Zechariah 1:12
"Then the angel of the LORD answered and said, O LORD of hosts, how long wilt thou not have mercy on Jerusalem and on the cities of Judah, against which thou hast had indignation these threescore and ten years?"

Commentary

Matthew Henry Concise

📖

Summary

The prophet saw a dark, shady grove, hidden by hills. This represented the low, melancholy condition of the Jewish church.

Reflection

It is not uncommon for the enemies of God to be at rest in sin, while his people are enduring correction, harassed by temptation, disquieted by fears of wrath, or

groaning under oppression and persecution. Here are predictions which had reference to the revival of the Jews after the captivity, but those events were shadows of what shall take place in the church, after the oppression of the New Testament Babylon is ended.

📚Read Complete Commentary

The prophet saw a dark, shady grove, hidden by hills. This represented the low, melancholy condition of the Jewish church. A man like a warrior sat on a red horse, in the midst of this shady myrtle-grove. Though the church was in a low condition, Christ was present in the midst, ready to appear for the relief of his people.

Behind him were angels ready to be employed by him, some in acts of judgment, others of mercy, others in mixed events. Would we know something of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, we must apply, not to angels, for they are themselves 2305 learners, but to Christ himself. He is ready to teach those humbly desirous to learn the things of God. The nations near Judea enjoyed peace at that time, but the state of the Jews was unsettled, which gave rise to the pleading that followed; but mercy must only be hoped for through Christ. His intercession for his church prevails. The Lord answered the Angel, this Angel of the covenant, with promises of mercy and deliverance. All the good words and comfortable words of the gospel we receive from Jesus Christ, as he received them from the Father, in answer to the prayer of his blood; and his ministers are to preach them to all the world. The earth sat still, and was at rest. It is not uncommon for the enemies of God to be at rest in sin, while his people are enduring correction, harassed by temptation, disquieted by fears of wrath, or groaning under oppression and persecution. Here are predictions which had reference to the revival of the Jews after the captivity, but those events were shadows of what shall take place in the church, after the oppression of the New Testament Babylon is ended.

Source: Matthew Henry Concise (Public Domain)

Hebrew Word Studies (21 words)

H6030 עָנָה
Definition:

A primitive root; properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e. Pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extens. To begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout, testify, announce -- give account, A primitive root; properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e. Pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extens. To begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout, testify, announce -- give account,

Possible Meanings:
  • answer (semantic_range)
H4397 מֲלְאָךְ
Definition:

2048t.; constructמַלְאַךְGenesis 16:769t.; suffixesמַלְאָכִיExodus 23:233t.;מַלְאָכוֺGenesis 24:7,40; pluralמַלְאָכִיםGenesis 32:463t. +מלאכים2 Samuel 11:1Kt ( Qrמלכים); constructמַלְאֲכֵיGenesis 28:1 2048t.; constructמַלְאַךְGenesis 16:769t.; suffixesמַלְאָכִיExodus 23:233t.;מַלְאָכוֺGenesis 24:7,40; pluralמַלְאָכִיםGenesis 32:463t. +מלאכים2 Samuel 11:1Kt ( Qrמלכים); constructמַלְאֲכֵיGenesis 28:1

Possible Meanings:
  • angel (semantic_range)
H3068 יְהוָֹה
Definition:

7;Leviticus 24:11יהוהwas regarded as anomen ineffabile(see Philode Vita Mosis iii. 519, 529), called by the Jewsהַשֵּׁםand by the Samaritansשׁימא. The pronunciationJehovahwas unknown until 1520, when 7;Leviticus 24:11יהוהwas regarded as anomen ineffabile(see Philode Vita Mosis iii. 519, 529), called by the Jewsהַשֵּׁםand by the Samaritansשׁימא. The pronunciationJehovahwas unknown until 1520, when

Possible Meanings:
  • Yahweh (semantic_range)
  • the one bringing into being (semantic_range)
  • life-giver (semantic_range)
H0559 אָמַר
Definition:

