What does Zechariah 2:8 mean?
"For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye." - Zechariah 2:8
" For thus saith the Lord of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye."
In this verse from the book of Zechariah, the prophet is speaking on behalf of the Lord of hosts, delivering a message to the people of Israel. The verse speaks to the divine protection and love that God has for his chosen people, and the consequences for those who seek to harm them.
The phrase "After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you" suggests that judgement and retribution will be brought upon the nations who have oppressed and mistreated Israel. The idea of "the nations which spoiled you" refers to the enemies of Israel, particularly those who have caused harm and suffering to the people. The use of the term "glory" in this context may refer to a time of divine intervention and triumph for the people of Israel, where God will bring about justice and restoration for his chosen nation.
The second part of the verse states, "for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye." This powerful metaphor conveys the deep affection and protective nature of God towards his people. The "apple of the eye" is a reference to the pupil, the most sensitive and delicate part of the eye. To touch or harm the pupil is to cause great pain and damage. In the same way, God views the people of Israel as precious and beloved, and any harm done to them is regarded as an offense to the very core of his being.
This verse carries with it several important themes, the first being the concept of divine protection. The imagery of God regarding his people as the "apple of his eye" emphasizes the intimate care and vigilance that God exercises over his chosen nation. This theme is echoed throughout the Bible, demonstrating God's commitment to safeguarding and providing for his people in times of trouble.
Another theme present in this verse is that of justice and retribution. The message of judgement against the nations that have harmed Israel reflects the biblical theme of God as the ultimate arbiter of justice. The verse conveys the belief that God will hold accountable those who have oppressed his people, and that he will intervene on their behalf to ensure that justice is served.
The historical context of this verse is also significant. During the time of Zechariah, the people of Israel were facing challenges and opposition from various surrounding nations. The message of God's protection and vindication would have been a source of encouragement and hope for the Israelites, assuring them that God was aware of their suffering and would act on their behalf.
The symbolism within this verse is rich and profound. The "apple of the eye" metaphor underlines the deep love and care that God has for his people, portraying them as the most cherished and precious to him. This image serves to remind the Israelites of their unique and favored status in the eyes of God, providing them with a sense of identity and worth despite the adversity they faced.
In conclusion, Zechariah 2:8 is a verse that conveys a powerful message of divine protection, justice, and love for the people of Israel. It serves as a reminder of God's unwavering commitment to his chosen nation, and his determination to shield them from harm and bring about justice for their adversaries. Beyond its historical context, this verse continues to resonate with believers as a source of strength and assurance of God's faithful presence in times of trouble.
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Zechariah 2:8 - "For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye."
"For thus saith the LORD of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye." - Zechariah 2:8
Isaiah 8:2 - "And I took unto me faithful witnesses to record, Uriah the priest, and Zechariah the son of Jeberechiah."
Zechariah 7:8 - "¶ And the word of the LORD came unto Zechariah, saying,"
Zechariah 8:2 - "Thus saith the LORD of hosts; I was jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I was jealous for her with great fury."
"¶ And the word of the LORD came unto Zechariah, saying," - Zechariah 7:8
Zechariah 8:8 - "And I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness."
Zechariah 8:18 - "¶ And the word of the LORD of hosts came unto me, saying,"
Zechariah 8:1 - "Again the word of the LORD of hosts came to me, saying,"
Zechariah 4:8 - "Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"
"And I took unto me faithful witnesses to record, Uriah the priest, and Zechariah the son of Jeberechiah." - Isaiah 8:2
Zechariah 8:5 - "And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof."
Ezra 8:11 - "And of the sons of Bebai; Zechariah the son of Bebai, and with him twenty and eight males."
2 Chronicles 35:8 - "And his princes gave willingly unto the people, to the priests, and to the Levites: Hilkiah and Zechariah and Jehiel, rulers of the house of God, gave unto the priests for the passover offerings two thousand and six hundred small cattle, and three hundred oxen."
Zechariah 8:11 - "But now I will not be unto the residue of this people as in the former days, saith the LORD of hosts."
Zechariah 7:8-10 - "And the word of the Lord came again to Zechariah: “This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.’"
"Thus saith the LORD of hosts; I was jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I was jealous for her with great fury." - Zechariah 8:2
Ezra 8:3 - "Of the sons of Shechaniah, of the sons of Pharosh; Zechariah: and with him were reckoned by genealogy of the males an hundred and fifty."
Zechariah 5:8 - "And he said, This is wickedness. And he cast it into the midst of the ephah; and he cast the weight of lead upon the mouth thereof."
Zechariah 8:22 - "Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the LORD."
Zechariah 8:15 - "So again have I thought in these days to do well unto Jerusalem and to the house of Judah: fear ye not."
Zechariah 10:8 - "I will hiss for them, and gather them; for I have redeemed them: and they shall increase as they have increased."
Zechariah 8:20 - "Thus saith the LORD of hosts; It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities:"
Zechariah 1:2 - "The LORD hath been sore displeased with your fathers."
"¶ And the word of the LORD of hosts came unto me, saying," - Zechariah 8:18
"Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying," - Zechariah 4:8
"Again the word of the LORD of hosts came to me, saying," - Zechariah 8:1
Zechariah 8:7 - "Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will save my people from the east country, and from the west country;"
Zechariah 2:7 - "Deliver thyself, O Zion, that dwellest with the daughter of Babylon."
Zechariah 8:6 - "Thus saith the LORD of hosts; If it be marvellous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in these days, should it also be marvellous in mine eyes? saith the LORD of hosts."