Context No. 3115 of 4322 · Zechariah

Zechariah 8:14-23: in context

14For the LORD of Armies says: “As I thought to do evil to you when your fathers provoked me to wrath,” says the LORD of Armies, “and I didn’t repent, 15so again I have thought in these days to do good to Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. Don’t be afraid. 16These are the things that you shall do: speak every man the truth with his neighbor. Execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates, 17and let none of you devise evil in your hearts against his neighbor, and love no false oath; for all these are things that I hate,” says the LORD. 18The word of the LORD of Armies came to me. 19The LORD of Armies says: “The fasts of the fourth, fifth, seventh, and tenth months shall be for the house of Judah joy, gladness, and cheerful feasts. Therefore love truth and peace.” 20The LORD of Armies says: “Many peoples and the inhabitants of many cities will yet come. 21The inhabitants of one will go to another, saying, ‘Let’s go speedily to entreat the favor of the LORD, and to seek the LORD of Armies. I will go also.’ 22Yes, many peoples and strong nations will come to seek the LORD of Armies in Jerusalem and to entreat the favor of the LORD.” 23The LORD of Armies says: “In those days, ten men out of all the languages of the nations will take hold of the skirt of him who is a Jew, saying, ‘We will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’”

God announces a change of heart toward his people: as I purposed to bring disaster when your fathers provoked me, so now I purpose to do good to Jerusalem; do not be afraid. And then come the commands that fit such a people: speak the truth to one another, render true and peaceable judgments, do not devise evil against your neighbor, do not love false oaths. The old fasts will become glad feasts. And a great promise: many peoples and strong nations will come to seek the LORD.

Two things stand together. God's turn from judgment to blessing comes with ethical demands, speak truth, judge truly, hate the false oath. His good purpose is meant to shape a community of truth and justice, not merely private comfort. And the horizon widens gloriously: the nations will come, drawn not by force but by a report, ten men from every language grasping a Jew's robe, saying, let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you. When God is truly present among his people, others are drawn to seek him.

Is my community one of truth and justice that draws others because God is evidently with us, so that people want to come along and seek him?

Sources

Zechariah 8:16: "Speak every man the truth with his neighbor. Execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates."
Zechariah 8:23: "We will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you."
Matthew 5:16: "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."