Zec 8:21-23 | JFB | STEP | 21. Let us ... I-- manifesting zeal and love: converted themselves, they seek the conversion of others ( ). To exhortation in general ("Let us go"), they add individual example ("I will go"). Or, the change from plural to singular implies that the general consent in religious earnestness leads each individual to decide for God. go speedily-- literally, "go, going"; implying intense earnestness. pray-- Hebrew, "entreat the face" ( ); entreat His favor and grace.

‏ Zechariah 8:21-23

21. Let us ... I--manifesting zeal and love: converted themselves, they seek the conversion of others (So 1:4). To exhortation in general ("Let us go"), they add individual example ("I will go"). Or, the change from plural to singular implies that the general consent in religious earnestness leads each individual to decide for God.

go speedily--literally, "go, going"; implying intense earnestness.

pray--Hebrew, "entreat the face" (Zec 7:2); entreat His favor and grace.

22. many ... strong nations ... in Jerusalem--In contrast to the few and weak Jews now building the temple and city, then such shall be their influence that many and strong nations shall come to worship Jehovah their God in Jerusalem (Is 60:3; 66:23).

23. ten--a definite number for an indefinite. So in Le 22:26; Nu 14:22.

of all languages of the nations--that is, of nations of all languages (compare Is 66:18; Re 7:9).

take hold of the skirt--a gesture of suppliant entreaty as to a superior. Compare Is 3:6; 4:1, on a different occasion. The Gentiles shall eagerly seek to share the religious privileges of the Jew. The skirt with a fringe and blue ribbon upon it (Nu 15:38; De 22:12) was a distinguishing badge of a Jew.

God is with you--the effect produced on unbelievers in entering the assemblies of the Church (1Co 14:25). But primarily, that produced on the nations in witnessing the deliverance of the Jews by Cyrus. Finally, that to be produced on the nations by the future grand interposition of Messiah in behalf of His people.