Homilist Zechariah 8:1-6 Again the word of the LORD of hosts came to me, saying,… I. Here is a community SPECIALLY INTERESTING TO THE GREAT GOD. "Again the Word of the Lord of hosts came to me, saying, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; I was jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I was jealous for her with great fury." The rendering of Dr. Henderson is worth citation: "And the word of Jehovah was communicated to me, saying: Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: I have been jealous for Zion with great zeal, yea, with great indignation have I been jealous for her." Jerusalem was a city on which God had chosen "to put His name"; there was His temple, the ark, the mercy seat, and the memorials of His power and goodness in the history of Israel. This city had been destroyed by the Babylonian invaders. Instead of losing interest in His persecuted people, His feelings were intense concerning them. The Eternal is interested in all the works of His hand, interested in men even in their state of infidelity and, rebellion; but specially interested in those whom He regards as His people. Unto that man will I look who is of a broken and contrite spirit, and who trembleth at My Word." II. Here is a community IN WHICH THE ALMIGHTY SPECIALLY RESIDES. "Thus saith the Lord, I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem." Jerusalem was in a very particular sense the dwelling place of God (Exodus 29:45; Leviticus 22:12). There are two senses in which the Almighty dwells with good men. 1. By His sympathy. The loving mother dwells with her loved child; yes, though separated by continents and, seas. Jehovah's sympathies are with His children. 2. By His presence. "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." III. Here is a community DISTINGUISHED BY REALITY AND ELEVATION. 1. Reality. "And Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth." What is moral reality? A practical correspondence of the sympathies and life with eternal facts. All whose thoughts, affections, and conduct are not in accord with the immutable moral laws of God, live in fiction, "walk in a vain show"; and in this state, most if not all communities are found. Alas! "The city of truth" is not yet established, it is in a distant future. It is distinguished by — 2. Elevation. "And the mountain of the Lord of hosts, the holy mountain." Where are the communities of men now found in a moral sense? Down in the hazy, boggy, impure valleys of carnalities and falsehoods. But this community is up on the holy mountain, it is in a place of high moral exaltation. IV. Here is a community IN WHICH THE VERY AGED AND THE YOUNG LIVE IN SOCIAL ENJOYMENT. "Thus saith the Lord of hosts, There shall yet old men and old women dwell in the streets of Jerusalem, and every man with his staff in his hand for very age." Beautiful city this! The children not filthy, half-starved, diseased Arabs in crowded alleys, but bright creations gambolling in the sunny streets. V. Here is a community WHOSE ESTABLISHMENT, THOUGH INCREDIBLE TO MAN, IS CERTAIN TO GOD. "Thus saith the Lord of hosts, If it be marvellous in the eyes of the remnant of the people in these days, should it also be marvellous in Mine eyes?" As if the Almighty had said, The creation of such a social state amongst you may appear an impossibility; but it is not so to Me. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: Again the word of the LORD of hosts came to me, saying, |
    |