◄ Zechariah 2:11 ►
"On that day many nations will join themselves to the LORD, and they will become My people. I will dwell among you, and you will know that the LORD of Hosts has sent Me to you.
Study Bible
Many nations
The phrase "Many nations" signifies the expansive reach of God's redemptive plan. In the Hebrew text, the word for "nations" is "goyim," which often refers to Gentiles or non-Israelite peoples. This indicates a prophetic vision where God's covenant extends beyond Israel to include diverse ethnic groups. Historically, this foreshadows the New Testament revelation where the Gospel is preached to all nations, fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19). It underscores the inclusivity of God's kingdom, breaking ethnic and cultural barriers.

will join themselves to the LORD
The Hebrew verb "join" (לָוָה, lavah) implies a deep, covenantal relationship. This is not a mere association but a binding commitment akin to marriage. Theologically, it reflects the transformative power of faith, where individuals and nations are grafted into the spiritual lineage of Abraham (Romans 11:17). This joining is a voluntary act of allegiance and worship, highlighting the universal call to salvation and the unity of believers in Christ.

in that day
This phrase "in that day" is eschatological, pointing to a future time of fulfillment. In prophetic literature, it often refers to the "Day of the LORD," a time of divine intervention and ultimate restoration. It suggests a specific, divinely appointed time when God's purposes will be fully realized. This anticipates the Messianic age, where Christ's reign brings peace and justice, aligning with the hope of a new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:1).

and they will become My people
The transformation into "My people" signifies adoption into God's family. The Hebrew term "עַם" (am) denotes a collective identity, emphasizing belonging and community. This echoes the covenantal promise found in Exodus 6:7, where God declares Israel as His people. In the New Testament, this is expanded to include all who believe in Christ, as seen in 1 Peter 2:9-10, where believers are called a "chosen people."

I will dwell among you
The promise "I will dwell among you" is central to God's relational nature. The Hebrew word "שָׁכַן" (shakan) means to settle or abide, and is the root for "Shekinah," the divine presence. This recalls the tabernacle and temple, where God's glory resided among His people. In the New Testament, this is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, Immanuel, "God with us" (Matthew 1:23), and through the Holy Spirit dwelling in believers (1 Corinthians 3:16).

and you will know
The phrase "and you will know" implies experiential knowledge, not just intellectual assent. The Hebrew word "יָדַע" (yada) encompasses intimate understanding and relationship. This knowledge is transformative, leading to a deeper faith and trust in God's sovereignty. It reflects the biblical theme of revelation, where God makes Himself known to humanity through His actions and presence.

that the LORD of Hosts has sent Me to you
The title "LORD of Hosts" (יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת, Yahweh Tseva'ot) emphasizes God's supreme authority over heavenly armies and earthly affairs. The phrase "has sent Me to you" suggests a divine mission, often interpreted as a Messianic prophecy. In Christian theology, this is seen as a reference to Christ, the sent one, who accomplishes God's redemptive work. It underscores the divine initiative in salvation history, where God actively pursues and redeems His creation.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Zechariah
A prophet in the post-exilic period who encouraged the Jewish people to rebuild the temple and renew their covenant with God.

2. The LORD of Hosts
A title for God emphasizing His sovereignty and command over the heavenly armies.

3. Nations
Refers to the Gentiles, indicating a future inclusion of non-Israelites into the covenant community.

4. Jerusalem
The city where God promises to dwell, symbolizing His presence among His people.

5. The Day
A prophetic term often used to describe a future time of divine intervention and fulfillment of God's promises.
Teaching Points
God's Inclusive Plan
God's plan of salvation extends beyond Israel to include all nations. This challenges us to embrace diversity within the body of Christ and to actively participate in global missions.

The Presence of God
The promise of God dwelling among His people is fulfilled in Jesus and the Holy Spirit. We are called to live in awareness of His presence and to cultivate a personal relationship with Him.

The Role of the Church
As the body of Christ, the church is a living testimony of God's promise to dwell among His people. We are to be a community that reflects His love and truth to the world.

Prophetic Fulfillment
Understanding the prophetic nature of Zechariah's message encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness to fulfill His promises, both in the past and in the future.

Unity in Diversity
The joining of many nations to the Lord calls us to pursue unity within the church, celebrating our differences while being united in Christ.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the inclusion of "many nations" in Zechariah 2:11 challenge our understanding of God's plan for salvation?

2. In what ways can we, as individuals and as a church, reflect the presence of God in our communities?

3. How does the promise of God dwelling among His people in Zechariah 2:11 find its fulfillment in the New Testament?

4. What practical steps can we take to promote unity within the diverse body of Christ?

5. How does the prophetic message of Zechariah encourage us to trust in God's promises today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 2:2-4
This passage speaks of all nations streaming to the mountain of the Lord, echoing the theme of inclusion of the Gentiles.

Ephesians 2:11-22
Paul discusses the breaking down of the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles, making them one in Christ.

Revelation 21:3
Describes the ultimate fulfillment of God dwelling among His people in the new heaven and new earth.

Genesis 12:3
God's promise to Abraham that all nations will be blessed through him, foreshadowing the inclusion of the Gentiles.

