A prophetic future

The four fasts mentioned in verses 18-19 were not commanded by the Lord, but were voluntarily begun by the Jewish people. The Lord says that these fasts are matters that may be observed or not observed. What is important here is the prophecy that the day will come when these fasts, symbols of sorrow, will be turned into joyful festivals. Therefore, the people of Israel are exhorted, “Love truth and peace.” Verses 20-23 describe the joy that will be given to them in the future. The people, who were on the verge of losing hope, received comfort through this promise. This promise of blessing will be fulfilled in the Millennial Kingdom (this passage is a prophetic future). (1) Jerusalem will once again become the center of the world. “It will yet turn out that peoples will come, that is, the inhabitants of many cities. The inhabitants of one city will go to another, saying, “Let’s go at once to plead for the favor of the Lord, and to seek the Lord of armies; I also will go” (v 20-21). Many Gentiles will come up to Jerusalem. (a) They will call to the inhabitants of other cities and invite them to go up to Jerusalem to seek the favor of the Lord. (b) Furthermore, they will urge them to seek the Lord Himself. (c) Not only will they call others, but they themselves also will come up to Jerusalem. This agrees with the prophecy of Isaiah 2:2-3. (2) Not only Jerusalem, but the Jewish people themselves will become the focus of the Gentiles’ attention. “‘In those days ten people from all the nations will grasp the garment of a Jew, saying, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you”’” (v 23). (a) At this point, the Jewish people have already experienced national salvation. They then become the focus of the Gentiles’ attention. (b) “Ten people from all the nations” does not refer to a literal ten individuals but means “many Gentiles.” (c) Many Gentiles will cling to a small number of Jews. The reason is that all the Gentiles will come to recognize that God is with the people of Israel. (d) In the Millennial Kingdom, the Jewish people will become the channel through which God’s love is brought to the whole world. Those who believe God’s promises and live in light of the prophetic future are able to overcome trials.