Zechariah 8:23
This is what the LORD of Hosts says: "In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue will tightly grasp the robe of a Jew, saying, 'Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.'"
This is what the LORD of Hosts says:

The God who commands the armies of heaven speaks with absolute authority. His promised restoration of Jerusalem and Israel rests on His sovereign power to accomplish all He has declared.

Hag 1:2 this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “These people say,…
Hag 1:5 Now this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Consider carefully…
Hag 1:7 This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Consider carefully…”…

“In those days

The prophecy looks ahead to the time when the Lord openly blesses His people and establishes His reign in Zion. Israel’s restoration will become a witness to the nations.

Jol 3:1 Yes, in those days and at that time, when I restore…
Isa 2:2 In the last days the mountain of the house of the LORD…
Mic 4:1 In the last days the mountain of the house of the LORD…

ten men from the nations of every tongue

Representatives from every people group and language will come, demonstrating the worldwide reach of God’s saving purpose. The blessing promised through Abraham will be recognized among the nations.

Isa 66:18 “And I, knowing their deeds and thoughts,…
Rev 7:9 After this I looked and saw a multitude too large to count…
Dan 3:4 Then the herald loudly proclaimed, “O people of every nation…

will tightly grasp the robe of a Jew,

The nations will seek close association with the Jewish people because of the Lord’s manifest favor upon them. Grasping the garment conveys earnest dependence and a desire to learn the ways of God.

Mat 9:20-21 Suddenly a woman who had suffered from bleeding…
Mrk 6:56 And wherever He went—villages and towns and countrysides…
Num 15:38-39 Speak to the Israelites and tell them that…

saying, ‘Let us go with you,

Formerly distant Gentiles will desire to worship the Lord alongside Israel. Their request reflects humility, repentance, and recognition that God’s revealed truth has been entrusted to the Jewish people.

Isa 2:3 And many peoples will come and say: “Come, let us go up…
Mic 4:2 And many nations will come and say: “Come, let us go up…
Jer 50:5 They will ask the way to Zion and turn their faces…

for we have heard that God is with you.’”

The visible presence and blessing of God among restored Israel will draw the nations to Him. The promise anticipates the reign of the Messiah, the Jewish Savior through whom God brings salvation to the world.

Gen 21:22 At that time Abimelech and Phicol said to Abraham,…
Gen 26:28 “We can plainly see that the LORD has been with you,”…
1Sa 18:14 and he continued to prosper in all his ways,…

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD of Hosts
This title emphasizes God's sovereignty and command over the heavenly armies, highlighting His power and authority.

2. Jewish Man
Represents the people of Israel, chosen by God to be a light to the nations. In this context, it symbolizes the faithful remnant through whom God’s presence is recognized.

3. Ten Men from All Nations
Symbolizes completeness and universality, indicating people from all over the world seeking the God of Israel.

4. The Robe
In ancient times, grasping the robe was a sign of seeking favor or guidance. It signifies a desire to be associated with the blessings and presence of God.

5. The Nations
Refers to the Gentiles, representing the broader world beyond Israel, who are drawn to God’s presence and truth.
Teaching Points
God's Universal Plan
God's plan of salvation is not limited to Israel but extends to all nations. Believers are called to be a light to the world, reflecting God's presence and truth.

The Power of Witness
The Jewish man symbolizes the faithful witness of God's people. Our lives should draw others to God, demonstrating His presence and blessings.

Unity in Diversity
The gathering of nations signifies the unity that God desires among His people, transcending cultural and ethnic boundaries.

The Importance of God's Presence
The nations are drawn because they recognize God's presence. We should prioritize cultivating and manifesting God's presence in our lives.

Role of Israel in God's Redemptive Plan
Israel's role as a conduit for God's blessings to the nations is a reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises and His inclusive plan for humanity.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the image of "ten men from all nations" grasping the robe of a Jewish man challenge or affirm your understanding of God's plan for the nations?

2. In what ways can you, as a believer, be a light to those around you, drawing them to the presence of God?

3. How do the themes of unity and diversity in Zechariah 8:23 relate to the New Testament church's mission?

4. Reflect on a time when you have seen or experienced the power of God's presence drawing others to Him. How can this encourage you in your faith journey?

5. How does understanding Israel's role in God's redemptive plan enhance your appreciation of the Old Testament and its connection to the New Testament?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 2:2-3
This passage speaks of nations coming to the mountain of the Lord to learn His ways, similar to the nations seeking the Jewish man in Zechariah 8:23.

Micah 4:1-2
Echoes the theme of nations streaming to the house of the Lord, seeking His instruction and peace.