John 1:14
The Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us, highlighting God's presence with His people through Jesus.
Sermons
The Joy of the Divine PresenceGeorge Hutcheson.Zechariah 2:10-13
The Joy of the Millennial ChurchHomilistZechariah 2:10-13
The Joy of the Millennial ChurchD. Thomas Zechariah 2:10-13
The Joys of the Church in Her Great HeadW. Forsyth Zechariah 2:10-13
The Restorer of Israel and JudahT. Bowdler, A. M.Zechariah 2:10-13
People
Zechariah
Places
Babylon, Jerusalem, Zion
Topics
Almighty, Armies, Dwell, Dwelt, Hast, Hosts, Join, Joined, Midst, Nations, Themselves
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Zechariah 2:11

     6214   participation, in Christ
     9155   millennium

Zechariah 2:10-11

     1513   Trinity, mission of

Zechariah 2:10-12

     7259   promised land, later history
     8271   holiness, purpose
     9220   day of the LORD

Zechariah 2:10-13

     5006   human race, destiny
     7922   fellowship, with God

Library
The City Without Walls
'Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls.... For I, saith the Lord, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her.'--ZECHARIAH ii. 4, 5. Zechariah was the Prophet of the returning exiles, and his great work was to hearten them for their difficult task, with their small resources and their many foes, and to insist that the prime condition to success, on the part of that portion of the nation that had returned, was holiness. So his visions, of which …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Prayer for the Lord's Promised Presence. Zech 2:10
 …
John Newton—Olney Hymns

The Lord Reigneth
Hallelujah; for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth! T he book of the Revelation, being chiefly prophetical, will not, perhaps, be fully understood, till the final accomplishment of the events shall draw near, and throw a stronger light upon the whole series. But while the learned commentators have been, hitherto, divided and perplexed in their attempts to illustrate many parts of it, there are other parts well adapted for the instruction and refreshment of plain Christians. Particularly, those passages …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

Covenanting Confers Obligation.
As it has been shown that all duty, and that alone, ought to be vowed to God in covenant, it is manifest that what is lawfully engaged to in swearing by the name of God is enjoined in the moral law, and, because of the authority of that law, ought to be performed as a duty. But it is now to be proved that what is promised to God by vow or oath, ought to be performed also because of the act of Covenanting. The performance of that exercise is commanded, and the same law which enjoins that the duties …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

The Extent of Messiah's Spiritual Kingdom
The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ, and He shall reign for ever and ever! T he Kingdom of our Lord in the heart, and in the world, is frequently compared to a building or house, of which He Himself is both the Foundation and the Architect (Isaiah 28:16 and 54:11, 12) . A building advances by degrees (I Corinthians 3:9; Ephesians 2:20-22) , and while it is in an unfinished state, a stranger cannot, by viewing its present appearance, form an accurate judgment …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

John's Introduction.
^D John I. 1-18. ^d 1 In the beginning was the Word [a title for Jesus peculiar to the apostle John], and the Word was with God [not going before nor coming after God, but with Him at the beginning], and the Word was God. [Not more, not less.] 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him [the New Testament often speaks of Christ as the Creator--see ver. 10; I. Cor. viii. 6; Col. i. 13, 17; Heb. i. 2]; and without him was not anything made that hath been made. [This …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Noble Results of this Species of Prayer
The Noble Results of this Species of Prayer Some persons, when they hear of the prayer of silence, falsely imagine, that the soul remains stupid, dead, and inactive. But, unquestionably, it acteth therein, more nobly and more extensively than it had ever done before; for God Himself is the mover, and the soul now acteth by the agency of His Spirit. When S. Paul speaks of our being led by the Spirit of God, it is not meant that we should cease from action; but that we should act through the internal …
Madame Guyon—A Short and Easy Method of Prayer

Covenanting Predicted in Prophecy.
The fact of Covenanting, under the Old Testament dispensations, being approved of God, gives a proof that it was proper then, which is accompanied by the voice of prophecy, affording evidence that even in periods then future it should no less be proper. The argument for the service that is afforded by prophecy is peculiar, and, though corresponding with evidence from other sources, is independent. Because that God willed to make known truth through his servants the prophets, we should receive it …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Gifts Received for the Rebellious
Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: Thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them. W hen Joseph exchanged a prison for the chief honour and government of Egypt, the advantage of his exaltation was felt by those who little deserved it (Genesis 45:4, 5) . His brethren hated him, and had conspired to kill him. And though he was preserved from death, they were permitted to sell him for a bond-servant. He owed his servitude, …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

This State of Prayer not one of Idleness, but of Noble Action, Wrought by the Spirit of God, and in Dependence Upon Him --The Communication Of
Some people, hearing of the prayer of silence, have wrongly imagined that the soul remains inactive, lifeless, and without movement. But the truth is, that its action is more noble and more extensive than it ever was before it entered this degree, since it is moved by God Himself, and acted upon by His Spirit. St Paul desires that we should be led by the Spirit of God (Rom. viii. 14). I do not say that there must be no action, but that we must act in dependence upon the divine movement. This …
Jeanne Marie Bouvières—A Short Method Of Prayer And Spiritual Torrents

Zechariah
CHAPTERS I-VIII Two months after Haggai had delivered his first address to the people in 520 B.C., and a little over a month after the building of the temple had begun (Hag. i. 15), Zechariah appeared with another message of encouragement. How much it was needed we see from the popular despondency reflected in Hag. ii. 3, Jerusalem is still disconsolate (Zech. i. 17), there has been fasting and mourning, vii. 5, the city is without walls, ii. 5, the population scanty, ii. 4, and most of the people …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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