1+, etc.;ImperfectיאֹמַרGenesis 31:8+;וַיּאֹ֫מֶרGenesis 1:3+;וַיּאֹמַ֑רGenesis 14:19+; in Job alwaysוַיּאֹ֑מַרJob 3:2+; 3 feminine singularתּאֹמַרGenesis 21:12+;תּאֹמֵר֑Proverbs 1:21; 1singularאֹמַרGe 1+, etc.;ImperfectיאֹמַרGenesis 31:8+;וַיּאֹ֫מֶרGenesis 1:3+;וַיּאֹמַ֑רGenesis 14:19+; in Job alwaysוַיּאֹ֑מַרJob 3:2+; 3 feminine singularתּאֹמַרGenesis 21:12+;תּאֹמֵר֑Proverbs 1:21; 1singularאֹמַרGe

Possible Meanings:
  • lamb (semantic_range)
H3068 יְהוָֹה
Definition:

7;Leviticus 24:11יהוהwas regarded as anomen ineffabile(see Philode Vita Mosis iii. 519, 529), called by the Jewsהַשֵּׁםand by the Samaritansשׁימא. The pronunciationJehovahwas unknown until 1520, when 7;Leviticus 24:11יהוהwas regarded as anomen ineffabile(see Philode Vita Mosis iii. 519, 529), called by the Jewsהַשֵּׁםand by the Samaritansשׁימא. The pronunciationJehovahwas unknown until 1520, when

Possible Meanings:
  • Yahweh (semantic_range)
  • the one bringing into being (semantic_range)
  • life-giver (semantic_range)
H6635 צָבָא
Definition:

485noun masculine2Chronicles 28:9(possiblyfeminineIsaiah 10:2;Isaiah 40:2;Daniel 8:12, but see AlbrZAW xv (1895), 319; BevDn)army, war, warfare; — absolute׳צNumbers 1:3+ (מִצָּבָהZechariah 9:8); const 485noun masculine2Chronicles 28:9(possiblyfeminineIsaiah 10:2;Isaiah 40:2;Daniel 8:12, but see AlbrZAW xv (1895), 319; BevDn)army, war, warfare; — absolute׳צNumbers 1:3+ (מִצָּבָהZechariah 9:8); const

Possible Meanings:
  • be inclined (semantic_range)
  • desire (semantic_range)
  • be pleased (semantic_range)
H5704 עַד
Definition:

20,24;Psalm 104:23;Psalm 147:6;Job 7:4;Job 20:5, and inעֲדֵי עַדIsaiah 26:4;Isaiah 65:18;Psalm 83:18;Psalm 92:8;Psalm 132:12;Psalm 132:14:compareאֱלֵי,עֲלֵי),prepositionas far as, even to, up to, unti 20,24;Psalm 104:23;Psalm 147:6;Job 7:4;Job 20:5, and inעֲדֵי עַדIsaiah 26:4;Isaiah 65:18;Psalm 83:18;Psalm 92:8;Psalm 132:12;Psalm 132:14:compareאֱלֵי,עֲלֵי),prepositionas far as, even to, up to, unti

Possible Meanings:
  • until (semantic_range)
H4970 מָתַי
Definition:

in Late Hebrew and Aramaic with the interrogativeאַי,אֵימָתִי,אֵימָת,), in OT only of future time:a.alone,Genesis 30:30מָתַי אעשׂה גם אנכילביתיwhenshall I also do, etc.?Amos 8:5;Psalm 41:6;Psalm 42:3; in Late Hebrew and Aramaic with the interrogativeאַי,אֵימָתִי,אֵימָת,), in OT only of future time:a.alone,Genesis 30:30מָתַי אעשׂה גם אנכילביתיwhenshall I also do, etc.?Amos 8:5;Psalm 41:6;Psalm 42:3;

H0859 אַתָּה
Definition:

11,19 #NAME?אַתָּ1 Samuel 24:19;Psalm 6:4;Job 1:10;Ecclesiastes 7:22;Nehemiah 9:6. Appended to a verb for emphasis,Exodus 18:19(twice in verse);1 Samuel 17:56שְׁאַל אַתָּהinquirethou,1 Samuel 20:8;1 S 11,19 #NAME?אַתָּ1 Samuel 24:19;Psalm 6:4;Job 1:10;Ecclesiastes 7:22;Nehemiah 9:6. Appended to a verb for emphasis,Exodus 18:19(twice in verse);1 Samuel 17:56שְׁאַל אַתָּהinquirethou,1 Samuel 20:8;1 S

