Zechariah 9:17Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Hence, young men and maidens, in light of the aforementioned insights, are invited to experience a bountiful sharing in the heavenly blessings, with God proclaiming: ‘Eat and drink, drink ye, ye neighbours’ (Song of Songs 5:1). These neighbors of God are defined not by physical distance, as it would be misguided to interpret it that way, but rather by the intense yearning and readiness of the soul for the supreme good and by their love for Him. Wickedness may distract us and push us away, yet virtue draws us closer to God, eliminating the barriers that sin creates between us and Him.

The Scriptures were tended to with care for the maidens, referring specifically to the nations that had embraced the worship of one God after having previously fallen into idolatry. The bread of the chosen, indicated as baurim (בחורים), does not refer to mere young men, as the Seventy interpreted, but to those who are chosen and learned, deserving of the sustenance that is the law of God. Instead of simply referring to wine, which in Hebrew is echoed in the term thiros (תירוש - Aquila rendered this as οἰνίαν), it may also embody the bounty of the vineyard. Such are the teachings of the Jewish tradition. Ultimately, we recognize that the wheat of the chosen, or young men, and the wine that enlivens the pure, represents the Lord and Savior, who proclaims in the Gospel, “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much fruit” (John 12:24). This wheat gives rise to the heavenly bread that nourishes the hearts of humanity (Ps. 103:15). This sustenance is partaken by those who are strong in Christ, to whom John the Evangelist asserts, “I write to you, young men, because the word of God abides in you, and you are strong, and have overcome the evil one” (1 John 2:14). He, who is the bread of the chosen, is also the wine that uplifts the heart; it is enjoyed by the virgins who are pure in both body and spirit, so that filled with joy, they may follow the Church, and it is declared to them, “The virgins shall be led to the King, her companions shall be brought to You in joy and gladness” (Ps. 44:15-16). Truly, how can those who partake of the Savior's cup not rejoice, having been transformed into pure beings, daring to proclaim, “Bring me into your wine cellar, strengthen me with fragrant oils” (Song 2:4). This wine is indeed delightful, for in the same song, it is stated, “You will give me spiced wine, the juice of my pomegranates” (Song 5:1). Those who follow the Lamb wherever He leads are intoxicated by this wine, clothed in white robes, having kept themselves untainted, for they remain pure (Rev. 14:4).