John Calvin Commentary Zechariah 8:5

"And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof." — Zechariah 8:5 (ASV)

He repeats and confirms the same thing by another representation—that boys and girls would play in the streets and on the public roads, which could not happen during a troublesome time of war. For when arms clatter, the sound of trumpets is heard, and assaults of enemies are dreaded, everyone keeps their children at home. In public, there is sad confusion, and few are found outside; in short, there is no cheerfulness even in children when fear is hanging over them.

Thus, we see that what is promised here is a state of quietness for Jerusalem, because God would keep off the attacks of enemies—not that Jerusalem was ever exempt from all evils, but that God’s defense was so effective as to render them safe amidst many and various dangers.

It is not necessary here to anxiously raise the question—whether it is lawful to play during times of peace? For the Prophet here took his language from the common habits of people and even from the very nature of things. We know that people give way to cheerfulness when no fear takes hold of their minds, and that play and sport are allowed for children. The Prophet meant only this: that though the Jews might then have dealings with various enemies, they would still be in a state of peace and safety. He afterwards adds—