Beginning with the Lord's promise to return to Zion and dwell in the midst of His people (vs. 3), Zechariah paints a picture of a bright future from a gloomy present. (In this way, he is kind of the opposite of the prophets of old, who foresaw a time of misery during the nation's heyday.) There will again be old men and women, along with children playing in the streets (vs. 4 and 5). The economics of the city will return (vs. 10 and 11). The ground will once more be fruitful and productive (vs. 12).
Understand that what Zechariah is proposing must seem like fantasy, considering the current condition of the nation. "Thus says the Lord of hosts: Even though it seems impossible to the remnant of this people in these days, should it also seem impossible to me, says the Lord of hosts?" (vs. 6) Indeed, as the New Testament teaches us in several places, with God all things are possible! National restoration will surely come, the Lord promises, and life will return to the city that almost died.
To further represent what God has in mind, the prophet dictates that no longer will periods of mourning be held to commemorate the nation's fall. Instead, the crying will turn to laughing and the fasting to feasting. "Thus says the Lord of hosts: The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be seasons of joy and gladness, and cheerful festivals for the house of Judah: therefore love truth and peace" (vs. 19). Rather than being looked upon as a cursed people, the Jews will be regarded as the Lord's own possessions. Gentiles will flock to Jerusalem and cling to Jews for their blessing, sensing that God is with them.
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