Zechariah 8:16-17

16, 17. The conditions on which these blessings may be secured are essentially the same as those proclaimed by the earlier prophets (see on Zechariah 7:9-10).

Speak… truth Without truthfulness among its members no community can prosper permanently.

Execute the judgment of truth and peace Margin R.V., more literally, “judge truth and the judgment of peace.” Judge truth is equivalent to give true and righteous judgment (see on Zechariah 7:9); the judgment of peace is “such an administration of justice as tends to promote peace and establish concord between those who are at strife.” Some commentators omit the second truth as an erroneous repetition suggested by Zechariah 7:9.

In your gates The place where justice was administered (see on Amos 5:10; compare 2 Samuel 15:2; Deuteronomy 21:19).

Let none… imagine evil See on Zechariah 7:10.

Love no false oath See on Zechariah 5:3. All these things Jehovah hates, and therefore he is bound to punish them (compare Amos 5:21).

Fasting and mourning will be changed into joy and glory, 18-23.

The emphasis upon the real requirements of Jehovah and the promise of a speedy redemption (Zechariah 7:4; Zechariah 8:17) would suggest a solution of the problem raised in Zechariah 7:3; in Zechariah 8:18-23, the prophet gives a direct answer: the fasts will give place to “joy and gladness and cheerful feasts” (19), because the blessing and favor of Jehovah will be restored to the people (20-23).