Acts 2:5-11
The gathering of diverse nations at Pentecost, where they hear the apostles speaking in their own languages, reflects the fulfillment of nations coming to God.

Romans 11:11-12
Discusses the role of Israel in bringing salvation to the Gentiles, aligning with the idea of nations seeking God through Israel.
A Wise and Good ResolutionB. Beddome, M. A.Zechariah 8:23
Admission of the GentilesT. V. Moore, D. D.Zechariah 8:23
Christian AttractionWilliam Jay.Zechariah 8:23
Our Obligations to the JewsThomas Scott.Zechariah 8:23
Purpose of God Regarding the JewsWilliam Tait, D. D.Zechariah 8:23
Right RepresentationW. Forsyth Zechariah 8:23
The Supernatural in ReligionDr. Kynett.Zechariah 8:23
Uniting with God's PeopleJ. Burns.Zechariah 8:23
The Future Glory of the ChurchW. Forsyth Zechariah 8:1-23
A Universal Revival of Genuine ReligionD. Thomas Zechariah 8:16-23
People
Zechariah
Places
Jerusalem, Zion
Topics
Armies, Ears, Firm, Garment, Grasp, Grip, Hands, Hem, Hold, Hosts, Jew, Languages, Nations, Oracle, Pass, Robe, Saying, Says, Skirt, Ten, Thus, Tongue, Yea
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Zechariah 8:23

     1653   numbers, 6-10
     5145   clothing
     5374   languages
     5854   experience, of God
     7505   Jews, the
     9140   last days

Zechariah 8:20-23

     7031   unity, God's goal
     8160   seeking God

Library
Sad Fasts Changed to Glad Feasts
"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."--Zechariah 8:19 MY time for discourse upon this subject will be limited, as we shall gather around the communion-table immediately afterwards. So in the former part of my sermon I shall give you an outline of what might be said upon the text if we had
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 38: 1892

The Temptation of Jesus
The proclamation and inauguration of the Kingdom of Heaven' at such a time, and under such circumstances, was one of the great antitheses of history. With reverence be it said, it is only God Who would thus begin His Kingdom. A similar, even greater antithesis, was the commencement of the Ministry of Christ. From the Jordan to the wilderness with its wild Beasts; from the devout acknowledgment of the Baptist, the consecration and filial prayer of Jesus, the descent of the Holy Spirit, and the heard
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Healing the Centurion's Servant.
(at Capernaum.) ^A Matt. VIII. 1, 5-13; ^C Luke VII. 1-10. ^c 1 After he had ended all his sayings in the ears of the people, ^a 1 And when he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. ^c he entered into Capernaum. [Jesus proceeded from the mountain to Capernaum, which was now his home, or headquarters. The multitudes which are now mentioned for the third time were not wearied by his sermon, and so continued to follow him. Their presence showed the popularity of Jesus, and also
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Concerning Peaceableness
Blessed are the peacemakers. Matthew 5:9 This is the seventh step of the golden ladder which leads to blessedness. The name of peace is sweet, and the work of peace is a blessed work. Blessed are the peacemakers'. Observe the connection. The Scripture links these two together, pureness of heart and peaceableness of spirit. The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable' (James 3:17). Follow peace and holiness' (Hebrews 12:14). And here Christ joins them together pure in heart, and peacemakers',
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

The Ninth Commandment
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.' Exod 20: 16. THE tongue which at first was made to be an organ of God's praise, is now become an instrument of unrighteousness. This commandment binds the tongue to its good behaviour. God has set two natural fences to keep in the tongue, the teeth and lips; and this commandment is a third fence set about it, that it should not break forth into evil. It has a prohibitory and a mandatory part: the first is set down in plain words, the other
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Appendix ix. List of Old Testament Passages Messianically Applied in Ancient Rabbinic Writings
THE following list contains the passages in the Old Testament applied to the Messiah or to Messianic times in the most ancient Jewish writings. They amount in all to 456, thus distributed: 75 from the Pentateuch, 243 from the Prophets, and 138 from the Hagiorgrapha, and supported by more than 558 separate quotations from Rabbinic writings. Despite all labour care, it can scarcely be hoped that the list is quite complete, although, it is hoped, no important passage has been omitted. The Rabbinic references
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Zechariah
CHAPTERS I-VIII Two months after Haggai had delivered his first address to the people in 520 B.C., and a little over a month after the building of the temple had begun (Hag. i. 15), Zechariah appeared with another message of encouragement. How much it was needed we see from the popular despondency reflected in Hag. ii. 3, Jerusalem is still disconsolate (Zech. i. 17), there has been fasting and mourning, vii. 5, the city is without walls, ii. 5, the population scanty, ii. 4, and most of the people
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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