Zechariah 8:23Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Likewise, those who devote themselves to creations instead of the Creator, recognizing the Gospel's teachers as their true guides, unite with them in harmony, following in their footsteps as they remain like children in understanding. They tread the same path as perfect emulators of their lifestyle, continually aspiring for greatness, growing ‘into a perfect man and into the measure of the fullness of Christ’ (Eph. 4:13). What compels them to follow? Their conviction that God is among them, namely, Immanuel, which translates to: God is with us. He indicated that not only the descendants of Israel would be called, but all nations across the earth would be included, declaring that those who cling to the hem of the garment would come from every nation. When were the Gentiles invited to embrace the truth, when did they resolve to seek the Lord’s face and implore Him, walking in the same path as the holy apostles, if not at the moment when the Only Begotten took on our likeness? He is the ‘anticipation of the nations’ (Gen. 49:10). Divine David praises Him, declaring, ‘All the nations, whatever you have done, shall come and worship before you, O Lord’ (Ps. 85:9), for through Him, even the great multitude of the Gentiles has found salvation.

Thus, during that time, men from various Gentile tribes will grasp the hem of one Judean, saying, "We will go with you, for we have heard that the Lord is with you." Similarly, the prophet Isaiah mentions: "Seven women shall take hold of one husband, saying, We will eat our own bread, and clothe ourselves with our own clothes; only let your name be given to us; take away the shame from us" (Isaiah 4:1). The seven women alluded to here represent the seven churches, as also acknowledged by the Apostle Paul, who wrote to seven churches: the Romans, the Corinthians, the Galatians, the Ephesians, the Philippians, the Colossians, and the Thessalonians. Moreover, in the Book of Revelation, the Lord is described as being clothed in a diverse robe, symbolizing truth and purest gold, amidst the seven lampstands, referring to the churches of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. The ten, as identified by the prophet Zechariah, represent those whom the Lord once sought to save from destruction, as He would have spared them if He had found them in Sodom, Gomorrah, Adam, and Seboim. Indeed, the initial letter of the Savior’s name not only in Greek but also in Hebrew deems significance in this context.

This mystery of ten signifies all who identify as Christians, modeled after the seven thousand faithful who, during Jezebel's persecution and Elijah's flight, did not bow to Baal (1 Kings 19:18). Those who reach maturity in the fullness of faith from every tongue and tribe will hold fast to the lineage of the man of Judah, our Lord and Savior, about whom the Psalms declare: "Judah is my king" (Psalms 59:9), and “Judah, you shall be praised by your brothers," alongside the promise that there shall not be a lack of a ruler from Judah, nor a leader from his lineage until He comes, to whom it is appointed, and He shall be the hope of the nations" (Genesis 49:8-10). He will be the root of Jesse, destined to reign over the nations, and in Him, the nations will find hope (Isaiah 11:10). As they grasp hold of Him, they will yearn to follow His path, for God is with Him. It is equally true that every believer from every nation will connect with the apostles of Judea, proclaiming, "Let us go with you, for we have learned through the prophets and have understood from the Scriptures that the Son of God, the Christ, is God and Lord with you." We will refrain from delving deeper into this prophecy, as it is exceedingly clear regarding Christ, His apostles, and the faith of all nations. Moreover, the mention of seven thousand points to Christians; in Greek, the numeral represented by the word “seven thousand” aligns with that of “Christians,” summing to one thousand nine hundred and forty-one. The parable of the ten virgins further illuminates the profound meaning of this number (Matthew 25:1-13), illustrating the spirit and flesh, emphasizing the necessity of preparation with good works, thereby amplifying their fivefold existence into a tenfold reality, as captured in the Apostle's teachings, leading to holiness in spirit and body. Conversely, the one who governs their bodily senses well will receive ten cities in the future, signifying a double blessing (Luke 19:17-26).

Rather, it affirms them; the events in the Old Testament prefigure our own experiences, and like must resemble like. Therefore, if this can be said of the Jews, it also applies to us; for what was experienced by the Jews foreshadows what has transpired for us. Now, let us proceed with the interpretation of the subsequent matters.

This teaching is read on one of the days leading up to Lent to encourage those preparing for the fast, reminding them that the approaching Lent brings not only sorrow but also spiritual joy and gladness, which those who truly fast experience through the sacraments of confession and communion, just as the fasts referenced in the teaching transformed into joy and happiness.