◄ Zechariah 7 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
A Call to Justice and Mercy 1In the fourth year of King Darius, the word of the LORD came to Zechariah on the fourth day of the ninth month, the month of Chislev.a 2Now the people of Bethel had sent Sharezer and Regem-melech, along with their men,b to plead before the LORD 3by asking the priests of the house of the LORD of Hosts, as well as the prophets, “Should I weep and fast in the fifth month, as I have done these many years?” 4Then the word of the LORD of Hosts came to me, saying, 5“Ask all the people of the land and the priests, ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months for these seventy years, was it really for Me that you fasted? 6And when you were eating and drinking, were you not doing so simply for yourselves? 7Are these not the words that the LORD proclaimed through the earlier prophets, when Jerusalem and its surrounding towns were populous and prosperous, and the Negev and the foothillsc were inhabited?’” 8Then the word of the LORD came to Zechariah, saying, 9“This is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Administer true justice. Show loving devotiond and compassion to one another. 10Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. And do not plot evil in your hearts against one another.’ 11But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder; they stopped up their ears from hearing.e 12They made their hearts like flint and would not listen to the law or to the words that the LORD of Hosts had sent by His Spirit through the earlier prophets. Therefore great anger came from the LORD of Hosts. 13And just as I had called and they would not listen, so when they called I would not listen, says the LORD of Hosts. 14But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations that they had not known, and the land was left desolate behind them so that no one could come or go. Thus they turned the pleasant land into a desolation.” Footnotes: 1 a Chislev is the ninth month of the Hebrew lunar calendar, usually occurring within the months of November and December. 2 b Or Bethel-sharezer had sent Regem-melech, along with his men, 7 c Hebrew Shephelah or lowlands; that is, the western foothills of Judea 9 d Forms of the Hebrew chesed are translated here and in most cases throughout the Scriptures as loving devotion; the range of meaning includes love, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, and mercy, as well as loyalty to a covenant. 11 e Hebrew they made their ears too heavy to hear Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Zechariah 7 Summary A Call to Justice and Mercy Verses 1–3 – A Timely Question from Bethel Two years after Zechariah’s night visions (518 BC), a delegation from Bethel arrives in Jerusalem. They ask the priests and prophets whether they should keep mourning and fasting in the fifth month, a ritual that marked the destruction of the first temple. Verses 4–7 – The LORD Exposes Empty Rituals God answers with a probing question: “When you fasted and mourned… was it really for Me that you fasted?” (v. 5). He reminds them that, before the exile, the former prophets had already called the people to obedience while Jerusalem was still inhabited. Verses 8–10 – True Religion Defined The word of the LORD comes again: “Administer true justice, show loving devotion and compassion… do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor, and do not devise evil in your hearts against one another” (vv. 9–10). Verses 11–14 – A Warning from History Their ancestors refused to listen. They “made their hearts like flint,” so God scattered them among the nations, leaving the land desolate. The past shows that hard hearts turn fasting into futility. Zechariah Chapter 7 explores the issue of true devotion versus ritualistic practices in the context of historical Israel. The chapter is an insightful discourse on the principles of genuine worship, the importance of social justice, and a call for introspection about the roots of obedience and disobedience to God's commandments. Historical Setting and Timeline • Date: The fourth day of the ninth month (Kislev) in the fourth year of King Darius I (Dec 7, 518 BC). • Audience: Returned exiles rebuilding their lives around the partially restored temple. • Political backdrop: Persian rule offers relative peace, but local opposition (Ezra 4) still threatens morale. The Delegation from Bethel • Bethel lay about 12 miles north of Jerusalem, once a center of northern-kingdom worship (1 Kings 12:29). • Their question shows sincerity yet reveals a ritual-heavy mindset: “Should we keep doing what we’ve always done?” • The fast of the fifth month commemorated Nebuchadnezzar’s burning of Solomon’s temple (2 Kings 25:8-9). A seventh-month fast mourned Gedaliah’s assassination (Jeremiah 41). Two other exile-era fasts (fourth and tenth months) are implied in 8:19. Empty Rituals