Zechariah 8:21

KJV

And the inhabitants of one [city] shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to pray before the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts: I will go also.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the inhabitants {H3427} of one {H259} city shall go {H1980} to another {H259}, saying {H559}, Let us go {H3212} speedily {H1980} to pray {H2470} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}, and to seek {H1245} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}: I will go {H3212} also.

Complete Jewish Bible

the inhabitants of one city will travel to another and say, "We must go to ask ADONAI's favor and consult ADONAI-Tzva'ot. I'll go too."

Berean Standard Bible

and the residents of one city will go to another, saying: ‘Let us go at once to plead before the LORD and to seek the LORD of Hosts. I myself am going.’

American Standard Version

and the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to entreat the favor of Jehovah, and to seek Jehovah of hosts: I will go also.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 8:21 vividly portrays a future era of profound spiritual awakening and communal zeal, where people from various cities eagerly encourage one another to embark on a journey of earnest prayer and dedicated seeking of the Lord. This verse captures a prophetic vision of widespread spiritual revival, marked by an urgent, collective desire to draw near to God and acknowledge His sovereign presence, signaling a time of restoration and global recognition of Yahweh's reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 8:21 is situated within the broader context of Zechariah chapters 7-8, which pivot from the people's questions about fasting (chapter 7) to God's glorious promises of future restoration and blessing for Jerusalem (chapter 8). Following a period of divine judgment and exile, God declares His intention to return to Zion and dwell among His people [Zechariah 8:3](/zechariah/8-3 "Zechariah 8:3 - God's Return to Zion"). This promise forms the bedrock for the subsequent prophecies of peace, prosperity, and a reversal of fortunes for Judah. Verses 20-23 specifically describe the magnetic, universal appeal of God's renewed presence in Jerusalem, drawing people from all nations to worship Him. Thus, verse 21 serves as the opening declaration of this future pilgrimage, highlighting the internal motivation and communal invitation that will characterize this era.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Zechariah were delivered to the Jewish remnant who had returned from Babylonian exile, a people struggling to rebuild their temple and their national identity amidst discouragement and opposition. They lived in a world dominated by powerful empires, where the worship of many gods was common. The concept of "seeking the LORD of hosts" was a direct counter-cultural statement, affirming the singularity and supremacy of Israel's God, Yahweh, over all other deities and earthly powers. The idea of cities going to other cities to worship was unusual for the time, as religious pilgrimage was typically centered on a specific holy site (like Jerusalem). This vision, therefore, transcends typical cultural norms, portraying an unprecedented, spontaneous, and widespread movement toward the one true God, driven by an internal spiritual hunger rather than external compulsion.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Zechariah. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Restoration and Blessing**, revealing God's intention to not only restore His people physically but also to ignite a spiritual fervor among them. Secondly, it highlights **Communal Unity and Evangelistic Zeal**, as the inhabitants of one city actively encourage others, demonstrating a shared spiritual purpose that transcends local boundaries. This foreshadows a future where the knowledge of God will spread organically. Thirdly, the phrase "to pray before the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts" emphasizes **Earnest Devotion and the Supremacy of Yahweh**, reinforcing God's identity as the omnipotent "LORD of hosts" [Zechariah 8:22](/zechariah/8-22 "Zechariah 8:22 - Nations Seeking the LORD"). Finally, it points to **Future Global Ingathering**, hinting at a time when many peoples and strong nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the Lord, as explicitly stated in [Zechariah 8:22-23](/zechariah/8-22-23 "Zechariah 8:22-23 - The Nations Come to Jerusalem").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Go (Hebrew, _yâlak'_):** This word (H3212) is a primitive root meaning "to walk" (literally or figuratively), but also "to carry," "come," "depart," "flow," and "march." In Zechariah 8:21, its repeated use ("Let us go," "I will go also") emphasizes a deliberate, active movement and a personal commitment to participation in this spiritual pilgrimage. It conveys not merely a casual stroll but a purposeful journey towards a divine encounter.
* **Pray (Hebrew, _châlâh'_):** From H2470, this root primarily means "to be rubbed or worn," hence "to be weak, sick, afflicted." However, it also carries the figurative sense of "to stroke (in flattering)," "entreat," or "make suit (supplication)." When used with "before the LORD" (pânîym, H6440, "face"), it signifies a deep, earnest, and often humble entreaty, a seeking of God's favor and presence through fervent prayer. It implies a sense of dependence and a desire to soften God's "face" or disposition towards the supplicant.
* **Seek (Hebrew, _bâqash'_):** This word (H1245) is a primitive root meaning "to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer)." It implies a diligent, persistent, and intentional pursuit, a striving after something. In the context of "seeking the LORD of hosts," it denotes a comprehensive quest for God's will, presence, and favor, not a casual inquiry but a determined effort to find and engage with the Divine.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the inhabitants of one [city] shall go to another,"**: This clause sets the scene, indicating a spontaneous, inter-city movement. It suggests a widespread spiritual awakening that transcends individual communities, fostering a collective desire to seek God. The phrase "inhabitants of one city" implies a local community, and their initiative to "go to another" highlights a proactive, outward-reaching spiritual fervor.
* **"saying, Let us go speedily"**: This reveals the motivation and urgency behind the movement. The "saying" indicates verbal encouragement and shared purpose, while "speedily" (from H1980, _hâlak_, often implying a quick, eager pace) underscores the enthusiasm and priority given to this spiritual endeavor. It's not a reluctant duty but an excited pursuit.
* **"to pray before the LORD,"**: This specifies the primary purpose of their journey: earnest supplication and communion with God. "Before the LORD" (literally "before the face of Yahweh") emphasizes a desire for direct, personal encounter and favor with the sovereign God, signifying a deep reverence and longing for His presence.
* **"and to seek the LORD of hosts:"**: This expands on the purpose, indicating a comprehensive quest for God's will, guidance, and power. The title "LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Tzeva'ot) powerfully conveys God's omnipotence and supreme authority over all creation, including heavenly armies. Seeking Him implies acknowledging His sovereignty and desiring His intervention and blessing.
* **"I will go also."**: This concluding phrase, spoken by an individual, signifies personal commitment and solidarity. It reflects the contagious nature of this spiritual zeal, where the communal invitation prompts an immediate, personal decision to participate. It underscores the widespread and deeply personal impact of this revival.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 8:21 employs several effective literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Personification** is evident in the implied agency of "one city" speaking to "another," suggesting a collective, almost living entity that initiates and participates in this spiritual pilgrimage. The phrase "saying, Let us go speedily" imbues the cities with a voice and a shared, urgent purpose. The use of **Repetition** of the verb "go" (H1980 and H3212) emphasizes the dynamic, active nature of this movement and the widespread participation it entails. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Hyperbole** (or perhaps prophetic **Idealization**) to depict an almost universal, spontaneous, and enthusiastic spiritual awakening, where entire communities are united in their fervent pursuit of God. This creates a vivid and inspiring image of a future marked by unparalleled devotion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 8:21 stands as a powerful prophecy of a future spiritual ingathering, not just of Israel, but of the nations, drawn by the manifest presence of God in Jerusalem. It underscores the inherent human longing for the divine and God's ultimate plan to draw all peoples to Himself. This verse highlights that genuine spiritual revival is characterized by a fervent, communal, and personal desire to seek God's face through prayer and active pursuit of His will. It anticipates a time when the glory of God will be so evident that it compels people from diverse backgrounds to unite in worship, demonstrating God's universal sovereignty and His desire for a relationship with all humanity. This vision of collective, eager seeking of the Lord serves as a profound theological statement about God's magnetic holiness and the ultimate destiny of worship.

* [Isaiah 2:2-3](/isaiah/2-2-3 "Isaiah 2:2-3 - Nations Flow to Zion")
* [Micah 4:1-2](/micah/4-1-2 "Micah 4:1-2 - The Mountain of the Lord's House")
* [Psalm 27:8](/psalms/27-8 "Psalm 27:8 - Seeking God's Face")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 8:21 offers a compelling vision that transcends its historical context, speaking directly to believers today about the nature of true spiritual vitality. It challenges us to examine our own level of spiritual urgency and enthusiasm. Are we "speedily" seeking the Lord, or is our pursuit of Him a reluctant obligation? This verse also highlights the profound importance of communal encouragement in the spiritual journey. Just as one city called to another, we are called to invite, encourage, and uplift fellow believers and those outside the faith to seek God. This involves actively sharing our faith, inviting others to worship, and fostering environments where spiritual hunger can be nurtured. The prophecy reminds us that genuine revival often begins with a deep, personal longing for God, which then spills over into a collective movement, ultimately drawing many to the "LORD of hosts." It inspires us to pray for and participate in such a spiritual awakening in our own time, trusting in God's power to draw all people to Himself.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "going speedily to pray before the LORD" look like in my daily life?**
* **How can I better encourage others in my community or church to seek God with greater urgency and zeal?**
* **In what ways am I personally seeking the "LORD of hosts" and acknowledging His supreme authority?**
* **How can my life and my community become a "city" that inspires others to seek God?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "LORD of hosts" in this verse?**

Answer: The title "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: _Yahweh Tzeva'ot_) is highly significant. "Yahweh" is God's covenant name, revealing His personal, self-existent nature. "Tzeva'ot" means "armies" or "hosts," referring to heavenly armies, celestial bodies, or even the armies of Israel. When combined, "LORD of hosts" emphasizes God's omnipotence, His sovereign control over all creation, including angelic beings, the cosmos, and all earthly powers. In Zechariah 8:21, it underscores that the God being sought is not a local deity but the supreme, all-powerful ruler of the universe, worthy of universal worship and trust. It reassures the post-exilic community of God's power to fulfill His promises and draws attention to His majestic authority that will ultimately draw all nations [Zechariah 8:22](/zechariah/8-22 "Zechariah 8:22 - Nations Seeking the LORD") to Him.

**Does this verse imply a literal pilgrimage to Jerusalem in the future?**

Answer: While Zechariah's original audience would have understood this in terms of a literal pilgrimage to Jerusalem, the prophetic language often has layers of fulfillment. It certainly points to a future time when Jerusalem (or what it represents, the dwelling place of God's presence) will be a spiritual magnet for all nations. In a New Testament understanding, the "place" where God is sought is no longer exclusively a physical temple or city, but rather in Christ and through the Holy Spirit. However, the verse's emphasis on a *communal movement* and *eager seeking* of God remains profoundly relevant. It could anticipate a future eschatological gathering, but more broadly, it signifies a widespread spiritual turning to the God of Israel by people from all backgrounds, a spiritual pilgrimage of the heart towards the true God, wherever His people gather.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 8:21, with its vision of a global, eager pilgrimage to seek the Lord, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament prophets often envisioned a physical gathering in Jerusalem, the New Testament reveals that God's dwelling place is no longer confined to a geographical location but is embodied in Christ and extended through His Church. Jesus Himself declared that true worship would not be limited to Jerusalem or Mount Gerizim, but would be "in spirit and truth" [John 4:21-24](/john/4-21-24 "John 4:21-24 - True Worship"). The "LORD of hosts" whom the nations seek is fully revealed in Jesus, who is "God with us" [Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel"). The urgency and communal zeal described in Zechariah find their echo in the Great Commission, where believers are commanded to "go and make disciples of all nations" [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission"), inviting others to "come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" [Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Jesus' Invitation"). The "I will go also" of Zechariah becomes the personal response of faith to Christ's invitation, as individuals from every tribe and tongue are drawn by the Holy Spirit to worship the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - The Multitude from Every Nation"). Thus, Zechariah's prophecy foreshadows the universal appeal of the Gospel and the ultimate gathering of all peoples around the throne of Christ.

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.

Cross-References

Zechariah 7:2

When they had sent unto the house of God Sherezer and Regemmelech, and their men, to pray before the LORD,

Psalms 146:1

¶ Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul.

Psalms 146:2

While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.

Hosea 6:3

Then shall we know, [if] we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter [and] former rain unto the earth.

Psalms 103:22

Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.

Psalms 122:1

¶ A Song of degrees of David. I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.

Psalms 122:9

Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek thy good.