Zechariah 1:3 Commentary and Bible Study

The language is so interesting. Zechariah is instructed to say the obvious, but there is a point to it, because he could almost be saying to the Lord, ‘Yes, but this is going to be difficult. The people are implacable. They are so proud of themselves, and you cannot touch their forebears. They almost worship their forebears. Their forebears are their title deed to all this estimation of themselves.’ So it seems the instruction is repeated: ‘Therefore say thou unto them’: you must go ahead; you must say it, however offensive. Notice, ‘Thus saith the Lord of hosts’, words that affect. The title ‘Lord of hosts’ occurs three times in the verse; it seems to be excessive. But this is the great promise that will balance the condemnation: ‘The Lord of hosts’, the God who commands all power imaginable, infinite power, and commands legions of angels. ‘Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Turn ye unto me’ – you have got to turn; you are on the wrong track. You don't believe it; you don't think it; you are far away. You have to turn to me, and I will turn unto you. They are worried about their enemies. They have just come out of Babylon and the Medo-Persian Empire seems to be quite comfortable with them at the moment; it seems to be quite peaceful toward them. But the problem is, all the neighbouring nations round about Judah and Jerusalem are armed and violent, and send marauding bands. They are very irritated that these Jews have been allowed back – at least, a remnant of them – to their city, and they are trying to get rid of them and discourage them constantly. So this three times mention of the title of God as the Lord of hosts is a powerful promise. ‘I, the Lord of hosts, with whom nothing is impossible will turn unto you to protect you, and to prosper you.’