vs. Obedient Hearts • God does not condemn fasting itself; He corrects fasting without heart. • Isaiah 58 and Hosea 6:6 echo the point: mercy and obedience outweigh ritual. • Jesus later restates it: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice” (Matthew 9:13). Justice, Kindness, and Community Life • Verse 9’s call to “true justice” mirrors Micah 6:8. • The quartet of vulnerable people—widow, orphan, foreigner, poor—runs through the Law (Exodus 22:22-24; Deuteronomy 24:17-18). • Social righteousness is worship in action (James 1:27). Israel’s Past Disobedience: Links to Former Prophets • “Made their hearts like flint” (v. 12) recalls Jeremiah 7 and 17, where Judah’s refusal to listen guaranteed exile. • “Great wrath came from the LORD” matches 2 Chronicles 36:16: “He sent messengers… but they mocked… until there was no remedy.” • The scattering (v. 14) was fulfilled in 586 BC and 722 BC and previewed in Deuteronomy 28:64. Archaeological and Cultural Insights • Persian-period bullae (clay sealings) from Jerusalem show increasing administrative activity, hinting at economic recovery during Darius’s reign. • Excavations at Bethel reveal layers of destruction and rebuilding, paralleling the people’s question about commemorating past losses. • Trade routes reopened under Persia, so foreign residents (the “sojourner” of v. 10) were common in Judah. Prophetic Continuity and New Testament Echoes • Zechariah 7 links the pre-exilic prophets to post-exilic life, stressing that God’s standards never change. • Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount extends the same heart-first righteousness (Matthew 5-7). • Acts 2-4 shows the early church caring for widows and sharing resources—practical obedience to Zechariah’s call. Practical Takeaways for Believers Today 1. Examine motive: Religious activity apart from love for God gains nothing (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). 2. Prioritize compassion: Real faith meets real needs (1 John 3:17-18). 3. Remember history: Learning from past rebellion keeps hearts soft and teachable (Romans 15:4). Key Cross-References • Fasting with wrong motives: Isaiah 58; Luke 18:9-14. • Justice and mercy: Jeremiah 22:3; Amos 5:24; Matthew 23:23. • Hardened hearts: Exodus 8:15; Hebrews 3:12-15. Outline and Structure of Zechariah 7 A. vv 1-3 – Question about fasting B. vv 4-7 – God's first answer: Who were you fasting for? C. vv 8-10 – God's second answer: What I really ask of you D. vv 11-14 – Historical warning and consequence Hebrew Word Notes • “Fasting” (צוֹם, tsom) points to self-denial; more literally “abstaining.” • “Loving devotion” (חֶסֶד, hesed) carries loyalty, kindness, covenant love. • “Flint” (שָׁמִיר, shamir) is an extremely hard stone, a vivid image for a stubborn heart. Geography: Bethel, Jerusalem, Babylon • Bethel’s hill-country setting made it strategic in Israel’s history. • Jerusalem sits 2,500 feet above sea level, explaining Zechariah’s phrase “up to Jerusalem.” • Babylon, 900 miles east, remained home to many Jews who never returned (cf. Nehemiah 1). Summary Thought Zechariah 7 shifts focus from rebuilding walls to rebuilding hearts. Past rituals that lacked love led to exile; present obedience will prepare God’s people for the glory still to come. Connections to Additional Scriptures Isaiah 58:6-7 This passage echoes the call for a fast that pleases God, focusing on justice and care for the needy. Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? Matthew 23:23 Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness, emphasizing the weightier matters of the law. Teaching Points Historical Context Zechariah 7 occurs during the rebuilding of the temple after the Babylonian exile. The people inquire whether they should continue fasting as they did during the exile (Zechariah 7:3). God's Response through Zechariah The Lord questions the sincerity of their fasting, asking, When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months for the past seventy years, was it really for Me that you fasted? (Zechariah 7:5). This highlights the importance of genuine devotion over mere ritual. Call to Justice and Mercy God reminds the people of His commands: Administer true justice. Show loving devotion and compassion to one another (Zechariah 7:9). This underscores that God values ethical living and relationships over empty religious observance. Consequences of Disobedience The chapter recounts the consequences faced by their ancestors for ignoring God's commands, leading to their exile (Zechariah 7:11-14). This serves as a warning against hardening one's heart to God's word. Practical Applications Examine Your Motives Reflect on your religious practices. Are they done out of genuine love for God, or have they become routine? Seek to align your heart with God's desires. Pursue Justice and Mercy Actively seek opportunities to administer justice and show compassion in your community. Let your faith be demonstrated through actions that reflect God's character. Listen to God's Word Avoid the mistakes of the past by being attentive and responsive to God's instructions. Regularly engage with Scripture to understand His will for your life. People 1. Zechariah Zechariah is the prophet who receives the word of the LORD. His role is to convey God's message to the people of Israel. The name Zechariah (זְכַרְיָה, Zekaryah) means "Yahweh remembers." 