In those days ten men from all languages and nations will take hold of one Jew by the edge of his robe and say, "Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you." (Zechariah 8:23)Now that exiles had returned to Jerusalem and were rebuilding the temple, Zechariah is asked if it is still necessary to fast during the fifth month (in which Jerusalem was destroyed). His answer shows they still don't understand God's priorities, which have not changed since before the exile.
Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts, do not think evil of each other (v. 9,10). No, God's priorities are still the same.
Zechariah goes on to say: As you have been an object of cursing among the nations, O Judah and Israel, so will I save you, and you will be a blessing (8:13). So disastrous were the consequences of their attitudes and behaviors, a popular curse would be, May you be cursed as Israel and Judah! But if they would just get their priorities right, the name of God's people would be used as a blessing: May you be blessed like Judah and Israel! [1]
People from every nation and language would grab at their shirt sleeves and say, We want to be like you.
Want to be blessed? How will you administer justice and show mercy and compassion this week?
[1] Robert B. Chisolm. Handbook on the Prophets (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2002), 467.
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