In the book of Zechariah, Zechariah wrote, “Thus says the LORD of hosts; Let your hands be strong, you that hear in these days these words by the mouth of the prophets, which were in the day that the foundation of the house of the LORD of hosts was laid, that the temple might be built”, and in chapter eight and verse ten of Zechariah, Zechariah shared how the LORD said, “before these days there was no hire for man” where we read,
For before these days there was no hire for man, nor any hire for beast; neither was there any peace to him that went out or came in because of the affliction: for I set all men every one against his neighbor.
The verse reads, “For before these days there was no hire for man, nor any hire for beast; ” Zechariah began with the words, “for before these days” or “because, since and on account that in advance and prior to this time period and season” “there was not hire for man” which means “there existed not any wages, reward or pay on behalf of male human beings”, “nor any hire for beast” or “no and not in any way wages, reward or pay on behalf of animals, cattle or livestock”. Zechariah shared how Jehovah God noted that previous to this time period of the people of Israel, there did not exist any wages or reward for male human beings nor cattle and livestock.
The verse continues, “neither was there any peace to him that went out or came in because of the affliction:” Zechariah added the words, “neither was there any peace” or “no and not in any way did there exist completeness, soundness, welfare or safety” “to him that went out” which means “to the person whether male or female who exited, left or departed” “or came in because of the affliction” or “or entered and came forth since and on account pertaining to the straits, distress, foes, enemies, adversaries and oppressors”. Zechariah shared how Jehovah God referred to the idea that “soundness and safety” did not exist toward the person who departed the land of Israel nor for those who entered it on account that adversaries, oppressors and distresses were upon them.
Finally the verse says, “for I set all men every one against his neighbor.” Zechariah concluded this verse with the words, “for I set all men” which means “because, since and on account that I, Jehovah God directed, impelled and caused each, every and the whole of people both male and female” “every one against his neighbor” or “each and all of them to be in opposition and as adversaries toward their fellow-citizens, companions and friends”. Zechariah ended this verse with Jehovah God saying He caused all the people of Israel to be in opposition to their fellow-citizens and companions.
When we think through Zechariah's words in this verse, we discover how Jehovah God was involved with the people of Israel once again. He did not allow them to be able to pay wages to people, nor were their animals compensated for their work. There was no calm or tranquility within their land because adversaries, foes and distresses came upon them. God claimed responsibility for causing the people of Israel to rise up in opposition to their fellow-citizens and friends, and therefore, chaos existed within the land. God's purpose was to bring the people to an understanding that without Him there can be no real peace, and He provides for people through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind. When we yield to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put within us His peace and an appreciation for His involvement through His Holy Spirit in our daily lives.
Next time Zechariah shares how the LORD says, “I will not be unto the residue of this people as in the former days”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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