Zechariah 8:9

¶ Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Let your hands be strong, ye that hear in these days these words by the mouth of the prophets, which [were] in the day [that] the foundation of the house of the LORD of hosts was laid, that the temple might be built.

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}; Let your hands {H3027} be strong {H2388}, ye that hear {H8085} in these days {H3117} these words {H1697} by the mouth {H6310} of the prophets {H5030}, which were in the day {H3117} that the foundation {H3245} of the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635} was laid {H3245}, that the temple {H1964} might be built {H1129}.

"ADONAI-Tzva'ot says, 'Take courage, you who are hearing only now, in these days, these words spoken by the prophets when the foundation was being laid for rebuilding the temple, the house of ADONAI-Tzva'ot.

This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Let your hands be strong, you who now hear these words spoken by the prophets who were present when the foundations were laid to rebuild the temple, the house of the LORD of Hosts.

Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: Let your hands be strong, ye that hear in these days these words from the mouth of the prophets that were in the day that the foundation of the house of Jehovah of hosts was laid, even the temple, that it might be built.

Zechariah 8:9 delivers a powerful message of divine encouragement to the Jewish exiles who had returned to Jerusalem and were engaged in the challenging task of rebuilding the temple.

Context

This verse is part of a series of prophecies given by Zechariah in the fourth year of King Darius, around 518 BC. The people had returned from Babylonian captivity (see Ezra 1:1) but faced significant opposition and discouragement in rebuilding the temple, which had lain in ruins for decades. The work had even ceased for a time. Zechariah, along with the prophet Haggai, was commissioned by God to stir the people to action and reassure them of divine assistance. This particular verse looks back to the initial laying of the temple's foundation (as described in Ezra 3:10) and reminds those who were present then, and those hearing the prophetic word now, that the same divine call to build remains.

Key Themes

  • Divine Mandate to Persevere: The phrase "Thus saith the LORD of hosts" emphasizes that this is not merely human advice but a direct command from the sovereign God. It's a call to resume and complete the work despite obstacles.
  • Strength for the Task: "Let your hands be strong" is an idiom for courage, resolve, and diligent effort. It counters the weariness and fear that had plagued the builders. God provides the necessary strength for the work He has ordained.
  • Continuity of God's Word: The verse connects the current message of the prophets (Zechariah and Haggai) to the initial prophetic word given when the foundation was laid. This highlights that God's purpose for the temple's reconstruction had not changed, and His promises were still valid.
  • Importance of the Temple: The rebuilding of "the house of the LORD of hosts" was central to the spiritual and national restoration of Israel, signifying God's presence among His people.

Linguistic Insights

The title "the LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: YHWH Sabaoth) is frequently used in Zechariah. It portrays God as the supreme commander of angelic armies and heavenly bodies, emphasizing His omnipotence and ability to fulfill His purposes. This powerful name provides immense comfort and assurance that the one commanding them to "be strong" is indeed able to grant that strength and ensure the success of their endeavors.

Practical Application

Zechariah 8:9 offers timeless encouragement for believers today. We often face spiritual "building projects" in our lives, whether it's developing character, serving in ministry, or overcoming personal challenges. Like the returned exiles, we can become discouraged when faced with opposition or the sheer magnitude of the task. This verse reminds us:

  • God's Call Still Stands: If God has called you to a task, His word of encouragement remains.
  • Divine Strength is Available: We are not to rely on our own limited abilities but on God's strength. Just as He told Zerubbabel and Joshua, "be strong, and work: for I am with you" (Haggai 2:4), He promises His presence and power to us.
  • Persevere Through Discouragement: The initial enthusiasm for a task can wane. This verse is a powerful reminder to remember the original divine mandate and to continue with renewed vigor, knowing that God is with us to complete what He started.
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 35:4

    Say to them [that are] of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come [with] vengeance, [even] God [with] a recompence; he will come and save you.

  • Haggai 2:21

    Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I will shake the heavens and the earth;

  • Ezra 5:1

    ¶ Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that [were] in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, [even] unto them.

  • Ezra 5:2

    Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which [is] at Jerusalem: and with them [were] the prophets of God helping them.

  • 1 Chronicles 22:13

    Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfil the statutes and judgments which the LORD charged Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.

  • Joshua 1:6

    Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.

  • Haggai 1:1

    ¶ In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet unto Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, saying,

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