Zechariah 8:6Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Their apprehension likely stemmed from the visible devastation—the broken walls, scorched homes, and cities devolved into wildness, deserted of inhabitants; they saw once-fertile fields now choked with thorns, unyielding fruit, and the complete absence of farmers. In light of these circumstances, doubt was understandable regarding how God's promises could materialize. Thus, God dispels such doubt, urging them to trust and upholding their faith with the assurance, “If it shall fail before the remnant of men in these days, shall it fail before me? For what is impossible for you is without doubt practicable for Almighty God; He is the Lord of Hosts who, by His will, effortlessly brings to fruition whatever pleases Him, even the miraculous.” God the Father, prefiguring the glorious acts during the advent of our Savior, did not say to the Jews: “See ye that look, and see, and wonder: for the work I do in your days, which ye cannot believe, if any man confess it unto you” (Abb. 1:5). The very essence of the Incarnation is indeed beyond comprehension and description, as are the manifold blessings that flow from it. Is it not astonishing that the Word, begotten of God, united with flesh, became a servant, endured the cross, and faced abuse and humiliation from those who rejected Him? Who would not marvel at the completion of salvation's work, where sin is vanquished, death is abolished, and decay is eradicated, transforming humanity—from being once a wayward servant into a glorified child through the grace of sonship? Hence, let Christ declare regarding these matters, “If he shall be weary before the remnant of these men in these days, shall he also be weary before me?” For with Him, all things are attainable, and if He intends to accomplish what is essential, nothing can impede His purpose.

it in the streets, leaning on their staffs due to their long lives; that the thoroughfares and public squares would be filled with numerous individuals; that young men and women would celebrate joyfully as though it were a festive occasion; that Jerusalem would be rebuilt and returned to its previous state of abundance. For the remnant who returned from captivity, these prospects appeared astonishing, as they beheld the city largely in ruins, its walls devastated, and its boundaries burnt, evidence of the Babylonian destruction. Thus, the prophet reassures them: If it seems difficult or impossible to those remaining from the captive nation that I would declare such flourishing conditions for Jerusalem’s restoration, would it truly be difficult or impossible for God to fulfill this promise? For what appears impossible to humanity is within the realm of possibility for God (Matt. 19:26). This was demonstrated even during the times of persecution faced by the churches of Christ, when the brutality of oppressors was so extreme that they demolished our places of worship, set our sacred texts ablaze, and filled every region—whether islands, quarries, or prisons—with numerous martyrs and confessors in chains. Who would have imagined during those dire times that the churches would rise once more, built by those who had previously razed them? Though they were not the same individuals, the same governing powers which once schemed (Ps. 10:2) alongside the affluent to erase the name of Christ now construct church edifices at state expense, creating towering basilicas adorned not only with shining roofs and golden embellishments but also with walls adorned in variably colored marbles, and reverently safeguarding the very sacred texts they once cast into flames, now decorated with gold, purple, and other precious stones.