Zechariah 8:10
For before those days there was no wage for man or any wage for beast, neither was there any safety from the foe for him who went out or came in, for I set every man against his neighbor.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse reveals that God's curse wasn't just a lack of prosperity, but actively manifested as societal breakdown, with God Himself "setting every man against his neighbor," highlighting that even internal conflict was a direct consequence of their disobedience. This wasn't merely bad luck; it was a divine response to their neglect of His house, showing that when we disregard Him, He can allow chaos to take root both externally and internally.
The prophet Zechariah is exhorting the people to continue rebuilding the temple, reminding them of the bleak conditions that existed before they recommitted to the work. He describes a time of economic hardship where labor yielded no return and personal safety was non-existent, not just from external enemies but also from internal conflict. This dire situation, he emphasizes, was a direct consequence of their neglect of God's house and their focus on personal gain.
Imagine a world where your hard work yields nothing, and every interaction is laced with suspicion. Zechariah paints a stark picture of what life was like before the people recommitted to God's work.
A Land of Barren Toil
Zechariah 8:10 opens with a powerful description of the consequences of the people's neglect, specifically their failure to rebuild the temple.
This wasn't random misfortune; it was a direct result of their spiritual condition.
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What happens when the external threats aren't the only problem? Zechariah reveals a chilling reason for the internal breakdown of society during this time.
The Neighbor Against Neighbor Effect
The verse pinpoints a deeply disturbing internal issue: "for I set every man against his neighbor."
After describing such widespread chaos and distress, Zechariah pivots to an incredible promise. What does God say about the 'after' picture?
From 'No Peace' to Covenant Favor
Zechariah 8:10 serves as a stark contrast to the blessings that follow. The verse itself, by describing the 'before,' sets up the 'now' that the Lord is establishing.
Understand the original words
shalom · Hebrew Noun
A state of security, peace, and protection from threats; in biblical theology, it is often tied to trust in God’s provision and presence rather than human strength.
Zechariah speaks of a time of deep distress, poverty, and internal strife before the people recommitted to rebuilding the Temple, highlighting God's judgment on their neglect and His subsequent restoration of peace and prosperity as they obeyed.
c. 538 BC
Edict of Cyrus
King Cyrus the Great issues a decree allowing exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple.
c. 537 BC
First Return of Exiles
A large group of Jewish exiles, led by Zerubbabel, returns to Jerusalem to re-establish their community and begin rebuilding the Temple.
c. 536-520 BC
Temple Construction Halted
Opposition from neighboring peoples and internal discouragement cause the work on the Temple to cease for many years after the foundation was laid.
c. 520 BC
Haggai and Zechariah Preach
The prophets Haggai and Zechariah begin prophesying, strongly encouraging the people to resume the work of rebuilding the Temple.
c. 520 BC— this verse
Temple Rebuilding Resumes
Spurred by prophetic encouragement and divine promises, the Jews recommence rebuilding the Temple under Zerubbabel and Joshua the high priest.
c. 516 BC
Temple Rededicated
The Second Temple is completed and rededicated, marking a significant milestone in the restoration of Jewish worship and community life.
This passage describes a similar situation where the people's labor yielded little return, directly linking their lack of prosperity to their neglect of rebuilding the Temple, just as Zechariah does.
Deuteronomy 28:16-20This passage outlines the curses for disobedience, including lack of produce, poverty, and being attacked by enemies, which directly parallels the curses Zechariah describes as having afflicted the people.
Nehemiah 4:16-18This passage shows the people working with weapons in hand due to external threats and internal dissension, reflecting the 'no peace' and 'every man against his neighbor' described in Zechariah 8:10.
Jeremiah 15:2This verse describes a similar judgment where different forms of death and destruction, including the sword, dogs, birds, and beasts, come upon the people because of their sin, echoing the pervasive hardship mentioned by Zechariah.
Leviticus 26:7-8This passage promises that when God's people are obedient, they will pursue their enemies and five of them will chase a hundred, a stark contrast to the insecurity and conflict Zechariah describes as the result of their disobedience.
calvinZechariah 8:9-11: "Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Let your hands be strong, ye 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."
- Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Let your hands be strong, ye 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…
jfbZechariah 8:10: "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 neighbour."
- before these days—before the time in which ye again proceeded with the building of the temple (Zec 8:9), namely, at the time that the temple lay neglected.no hire for man … beast—that is, no produce of the field to repay the labor of man and beast on it (Hag 1:6, 9,…
The verse reveals that God's curse wasn't just a lack of prosperity, but actively manifested as societal breakdown, with God Himself "setting every man against his neighbor," highlighting that even internal conflict was a direct consequence of their disobedience. This wasn't merely bad luck; it was a divine response to their neglect of His house, showing that when we disregard Him, He can allow chaos to take root both externally and internally.
The prophet Zechariah is exhorting the people to continue rebuilding the temple, reminding them of the bleak conditions that existed before they recommitted to the work. He describes a time of economic hardship where labor yielded no return and personal safety was non-existent, not just from external enemies but also from internal conflict. This dire situation, he emphasizes, was a direct consequence of their neglect of God's house and their focus on personal gain.
The prophet Zechariah is exhorting the people to continue rebuilding the temple, reminding them of the bleak conditions that existed before they recommitted to the work. He describes a time of economic hardship where labor yielded no return and personal safety was non-existent, not just from external enemies but also from internal conflict. This dire situation, he emphasizes, was a direct consequence of their neglect of God's house and their focus on personal gain.
"For before those days there was no wage for man or any wage for beast, neither was there any safety from the foe for him who went out or came in, for I set every man against his neighbor." — The verse reveals that God's curse wasn't just a lack of prosperity, but actively manifested as societal breakdown, with God Himself "setting every man against his neighbor," highlighting that even i…
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