For the seed [shall be] prosperous; the vine shall give her fruit, and the ground shall give her increase, and the heavens shall give their dew; and I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these [things].
For the seed {H2233} shall be prosperous {H7965}; the vine {H1612} shall give {H5414} her fruit {H6529}, and the ground {H776} shall give {H5414} her increase {H2981}, and the heavens {H8064} shall give {H5414} their dew {H2919}; and I will cause the remnant {H7611} of this people {H5971} to possess {H5157} all these things.
'Now they will sow in peace, the vine will give its fruit, the ground will produce its yield, the sky will give its dew, and I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things.
“For the seed will be prosperous, the vine will yield its fruit, the ground will yield its produce, and the skies will give their dew. To the remnant of this people I will give all these things as an inheritance.
For there shall be the seed of peace; the vine shall give its fruit, and the ground shall give its increase, and the heavens shall give their dew; and I will cause the remnant of this people to inherit all these things.
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Leviticus 26:4
Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. -
Leviticus 26:5
And your threshing shall reach unto the vintage, and the vintage shall reach unto the sowing time: and ye shall eat your bread to the full, and dwell in your land safely. -
Deuteronomy 33:13
And of Joseph he said, Blessed of the LORD [be] his land, for the precious things of heaven, for the dew, and for the deep that coucheth beneath, -
Genesis 27:28
Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine: -
Zechariah 8:6
Thus saith the LORD of hosts; If it be marvellous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in these days, should it also be marvellous in mine eyes? saith the LORD of hosts. -
Ezekiel 34:26
And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing. -
Ezekiel 34:27
And the tree of the field shall yield her fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase, and they shall be safe in their land, and shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I have broken the bands of their yoke, and delivered them out of the hand of those that served themselves of them.
Zechariah 8:12 is a powerful promise of future blessing and restoration for the Jewish people returning from Babylonian exile, part of a larger section (Zechariah 8) that outlines God's renewed favor towards Jerusalem and Judah. This verse paints a vivid picture of prosperity and divine provision, contrasting sharply with the hardships faced during and immediately after the exile.
Context
This verse is situated within a series of prophecies in Zechariah 7-8 concerning fasting, justice, and the glorious future of Jerusalem. Following a period of judgment and scattering due to disobedience, God declares His intention to return to Zion and dwell among His people (Zechariah 8:3). The promises of Zechariah 8:12 are a direct consequence of this divine return and a sign of the Lord's plans for their welfare and peace, not just a return to the land but a restoration of their former glory and more. It speaks to a time when God's blessing would be poured out abundantly.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word for "prosperous" (shalom) here carries a broader meaning than just financial success. It encompasses completeness, well-being, peace, and wholeness. So, "the seed shall be prosperous" implies that every aspect related to the people's life and endeavors will experience God's comprehensive blessing and peace, not just agricultural yield. The mention of "dew" (tal) is significant; in a dry climate, dew was a vital source of moisture and a symbol of divine blessing and refreshing, often linked to God's presence and favor (Hosea 14:5).
Practical Application
For believers today, Zechariah 8:12 serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises and His desire to bless His people. It teaches us that:
This verse ultimately points to the comprehensive blessings that come from God's presence and favor, offering encouragement that His plans for His people are always for their good and ultimate flourishing.