Zechariah 8:13

As ye were a curse, &c.— A standing form of imprecations among the heathens, who wished that their enemies might be as miserable as the Jews. This was to be changed into a blessing, to the contrary effect: "May you be as happy as the Jews who are restored." See Grotius and Calmet. No one can help remarking, throughout the sacred writings, how careful the prophets are to inculcate the moral duties, and how great a stress is laid upon them in the sight of God; insomuch that, in neglect of these, the strictest observance of external ceremonies is so far from acceptable, that it rather inhances guilt. See Zechariah 8:16 and the preceding chapter.