What happensPermalink
God has returned to Zion and will dwell in Jerusalem, which will become a faithful and holy city where old and young live safely. He will gather His scattered people and replace poverty and conflict with peace and abundance. Those rebuilding the temple should be strong. As surely as God once brought disaster for Israel’s rebellion, He now purposes to do good. His people should speak truth, practice justice, and seek peace. Their fasts will become joyful feasts, and many nations will come to Jerusalem seeking the Lord.
Why it mattersPermalink
Chapter 8 answers the question raised in chapter 7: the memorial fasts will become celebrations because God is restoring Jerusalem. Yet restoration includes transformed people as well as transformed circumstances. Jerusalem is to become faithful because its people practice the truth and peace God commands. The blessing extends beyond Israel as the nations come seeking the God who dwells among His people.
Key versePermalink
Thus says the Lord: I have returned to Zion and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem, and Jerusalem shall be called the faithful city, and the mountain of the Lord of hosts, the holy mountain.