The glory of the New Covenant is of course seen in its nature, but in the prophecies of Scripture we also see that glory in its promised extent — from the river to the ends of the earth, from the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, the name of the Lord will be praised. In this passage of Zechariah, we find one such wonderful prediction.
Recall that in the 7th chapter, the men from Bethel had asked about continuing their appointed fasts. Zechariah replied that they were not truly fasting before the Lord. Their fasting was to be measured by their feasting. Nonetheless, God’s favor had returned to Israel, and He promises to bring them back to a spirit of true feasting — feasting in the midst of plenty and in the midst of holiness.
Recall that the mystery Paul speaks of in Ephesians is that the Gentiles were to be included, the middle wall of partition broken down. Here is one place where we see the Old Testament predicting this. Recall also that the Lord established the cup of the New Covenant in the institution of the Lord’s Supper. But that New Covenant is with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. This means that Gentiles have been adopted into Israel.
The comfort of God’s promises is hard to miss. First, note God’s desire to bless — just as God was determined to punish their fathers for their sin, so He has also determined to do good to the house of Judah (vv. 14-15). Therefore, do not fear. Second, He promises a blessed return. God always works in a way consistent with His nature. If He returns to bless, He returns to bless in holiness. He sums up the law, which is always the law of love.
Speak the truth to your neighbor (v. 16); give true, just, and peaceful judgments in your gates (v. 16); do not nurture malice in your heart toward your neighbor (v. 17); do not love a false oath (v. 17). God hates all such things, and do not fall for the popular smiley-face theology which says that this is all God does. God’s wrath abides on sinners (Dt. 9:7; Ps. 78:31; Rom. 1:18), and the Bible teaches that God hates sinners (Eph. 2:3; Ps. 5:5; 11:5).
Next we learn that there were four fasts (v. 19). The fourth month is when Jerusalem was captured (Jer. 52:6-7), the fifth month is when the Temple was destroyed (2 Kings 25:8), the seventh month is when Gedaliah was murdered (jer. 41:1-10), and the tenth month is when the siege of Jerusalem had begun (2 Kings 25:1; Jer. 52:4). But here the fasts are turned to feasts. And what is the appropriate response to feasting? The house of Judah should love truth and peace. When righteousness reigns, the godly response is joy, and gladness, and cheerful feasts (v. 19).
This is a glorious evangelism. When the people of God are righteous and the people of God are glad, we see what follows. First, the Gentiles come — the inhabitants of one city decide they will approach the Lord. They go to another city, and they immediately respond that they will go (v. 20). This will happen in many cities. Mark what it says — many peoples and strong nations (we would say superpowers) will seek the Lord of hosts (v. 22), and pray before the Lord.
The momentum will be with the exploding kingdom of God — grabbing someone’s cloak was a sign of importunity. Let me go with you. Imagine ten men doing so at once to one man (v. 23). This is what evangelism looks like in the latter days as God establishes His kingdom on the earth. Instead of believers beseeching the unbelievers, God in His graciousness will turn this completely around.