Possible Meanings:
  • come (semantic_range)
  • come (semantic_range)
  • bring (semantic_range)
  • be brought (semantic_range)
H3808 לֹא
Definition:

11) {lo}; a primitive particle; not (the simple or abs. Negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles (as follows) -- X before, + or else, ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, 11) {lo}; a primitive particle; not (the simple or abs. Negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles (as follows) -- X before, + or else, ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay,

H7355 רָחַם
Definition:

2I love thee(perhaps gloss; see not in ""2 Samuel 22:2; Hi Ch SS Gerber readאֲרֹמִמְךָ).Pi`elPerfect3masculine singularרִחַםPsalm 103:13+; suffixוְרִחַמְךָconsecutiveDeuteronomy 13:18, etc.;Imperfect3 2I love thee(perhaps gloss; see not in ""2 Samuel 22:2; Hi Ch SS Gerber readאֲרֹמִמְךָ).Pi`elPerfect3masculine singularרִחַםPsalm 103:13+; suffixוְרִחַמְךָconsecutiveDeuteronomy 13:18, etc.;Imperfect3

Possible Meanings:
  • carrion-vulture (semantic_range)
H0853 אֵת
Definition:

33,אֹתָ֑ךְ,אֹתָ֑כָהExodus 29:35, feminineאֹתָךְ;אֹתוֺetc.; 2 pluralאֶתְכֶם, once˜אוֺתְכֶםJoshua 23:15; 3masculine plural regularlyאֹתָם, rarelyאֶתְהֶםGenesis 32:1;Exodus 18:20;Numbers 21:3;Ezekiel 34: 33,אֹתָ֑ךְ,אֹתָ֑כָהExodus 29:35, feminineאֹתָךְ;אֹתוֺetc.; 2 pluralאֶתְכֶם, once˜אוֺתְכֶםJoshua 23:15; 3masculine plural regularlyאֹתָם, rarelyאֶתְהֶםGenesis 32:1;Exodus 18:20;Numbers 21:3;Ezekiel 34:

Possible Meanings:
  • sign (semantic_range)
H3389 יְרוּשָׁלַם
Definition:

10+;יְרוּשָׁלָ֑םִ1 Samuel 17:54+;לַ֫יִם-5t. according to Masora (see FrensdorffMass. Magna, 293), namelyJeremiah 26:18;1 Chronicles 3:5; 2Chronicles 25:1; 32:9 (withהlocative),Esther 2:6, (butלָ֑֫םִ-1 10+;יְרוּשָׁלָ֑םִ1 Samuel 17:54+;לַ֫יִם-5t. according to Masora (see FrensdorffMass. Magna, 293), namelyJeremiah 26:18;1 Chronicles 3:5; 2Chronicles 25:1; 32:9 (withהlocative),Esther 2:6, (butלָ֑֫םִ-1

Possible Meanings:
  • Jerusalem (semantic_range)
H0853 אֵת
Definition:

33,אֹתָ֑ךְ,אֹתָ֑כָהExodus 29:35, feminineאֹתָךְ;אֹתוֺetc.; 2 pluralאֶתְכֶם, once˜אוֺתְכֶםJoshua 23:15; 3masculine plural regularlyאֹתָם, rarelyאֶתְהֶםGenesis 32:1;Exodus 18:20;Numbers 21:3;Ezekiel 34: 33,אֹתָ֑ךְ,אֹתָ֑כָהExodus 29:35, feminineאֹתָךְ;אֹתוֺetc.; 2 pluralאֶתְכֶם, once˜אוֺתְכֶםJoshua 23:15; 3masculine plural regularlyאֹתָם, rarelyאֶתְהֶםGenesis 32:1;Exodus 18:20;Numbers 21:3;Ezekiel 34:

Possible Meanings:
  • sign (semantic_range)
H5892 עִיר
Definition:

Or (in the plural) par {awr}; or ayar (Judges 10:4) {aw-yar'}; fromuwra city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post) -- Ai (from margin), city, c Or (in the plural) par {awr}; or ayar (Judges 10:4) {aw-yar'}; fromuwra city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post) -- Ai (from margin), city, c

Possible Meanings:
  • wakeful (semantic_range)
  • one (semantic_range)
  • angel (semantic_range)
H3063 יְהוּדָה
Definition:

35;Genesis 49:8(q. v. below) as if derived from Hoph`al ofידה=praised, object of praise(onהcompare Hiph`ilאֲהוֺדֶ֑נּוּPsalm 28:7,יְהוֺדֶהNehemiah 11:17), but this dubious; relation toיְהֻד, II.יְהוּדִ 35;Genesis 49:8(q. v. below) as if derived from Hoph`al ofידה=praised, object of praise(onהcompare Hiph`ilאֲהוֺדֶ֑נּוּPsalm 28:7,יְהוֺדֶהNehemiah 11:17), but this dubious; relation toיְהֻד, II.יְהוּדִ

Possible Meanings:
  • Judah (semantic_range)
  • son of Jacob and Leah (semantic_range)
  • tribe (semantic_range)
  • nation (semantic_range)
  • land of Judah (semantic_range)
H0834 אֲשֶׁר
Definition:

1according to TsepreghiDiss. Lugd. p. 171MühlauBö. Lb. ii. 79 n.StaMorg. Forsch. 1875, 188; Lb. § 167HomZMG 1878, 708 ff.Müll§ 153SayceHebraica. ii. 51LagM. i. 255 &especially KraeHebraica. vi. 298 ff 1according to TsepreghiDiss. Lugd. p. 171MühlauBö. Lb. ii. 79 n.StaMorg. Forsch. 1875, 188; Lb. § 167HomZMG 1878, 708 ff.Müll§ 153SayceHebraica. ii. 51LagM. i. 255 &especially KraeHebraica. vi. 298 ff

Possible Meanings:
  • Asher (semantic_range)
  • happy one (semantic_range)
  • Felix (semantic_range)
  • the tribe (semantic_range)
H2194 זָעַם
Definition:

12) —Perfect׳זNumbers 23:83t.;זָעַמְתָּהZechariah 1:12;ImperfectאֶזְעֹםNumbers 23:8; 3plural suffixיִזְעָמוּהוּProverbs 24:24;ImperativeזֹעֲמָהNumbers 23:7(forזָָֽעָמֳהGes§ 64, (2));Participle activeז 12) —Perfect׳זNumbers 23:83t.;זָעַמְתָּהZechariah 1:12;ImperfectאֶזְעֹםNumbers 23:8; 3plural suffixיִזְעָמוּהוּProverbs 24:24;ImperativeזֹעֲמָהNumbers 23:7(forזָָֽעָמֳהGes§ 64, (2));Participle activeז

Possible Meanings:
  • indignation (semantic_range)
H2088 זֶה
Definition:

“This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh” (Genesis 2:23). The demonstrative fixes Eve’s identity as God’s specific gift to Adam.• Covenant Signs: “This is the sign of the covenant I am maki “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh” (Genesis 2:23). The demonstrative fixes Eve’s identity as God’s specific gift to Adam.• Covenant Signs: “This is the sign of the covenant I am maki

H7657 שִׁבְעִים
Definition:

—seventy(often as round number, compare KöHast DB NUMBER, 568 a):1without other number:a.before singular noun yearGenesis 5:1212t., manJudges 9:2;Numbers 11:257t., shekelNumbers 7:1311t., other n. 5 t —seventy(often as round number, compare KöHast DB NUMBER, 568 a):1without other number:a.before singular noun yearGenesis 5:1212t., manJudges 9:2;Numbers 11:257t., shekelNumbers 7:1311t., other n. 5 t

H8141 שָׁנֶה
Definition:

10+; constructשְׁנַתGenesis 41:50+; suffixשְׁנָתוֺEzekiel 46:13+,שְׁנָתָהּLeviticus 14:102t.; dualשְׁנָתַיִםAmos 1:1+,תָ֑יִם-1 Kings 15:25+; pluralשָׁנִיםExodus 21:2+, constructשְׁנֵיGenesis 23:124t., 10+; constructשְׁנַתGenesis 41:50+; suffixשְׁנָתוֺEzekiel 46:13+,שְׁנָתָהּLeviticus 14:102t.; dualשְׁנָתַיִםAmos 1:1+,תָ֑יִם-1 Kings 15:25+; pluralשָׁנִיםExodus 21:2+, constructשְׁנֵיGenesis 23:124t.,

Possible Meanings:
  • year (semantic_range)

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