2. The LORD of Hosts This is a title for God, emphasizing His sovereignty and command over the heavenly armies. In Hebrew, it is "יהוה צְבָאוֹת" (YHWH Tseva'ot), often translated as "LORD Almighty" or "LORD of Hosts." 3. The People of Bethel A group of individuals from Bethel who send representatives to seek guidance from the LORD. Bethel, meaning "House of God" (בֵּית אֵל, Bethel), is a significant location in Israel's history. 4. Sharezer One of the men sent by the people of Bethel to inquire of the LORD. His name, of Assyrian origin, means "Protect the king." 5. Regem-melech Another representative sent by the people of Bethel. His name means "Friend of the king" or "King's official." 6. The Priests The religious leaders who serve in the house of the LORD. They are responsible for performing sacrifices and maintaining the temple rituals. 7. The Prophets The individuals who convey God's messages to the people. They play a crucial role in guiding and correcting the nation according to God's will. Places 1. Bethel In Zechariah 7:2, Bethel is mentioned as the place from which people sent representatives to seek the favor of the LORD. Bethel, meaning "House of God" in Hebrew, was historically significant as a center of worship and a place where Jacob had a vision of God (Genesis 28:19). 2. The House of the LORD of Hosts This phrase, found in Zechariah 7:3, refers to the temple in Jerusalem. The term "LORD of Hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth in Hebrew) emphasizes God's sovereignty and command over the heavenly armies. The temple was the central place of worship and sacrifice for the Israelites. Events 1. The Date of the Word of the LORD "In the fourth year of King Darius, the word of the LORD came to Zechariah on the fourth day of the ninth month, the month of Kislev." (Zechariah 7:1) This event sets the historical context, indicating the specific time when the word of the LORD was delivered to Zechariah. The Hebrew term for "word" (דָּבָר, ^dabar^) signifies a divine message or command. 2. The Delegation from Bethel "Now the people of Bethel had sent Sharezer, Regem-melech, and their men to plead for the LORD’s favor..." (Zechariah 7:2) A delegation is sent from Bethel to seek the LORD's favor, indicating a desire for divine guidance or approval. The names Sharezer and Regem-melech reflect the Babylonian influence during the exile. 3. The Question about Fasting "...by asking the priests of the house of the LORD of Hosts and the prophets, 'Should I mourn and fast in the fifth month, as I have done for these many years?'" (Zechariah 7:3) The delegation inquires whether they should continue the practice of fasting in the fifth month, a tradition observed during the Babylonian exile. The Hebrew word for "fast" (צוֹם, ^tsom^) implies abstaining from food for religious purposes. 4. The LORD’s Response through Zechariah "Then the word of the LORD of Hosts came to me, saying..." (Zechariah 7:4) The LORD responds through Zechariah, indicating that the inquiry about fasting is being addressed directly by God. The phrase "word of the LORD" emphasizes the divine authority of the message. 5. Rebuke of Insincere Fasting "Ask all the people of the land and the priests: ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months for the past seventy years, was it really for Me that you fasted?'" (Zechariah 7:5) The LORD questions the sincerity of their fasting, suggesting that their actions were not genuinely directed towards Him. The Hebrew root for "mourned" (סָפַד, ^saphad^) conveys lamentation or sorrow. 6. Call to Obedience and Justice "Are these not the words that the LORD proclaimed through the earlier prophets when Jerusalem and its surrounding towns were at rest and prosperous, and the Negev and the foothills were inhabited?" (Zechariah 7:7) The LORD reminds the people of the messages delivered by earlier prophets, emphasizing themes of justice, mercy, and obedience over ritualistic practices. The Hebrew term for "proclaimed" (קָרָא, ^qara^) indicates a public declaration or call. Lessons from Zechariah 7 1. True Worship Goes Beyond Rituals In Zechariah 7, the people of Bethel ask whether they should continue fasting as they had done for years. The Lord responds by questioning their motives, highlighting that their fasting was more about tradition than genuine devotion. "When you fasted and mourned...was it really for Me that you fasted?" (Zechariah 7:5). This reminds us that true worship is not about rituals but about a heartfelt relationship with God. Let your actions reflect genuine love and devotion, not just routine. 2. Listen to God's Word The chapter emphasizes the importance of heeding God's Word. The Lord reminds the people of the messages delivered by the former prophets, which they had ignored. "But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder" (Zechariah 7:11). This serves as a powerful reminder to be attentive and responsive to God's guidance in Scripture, allowing it to shape our lives. 3. Practice Justice and Kindness God's message through Zechariah is clear: "Administer true justice; show loving devotion and compassion to one another" (Zechariah 7:9). Our faith should manifest in our actions, particularly in how we treat others. Practicing justice and kindness is a reflection of God's character and a testament to our faith. 4. Avoid Hardening Your Heart The people of Israel hardened their hearts against God's commands, leading to their downfall. "They made their hearts like flint" (Zechariah 7:12). This serves as a cautionary tale for us to remain open and receptive to God's voice, allowing Him to transform our hearts and minds. 5. The Consequences of Disobedience Zechariah 7 illustrates the consequences of ignoring God's commands. Because of their disobedience, God scattered the people among the nations. "I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations" (Zechariah 7:14). This reminds us that our choices have consequences, and obedience to God leads to blessings, while disobedience leads to discipline. 6. The Importance of Community The chapter underscores the significance of community in faith. The people were called to care for one another, especially the vulnerable. "Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor" (Zechariah 7:10). Our faith is lived out in community, where we support and uplift each other. 7. Reflect on Your Motives God challenges the people to examine their motives for fasting. This encourages us to reflect on why we do what we do in our spiritual practices. Are our actions driven by love for God and others, or are they merely for show? Genuine faith is motivated by a desire to honor God. 8. Embrace Repentance The call to repentance is implicit in God's message through Zechariah. The people are urged to turn from their ways and return to God. Repentance is a vital part of our spiritual journey, allowing us to realign our lives with God's will and experience His grace and forgiveness. 9. God's Desire for Relationship Zechariah 7 reveals God's longing for a genuine relationship with His people. He desires more than mere rituals; He seeks our hearts. This is a beautiful reminder that our Creator wants to walk with us daily, guiding and loving us as we grow in faith. 10. Hope in Restoration Despite the people's disobedience, God's message through Zechariah is ultimately one of hope. He promises restoration for those who return to Him. This echoes the hope we have in Christ, who offers redemption and new life. "Return to Me, and I will return to you" (Zechariah 1:3). Let this hope inspire you to live a life of faith and obedience. Topics 1. The Inquiry of the People (Zechariah 7:1-3) The chapter begins with a delegation sent to seek the LORD's favor and inquire about continuing the fasts. This occurs in the fourth year of King Darius, highlighting the historical context. The Hebrew root for "inquire" (דָּרַשׁ, darash) implies a diligent seeking or investigation, indicating the seriousness of their question. 2. The LORD's Response through Zechariah (Zechariah 7:4-7) God responds through the prophet Zechariah, questioning the sincerity of the people's fasting and mourning. The LORD asks if their fasting was truly for Him, emphasizing the importance of genuine worship over ritualistic practices. The Hebrew word for "fast" (צוֹם, tzom) is used, which traditionally signifies abstaining from food for spiritual purposes. 3. Call to Justice and Mercy (Zechariah 7:8-10) The LORD commands the people to execute true justice, show mercy, and compassion to one another. This section highlights the ethical demands of the covenant, focusing on social justice and care for the vulnerable. The Hebrew word for "justice" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat) underscores the legal and moral obligations of the community. 4. The Rebellion of the Ancestors (Zechariah 7:11-14) The chapter concludes with a reminder of the ancestors' disobedience and the resulting consequences. The people had turned a stubborn shoulder and stopped their ears from hearing the law and the words sent by the former prophets. The Hebrew term for "stubborn" (סָרַר, sarar) conveys a sense of rebellion and obstinacy, illustrating the people's resistance to God's commands. Themes 1. True Worship vs. Ritualism Zechariah 7:5-6 highlights the distinction between genuine worship and mere ritualistic practices. The Lord questions whether the fasts were truly for Him, emphasizing that worship should be heartfelt rather than just external observance. The Hebrew root for "fast" (צוֹם, tsom) implies abstaining for spiritual purposes, which should be directed towards God rather than self-centered rituals. 