Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD.
ZECHARIAH 2:10KJVWhat does Zechariah 2:10 mean?
Zechariah 2:10 calls the people of Zion to celebrate and be glad because God promises to come and live among them. The verse is a message of hope, announcing that the LORD Himself will be present with His people.
In this verse, the prophet Zechariah is speaking to the people of Jerusalem (Zion), who had returned from exile and were rebuilding their city. The call to "sing and rejoice" is directed to the "daughter of Zion," a poetic way of addressing the people as a whole. The promise that God will "dwell in the midst" of them reassures the community that God’s presence and favor will return to Jerusalem.
The Hebrew behind Zechariah 2:10
- "Sing" (רָנַן, ranan, H7442) means to shout for joy or sing aloud. This word emphasizes a strong, public expression of happiness, not just a quiet feeling.
- "Rejoice" (שָׂמַח, samach, H8055) means to be glad or joyful. The pairing with "sing" shows the depth and fullness of the joy being called for.
- "Dwell" (שָׁכַן, shakan, H7931) means to settle down or reside. In the Old Testament, this word often describes God’s special presence among His people, such as in the tabernacle.
- "Midst" (תָּוֶךְ, tavek, H8432) means the middle or among. This word stresses that God’s presence is not distant but right in the center of the community.
Why Zechariah 2:10 matters
- Zechariah 2:10 clarifies that God’s promise is not just about physical restoration but about His personal presence with His people.
- The verse connects to the wider message of Zechariah, which encourages a discouraged community by assuring them that God has not abandoned them.
- The emphasis on singing and rejoicing highlights that God’s presence is meant to bring real joy and hope, not just religious ritual or duty.