Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts; therefore love the truth and peace.
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
And the inhabitants of one city shall go to another,.... Which shows their concern for the spiritual welfare of each other, their zeal for the honour and glory of God, and their readiness to attend divine worship: saying, Let us go speedily to pray before the Lord; for pardoning, justifying, and sanctifying grace which shows their sense of need of these things, and that they...