8:12Zechariah 8:12

The promise was spoken to the remnant who had returned from captivity after a time of former affliction, announcing God's restoration of Israel to favor and fruitfulness.Lt 42, 1912, par. 5–6+3 The seed would be prosperous, the vine would yield its fruit, the ground would give its increase, and the heavens would give their dew, with God Himself causing the remnant to possess all these things.Lt 42, 1912, par. 5–6+3 That possession included the concrete products of the land — its fruits, vineyards, grain and gardens — bestowed as the fulfillment of what had been foretold.Lt 42, 1912, par. 5–6+4

The abundance pledged was not temporal only, but joined temporal provision with spiritual blessing.PK 703.2–704.2 The same agencies of nature — dew and rain and the produce of the soil — are under God's control to serve either as judgment or as blessing.Ms 116, 1897, par. 30–32 Hence the blessing was conditional upon obedience and living by principles of righteousness, while neglect of God's house had brought drought that withered crops and injured livestock.PK 703.2–704.2+1

In its prophetic setting this restoration of Israel stands as a type of the spiritual restoration to be accomplished for Israel before the end of time.Lt 42, 1912, par. 5–6+1 Yet outward prosperity alone is not the highest good when the soul remains corrupted, so cleansing of the soul temple is essential to true peace and joy in the Lord.Ms 116, 1897, par. 24–26