1 And it came to pass in the fourth year of king Darius, that the word of the LORD came unto Zechariah in the fourth day of the ninth month, even in Chisleu;
2 When they had sent unto the house of God Sherezer and Regemmelech, and their men, to pray before the LORD,
3 And to speak unto the priests which were in the house of the LORD of hosts, and to the prophets, saying, Should I weep in the fifth month, separating myself, as I have done these so many years?
4 Then came the word of the LORD of hosts unto me, saying,
5 Speak unto all the people of the land, and to the priests, saying, When ye fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh month, even those seventy years, did ye at all fast unto me, even to me?
6 And when ye did eat, and when ye did drink, did not ye eat for yourselves, and drink for yourselves?
7 Should ye not hear the words which the LORD hath cried by the former prophets, when Jerusalem was inhabited and in prosperity, and the cities thereof round about her, when men inhabited the south and the plain?
8 And the word of the LORD came unto Zechariah, saying,
9 Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother:
10 And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart.
11 But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear.
12 Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the LORD of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the LORD of hosts.
13 Therefore it is come to pass, that as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the LORD of hosts:
14 But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations whom they knew not. Thus the land was desolate after them, that no man passed through nor returned: for they laid the pleasant land desolate.
Zechariah Chapter 7 is a critical juncture in the book, marking a shift from the apocalyptic visions of the previous chapters to a more direct and exhortative message from God through the prophet Zechariah. It is a chapter that combines historical narrative with moral and religious instruction, addressing the people of Bethel's query about fasting and mourning. It underscores the importance of genuine obedience to God, highlighting the consequences of insincerity in religious practice.
The chapter commences with a date reference, indicating that the message was received in the fourth year of King Darius. A delegation from Bethel came to the temple to inquire of the priests and prophets whether they should continue the fast and mourning in the fifth month, a ritual they had been observing for about 70 years since the destruction of Jerusalem and Solomon's temple. This fast was a remembrance of the city's destruction and an appeal to God for restoration.
In response to their query, Zechariah delivers a message from God, questioning the sincerity of their fasting. The Lord asks, "When ye fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh month, even those seventy years, did ye at all fast unto me, even to me?" (Zechariah 7:5). This rhetorical question suggests that their religious observances were self-serving, performed more out of tradition than genuine devotion. God points out that their fasting and feasting were driven by their own desires, not by a genuine desire to please Him.
God, through Zechariah, then reminds the people of the essence of true worship. The Lord had previously sent words through His former prophets when Jerusalem was inhabited and prosperous, instructing them to "Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother: And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart." (Zechariah 7:9-10). This is a clear reminder that God values social justice, kindness, and fairness more than ritualistic observances. It underscores the biblical theme that true worship is not only about rituals and sacrifices but also about the way we treat others.
The chapter continues to highlight the consequences of disobedience. God recalls how the people's forefathers had refused to listen to His words, hardening their hearts and turning a deaf ear to the law and the words sent by His Spirit through the prophets. As a result, God's wrath was kindled, leading to the scattering of the people and the desolation of their land. The disobedience of the people resulted in God's punitive response, which led to their exile and suffering. This serves as a stern warning to the people of Zechariah's time and to all future generations about the repercussions of ignoring God's commands.
Zechariah Chapter 7 offers essential lessons in understanding the nature of true worship and obedience to God. It emphasizes that God is more interested in the disposition of our hearts towards Him and our fellow humans than in religious rituals performed without sincerity. The chapter underscores the importance of living righteously, showing kindness, and dispensing justice, as these are the true measures of our devotion to God.
Furthermore, the chapter serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of disobedience. It reminds us that ignoring God's commands and hardening our hearts against His words can lead to dire consequences. The fall and desolation of Jerusalem stand as a potent reminder of the perils of disobedience. Therefore, the chapter calls for sincere repentance and a return to true worship as the path to divine favour and restoration.
In conclusion, Zechariah Chapter 7 presents a compelling narrative on genuine piety, obedience, and the consequences of disobedience. It underscores the importance of sincerity in worship and the need for social justice, kindness, and fairness in our interactions with others. It serves as a reminder that our relationship with God is not about empty rituals but about a loving and obedient heart that reflects God's character in our dealings with others.
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