Matthew Henry on Zechariah 1:7-17
We not come to visions and revelations of the Lord; for in that way God chose to speak by Zechariah, to awaken the people's attention, and to engage their humble reverence of the word and their humble enquiries into it, and to fix it the more in their minds and memories. Most of the following visions seem designed for the comfort of the Jews, now newly returned out of captivity, and their encouragement to go on with the building of the temple. The scope of this vision (which is as an introduction to the rest) is to assure the Jews of the care God took of them, and the eye of his providence that was upon them for good, now in their present state, when they seem to be deserted, and their case…
Read the whole note in the consoleJamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 1:13
the Lord--JEHOVAH, called "the angel of the Lord (Jehovah)" (Zac 1:12).
good words and comfortable words--literally, "words, consolations." The subject of these consolatory words is stated in Zac 1:14, &c.; the promise of full re-establishment, Jer 29:10-11 (compare Isa 57:18; Hos 11:8).
Adam Clarke on Zechariah 1:13
The Lord answered the angel - And the angel told the prophet that the answer was gracious and comfortable. This answer is given in the next verse.
John Gill on Zechariah 1:13
And the Lord answered the angel that talked with me,.... See Zechariah 1:9 what was the effect of Christ's intercession for the people of the Jews, was communicated to a ministering angel, and by him to the Prophet Zechariah:
with good words, and comfortable words; such as would be for the good and comfort of God's people, as follows; see Isaiah 40:1.
John Calvin on Zechariah 1:13
Zechariah 1:13
13. And the Lord answered the angel that talked with me with good words and comfortable words.
13. Et respondit Iehova angelo mecum loquenti verba bona (vel, dulcia) verba consolatoria.
The Prophet shows here, that though God did not immediately on the first day stretch forth his hand to the miserable Jews, he was yet propitious to them. But we must notice, that God speaks only, and does not yet manifest his power. The Prophet's design must be here observed; for first he reminds the faithful that there was no reason for them to despair, or to be cast down with sorrow; for celestial angels prayed to God for them, and pleaded for their salvation. This is one thing. But a grea…
