“Thus says the LORD of hosts: Peoples shall yet come, even the inhabitants of many cities.
God's jealousy here is not reproof for the Church's unfaithfulness, but His burning concern for her protection. The verb means affection and care, not suspicion; He burned with wrath against all enemies of His people while regarding His Church with singular love. His resolve was to defend the godly against the whole world if necessary.
AI summary
Commenting on Zechariah 8:1-23
These verses contain two precious promises, for the further encouragement of those pious Jews that were hearty in building the temple. I. That a happy period should be put to their fasts, and there should be no more occasion for them, but they should be converted into thanksgiving days, Zac 8:19. This is a direct answer to the enquiry concerning their fasts, Zac 7:3.
Commenting on Zechariah 8:18-23
Yea, many people, and strong nations,.... Or, "mighty kingdoms", as the Targum renders it; even such have embraced the Gospel, and professed the Christian religion; of which there has been abundant proof since the downfall of Paganism under Constantine: shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem; that is, shall attend the public worship of God in the church: and to pray before...