What does Zechariah 8:6 mean?
"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." - Zechariah 8:6

Here is the King James Version (KJV) of 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."
This verse is spoken by the prophet Zechariah, who was given the task of encouraging and strengthening the returned exiles as they rebuilt the temple in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. In this verse, Zechariah relays the message of the Lord to the people, reminding them of the marvelous work that God is doing among them.
The theme of this verse is the faithfulness and power of God. The phrase "thus saith the Lord of hosts" emphasizes the authority and sovereignty of God in delivering this message. The Lord of hosts is the commander of the heavenly armies, the one who is in control of all things. The use of this phrase underscores the importance of the message being conveyed and emphasizes that it is not just the prophet Zechariah speaking, but it is God Himself speaking through him.
The verse begins with the phrase "If it be marvellous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in these days," which suggests that the people may have been amazed at the progress and blessings they were experiencing at the time. The remnant refers to the small group of Israelites who had returned from exile to rebuild Jerusalem. Despite the challenges and opposition they faced, they had witnessed the favor and provision of God in the rebuilding process. However, the verse goes on to ask, "should it also be marvellous in mine eyes?" This question challenges the people to consider whether their amazement at the current situation is in line with God's perspective.
The verse ends with the declaration, "saith the Lord of hosts," reiterating the divine origin and authority of the message. It is a reminder that God's thoughts and ways are higher than our own, and His perspective is the ultimate standard by which we should measure our own amazement and wonder.
The context of this verse is important for understanding its significance. The people of Israel had experienced a long period of exile, during which they had been separated from their homeland and the temple had been destroyed. The return from exile and the opportunity to rebuild the temple was a cause for celebration and gratitude among the remnant of Israel. They had experienced the faithfulness of God in bringing them back to their land and providing for their needs. However, Zechariah's message reminds the people that God's perspective is not limited to their immediate circumstances, and His plans and purposes are far greater than their own.
The symbolism in this verse lies in the contrast between the people's perception of the marvelous work being done and God's perspective on the same work. The word "marvellous" denotes something extraordinary or amazing, and it is used to highlight the awe and wonder that the people are experiencing. However, the question posed in the verse challenges the people to consider whether their amazement aligns with God's perspective. It implies that what may seem marvelous to us may not necessarily match God's view of the situation.
In a broader sense, this verse serves as a reminder for believers to align their understanding and perception with God's perspective. It encourages humility and a recognition of God's wisdom and sovereignty in all things. It is a call to trust in God's plans and purposes, even when our own understanding may be limited. The verse prompts believers to consider whether their amazement and wonder at the work of God aligns with His own assessment of the situation.
In conclusion, Zechariah 8:6 is a powerful reminder of the faithfulness and sovereignty of God. It challenges believers to align their perception with God's perspective and to recognize that His plans and purposes are far greater than our own. The verse serves as an encouragement to trust in God's wisdom and sovereignty, even when our own understanding may be limited. It is a call to humility and a recognition of the marvelous work of God in our lives.
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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."
"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." - Zechariah 8:6
Zechariah 6:8 - "Then cried he upon me, and spake unto me, saying, Behold, these that go toward the north country have quieted my spirit in the north country."
Zechariah 7:8 - "¶ And the word of the LORD came unto Zechariah, saying,"
"¶ And the word of the LORD came unto Zechariah, saying," - Zechariah 7:8
Zechariah 1:1-6
Zechariah 4:6 (NLT)
Zechariah 3:6 - "And the angel of the LORD protested unto Joshua, saying,"
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 6:9 - "¶ And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"
Zechariah 4:8 - "Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,"
Zechariah 6:14 - "And the crowns shall be to Helem, and to Tobijah, and to Jedaiah, and to Hen the son of Zephaniah, for a memorial in the temple of the LORD."
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."
Zechariah 6:2 - "In the first chariot were red horses; and in the second chariot black horses;"
Zechariah 14:6 - "And it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark:"
Zechariah 6:3 - "And in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot grisled and bay horses."
Zechariah 9:6 - "And a bastard shall dwell in Ashdod, and I will cut off the pride of the Philistines."
Zechariah 6:4 - "Then I answered and said unto the angel that talked with me, What are these, my lord?"
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.’"
Zechariah 3: 6 Then the Angel of the LORD admonished Joshua, saying,
Zechariah 3: 6 Then the Angel of the LORD admonished Joshua, saying,
Zechariah 6:6 - "The black horses which are therein go forth into the north country; and the white go forth after them; and the grisled go forth toward the south country."
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."
Isaiah 8:2 - "And I took unto me faithful witnesses to record, Uriah the priest, and Zechariah the son of Jeberechiah."
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."