Lesson 8 – Mark Jensen

1. Introduction
   1. Opening prayer emphasizing God’s graciousness, patience, and lovingkindness.
   2. Analogy: Highway construction on I-494 illustrates trusting a plan we cannot fully see.
   3. Parallel: God’s redemptive plan for Israel is known to Him though not yet fully revealed to us.
2. Context and Overview
   1. Zechariah 7 – A call to repentance.
   2. Zechariah 8 – A call to restoration leading to rejoicing.
   3. Structure:
      1. Verses 1–17: Message of restoration.
      2. Verses 18–23: Message of rejoicing.
   4. Key truths:
      1. God loves Israel.
      2. God is not finished with Israel.
      3. God is trustworthy.
3. Structure of Zechariah 7–8
   1. Chiasmic form: ideas presented then mirrored in reverse order.
   2. Central verse (8:8b): “They will be My people, and I will be their God.”
   3. Phrase “Thus says the Lord of hosts” occurs seven times (vv. 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 14).
   4. Each occurrence introduces an authoritative declaration from God.
4. Message of Restoration (Verses 1–17)
   1. God’s Jealous Love (vv. 1–3)
      1. God is fiercely protective of His people.
      2. He promises to return and dwell in Jerusalem.
      3. The city will be called the City of Truth and the Holy Mountain.
   2. Transformation of Jerusalem (vv. 4–8)
      1. Peace and safety for old and young alike.
      2. Complete fulfillment will occur in the millennial reign of Christ.
      3. God will regather His people from east and west.
      4. Promise of restored relationship: “They will be My people, and I their God.”
   3. Encouragement to Rebuild (vv. 9–13)
      1. Past disobedience brought adversity and drought.
      2. Renewed obedience brings peace, fruitfulness, and blessing.
      3. Israel will become a blessing among the nations.
   4. Call to Righteous Living (vv. 14–17)
      1. God’s future blessings are as certain as His past judgments.
      2. He desires truth, justice, and peace rather than empty ritual.
      3. Command: Do what God loves and avoid what He hates.
5. Message of Rejoicing (Verses 18–23)
   1. Transformation of Fasts into Feasts (vv. 18–19)
      1. Fasts that mourned Jerusalem’s destruction will become celebrations.
      2. Symbolizes millennial joy and restoration.
   2. Universal Worship (vv. 20–23)
      1. Nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the Lord’s favor.
      2. Israel will become a channel of blessing to the world.
      3. “Ten men from all nations will grasp the garment of a Jew,” signifying submission and recognition of God’s presence.
6. Three Key Truths
   1. God Loves Israel
      1. His covenant love is constant and unchanging.
      2. Scriptural examples: Deuteronomy 14:2; Psalm 135:4; Romans 11:1–2.
   2. God Is Not Finished with Israel
      1. He has a continuing plan for national restoration.
      2. Supporting passages: Deuteronomy 30; Romans 8–9; Isaiah 60; Isaiah 62.
   3. God Is Trustworthy
      1. Fulfilled prophecies concerning the Messiah prove His faithfulness.
      2. Hundreds of Old Testament prophecies about Christ were fulfilled precisely.
      3. Therefore, God will also fulfill His promises to Israel.
7. Application and Exhortation
   1. Many prophecies in Zechariah 8 await future fulfillment during Christ’s millennial reign.
   2. Believers must recognize God’s continuing plan for Israel.
   3. Anti-Semitism has no place in the church or the life of a Christian.
   4. We are called to stand with and support Israel’s right to exist.
   5. God’s purpose is to bless the world through Israel — ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
8. Closing Reflection
   1. Salvation is from the Jews (John 4:22).
   2. Jesus, the Jewish Messiah, is the source of salvation for all nations.
   3. Believers should walk in gratitude, support Israel, and trust God’s redemptive plan.