Zechariah 8:18

KJV

¶ And the word of the LORD of hosts came unto me, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

And the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635} came unto me, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

This word of ADONAI-Tzva'ot came to me:

Berean Standard Bible

Then the word of the LORD of Hosts came to me, saying,

American Standard Version

And the word of Jehovah of hosts came unto me, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 8:18 serves as a formal, authoritative introduction to a new divine oracle, signaling that the subsequent message originates directly from Yahweh, the sovereign God of Israel. This verse marks a pivotal transition within Zechariah 8, moving from general promises of restoration for Jerusalem to specific instructions and clarifications regarding the future observance of fasts, emphasizing God's direct involvement in the lives and practices of His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 8:18 is strategically placed within a larger section (chapters 7-8) that addresses a specific inquiry from the exiles in Bethel concerning the continued observance of national fasts, which commemorated the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. Prior to this verse, Zechariah 8:1-17 delivers a series of hopeful prophecies about God's return to Zion, the restoration of Jerusalem, and the promise of peace, truth, and prosperity for its inhabitants. These verses paint a picture of a transformed future where God dwells among His people, and their city flourishes. Verse 18 then acts as a formal divine preamble, setting the stage for the Lord's direct answer to the fasts question, which is delivered in [Zechariah 8:19-23](/zechariah/8-19-23 "Zechariah 8:19-23 - Transformation of Fasts into Feasts"). This structural marker emphasizes the divine authority and importance of the pronouncements that follow.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Zechariah is set during the post-exilic period, specifically around 520-518 BC, roughly two decades after the first wave of Jewish exiles returned from Babylon under Zerubbabel and Joshua. The temple rebuilding project, which had stalled, was being re-initiated through the prophetic ministries of Haggai and Zechariah. The question about the fasts (mentioned in [Zechariah 7:1-3](/zechariah/7-1-3 "Zechariah 7:1-3 - Inquiry about Fasts")) reflects the people's concern about their religious practices in light of their new circumstances. They had observed these fasts for decades, mourning the national calamity. The return from exile and the renewed promises of God's favor raised the question of whether these fasts, rooted in sorrow, were still appropriate or if they should be replaced by celebrations. The phrase "LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) was a powerful and common divine title in post-exilic Israel, particularly in prophetic literature, affirming God's supreme authority and power over all creation and historical events, a comforting assurance for a vulnerable, newly returned community.

* **Key Themes:** This introductory verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Zechariah and the broader prophetic corpus. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Revelation and Communication**, underscoring that the prophet's words are not his own but a direct, authoritative message from God. This concept is foundational to prophetic ministry, as seen in passages like [Jeremiah 1:9](/jeremiah/1-9 "Jeremiah 1:9 - God Puts His Words in Jeremiah's Mouth") and [Ezekiel 2:7](/ezekiel/2-7 "Ezekiel 2:7 - Ezekiel to Speak God's Words"). Secondly, the use of the title **"the LORD of hosts"** emphasizes God's **Sovereignty and Omnipotence**. This title, frequently employed by Zechariah, portrays God as the supreme commander of all heavenly and earthly armies, reinforcing His absolute power to fulfill His promises of restoration and blessing, even in the face of human weakness or opposition. Finally, the verse reinforces the theme of **God's Active Engagement with His People**, demonstrating His continued care and guidance for the returned exiles, providing specific direction for their worship and future. This echoes God's covenant faithfulness throughout Israel's history, as He continually speaks to guide and correct His people, as seen in [Deuteronomy 29:29](/deuteronomy/29-29 "Deuteronomy 29:29 - Secret Things Belong to the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This term (H1697) is highly significant, meaning "word," "matter," "thing," or "affair." In this context, it refers to a divine utterance, a specific message or decree from God. It conveys the idea that what follows is not merely human counsel or opinion but a direct, authoritative communication from the divine realm, carrying the weight of God's will and purpose. The "word of the LORD" is active, powerful, and effective, capable of bringing about what it declares.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This (H3068) is the sacred, personal covenant name of God, often rendered "Yahweh." It signifies God as the self-existent, eternal, and unchanging One who keeps His promises. Its presence here emphasizes that the message originates from the very essence of the God who has revealed Himself to Israel, the God of the covenant, who is faithful to His people and His word.
* **Hosts (Hebrew, _tsâbâʼ'_):** This word (H6635) means "army," "host," "company," or "service." When combined with "LORD" (Yᵉhôvâh tsâbâʼ), it forms the powerful title "LORD of hosts," which portrays God as the supreme commander of all celestial armies (angels), earthly forces, and indeed, the entire cosmos. This title underscores His omnipotence, His sovereign control over all creation and history, and His ability to execute His will without hindrance. It provides immense assurance that the message delivered is backed by infinite power and authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And the word of the LORD of hosts came unto me,"**: This opening phrase is a classic prophetic formula, commonly found throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [Jeremiah 1:2](/jeremiah/1-2 "Jeremiah 1:2 - The Word of the Lord Came to Jeremiah")). The initial "And" connects this new revelation to the preceding context, signifying continuity in God's ongoing communication. "The word of the LORD of hosts" identifies the source of the message as none other than Yahweh, the Almighty God, emphasizing its divine origin and absolute authority. The verb "came unto me" indicates the direct, personal nature of the revelation to the prophet Zechariah, highlighting his role as God's chosen messenger and the recipient of divine truth.
* **"saying,"**: This simple participle introduces the content of the divine message that immediately follows. It signals that the subsequent verses are the direct speech of God, not merely a summary or interpretation by the prophet. This reinforces the directness and authenticity of the revelation, preparing the audience to receive God's own words regarding the fasts and the future of Jerusalem.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 8:18, though brief, employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is the **Prophetic Formula**, "And the word of the LORD of hosts came unto me, saying." This standardized opening serves as an authoritative marker, immediately establishing the divine origin and infallibility of the subsequent message. It lends immense weight to the pronouncements that follow, assuring the audience that these are not human opinions but direct revelations from God. The use of the divine title **"LORD of hosts"** (Yahweh Sabaoth) is a form of **Epithet**, a descriptive phrase expressing a quality characteristic of the person or thing mentioned. This epithet functions as a powerful declaration of God's supreme authority, omnipotence, and sovereignty over all creation and history, reinforcing the absolute certainty and power of His word. Furthermore, the verse uses **Direct Address** implicitly, as the "saying" indicates that the subsequent words will be God's own, in contrast to a third-person narrative, drawing the reader directly into the divine communication.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 8:18 profoundly underscores the biblical truth that God is a speaking God, actively engaging with humanity and revealing His will. This verse is not merely a literary transition but a theological statement about divine initiative and the authority of God's word. It reminds us that all genuine prophecy and divine instruction flow from the sovereign "LORD of hosts," whose pronouncements are not subject to human approval or revision. This divine communication is essential for guiding His people, correcting their understanding, and revealing His redemptive purposes throughout history. The emphasis on "the word of the LORD" highlights the power and efficacy of God's utterances, which bring about what they declare and shape the destiny of individuals and nations.

* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")
* [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Living and Active Word of God")
* [2 Peter 1:20-21](/2_peter/1-20-21 "2 Peter 1:20-21 - Prophecy Not of Human Origin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 8:18, though brief, offers profound truths for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that the God we worship is not silent or distant, but actively communicates His will and heart to His people. Just as "the word of the LORD" came to Zechariah, God continues to speak today, primarily through the inspired pages of Scripture, which is His complete and authoritative revelation to us. This verse calls us to cultivate a posture of attentiveness and humility, recognizing that true wisdom and guidance come from listening to and obeying God's voice. Furthermore, the title "LORD of hosts" assures us that the One who speaks is utterly sovereign and powerful, capable of fulfilling every promise and bringing every purpose to fruition. In a world filled with conflicting voices and uncertainties, we can find unwavering stability and direction in the authoritative word of our omnipotent God. Our task is to diligently seek His word, meditate on it, and allow it to transform our lives and perspectives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I actively seek to hear "the word of the LORD" in my daily life?**
* **How does the title "LORD of hosts" impact my trust in God's ability to fulfill His promises, even in difficult circumstances?**
* **What specific areas of my life need to be brought into alignment with the authoritative word of God?**

### FAQ

**Why is the phrase "the word of the LORD of hosts came unto me, saying" so frequently repeated in prophetic books?**

Answer: This phrase is a crucial prophetic formula, serving several vital purposes. Firstly, it authenticates the message as divine, not human. By stating "the word of the LORD," the prophet emphasizes that the message originates from God Himself, not from the prophet's own thoughts or wisdom. Secondly, the inclusion of "of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) reinforces God's supreme authority and power, assuring the audience that the message is backed by the Creator and Commander of all things, thus guaranteeing its truth and inevitable fulfillment. Thirdly, "came unto me" highlights the prophet's role as a direct recipient and faithful messenger of God's revelation. Finally, "saying" indicates that the subsequent text is the direct, verbatim speech of God, lending an unparalleled weight and solemnity to the pronouncement. This repetition ensured that the audience recognized and respected the divine origin and authority of the prophetic word, as seen in [Isaiah 1:10](/isaiah/1-10 "Isaiah 1:10 - Hear the Word of the Lord").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Zechariah 8:18 is an Old Testament prophetic formula, it finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself is the ultimate "Word of the LORD," the living embodiment of God's revelation to humanity. As [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God") declares, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." This divine Word, which "came unto" Zechariah, ultimately became flesh and dwelt among us ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Jesus is the perfect and final revelation of God, the One through whom God speaks most clearly and definitively. The authority of "the LORD of hosts" is fully vested in Him, as He is the one who commands the elements ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")), casts out demons ([Matthew 8:29](/matthew/8-29 "Matthew 8:29 - Demons Recognize Jesus")), and holds all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). Thus, the divine communication initiated in the Old Testament through prophets like Zechariah culminates in the person of Jesus, who is God's final and most complete word to humanity ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "God Has Spoken Through His Son")).

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.