For this is what the LORD of Hosts says: "After His Glory has sent Me against the nations that have plundered you--for whoever touches you touches the apple of His eye-- For this is what the LORD of Hosts saysThe phrase "LORD of Hosts" is a translation of the Hebrew "Yahweh Sabaoth," which emphasizes God's supreme command over the heavenly armies. This title underscores His omnipotence and authority, assuring the Israelites of His power to fulfill His promises. Historically, this title is used to remind the people of God's sovereignty and His ability to protect and deliver them from their enemies. After His Glory has sent Me
The "Glory" here refers to the divine presence and majesty of God. In the Hebrew context, "glory" (kavod) often signifies the weightiness and splendor of God’s presence. The sending of a messenger "after His Glory" suggests a divine mission initiated by God Himself. This phrase can be seen as a messianic prophecy, pointing to the coming of Christ, who is sent by God to fulfill His redemptive plan. against the nations that have plundered you
This phrase highlights the historical context of Israel's oppression by surrounding nations. The term "plundered" indicates the severe exploitation and suffering endured by the Israelites. God's promise to act against these nations is a reassurance of His justice and His commitment to vindicate His people. It reflects the biblical theme of divine retribution against those who harm God's chosen ones. for whoever touches you
The imagery of "touching" conveys the idea of harm or violation. In the Hebrew culture, to "touch" someone often implied an act of aggression or hostility. This phrase serves as a warning to the nations that any harm done to Israel is taken personally by God. It emphasizes the intimate relationship between God and His people, where their well-being is of utmost concern to Him. touches the apple of His eye—
The "apple of His eye" is a metaphorical expression denoting something precious and highly valued. In Hebrew, the phrase literally means "the little man of the eye," referring to the reflection seen in the pupil. This metaphor illustrates the deep affection and protection God has for Israel. It signifies that any attack on Israel is an attack on something dear to God Himself. This imagery is a powerful reminder of God's protective love and the special status of His people in His divine plan. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD of HostsThis title emphasizes God's supreme authority and power over the heavenly armies. It underscores His ability to protect and deliver His people. 2. The NationsRefers to the Gentile nations that have oppressed and plundered Israel. Historically, this includes Babylon and other surrounding nations. 3. The Apple of His EyeA metaphor for something precious and highly valued. In this context, it refers to Israel as being cherished and protected by God. 4. ZechariahA prophet who conveyed God's messages to the Israelites during the post-exilic period, encouraging them with visions of restoration and divine protection. 5. The GloryThis can be interpreted as the divine presence or the manifestation of God's power and majesty, which is involved in sending the messenger against the nations. Teaching Points God's Protective LoveGod values His people immensely, likening them to the "apple of His eye." This metaphor assures believers of God's intimate care and protection. Divine JusticeGod promises to act against those who harm His people. This serves as a reminder of His justice and the eventual vindication of His people. The Role of God's GloryThe passage highlights the importance of God's glory in executing His plans. Believers are encouraged to seek and reflect His glory in their lives. Encouragement in TrialsJust as Israel was assured of God's protection amidst oppression, believers today can find comfort in knowing that God is aware of their struggles and will act on their behalf. Value and Identity in ChristUnderstanding that we are precious to God can transform how we view ourselves and others, leading to a life of purpose and dignity. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding that you are the "apple of God's eye" influence your daily life and decisions? 2. In what ways can you reflect God's glory in your interactions with others? 3. How does the promise of divine justice in Zechariah 2:8 encourage you in facing personal or communal injustices? 4. What are some practical steps you can take to remind yourself of God's protective love during challenging times? 5. How can the metaphor of being the "apple of His eye" deepen your understanding of your identity in Christ and your relationship with God? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 32:10This verse also uses the metaphor of "the apple of His eye" to describe God's care for Israel, highlighting His protective nature. Psalm 17:8David prays to be kept as the "apple of the eye," indicating a plea for divine protection and favor, similar to God's promise in Zechariah. Isaiah 60:1-3Speaks of God's glory rising upon Israel, which parallels the theme of divine presence and protection in Zechariah 2:8. Revelation 21:24-26Describes the nations walking by the light of God's glory, connecting to the theme of divine intervention and the ultimate triumph of God's people. People ZechariahPlaces Babylon, Jerusalem, ZionTopics Anyone, Apple, Armies, Daughter, Dear, Eye, Glory, Goods, Honor, Honored, Honour, Hosts, Nations, Plunder, Plundered, Says, Spoil, Spoiled, Spoiling, Surely, Thus, Touches, Toucheth, Touching, WastedDictionary of Bible Themes Zechariah 2:8 4450 fruit Zechariah 2:8-9 5194 touch Library The City Without Walls
'Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls.... For I, saith the Lord, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her.'--ZECHARIAH ii. 4, 5. Zechariah was the Prophet of the returning exiles, and his great work was to hearten them for their difficult task, with their small resources and their many foes, and to insist that the prime condition to success, on the part of that portion of the nation that had returned, was holiness. So his visions, of which …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScripturePrayer for the Lord's Promised Presence. Zech 2:10
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John Newton—Olney Hymns The Lord Reigneth
Hallelujah; for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth! T he book of the Revelation, being chiefly prophetical, will not, perhaps, be fully understood, till the final accomplishment of the events shall draw near, and throw a stronger light upon the whole series. But while the learned commentators have been, hitherto, divided and perplexed in their attempts to illustrate many parts of it, there are other parts well adapted for the instruction and refreshment of plain Christians. Particularly, those passages …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Covenanting Confers Obligation.
