Zechariah 8:3

Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain.

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}; I am returned {H7725} unto Zion {H6726}, and will dwell {H7931} in the midst {H8432} of Jerusalem {H3389}: and Jerusalem {H3389} shall be called {H7121} a city {H5892} of truth {H571}; and the mountain {H2022} of the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635} the holy {H6944} mountain {H2022}.

ADONAI says, 'I am returning to Tziyon, and I will live in Yerushalayim. Then Yerushalayim will be called Truth City, ADONAI-Tzva'ot's Mountain, the Mountain of the Holy One.

This is what the LORD says: “I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the LORD of Hosts will be called the Holy Mountain.”

Thus saith Jehovah: I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called The city of truth; and the mountain of Jehovah of hosts, The holy mountain.

Commentary

Context of Zechariah 8:3

Zechariah 8:3 is part of a series of prophetic assurances given to the Jewish exiles who had returned from Babylonian captivity to Judah. Following earlier chapters that focused on God's judgment and calls to repentance, Zechariah 7-8 pivot to promises of future blessing and restoration. The people were engaged in rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem, often facing discouragement and opposition. This verse, like others in chapter 8, serves as a powerful word of encouragement, emphasizing God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His plans for Jerusalem's glorious future.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Presence and Return: The declaration, "Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem," signifies God's renewed favor and active presence among His people after a period of perceived absence due to their sins. This is a profound promise of reconciliation and intimate fellowship, echoing the ancient desire for God to dwell among His people.
  • Jerusalem's Transformation: The city, which had suffered desolation and shame, is promised a new identity: "Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain." This isn't merely a physical rebuilding but a spiritual and moral renewal. It speaks to a future where Jerusalem will embody righteousness and faithfulness, reflecting God's own character.
  • Truth and Holiness: The titles "city of truth" and "holy mountain" highlight the moral and spiritual qualities that will characterize the restored Jerusalem. It will be a place where God's truth (His reliable word and character) reigns, and where holiness—separation unto God and purity—is paramount. This vision extends beyond the immediate post-exilic period, pointing to a glorious future fulfillment, ultimately in the New Jerusalem.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "city of truth" comes from the Hebrew עִיר הָאֱמֶת (*'ir ha'emet*). The word אֱמֶת (*'emet*) signifies not just factual accuracy, but also reliability, faithfulness, integrity, and stability. Thus, Jerusalem would not only be a place where truth is spoken, but where truth is lived out and embodied. Similarly, "holy mountain" (Hebrew: הַר הַקֹּדֶשׁ, *har haqqodesh*) emphasizes its sacredness and dedication to God, a theme often found in prophetic literature concerning God's dwelling place, as seen in Isaiah 2:2 and Micah 4:1.

Practical Application

Zechariah 8:3 offers profound hope and a call to living. It reminds us that God is faithful to His promises, even when circumstances seem bleak. His desire is to dwell among His people, bringing restoration and transforming them into reflections of His truth and holiness. For believers today, this verse encourages us to pursue truth and holiness in our own lives and communities, recognizing that the church is called to be a spiritual "city of truth" in the world, demonstrating God's character and presence. It also points to the ultimate hope of God's full and eternal dwelling with humanity, where perfect truth and holiness will prevail.

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Cross-References

  • Zechariah 1:16

    Therefore thus saith the LORD; I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies: my house shall be built in it, saith the LORD of hosts, and a line shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem.

  • Jeremiah 31:23

    Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; As yet they shall use this speech in the land of Judah and in the cities thereof, when I shall bring again their captivity; The LORD bless thee, O habitation of justice, [and] mountain of holiness.

  • Isaiah 1:26

    And I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counsellors as at the beginning: afterward thou shalt be called, The city of righteousness, the faithful city.

  • John 1:14

    And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

  • Joel 3:17

    So shall ye know that I [am] the LORD your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more.

  • 2 Corinthians 6:16

    And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in [them]; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

  • Revelation 21:3

    And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God [is] with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, [and be] their God.