and I will bring them to dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in faithfulness and in righteousness.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This promise isn't just about God's faithfulness; it highlights that the covenant relationship is two-sided. God will be faithful and righteous in His dealings, and His people, in turn, are called to live in truth and righteousness as well.
and I will bring them to dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in faithfulness and in righteousness.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
In this passage, God is speaking through Zechariah, promising a future restoration and renewal for His people. Following the destruction and exile, this prophecy assures their return to Jerusalem and a renewed covenant relationship with God. It's a declaration of God's unwavering faithfulness, emphasizing that He will dwell among them and they will be His special people, living in genuine worship and righteous obedience.
God promises to bring His people back, not just to a place, but to a deeper relationship. What does it mean to dwell 'in the midst of Jerusalem' with God?
The promise of dwelling 'in the midst of Jerusalem' signifies more than just physical presence in the city. It points to a restored intimacy with God, with Jerusalem as the center of His dwelling and worship. This isn't just about geography; it's about proximity to God's presence and power.
The promise 'they shall be my people, and I will be their God' is foundational. But what seals this promise? It's 'in truth and in righteousness.'
This phrase, 'in truth and in righteousness,' is the key that unlocks the stability and reality of the covenant. It's not a one-sided deal but a commitment binding both God and His people.
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Understand the original words
'am 'Elohim · Hebrew Noun phrase
A central biblical theme signifying the covenant relationship where God chooses a people as His own possession, committing to be their protector, provider, and ruler, while they acknowledge Him as their sole sovereign.
'emet · Hebrew Noun
Steadfastness, reliability, and truthfulness; an attribute of God’s character reflecting His absolute dependability in keeping His covenant promises.
tsedaqah · Hebrew Noun
Conformity to a moral or legal standard, often referring to God's character and His right administration of justice, or the state of being justified before Him.
Zechariah's prophecy in this verse speaks to a future restoration and a renewed covenant relationship with God for His people, emphasizing dwelling in Jerusalem, being God's people, and living in truth and righteousness. This promise echoes the hope for a secure and faithful community returning to Jerusalem and rebuilding their lives and worship after the devastation of the Babylonian exile.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon conquers Jerusalem and deports a group of Judeans, including members of the royal family and skilled individuals, to Babylon.
597 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
Another significant deportation occurs after a rebellion against Babylon. This time, King Jehoiachin and many more prominent citizens are taken captive.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem
Nebuchadnezzar's forces destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, leading to a final, widespread exile of the remaining Judeans to Babylon.
c. 538 BC
Edict of Cyrus
Cyrus the Great of Persia allows the exiled Judeans to return to their homeland and rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem.
c. 520-516 BC— this verse
Rebuilding of the Temple
Under the leadership of Zerubbabel and the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, the Second Temple is completed, marking a significant step in the return from exile.
This passage echoes the core promise of Zechariah 8:8, stating 'And you shall be my people, and I will be your God,' highlighting the reciprocal relationship God desires with His people.
Ezekiel 11:20Ezekiel foretells a similar future for Israel: 'that they may walk in my statutes and keep my ordinances and obey them. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God.' This reinforces the idea of a renewed covenant relationship marked by obedience and divine presence.
Hosea 2:23Hosea connects the promise of being God's people with a deeper relationship, saying, 'And I will say to those who were not my people, “You are my people”; and they shall say, “You are my God.”' This broadens the scope of who can belong to God's covenant people.
Revelation 21:3The New Testament envisioning of God's dwelling with humanity mirrors Zechariah's promise, stating, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.' This shows the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence and relationship.
pulpitZechariah 8:8: "And I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness."
Verse 8. - In the midst of Jerusalem. As the centre of worship (see Zechariah 2:4, and note there). In truth and in righteousness. The words belong to both parts of the preceding clause: God will deal truly and righteously with them, but they must deal truly and righteously with him. If they are faithful to their obligations…
jfbZechariah 8:8: "And I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness."
- in truth—in good faith, both on their side and Mine: God being faithful to His everlasting covenant and enabling them by His Spirit to be faithful to Him.
This promise isn't just about God's faithfulness; it highlights that the covenant relationship is two-sided. God will be faithful and righteous in His dealings, and His people, in turn, are called to live in truth and righteousness as well.
In this passage, God is speaking through Zechariah, promising a future restoration and renewal for His people. Following the destruction and exile, this prophecy assures their return to Jerusalem and a renewed covenant relationship with God. It's a declaration of God's unwavering faithfulness, emphasizing that He will dwell among them and they will be His special people, living in genuine worship and righteous obedience.
In this passage, God is speaking through Zechariah, promising a future restoration and renewal for His people. Following the destruction and exile, this prophecy assures their return to Jerusalem and a renewed covenant relationship with God. It's a declaration of God's unwavering faithfulness, emphasizing that He will dwell among them and they will be His special people, living in genuine worship and righteous obedience.
"and I will bring them to dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in faithfulness and in righteousness.”" — This promise isn't just about God's faithfulness; it highlights that the covenant relationship is two-sided. God will be faithful and righteous in His dealings, and His people, in turn, are called…
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Last reviewed October 2026