City streets serve the function of communication and commerce. Without streets, goods cannot be delivered, and people cannot conduct business. But there’s another function, perhaps even more telling.
The Lord says that when He revisits the city of His people, there will be children playing in the streets. This is a symbol of the gladness, hope, and security that God provides to those who trust Him. When play takes priority over commerce, then,
- The people must be satisfied, their needs met, their cupboards full;
- Evil must be gone or at least suppressed, as the most vulnerable are now occupying the very places wehre evil would otherwise prey;
- The gladness of recreation replaces the strain of work.
Only on holidays do children play on city streets. The picture here is of God’s holiday to all believers in an eternal home, blessed abundantly and ever safe from harm.
Zechariah 8:5 –5 And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof.