Zechariah 8:21Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

When Christ transforms our grief into celebration and joy, turning our sorrows into a spirit of gladness, He declares that those called to salvation will approach Him in faith and engage in communion with God through sanctification. Not individually, but entire cities will uplift one another in this pursuit, and all peoples will gather in great numbers, continually affirming to those who have attained it first, “I am going and I exist.” It is written, “Iron sharpens iron: a man sharpens the countenance of his friend” (Proverbs 27:17). The envy of some often serves as a motivation for others to pursue goodness. What is the purpose of cities or nations?

A multitude of individuals will arrive, along with those residing in various cities; they will gather, and those from five cities will unite in one place, expressing, Come, let us seek the Lord’s presence. At this juncture, the prophet begins to describe the fervor with which the nations will turn to God following the defeat of Gog.

These declarations are made by the Lord of Hosts: ‘When the nations gather and inhabit many cities, the people will come together, urging one another, ‘Let us go and seek the Lord and pray before the Lord of Hosts.’ I will accompany them; many nations and mighty clans will come to seek the Lord of Hosts in Jerusalem and to pray before the Lord. The Lord Almighty says the same: Many nations and numerous city dwellers will unite, converging from their cities to one place, calling out, ‘Come, let us pray before the Lord and seek the Lord Almighty.’ I will also go; countless nations and tribes will seek the face of the Lord Almighty in Jerusalem and offer their prayers.

Jerusalem will shine with such glory and renown that the people from surrounding cities will encourage and uplift one another toward righteousness, collectively abandoning their pursuits to seek the grace of God in this sacred city. They will each proclaim, "I will go too," expressing their intention to journey together. This movement will not only include those from Jerusalem but also extend to distant nations yearning for God's favor. This was partially realized during the time of Zerubbabel when the temple was rebuilt; and following the incarnation of our Lord and Savior, it is evident that the entire earth, along with the sea, turned their attention to this city, longing to witness the site of redemptive suffering. In light of this, further insights are provided:

During the period of Jerusalem's destruction and the temple's incineration, the pathways to the city, as expressed by Jeremiah, were in sorrow, as there were no celebrants to traverse them during the festival, and all its gates lay in ruins (Lamentations 1:4). Once Jerusalem and the temple experience restoration, the sorrow or mourning of the roads leading to Zion will come to an end. The city will once again be filled with worshipers who, in great numbers and having come together from various regions, will journey to Jerusalem to honor the Lord in His temple, seeking the presence of the Lord Almighty.