As it has been shown that all duty, and that alone, ought to be vowed to God in covenant, it is manifest that what is lawfully engaged to in swearing by the name of God is enjoined in the moral law, and, because of the authority of that law, ought to be performed as a duty. But it is now to be proved that what is promised to God by vow or oath, ought to be performed also because of the act of Covenanting. The performance of that exercise is commanded, and the same law which enjoins that the duties …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting The Extent of Messiah's Spiritual Kingdom
The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ, and He shall reign for ever and ever! T he Kingdom of our Lord in the heart, and in the world, is frequently compared to a building or house, of which He Himself is both the Foundation and the Architect (Isaiah 28:16 and 54:11, 12) . A building advances by degrees (I Corinthians 3:9; Ephesians 2:20-22) , and while it is in an unfinished state, a stranger cannot, by viewing its present appearance, form an accurate judgment …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 John's Introduction.
^D John I. 1-18. ^d 1 In the beginning was the Word [a title for Jesus peculiar to the apostle John], and the Word was with God [not going before nor coming after God, but with Him at the beginning], and the Word was God. [Not more, not less.] 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him [the New Testament often speaks of Christ as the Creator--see ver. 10; I. Cor. viii. 6; Col. i. 13, 17; Heb. i. 2]; and without him was not anything made that hath been made. [This …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Noble Results of this Species of Prayer
The Noble Results of this Species of Prayer Some persons, when they hear of the prayer of silence, falsely imagine, that the soul remains stupid, dead, and inactive. But, unquestionably, it acteth therein, more nobly and more extensively than it had ever done before; for God Himself is the mover, and the soul now acteth by the agency of His Spirit. When S. Paul speaks of our being led by the Spirit of God, it is not meant that we should cease from action; but that we should act through the internal …
Madame Guyon—A Short and Easy Method of Prayer Covenanting Predicted in Prophecy.
The fact of Covenanting, under the Old Testament dispensations, being approved of God, gives a proof that it was proper then, which is accompanied by the voice of prophecy, affording evidence that even in periods then future it should no less be proper. The argument for the service that is afforded by prophecy is peculiar, and, though corresponding with evidence from other sources, is independent. Because that God willed to make known truth through his servants the prophets, we should receive it …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Gifts Received for the Rebellious
Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: Thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them. W hen Joseph exchanged a prison for the chief honour and government of Egypt, the advantage of his exaltation was felt by those who little deserved it (Genesis 45:4, 5) . His brethren hated him, and had conspired to kill him. And though he was preserved from death, they were permitted to sell him for a bond-servant. He owed his servitude, …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 This State of Prayer not one of Idleness, but of Noble Action, Wrought by the Spirit of God, and in Dependence Upon Him --The Communication Of
Some people, hearing of the prayer of silence, have wrongly imagined that the soul remains inactive, lifeless, and without movement. But the truth is, that its action is more noble and more extensive than it ever was before it entered this degree, since it is moved by God Himself, and acted upon by His Spirit. St Paul desires that we should be led by the Spirit of God (Rom. viii. 14). I do not say that there must be no action, but that we must act in dependence upon the divine movement. This …
Jeanne Marie Bouvières—A Short Method Of Prayer And Spiritual Torrents 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 Links Zechariah 2:8 NIVZechariah 2:8 NLTZechariah 2:8 ESVZechariah 2:8 NASBZechariah 2:8 KJV
Zechariah 2:8 Commentaries
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