Therefore say to them, Thus declares the LORD of hosts: Return to me, says the LORD of hosts, and I will return to you, says the LORD of hosts.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The triple repetition of "says the LORD of hosts" isn't just emphasis; it highlights God's absolute power and authority behind this simple, yet profound, invitation to return. This isn't a suggestion from a weak deity, but an unshakeable decree from the Almighty, assuring His people that His readiness to bless them is as powerful as His ability to command all creation.
Therefore say to them, Thus declares the LORD of hosts: Return to me, says the LORD of hosts, and I will return to you, says the LORD of hosts.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The prophet Zechariah has just received a vision from God concerning the scattered horsemen who have been surveying the earth. In response to their report and God's compassion for Jerusalem, the Lord calls His people back to Himself. This verse is a direct command and promise: if they will repent and turn from their sins, God Himself will graciously turn back to them with favor and blessing.
Imagine receiving a call from the ultimate authority, a promise of immediate favor and restored presence. Zechariah delivers this divine message, an invitation that's both powerful and personal.
The phrase 'Thus says the LORD of hosts' isn't just a formal introduction; it's a powerful declaration of God's supreme authority and His vast resources. He is the commander of all heavenly and earthly armies, the one with unlimited power. This title, repeated three times in this short verse, emphasizes the weight and certainty of His message.
When God, the 'LORD of hosts,' extends an invitation to 'return to me,' He isn't asking the impossible. The commentaries highlight that 'return' signifies a choice, a turning away from corrupt ways and a turning towards Him. This is an act of free will, empowered by His already-given grace. God initiates this call, demonstrating His desire for relationship, but He also calls for a genuine shift in our hearts and actions.
What happens when we answer God's call to return? Zechariah reveals a promise that cuts through generations of disobedience and despair: God's favor is not lost forever.
The second half of the verse, 'and I will return to you,' is the incredible response to our turning. It's not just a neutral action; it signifies God actively coming back to His people, bringing blessing, favor, and restored presence.
Commentaries emphasize that God's 'returning' means His manifest kindness, His dwelling among His people, and His protection. It's the opposite of the 'woe' experienced when He departs due to sin. This promise is a powerful motivator, showing that obedience isn't just a duty but an entryway to experiencing God's active presence and rich blessings in our lives.
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Understand the original words
YHWH Saba'ot · Hebrew Noun
A title for God emphasizing His sovereignty over all spiritual and physical powers in the universe, signifying His ultimate authority and power to protect and judge.
shuwb · Hebrew Verb
The core call of the Old Testament prophets to turn away from sin and back to God in obedience, faith, and covenantal loyalty.
This message from Zechariah comes during a critical time after the Babylonian exile. The people have returned to Jerusalem but have grown apathetic about rebuilding the temple. God, through Zechariah, calls them back to Him, promising His favor if they will turn from their spiritual neglect.
c. 605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
King Nebuchadnezzar deports Judeans, including Daniel, to Babylon. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile, a period of judgment for Judah's disobedience.
597 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
More Judeans, including the prophet Ezekiel, are exiled to Babylon. Jerusalem's king and leadership are replaced.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Temple Destruction
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and its temple, completing the Babylonian exile. The nation is scattered and left in ruins.
c. 520 BC
Post-Exilic Return and Temple Rebuilding
Judeans return from Babylonian exile under Zerubbabel. Initial efforts to rebuild the temple stall due to opposition and apathy.
520 BC— this verse
Haggai and Zechariah's Ministry Begins
The prophets Haggai and Zechariah begin to prophesy, challenging the people to prioritize rebuilding the temple. Zechariah's visions encourage them.
This passage echoes Zechariah's message with nearly identical phrasing, emphasizing that God's people have strayed and urging them to return to Him so that He can bless them.
Jeremiah 3:12-14Here, God calls Israel to 'return, O faithless Israel,' promising forgiveness and restoration, mirroring the core concept of Zechariah's call for repentance and God's subsequent return of favor.
James 4:8This New Testament verse directly parallels the conditional promise in Zechariah, stating that if believers draw near to God, He will draw near to them, highlighting the reciprocal relationship.
Luke 15:7Jesus' parable of the lost sheep illustrates God's joy over one sinner who repents, reflecting the heart of God's promise in Zechariah: His immense pleasure and eagerness to 'turn' to those who turn back to Him.
Haggai 1:8-9Zechariah's message follows Haggai's, who also urged the people to focus on rebuilding the temple and return to obedience. God's promise to 'be with them' in Haggai connects to Zechariah's assurance of His return.
clarkeZechariah 1:3: "Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the LORD of hosts."
Turn ye unto me - This shows that they had power to return, if they would but use it. And I will turn unto you - I will show you mercy and grant you salvation, if you will use the grace I have already given you. Men are lost, because they turn not unto God; but no man is lost because he had not power to return. God gives this,…
bensonZechariah 1:3: "Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the LORD of hosts."
Zechariah 1:3-6 . Therefore say — Rather, but say thou unto them, Thus saith the Lord, Turn ye unto me — The word turn, as it related to the people, signified that they should change their corrupt manners and turn to God in newness of life; and by God’s turning to them, was meant, that he would take them again into his favour,…
The triple repetition of "says the LORD of hosts" isn't just emphasis; it highlights God's absolute power and authority behind this simple, yet profound, invitation to return. This isn't a suggestion from a weak deity, but an unshakeable decree from the Almighty, assuring His people that His readiness to bless them is as powerful as His ability to command all creation.
The prophet Zechariah has just received a vision from God concerning the scattered horsemen who have been surveying the earth. In response to their report and God's compassion for Jerusalem, the Lord calls His people back to Himself. This verse is a direct command and promise: if they will repent and turn from their sins, God Himself will graciously turn back to them with favor and blessing.
The prophet Zechariah has just received a vision from God concerning the scattered horsemen who have been surveying the earth. In response to their report and God's compassion for Jerusalem, the Lord calls His people back to Himself. This verse is a direct command and promise: if they will repent and turn from their sins, God Himself will graciously turn back to them with favor and blessing.
"Therefore say to them, Thus declares the LORD of hosts: Return to me, says the LORD of hosts, and I will return to you, says the LORD of hosts." — The triple repetition of "says the LORD of hosts" isn't just emphasis; it highlights God's absolute power and authority behind this simple, yet profound, invitation to return. This isn't a suggestion…
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Last reviewed October 2026