Zechariah 1:17Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The anticipated prosperity suggests a transformation in their visibility, allowing them to reclaim the condition for which they sought divine intervention, for “the Lord will have mercy on Zion yet, and will choose Jerusalem again." Notice the prophetic message skillfully conveys a warning; the assurance of Jerusalem’s eventual restoration comes with the understanding that it will not be completely absolved, nor favored indefinitely. The term "yet" introduces a period of grace, hinting at an impending time of trial, alluding to the greater sufferings that would follow for those who opposed Christ during the Savior’s arrival.

In their prior state of despair, the Lord will console them with His bountiful gifts and will once again elect Jerusalem, which He had earlier forsaken.”

When we apply this to the Church, which is promised genuine and eternal blessings, we must consider these blessings to be what is written: “Thou shalt see the blessings of Jerusalem” (Psalm 127:5), and elsewhere, "If thou wilt and hearken unto Me, thou shalt enjoy the good of the land" (Isaiah 1:19), and again, "Thou shalt put your trust in the Lord, and He shall lift you above the goods of the earth." The wise man, enlightened by the hidden truths of the Lord’s wisdom, anticipates these rewards and declares, “I believe that I shall behold the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living” (Psalm 26:13). We witness that with these blessings, the Lord's churches flourished abundantly after enduring the grievous persecutions from pagan and Arian adversaries, and upon peace's restoration, Zion received comfort, and Jerusalem was chosen anew – Zion and Jerusalem, once rejected. Similarly, we can relate this to the temple of the Lord and to every faithful believer. Some suggest that the comfort of Zion and the election of Jerusalem, alongside other messages conveyed by the prophets, refer to the heavenly Jerusalem, which, after succumbing to vices, was revitalized by virtuous acts. However, it is more fitting to interpret this in relation to the Church.

Following this, the Prophet shifts his focus to recount other visions, stating that he beheld four horns, and after inquiring, he learned from the angel that these represented those who had scattered Judah and Jerusalem. He then narrates that he was shown by the Sovereign of all creation the same number of tree-caregivers, prompting further questions, and receiving a response.