8:9Zechariah 8:9

The word was spoken to those who in these days heard these words by the mouth of the prophets, in the day that the foundation of the house of the Lord of hosts was laid that the temple might be built, and it bade them let their hands be strong and carry on the work of building.Lt 42, 1912, par. 5–6+2 It called them to take courage and to strengthen their hands for the building of the temple then being rebuilt.Lt 42, 1912, par. 5–6+2 The promise of renewed blessing joined to the command assured the builders that they need not fear as they carried out the work.Ms 116, 1897, par. 24–26

Together with the verses that follow, the word links what God commanded Zechariah to speak to blessing upon the remnant, with the fruits of the land given to them.Ms 116, 1897, par. 30–32 The restoration then set forth is a type of the spiritual restoration of Israel to be wrought before the end of time.Lt 42, 1912, par. 5–6+1 The call for strong hands therefore encourages faithful effort in that end-time work of spiritual restoration.1MR 315.1–3