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.
Context and Background
Zechariah is one of the twelve minor prophets in the Old Testament, written during the post-exilic period when the Israelites were returning from Babylonian captivity. Chapter 7 focuses on the themes of true worship, social justice, and the importance of sincere devotion to God.
Summary of Zechariah Chapter 7
This chapter begins with a delegation sent from Bethel to inquire about the observance of fasting during the fifth month. The inquiry reflects a concern for religious practices and the desire to understand their significance in light of the recent return from exile.
Key Themes
- Questioning Religious Practices:
The chapter opens with a delegation asking if they should continue to fast during the fifth month, which commemorates the destruction of the temple. This question highlights the tension between ritual observance and the underlying purpose of those rituals.
- God’s Response:
God responds through Zechariah, emphasizing that the fasts should not be mere rituals but should reflect a genuine heart for justice, mercy, and compassion.
- Call to Social Justice:
God condemns the Israelites for their failure to practice justice and care for one another, particularly the marginalized. This call for social justice is a central theme in the prophetic literature.
- Divine Judgment and Restoration:
The chapter concludes with a promise of restoration. God assures the people that if they turn back to Him and practice righteousness, they will experience His blessings and favor.
Detailed Analysis
- Verses 1-3: The Inquiry about Fasting
The chapter begins with the arrival of the delegation from Bethel, indicating a continued concern for religious observance. Their question about fasting reflects a desire to maintain traditions that connect them to their past, particularly the mourning for the temple’s destruction.
- Verses 4-7: God’s Response
God, through Zechariah, challenges the motives behind their fasting. He emphasizes that the fasts should not be about ritual but should lead to actions that reflect God’s character—justice, mercy, and humility. This response calls into question the authenticity of their worship practices.
- Verses 8-10: The Call to Justice
God commands the people to execute true justice, show mercy, and not oppress the widow, the orphan, the foreigner, and the poor. This highlights a critical aspect of faith: that worship must be accompanied by ethical behavior and social responsibility.
- Verses 11-14: The Consequences of Rejection
The chapter concludes with a warning about the consequences of ignoring God’s commands. The people had hardened their hearts and turned away from God, leading to their previous exile. The imagery of scattering and desolation serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience.
Theological Implications
This chapter underscores the importance of aligning religious practices with ethical living. It challenges believers to examine their motives and the impact of their worship on their communities. The call for justice and compassion is a timeless message that resonates with the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, emphasizing that true worship is reflected in how one treats others.
Conclusion
Zechariah Chapter 7 serves as a powerful reminder that God desires a relationship characterized by sincerity and ethical behavior. The chapter encourages believers to move beyond mere ritualistic practices and to engage in actions that reflect God’s love and justice in the world.
