John Calvin Commentary Zechariah 9:17

"For how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty! grain shall make the young men flourish, and new wine the virgins." — Zechariah 9:17 (ASV)

The Prophet here exclaims at the incredible kindness of God, so that the Jews might learn to raise their thoughts above the world, as they were to look for that happiness which he had previously mentioned. We then see that by this exclamation a fuller confirmation is given to what had been said by the Prophet, as if his words were: “No one should judge God’s favor, of which I have spoken, according to his own actions, conduct, or experience; but on the contrary, every one of you ought to be filled with amazement at God’s incredible kindness and at his incredible beauty.” But by the last word he understands the brightness or splendor which appears in all God’s favors and gifts.

He then concludes by saying that the abundance of corn and wine would be so great that young men and young women would eat and drink together and be fully satisfied. A frivolous question may be asked here: whether Zechariah allowed the use of wine to young women. But he is not speaking here, as I have said before, of God’s blessing as if it were an incentive to luxury. Instead, what he means is that the abundance of provisions would be so great as to be fully sufficient, not only for the old, but also for young men and young women. We know that when there is but a small supply of wine, it ought by right of age to be reserved for the old; but when wine so overflows that young men and young women may freely drink of it, it is a proof of great abundance. This, then, is simply the meaning of the Prophet. But something more will be said tomorrow on the subject.

Prayer:

Grant, Almighty God, that as we cannot look for temporal or eternal happiness except through Christ alone, and as you set him forth to us as the only true fountain of all blessings, O grant that we, being content with the favor offered to us through him, may learn to renounce the whole world and so strive against all unbelief, that we may not doubt that you will ever be a kind and gracious Father and fully supply whatever is necessary for our support; and may we, at the same time, live soberly and temperately, so that we may not be under the power of earthly things, but, with our hearts raised above, aspire after that heavenly bliss to which you invite us and to which you also guide us by such earthly helps, so that, being truly united to our Head, we may at last reach that glory which has been procured for us by his blood. Amen.