Zechariah 8:6

Thus saith the LORD of hosts; If it be marvellous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in these days, should it also be marvellous in mine eyes? saith the LORD of hosts.

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}; If it be marvellous {H6381} in the eyes {H5869} of the remnant {H7611} of this people {H5971} in these days {H3117}, should it also be marvellous {H6381} in mine eyes {H5869}? saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}.

ADONAI-Tzva'ot says, 'This may seem amazing to the survivors in those days, but must it also seem amazing to me?' says ADONAI-Tzva'ot.

This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “If this is impossible in the eyes of the remnant of this people in these days, should it also be impossible in My eyes?” declares the LORD of Hosts.

Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: If it be marvellous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in those days, should it also be marvellous in mine eyes? saith Jehovah of hosts.

Zechariah 8:6 captures a powerful rhetorical question from the LORD of hosts, designed to reorient the perspective of the post-exilic Jewish community. It addresses their doubt and wonder at the seemingly impossible promises of future prosperity and restoration for Jerusalem, contrasting their limited human view with God's boundless power and unwavering purpose.

Context

This verse is situated within a series of comforting prophecies in Zechariah 8, delivered to the returned exiles who were struggling to rebuild the temple and their lives in Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity. The "remnant of this people" refers to these Jews who had returned, facing hardship, opposition, and a sense of discouragement. God had promised them blessings of peace, prosperity, and increased population, which seemed almost too good to be true given their current circumstances. Zechariah's message aimed to encourage them to continue the work, assuring them of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises.

Key Themes

  • God's Omnipotence: This verse powerfully asserts God's limitless capability. What seems utterly impossible or "marvellous" (beyond human comprehension or ability) to the people is effortlessly achievable for the LORD of hosts. His power is not constrained by human limitations or doubts.
  • Divine vs. Human Perspective: The core message contrasts human doubt and limited vision with God's perfect understanding and power. Our perception of what is "marvellous" or difficult is vastly different from God's, for whom nothing is impossible. God's ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9).
  • Promises of Restoration: This verse is part of a larger discourse in Zechariah 8, detailing glorious promises for Jerusalem's future, including peace, prosperity, and the return of more exiles (Zechariah 8:7-8). It underscores God's commitment to His covenant with Israel, despite their past failures.

Linguistic Insights

  • The title "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: Yahweh Sabaoth) is frequently used in prophetic books like Zechariah. It emphasizes God's supreme authority and power over all heavenly and earthly forces, including armies and celestial bodies. It underscores His ability to fulfill His promises, no matter how grand.
  • The word translated "marvellous" (Hebrew: pala) refers to something extraordinary, difficult, or wonderful—something that goes beyond human capacity or expectation. The rhetorical question suggests that what is a wonder to finite humanity is simply a matter of course for the infinite God.

Practical Application

For believers today, Zechariah 8:6 serves as a profound reminder that our human limitations and perceptions of what is "impossible" do not constrain God. When facing overwhelming challenges, seemingly insurmountable obstacles, or discouraging circumstances, we are called to shift our perspective from our own capabilities to God's infinite power.

This verse encourages us to trust in God's promises, knowing that His plans for our lives and His church will be accomplished, regardless of how improbable they may seem to us. Just as He promised restoration to the remnant of Israel, He is faithful to His word today. We are invited to marvel at God's greatness, not at the perceived impossibility of His plans.

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.

  • Jeremiah 32:27

    Behold, I [am] the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?

  • Romans 4:20

    He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;

  • Romans 4:21

    And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

  • Luke 1:37

    For with God nothing shall be impossible.

  • Luke 18:27

    And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

  • Jeremiah 32:17

    Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, [and] there is nothing too hard for thee:

  • Luke 1:20

    And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.

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