Zechariah 8:5Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The prophetic words emphasize this notion, stating that "the old men and women of old shall sit down in the paths of Jerusalem," leaning on their staffs for support, instead of being led by a guide. This reflects the blessings of an era filled with profound peace, where children can grow into youth and those who have lived unscathed by war can reach old age. If boys celebrate with dance and girls join in the joyful movement through the streets, it signifies the absence of burdensome worries, as festivities would fade in the wake of sorrow. Christ Himself embodies peace, having abolished all enmity, and has enriched the church with the faithful. Within it dwell countless individuals, radiant in spiritual disposition, to whom the wise John writes, "I write to you, fathers, because you know the original." The youthful believers and young girls form a vibrant group of new disciples, adorning the truly sacred city, which is the church, with their fervent expressions of faith. The invitation, "Come, let us rejoice in the Lord, let us shout unto God our Saviour," clearly applies to them. The mention of the elders relying on their staffs illustrates how both the humble and the mighty find support in Christ, the rod from the root of Jesse and the staff of strength, whom God the Father has sent us from the heights of Zion, leading us to exclaim, "Thy rod and thy stick, they comfort me."

When I turn my gaze to Zion and make Jerusalem my dwelling place, there will be prosperity in all matters, complete peace, and a cessation of conflicts, leaving no enemies in sight. This will allow for a long life well into old age for both men and women, who will lean on their staffs. The streets will teem with boys and girls engaged in play. Such joy and security characterize cities enjoying profound peace, where the spirit of celebration goes hand in hand with songs and dances.

If we apply this to the Church, which is praised with the words, Glorious things are said of thee, O city of God (Psalms 86:3), and where it is stated, The river's streams make glad the city of God. The Most High has made His dwelling holy; God is in its midst; it shall not be moved (Psalm 46:5-6), then it is unquestionable that the Church follows paths of virtue, where Wisdom operates faithfully and proclaims her teachings from the heights of the walls. Thus, the Psalmist appeals to the Lord, Thy commandment is exceedingly broad (Psalm 119:96). The bride, who seeks the Lord of Salvation in these streets, professes in the Song of Songs, I will rise and go about the city, in the squares and streets, until I find Him whom my soul loves (Song of Songs 3:2).

So, the elders and elderly women described will dwell here; it is noted that old age is valuable not by how many years one has lived but by the wisdom and integrity one possesses (Ecclesiastes 4:8). The Lord instructed Moses to select seventy elders from among the people who are known to be wise (Numbers 11:16). Until Abraham's time, no one was designated as an elder, as described: Abraham passed away full of years, satisfied with a good old age (Genesis 25:8); for the reverence of elders is seen in gray hair, as it is said: A man’s wisdom is his gray hair (Ecclesiastes 4:9).

Because of their lengthy lives, they will hold their staffs, saying to the disciples, What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod or in a spirit of gentleness? (1 Corinthians 4:21). Indeed, the one who speaks wisdom guides the foolish with a firm hand, and on the contrary: He who disciplines his son loves him (Proverbs 13:25). In Jerusalem’s streets, not only will old men reside but also old women, as Paul encourages: Honor those widows who truly are widows (1 Timothy 5:3). Furthermore, he states: Let no widow under sixty years be enrolled, if she has been the wife of one husband, commended for good deeds: if she has raised children, shown kindness to strangers, washed the saints' feet, assisted the afflicted, and devoted herself to every good work (1 Timothy 5:9-10).

The elders and elderly of this age will gather in Jerusalem's streets, their staffs in hand, while the streets will abound with playful boys and girls. These are the young men and women, the elders and youth, whom the Psalmist calls to praise the Lord, saying, Let young men and maidens, old men and children praise the name of the Lord (Psalm 148:12-13). The Apostle John declares: I write to you, young men, because your sins have been forgiven in the name of the Savior; I write to you, fathers, because you have come to know Him who is from the beginning (1 John 2:12, 14). He further instructs: Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, and pay attention to gain understanding (Proverbs 1:8, 4).

The forty-fourth Psalm also speaks of these youths, maidens, and young girls: The virgins will be led to the King (Psalm 44:15), which aligns with the proclamation: The daughters of Judah rejoiced and were glad in all Your judgments, O Lord (Psalm 96:8). Responding to the Apostle's exhortation to Rejoice, and again I say, Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4), they express their joy through their bodies with movement and dance, proclaiming with David: I will dance before the Lord (2 Samuel 6:21).