17 God Promises to Prosper Israel

While the prophet receives messages that have a far term fulfillment such as Israel’s Millennial blessings this instance sees God assuring and encouraging the post exiles to persevere (Let your hands be strong) for they will be facing many trials and difficulties in restoring Jerusalem. Let your hands be strong is an idiomatic expression “Be of good courage” (Judges 7:11; II Samuel 2:7; Ezekiel 22:14, etc.) The Supreme Head of the celestial army says to Zechariah to be strong in the continuation of the rebuilding of the Temple. But this phrase of encouragement in a more general sense refers to doing, individually and corporately (All Israel), the will of God in all things. For He alone is the source of true courage. In this passage God is making reference to prophets and the reconstruction of the Temple.