Matthew Henry Commentary Zechariah 8:18-23

"And the word of Jehovah of hosts came unto me, saying, Thus saith Jehovah 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 truth and peace. Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: [It shall] yet [come to pass], that there shall come peoples, and the inhabitants of many cities; and the inhabitants of one [city] shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to entreat the favor of Jehovah, and to seek Jehovah of hosts: I will go also. Yea, many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek Jehovah of hosts in Jerusalem, and to entreat the favor of Jehovah. Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: In those days [it shall come to pass], that ten men shall take hold, out of all the languages of the nations, they shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you." — Zechariah 8:18-23 (ASV)

When God comes towards us in ways of mercy, we must meet Him with joy and thankfulness. Therefore, be faithful and honest in all your dealings; and let it be a pleasure to you to be so, even though by doing so you may fall short of the gains others get dishonestly. And, as much as it is in your power, live peaceably with all people. Let the truths of God rule in your minds, and let the peace of God rule in your hearts.

In this way, the ancient servants of God attracted the attention of their pagan neighbors, whose prejudices were softened. A great increase to the church will be made. Previously, the Jews had been inclined to learn the idolatries of other nations. What could be more unlikely than that they should teach religion to their conquerors and to all the principal nations of the earth? Yet this is expressly foretold, and it happened.

Until now, the prophecy has been wonderfully fulfilled, and undoubtedly future events will explain it further. It is good to be with those who have God with them; if we take God for our God, we must take His people for our people and be willing to cast our lot with them. But let no one think that mere zeal, whether for Jews or Gentiles, will substitute for personal religion.

Let us be living epistles of Christ, known and read by all people, so that others may wish to go with us and to have their portion with us in the realms of bliss.