2. Call to Justice and Mercy In Zechariah 7:9-10, the Lord commands the people to "Administer true justice; show loving devotion and compassion to one another." This theme underscores the importance of social justice and mercy, reflecting God's character. The Hebrew word for "justice" (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat) involves fairness and righteousness, while "loving devotion" (חֶסֶד, chesed) conveys steadfast love and kindness. 3. Warning Against Hard-heartedness Zechariah 7:11-12 describes the people's refusal to heed God's words, illustrating a theme of hard-heartedness. They "stopped their ears" and "made their hearts like flint," resisting the Spirit's guidance. The Hebrew term for "flint" (שָׁמִיר, shamir) symbolizes stubbornness and an unyielding heart, warning against spiritual insensitivity. 4. Consequences of Disobedience The chapter concludes with a reminder of the consequences faced by the ancestors due to their disobedience (Zechariah 7:13-14). The Lord scattered them among the nations, emphasizing that ignoring God's commands leads to judgment. This theme serves as a cautionary tale about the repercussions of turning away from God's instructions. Prayer Points Heart Alignment Pray for God to reveal any areas where your religious practices have become routine, asking for a heart that truly seeks to honor Him. Commitment to Justice Ask God to help you identify ways to pursue justice and mercy in your daily life, and for the courage to act on them. Receptive Spirit Pray for a heart that is open and responsive to God's word, willing to change and grow according to His will. Answering Tough Questions 1. In Zechariah 7:1–3, how does the timeline of the fourth year of King Darius align with known Persian historical records? 2. Zechariah 7:5 mentions seventy years of fasting; is there archaeological or historical evidence to confirm the exact duration of this period? 3. If God is all-knowing, why would Zechariah 7:5–6 question whether the people were sincerely fasting for Him? 4. Zechariah 7:9–10 commands mercy and compassion; how do these ideals reconcile with earlier Old Testament accounts of conquest and violence? 5. In Zechariah 7:12, the people are criticized for refusing to heed God’s message; why would an omnipotent deity rely on human compliance for His plans? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What are the dangers of practicing religious rituals without genuine devotion as depicted in Zechariah 7? 2. How does the message in Zechariah 7 about true fasting and justice apply to our lives today? 3. Compare the form of fasting practiced by the Israelites in Zechariah 7 with the concept of fasting in modern Christianity. 4. Reflect on God's response to the inquiry from Bethel. What does it teach us about the intention behind our acts of worship? 5. How does Zechariah 7 challenge your understanding of social justice in the context of faith? 6. Reflect on a time when you acted with justice, mercy, and compassion, as advised in Zechariah 7. How did it feel, and what impact did it have on others? 7. What are some practical ways we can avoid “hardening our hearts” as the Israelites did? 8. How does Zechariah 7 guide us in treating strangers, the poor, widows, and the fatherless? 9. How does God's response to the Israelites' disobedience resonate with contemporary issues in society? 10. How can we apply the teachings of Zechariah 7 in our daily lives, particularly in regard to true piety and social responsibility? 11. What lessons can churches today learn from Zechariah 7 about the nature of true worship? 12. How can we ensure our acts of piety, like fasting, are sincere and not just for outward show? 13. Reflect on the consequences of Israel's stubbornness in Zechariah 7. How can we learn from their mistakes? 14. In what ways does Zechariah 7 emphasize the importance of inward change over outward rituals? 15. How can Zechariah 7 inspire us to be more compassionate in our dealings with others? 16. How can you personally respond to the call to justice and compassion in Zechariah 7? 17. How does God's anger at Israel's stubbornness and their subsequent punishment relate to concepts of divine justice? 18. How does the question God asks about who the people were truly fasting for challenge our perceptions of religious practices? 19. Reflect on the way the Israelites ignored the prophets' warnings. How does this relate to ignoring warnings or signs in your own life? 20. What changes would you make in your life after reading and reflecting on Zechariah 7? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions