Zechariah 8:21

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.

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.

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."

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.’

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.

Zechariah 8:21 paints a vivid picture of a future time of spiritual revival and unity, where people from different cities eagerly encourage one another to seek God. This verse is part of a larger prophecy delivered by the prophet Zechariah concerning the restoration and glorious future of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile.

Context

This verse falls within Zechariah chapters 7-8, which address the people's questions about fasting and, more importantly, reveal God's promises of blessing and future glory for His people. After a period of judgment and exile, God declares His return to dwell among them (Zechariah 8:3), promising peace, prosperity, and a reversal of their fortunes. Zechariah 8:21-23 specifically describes the magnetic appeal of God's presence in Jerusalem, drawing people from all nations.

Key Themes

  • Zeal and Urgency for God: The phrase "Let us go speedily" highlights an enthusiastic and proactive desire to connect with the Divine. It suggests a widespread spiritual awakening where seeking God is a top priority, not a reluctant duty.
  • Communal Encouragement: The inhabitants of one city inviting those of another demonstrates a beautiful spirit of fellowship and mutual spiritual encouragement. This vision emphasizes the power of collective faith and the joy of seeking God together.
  • Seeking the LORD of Hosts: The core activity is "to pray before the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts." This signifies earnest supplication, a desire for God's presence, and a recognition of His supreme authority as the "LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Tzeva'ot), the commander of heavenly armies.
  • Future Global Attraction: This verse foreshadows a time, further elaborated in Zechariah 8:22-23, when many nations would come to Jerusalem to seek the LORD, acknowledging Him as the one true God.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "speedily" (maher) conveys a sense of urgency and eagerness, indicating that this desire to seek God is not a grudging obligation but an excited pursuit. "To pray before the LORD" (lechallot et-p’nei Yahweh) literally means "to entreat the face of the LORD," emphasizing a personal and earnest seeking of God's favor and presence. "The LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Tzeva'ot) is a majestic title signifying God's omnipotence and sovereign rule over all creation.

Practical Application

Zechariah 8:21 serves as an inspiring vision for believers today. It encourages a proactive and enthusiastic approach to our spiritual lives, urging us to "go speedily" in seeking God through prayer and studying His Word. It also underscores the importance of communal worship and mutual encouragement among fellow believers. Just as these ancient cities would invite one another, we are called to invite others to seek the Lord with all their heart, fostering a spirit of unity and shared devotion. This prophecy reminds us of God's ultimate plan for all people to turn to Him, offering hope for future spiritual awakening and a world filled with His presence.

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.

  • 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.

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