a future filled with hope Jeremiah 29:11.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This word literally refers to "seed" for planting, but figuratively encompasses "fruit, plant, sowing-time, and posterity." In Zechariah 8:12, "the seed shall be prosperous" implies that the very beginning of their agricultural endeavors, the sown seed, will be blessed, leading to a successful harvest. More broadly, it can also refer to the "posterity" or descendants of the people, suggesting that the future generations of the remnant will also experience prosperity and flourishing.
This rich Hebrew term means "safe, well, happy, friendly," and abstractly refers to "welfare, health, prosperity, peace." When Zechariah declares "the seed shall be prosperous," it signifies far more than just material success. It conveys a holistic state of completeness, well-being, peace, and wholeness that will permeate every aspect of their lives and endeavors, not just the agricultural yield. It speaks to a divinely orchestrated state of flourishing.
This root means "to inherit," "to occupy," or "to bequeath." In the context of Zechariah 8:12, "I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these [things]" highlights God's active role in granting them full ownership and enjoyment of the promised blessings. It implies not just a temporary provision but a secure, inherited right to the abundance and peace that God is bestowing upon them, echoing the original promise of inheriting the land.
Verse Breakdown
"For the seed [shall be] prosperous"
This phrase initiates the promise by declaring that the very foundation of their agricultural efforts—the sown seed—will be blessed with "shalom," implying not just growth, but a holistic well-being and success from the outset. It speaks to a reversal of the previous barrenness where seeds yielded little.
"the vine shall give her fruit"
This specifies the first element of agricultural abundance. The vine, a staple crop and symbol of Israel, will yield its produce generously, indicating a return to fertility and productivity. This is a direct contrast to times of judgment when vines withered or failed to produce.
"and the ground shall give her increase"
Expanding on the agricultural theme, this clause promises that the earth itself will be bountiful, yielding its full "increase" or produce. This signifies a comprehensive restoration of the land's fertility, ensuring ample provision for the people.
"and the heavens shall give their dew"
This crucial element highlights divine agency in their prosperity. Dew was a vital source of moisture in the dry climate of Israel, often symbolizing God's blessing and refreshing presence. The promise of dew signifies that God Himself will open the heavens to provide the necessary conditions for growth, reversing the curse of drought.
"and I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these [things]"
This concluding statement emphasizes God's sovereign initiative ("I will cause") and the beneficiaries of these blessings ("the remnant of this people"). It assures that the surviving community, those who returned from exile, will not merely experience these blessings temporarily, but will fully "possess" them, implying a secure, lasting inheritance and enjoyment of this comprehensive prosperity.
Literary Devices
Zechariah 8:12 is rich in Imagery, painting a vivid picture of agricultural abundance through concrete elements: "seed," "vine," "fruit," "ground," "increase," "heavens," and "dew." This pastoral imagery would have resonated deeply with an agrarian society, making the promise tangible and relatable. The verse employs Parallelism in its structure, with each clause describing a source of produce ("vine," "ground," "heavens") followed by its yield ("fruit," "increase," "dew"), creating a rhythmic and emphatic declaration of comprehensive blessing. There is also a subtle Contrast with the previous state of barrenness and hardship described elsewhere in the post-exilic prophets (e.g., Haggai), highlighting the dramatic reversal of fortune. The use of "I will cause" signifies Divine Agency, underscoring that this prosperity is not merely a natural phenomenon but a direct, intentional act of God's favor and fulfillment of His promises.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Zechariah 8:12 powerfully articulates God's unwavering covenant faithfulness and His desire to bless His people comprehensively. It demonstrates that divine blessing extends beyond spiritual renewal to encompass tangible, material provision, reflecting God's care for all aspects of human existence. The prosperity described is not merely a reward for merit but an expression of God's grace, a sign of His renewed presence among the remnant after a period of judgment and exile. It underscores the holistic nature of "shalom"—a state of peace, wholeness, and flourishing that God intends for His people, reversing the consequences of sin and restoring a right relationship with Him and His creation. This promise anticipates a future where God's people will live securely and abundantly under His benevolent rule.
Reflection and Application
Zechariah 8:12 offers profound encouragement for believers today, reminding us of God's enduring character as a faithful Provider and Restorer. In seasons of spiritual barrenness, personal hardship, or societal difficulty, this verse assures us that God is capable of reversing curses and bringing forth abundant life and fruitfulness. It challenges us to trust in His comprehensive provision, knowing that His "shalom" encompasses every dimension of our lives—physical, emotional, and spiritual. Just as the remnant experienced a tangible outpouring of blessing after their return and renewed commitment to God, we too can anticipate God's restorative work in our lives and communities when we walk in obedience and seek His face. This verse fosters a hopeful expectation that even from the smallest "seed" of faith or effort, God can bring forth an unimaginable "increase" and cause us to "possess" the fullness of His blessings.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Is Zechariah 8:12 only a promise for ancient Israel, or does it apply to believers today?
While Zechariah 8:12 was specifically given to the returned Jewish remnant in the post-exilic period, its underlying principles and the character of God it reveals are timeless. The promise of physical and agricultural prosperity was a tangible sign of God's renewed covenant favor and His commitment to reverse the consequences of sin. For believers today, this verse serves as an assurance of God's desire for our holistic well-being and His ability to bring restoration and fruitfulness even after periods of difficulty. While we may not experience literal agricultural increase, the spiritual principles of divine provision, the reversal of spiritual barrenness, and God's desire for our "shalom" (peace and wholeness) are profoundly applicable. It encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness to provide for our needs and to bring forth spiritual fruit in our lives as we walk in His ways, much like the broader promises of God's care for His people found throughout Scripture Matthew 6:33.
What is the significance of "dew" in this verse, and why is it mentioned alongside agricultural produce?
In the arid climate of ancient Israel, dew was a crucial source of moisture for crops, especially during the dry summer months when rain was scarce. Unlike rain, which is a more dramatic and less predictable event, dew forms consistently overnight, providing a gentle, life-sustaining moisture. Therefore, the "heavens shall give their dew" is a powerful symbol of consistent, reliable, and gentle divine blessing and refreshing. It signifies God's direct involvement in sustaining life and ensuring prosperity, even in the absence of abundant rainfall. The mention of dew alongside the vine's fruit and the ground's increase emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's provision—from the subtle, consistent moisture to the abundant harvest, all are from His hand, signifying a complete reversal of the previous withholding of blessings Haggai 1:10-11.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Zechariah 8:12, with its promise of abundant prosperity and restoration for the remnant, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the original prophecy spoke of physical and agricultural blessings for a specific people, Christ inaugurates a new covenant reality where these promises are realized in a spiritual and eternal dimension for all who believe. Jesus is the true "seed" of Abraham, through whom all the nations of the earth are blessed Galatians 3:16. He is the "true vine," and those who abide in Him bear much spiritual fruit, a far greater "increase" than any physical harvest John 15:1-5. The "dew" of heaven, symbolizing divine blessing, is poured out through the Holy Spirit, who refreshes and empowers believers, enabling them to live lives of spiritual vitality and fruitfulness Acts 2:17. Moreover, Christ gathers a new "remnant"—His church, composed of believers from every tribe and nation—and causes them to "possess" all spiritual blessings in the heavenly places Ephesians 1:3. Through His redemptive work, He reverses the curse of sin and death, bringing ultimate "shalom"—peace with God and holistic well-being—to all who are reconciled to Him, securing for them an eternal inheritance that far surpasses any earthly possession Romans 5:1.