Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Let your hands be strong, ye that hear in these days these words by the mouth of the prophets, which were in the day that the foundation of the house of the LORD of hosts was laid, that the temple might be built.
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
Those who obey the call to rebuild the temple, who lay their hands to the work of God, may expect His encouragement and comfort. Only the employed for God receive His strengthening; those who avoid their fathers' disobedience not only break the curse but have it turned to blessing.
AI summary
Commenting on Zechariah 8:9-17
For before these days,.... That the temple began to be built: there was no hire for men, nor any hire for beasts; that turned to any account; the wages earned by the one, and with the other, were as if they were put into a bag with holes, did not prosper with them, or do them any service, Hag 1:6, neither was there any peace...