Zec 8:20 | KingComments | STEP | The blessing will not be limited to the house of Judah ( ), but will also extend to the peoples and inhabitants of cities outside Israel ( ). Once Israel is converted, it will attract the world to go to that land ( ; ). Contrary to the few and weak Jews who are now building the temple, there will be an enormous appeal from this people in the future. As a result, many people and mighty nations will come to Jerusalem. Their goal is to seek the LORD and worship Him there and thereby “entreat the favor of the LORD” ( ). The fact that the inhabitants will go from one city to another shows their concern for each other’s spiritual well-being ( ). They want to encourage others to go to the place of worship and blessing “at once”. There is no time to lose. They not only encourage others, but set a good example, “I will also go”. They will take the lead themselves. The others can follow. They show zeal for the honor and glory of God in their willingness to honor God in the place where He dwells. There is no better method for fathers to stimulate and motivate their families to go to the church meeting than to go first themselves. A good example will stimulate good followers. Also the nations will realize that to entreat the favor of the LORD is only possible by acknowledging Him in His rights ( ). They have not done this before, but they are doing it now. This also means that they will ask for His will, how He wants to be served and worshiped. They will ask for His law. This case requires the greatest urgency. They want to seek the face of the LORD. This means that only He is the object of their prayers and no longer something of creation or self-made idols.

‏ Zechariah 8:20

The Ninth Blessing

The blessing will not be limited to the house of Judah (Zec 8:15), but will also extend to the peoples and inhabitants of cities outside Israel (Zec 8:20). Once Israel is converted, it will attract the world to go to that land (Isa 2:1-5; Mic 4:1-5). Contrary to the few and weak Jews who are now building the temple, there will be an enormous appeal from this people in the future. As a result, many people and mighty nations will come to Jerusalem. Their goal is to seek the LORD and worship Him there and thereby “entreat the favor of the LORD” (Isa 60:3 ; Isa 66:23).

The fact that the inhabitants will go from one city to another shows their concern for each other’s spiritual well-being (Zec 8:21). They want to encourage others to go to the place of worship and blessing “at once”. There is no time to lose. They not only encourage others, but set a good example, “I will also go”. They will take the lead themselves. The others can follow.

They show zeal for the honor and glory of God in their willingness to honor God in the place where He dwells. There is no better method for fathers to stimulate and motivate their families to go to the church meeting than to go first themselves. A good example will stimulate good followers.

Also the nations will realize that to entreat the favor of the LORD is only possible by acknowledging Him in His rights (Zec 8:22). They have not done this before, but they are doing it now. This also means that they will ask for His will, how He wants to be served and worshiped. They will ask for His law. This case requires the greatest urgency. They want to seek the face of the LORD. This means that only He is the object of their prayers and no longer something of creation or self-made idols.