Zechariah 8:23

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days [it shall come to pass], that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard [that] God [is] with you.

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}; In those days {H3117} it shall come to pass, that ten {H6235} men {H582} shall take hold {H2388} out of all languages {H3956} of the nations {H1471}, even shall take hold {H2388} of the skirt {H3671} of him that is a Jew {H376}{H3064}, saying {H559}, We will go {H3212} with you: for we have heard {H8085} that God {H430} is with you.

ADONAI-Tzva'ot says, 'When that time comes, ten men will take hold - speaking all the languages of the nations - will grab hold of the cloak of a Jew and say, "We want to go with you, because we have heard that God is with you."'"

This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue will tightly grasp the robe of a Jew, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’”

Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold, out of all the languages of the nations, they shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.

This verse is a powerful prophetic image found in the book of Zechariah, specifically within a section (chapters 7-8) that deals with the future restoration and blessing of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. It paints a picture of a future time when God's presence with His people will be so evident and attractive that people from all nations will seek to join them.

Context

Zechariah chapters 1-6 contain visions, while chapters 7-8 address questions about fasting and offer glorious promises for the future of Jerusalem and Judah. Chapter 8 specifically contrasts the past desolation with a vibrant future marked by peace, prosperity, and God's dwelling among His people. Verses leading up to 8:23 speak of Jerusalem being called the "city of truth" and the "holy mountain," where old and young will reside securely. The promise is that God will bring His people back and be their God in truth and righteousness. Verse 23 serves as a climactic expression of the global impact of this future restoration.

Key Themes

  • Global Attraction to God's Presence: The core message is that God's manifest presence with His people will draw individuals from every nation. It's not about ethnic superiority, but the magnetic pull of God Himself, visible through His relationship with His chosen people.
  • Gentile Inclusion: The prophecy foretells a time when non-Jews ("all languages of the nations") will actively seek to associate with Jews because they recognize God's presence. This theme of Gentiles joining the people of God is found in other Old Testament prophets and finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament church, where believers from all backgrounds are united in Christ.
  • Earnest Seeking: The phrase "take hold of the skirt" is a powerful image depicting earnest supplication or appeal. It signifies a desperate desire to be associated with someone who has favor or blessing, in this case, because "God is with you."
  • Future Hope: This verse points to a future reality, often understood in eschatological terms, where the knowledge of God will cover the earth and people will flock to Jerusalem (or the spiritual reality it represents) to worship the Lord.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "ten men" is likely symbolic, representing a significant number or perhaps completeness, rather than a literal count. It emphasizes the multitude from diverse backgrounds who will come. "Take hold of the skirt" (Hebrew: chazaq b'kanaf ish yehudi) is a gesture of appeal or seeking protection and close association, similar to clinging to a garment. It highlights the earnestness of their desire to join.

Reflection

Zechariah 8:23 reminds us that God's ultimate plan involves drawing people from "all languages of the nations" to Himself. The presence of God among His people is the most compelling witness. While this prophecy has a specific future context, it also speaks to the ongoing mission of the church to share the gospel, inviting people from every tribe and tongue to join the family of God, where God promises to be with us always. Our lives, marked by God's presence, should be a light that attracts others to seek Him.

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 60:3

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

  • Isaiah 55:5

    Behold, thou shalt call a nation [that] thou knowest not, and nations [that] knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee.

  • 1 Corinthians 14:25

    And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on [his] face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.

  • Isaiah 45:14

    Thus saith the LORD, The labour of Egypt, and merchandise of Ethiopia and of the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over unto thee, and they shall be thine: they shall come after thee; in chains they shall come over, and they shall fall down unto thee, they shall make supplication unto thee, [saying], Surely God [is] in thee; and [there is] none else, [there is] no God.

  • Acts 13:47

    For so hath the Lord commanded us, [saying], I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.

  • Acts 13:48

    And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

  • Isaiah 66:18

    For I [know] their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory.

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