Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the LORD of hosts.
This verse contains one of Scripture's most gracious invitations, rooted in covenant faithfulness. "Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts" establishes prophetic authority—this is God's direct word, not human opinion. "Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts" uses the imperative shuvu elay ("return to me"), the prophetic call to repentance. The verb shuv means to turn back, return, or repent—changing direction from sin toward God. This isn't merely feeling sorry but active turning from rebellion to obedience.
"And I will turn unto you, saith the LORD of hosts" promises reciprocal response. God doesn't merely accept repentance passively; He actively turns toward His returning people with favor, blessing, and restored relationship. The conditional structure establishes human responsibility ("you turn") while assuring divine grace ("I will turn"). This doesn't suggest synergism where human will initiates salvation independently; rather, God's gracious call enables response (John 6:44; Philippians 2:12-13). God's turning toward us makes possible our turning toward Him.
The repetition "saith the LORD of hosts" (ne'um Yahweh tseba'ot) appears twice, emphasizing divine authority and power. Yahweh tseba'ot ("LORD of hosts/armies") portrays God as commander of heavenly armies—angels, stars, and all creation. This military imagery assures that the same God who has power to judge also has power to save, restore, and protect. His invitation to return isn't empty—He possesses all authority and power to fulfill His promises.
Historical Context
Zechariah prophesied to post-exilic Jews who returned from Babylonian captivity (538 BC onward). Though God allowed return, the community faced massive challenges: ruined Jerusalem, destroyed temple, opposition from surrounding peoples, economic hardship, and spiritual discouragement. Work on rebuilding the temple had stalled (Ezra 4:24). Zechariah and Haggai arose to encourage temple completion and spiritual renewal.
The call to "turn unto me" addresses spiritual complacency. Though physically returned from exile, the people hadn't truly repented of the sins that caused exile. Zechariah 1:4-6 warns against repeating their fathers' errors: "Be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets have cried...but they did not hear, nor hearken unto me, saith the LORD." The previous generation's refusal to heed prophets like Jeremiah and Ezekiel resulted in Babylon's devastation. Zechariah urges the current generation to learn from history and respond to God's call.
The promise "I will turn unto you" offers hope. Though restoration seemed incomplete—no Davidic king ruled, foreign powers dominated, and the rebuilt temple paled compared to Solomon's (Ezra 3:12)—God promised His presence and future blessing. This anticipates the Messianic age when God would fully turn toward His people through Christ's incarnation, establishing new covenant relationship surpassing all previous covenants (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 8:6-13).
Questions for Reflection
How does God's call to "turn unto me" demonstrate that repentance is both human responsibility and divine gift?
What does the promise "I will turn unto you" reveal about God's eagerness to restore relationship with repentant sinners?
How should knowledge of past generations' failures inform present faithfulness and response to God's Word?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse contains one of Scripture's most gracious invitations, rooted in covenant faithfulness. "Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts" establishes prophetic authority—this is God's direct word, not human opinion. "Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts" uses the imperative shuvu elay ("return to me"), the prophetic call to repentance. The verb shuv means to turn back, return, or repent—changing direction from sin toward God. This isn't merely feeling sorry but active turning from rebellion to obedience.
"And I will turn unto you, saith the LORD of hosts" promises reciprocal response. God doesn't merely accept repentance passively; He actively turns toward His returning people with favor, blessing, and restored relationship. The conditional structure establishes human responsibility ("you turn") while assuring divine grace ("I will turn"). This doesn't suggest synergism where human will initiates salvation independently; rather, God's gracious call enables response (John 6:44; Philippians 2:12-13). God's turning toward us makes possible our turning toward Him.
The repetition "saith the LORD of hosts" (ne'um Yahweh tseba'ot) appears twice, emphasizing divine authority and power. Yahweh tseba'ot ("LORD of hosts/armies") portrays God as commander of heavenly armies—angels, stars, and all creation. This military imagery assures that the same God who has power to judge also has power to save, restore, and protect. His invitation to return isn't empty—He possesses all authority and power to fulfill His promises.