Zechariah 1:15

15 And I am exceedingly angry with those carefree nations. Though I was somewhat angry, they added to the violence.”

Zechariah 1:15 Meaning and Commentary

Zechariah 1:15

And I am very sore displeased with the heathen [that are]
at ease
The Chaldeans and Persians, and other nations, enemies of the Jews, who were now free from war, and enjoyed great prosperity, when the state and condition of the Jews was very low and discouraging: for I was but a little displeased:
that is, with his people the Jews, for their ingratitude, idolatry, and immorality; and which displeasure he showed by suffering them to be carried into captivity; see ( Isaiah 54:8 ) : and they helped forward the affliction;
that is, the heathens, among whom the Jews were carried captive; they added to their affliction; they oppressed them more than they ought to have done, and more than was agreeable to the will of God and right in his sight; and they insulted them in their misery, and rejoiced over them. The word (rze) , in the Arabic language, signifies to "abound" ^F21; and the meaning is, that they abounded in bringing evil upon the people of the Jews; they multiplied their afflictions and distresses.

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FOOTNOTES:

F21 <arabic> "abundavit, multiplicavit", Golius, col. 1705. Castel. col. 2721. (rze) "Jazar, cum (e) punctato, exuberavit, abundavit, multus fuit", Schindler. Lex. Pentaglot. col. 1307.

Zechariah 1:15 In-Context

13 The LORD responded to the messenger who was speaking with me with kind and compassionate words.

14 The messenger speaking with me called out, “This is what the LORD of heavenly forces says: I care passionately about Jerusalem and Zion.

15 And I am exceedingly angry with those carefree nations. Though I was somewhat angry, they added to the violence.”

16 Therefore, this is what the LORD says: I have returned to Jerusalem with compassion. My house will be built in it, says the LORD of heavenly forces. Let a measuring line be stretched over Jerusalem.

17 "Call out again, The LORD of heavenly forces proclaims: My cities will again overflow with prosperity. The LORD will again show compassion to Zion and will again choose Jerusalem."