“Thus says the Lord of hosts: I am jealous for Zion with great jealousy” (Zechariah 8:2). The root meaning of the Hebrew word קָנָא (qanah) is to be red-faced with strong emotion: sometimes it is translated jealous, sometimes zealous, but perhaps the best overall term might be ‘passionate’ – it describes someone who is feeling very intense feelings, perhaps of longing, or commitment, or anger.

That tells us here that God’s attitude toward Zion is not indifferent or laissez-faire: it is vibrant and passionate. If they decide to go chasing after other gods again, that feeling will come out painfully, as jealousy, “with great wrath” (8:2). If, instead, they abide in the fulness of God’s love, that same intensity of feeling will come out as blessedness, as deep sustaining love: “I will return to Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem; Jerusalem shall be called the faithful city” (8:3).

The passionate love of God for Zion will be manifested as we see the aged sitting in peace in Jerusalem (8:4), and as we see children playing on every streetcorner (8:5). That must have seemed impossible for the exiles still living in Babylon: they knew that some of the Israelites had returned, but they also knew that most of Jerusalem was nothing but ruins. Perhaps it seemed even more impossible for those who had made their way back to Jerusalem, and felt despair rather than hope amidst the wreckage. Yet even if it looks impossible for you, says the Lord, it’s not impossible for me (8:6).

So it will come to pass that people from all over will say to one another, “Come, let us go to entreat the favor of the Lord, and to seek the Lord of hosts; I myself am going” (8:21). And indeed, people from every nation will tag along, ten strangers gathering about one worshiper, saying “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you” (8:23). The passionate love of God moves in our souls, prompts us to want to respond in fervent prayer and joyful fasting (8:19), and invites all the world to come on along and experience the grace of our Lord.

* * * * *

In your passionate love, O God, you have claimed us for your own and set your promise upon our lives. Teach us to be eager to run to you, longing for your presence, ready to offer our fervent prayers; and let your presence among us draw others who have never known you to come along as well, that they too may know your abiding grace.

If you find these studies helpful, please Like, Subscribe, Comment, and Share. Thanks!