Zechariah 8:20

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; [It shall] yet [come to pass], that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities:

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}; It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come {H935} people {H5971}, and the inhabitants {H3427} of many {H7227} cities {H5892}:

"ADONAI-Tzva'ot says, 'In the future, peoples and inhabitants of many cities will come;

This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Peoples will yet come—the residents of many cities—

Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come peoples, and the inhabitants of many cities;

Zechariah 8:20 is a powerful prophetic declaration from the LORD of hosts, looking forward to a time of glorious spiritual restoration and international pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

Context

This verse is part of a series of encouraging prophecies given to the returned exiles in Judah, assuring them of God's continued favor and future blessings after the Babylonian captivity. Following promises of peace, prosperity, and the rebuilding of Jerusalem (see Zechariah 8:3-8), Zechariah shifts focus from the internal restoration of Judah to its external impact on the world. Chapters 7 and 8 address questions about fasting and future blessings, culminating in a vision of Jerusalem as a spiritual center for all nations.

Key Themes

  • Divine Assurance: The phrase "Thus saith the LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth in Hebrew) underscores the absolute certainty and omnipotence behind this prophecy. It is an unchangeable promise from the sovereign God of armies and creation.
  • Future Global Ingathering: The core message is that "there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities." This foretells a future era when diverse nations and peoples, from various urban centers, will be drawn to Jerusalem. It speaks to a universal ingathering, moving beyond a purely Israelite focus.
  • Jerusalem's Magnetic Appeal: This verse, along with the subsequent verses in Zechariah 8, portrays Jerusalem not just as a rebuilt city but as a spiritual magnet, attracting those from afar seeking God's presence and truth. This aligns with similar messianic prophecies found in Isaiah 2:2-4 and Micah 4:1-3.

Linguistic Insights

The title "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: Yahweh Sabaoth) is frequently used in Zechariah, emphasizing God's supreme authority and ability to fulfill His promises, even those that seem impossible from a human perspective. The use of "people" and "inhabitants of many cities" highlights the breadth and diversity of those who will come, indicating a widespread, international movement rather than just a few individuals.

Reflection and Application

Zechariah 8:20 offers a profound message of hope and God's expansive plan for humanity. It reminds us that God's ultimate desire is for all nations to come to Him and worship. For believers today, this verse can serve as:

  • An Encouragement: God is faithful to His promises, and His plans for restoration and global worship will surely come to pass.
  • A Call to Mission: While the ultimate fulfillment may be eschatological, the spirit of this prophecy encourages believers to participate in the present-day Great Commission, inviting people from "many cities" and nations to know the Lord.
  • A Vision of Unity: It paints a beautiful picture of future unity and common purpose among diverse peoples, all drawn by the truth and presence of God.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 2:2

    And it shall come to pass in the last days, [that] the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.

  • Isaiah 2:3

    And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

  • Micah 4:1

    ¶ But in the last days it shall come to pass, [that] the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it.

  • Micah 4:2

    And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

  • Zechariah 2:11

    And many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto thee.

  • Jeremiah 16:19

    O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and [things] wherein [there is] no profit.

  • Isaiah 60:3

    And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.
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