Zechariah 8:18

Then the word of the LORD of Hosts came to me, saying,

Study Bible

Then the word of the LORD of Hosts came to me, saying
Then
The word "Then" indicates a continuation or a sequence of events. In the context of Zechariah, this suggests that the message being delivered is part of a larger narrative or series of revelations. It connects this verse to the preceding passages, emphasizing the ongoing communication between God and the prophet Zechariah. This continuity is crucial in understanding the unfolding of God's plans and promises to His people.

the word
In Hebrew, "word" is "dabar," which signifies not just a spoken word but an active, dynamic force. In the biblical context, the "word" of God is powerful and creative, as seen in Genesis where God speaks the world into existence. Here, it underscores the authority and effectiveness of God's communication, which is not merely informative but transformative.

of the LORD
The term "LORD" is translated from the Hebrew "YHWH," the sacred and personal name of God. This name is often associated with God's covenantal faithfulness and His eternal, unchanging nature. It reminds the reader of God's sovereignty and His intimate relationship with His people, Israel. The use of "LORD" here assures the audience of the divine origin and reliability of the message.

of Hosts
"Hosts" refers to "Tzevaot" in Hebrew, meaning armies or multitudes. This title for God, "LORD of Hosts," emphasizes His supreme command over the heavenly armies and all creation. It portrays God as a mighty warrior and protector, reinforcing His ability to fulfill His promises and defend His people against any adversary.

came to me
The phrase "came to me" indicates a personal and direct communication from God to Zechariah. This personal encounter highlights the role of the prophet as a chosen vessel through whom God reveals His will. It also underscores the accessibility of God, who reaches out to His servants to convey His messages.

saying
The word "saying" introduces the content of the divine message. It prepares the reader for the revelation that follows, emphasizing that what is about to be communicated is not of human origin but is a direct utterance from God. This sets the stage for the authoritative and prophetic nature of the message that Zechariah is about to deliver.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Zechariah
A prophet of the post-exilic period, Zechariah was instrumental in encouraging the Jewish people to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem after their return from Babylonian exile. His prophecies often focus on the restoration and future glory of Jerusalem.

2. The LORD of Hosts
This title emphasizes God's sovereignty and power over all heavenly and earthly armies. It underscores His authority and ability to fulfill His promises.

3. Jerusalem
The central place of worship and the heart of Jewish identity, Jerusalem is often symbolic of God's presence and His covenant with His people.

4. The Word of the LORD
This phrase indicates divine revelation, a message directly from God to His people through the prophet.

5. Post-Exilic Period
The historical context of Zechariah's prophecy, a time when the Jewish people were returning from Babylonian exile and rebuilding their community and religious life.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty and Faithfulness
God's title as "LORD of Hosts" reminds us of His ultimate control and faithfulness to His promises. We can trust Him to fulfill His word in our lives.

The Importance of Divine Revelation
Just as Zechariah received the word of the LORD, we should seek God's guidance through Scripture and prayer, valuing His revelation in our daily lives.

Restoration and Hope
The context of Zechariah's message is one of hope and restoration. In our own lives, we can find encouragement that God is always working to restore and renew us.

Community and Worship
The rebuilding of the temple was central to the Jewish community's identity. Similarly, we should prioritize our spiritual community and worship as central to our faith journey.

Obedience to God's Call
Zechariah's role as a prophet required obedience to God's call. We are also called to listen and respond to God's direction in our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the title "LORD of Hosts" enhance your view of God's power and authority in your life?

2. In what ways can you seek and value divine revelation in your daily routine?

3. How does the theme of restoration in Zechariah 8:18 encourage you in areas of your life that need renewal?

4. What steps can you take to prioritize community and worship in your spiritual journey?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt called to obey God's direction. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? How can this experience inform your future decisions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Haggai 1-2
Haggai, a contemporary of Zechariah, also encouraged the rebuilding of the temple, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing God's house.

Isaiah 40:1-5
This passage speaks of comfort and restoration for Jerusalem, similar to the themes in Zechariah's prophecies.

Jeremiah 29:10-14
God's promise to bring His people back from exile and restore them, which aligns with the hope and future restoration themes in Zechariah.