Now the people of Bethel had sent Sharezer and Regem-melech, along with their men, to plead before the LORD Now the people of BethelThe mention of Bethel, which means "House of God" in Hebrew, is significant. Historically, Bethel was a place of worship and a spiritual center for the Israelites. It was here that Jacob had his vision of the ladder reaching to heaven (Genesis 28:10-19). However, Bethel also became a center of idolatry during the divided kingdom period (1 Kings 12:28-33). The people of Bethel sending representatives indicates a desire to reconnect with their spiritual roots and seek divine guidance, reflecting a turning back to God after a period of exile and spiritual decline. had sent Sharezer, Regem-melech, and their men to plead before the LORD Persons / Places / Events 1. BethelA significant town in the history of Israel, often associated with worship and spiritual encounters. It was a center of religious activity and had historical importance as a place where God revealed Himself to Jacob. 2. Sharezer Likely a Babylonian name, indicating a person of foreign origin or influence. He was one of the individuals sent to seek God's favor, representing the people of Bethel. 3. Regem-melech Another individual sent from Bethel, possibly a leader or official. His name suggests a royal or noble status, as "melech" means "king" in Hebrew. 4. The LORD’s Favor The central focus of the mission, indicating a desire for divine guidance or blessing. This reflects the people's concern about their spiritual standing and relationship with God. 5. The Sending of Delegates This event marks a significant moment where the people of Bethel actively seek divine guidance, showing a communal desire to align with God's will. Teaching Points Seeking God’s GuidanceThe act of sending representatives to inquire of the Lord highlights the importance of seeking divine guidance in our decisions and spiritual journey. Community Involvement in Spiritual Matters The collective action of Bethel's people underscores the value of community involvement in seeking God's will and favor. Sincerity in Worship and Inquiry The motivation behind seeking God's favor should be examined. Are we genuinely seeking His will, or are we merely fulfilling a ritualistic obligation? Historical and Cultural Context Understanding the historical and cultural background of Bethel and its people can enrich our comprehension of their actions and motivations. The Role of Leaders in Spiritual Inquiry Sharezer and Regem-melech's roles as representatives remind us of the responsibility leaders have in guiding others toward God. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the act of sending representatives from Bethel to seek the Lord's favor reveal about the spiritual state of the community?2. How can we apply the principle of seeking God's guidance in our personal and communal decisions today? 3. In what ways does the historical significance of Bethel enhance our understanding of this passage? 4. How do the roles of Sharezer and Regem-melech inform our understanding of leadership in spiritual matters? 5. Reflect on a time when you sought God's favor or guidance. How did the outcome align with your expectations, and what did you learn from the experience? Connections to Other Scriptures Jeremiah 29:12-13This passage emphasizes seeking God with all one's heart, which aligns with the people of Bethel's action of sending representatives to inquire of the Lord. Isaiah 58:3-4 These verses discuss the proper attitude and heart condition in seeking God, relevant to understanding the sincerity behind Bethel's inquiry. 1 Samuel 7:5-6 Samuel's call for Israel to gather and seek the Lord's favor through repentance and prayer parallels the actions of Bethel's people.
People Darius, Melech, Regem, Regemmelech, Sharezer, Sherezer, ZechariahPlaces Bethel, JerusalemTopics Appease, Bethel, Beth-el, Bethel-sarezer, Entreat, Face, Favor, Favour, Grace, Melech, Regem, Regemmelech, Regem-melech, Reg'em-mel'ech, Request, Seek, Sharezer, Share'zer, Sherezer, Supplicate, TownDictionary of Bible Themes Zechariah 7:2Library Sad Fasts Changed to Glad Feasts"Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts; therefore love the truth and peace."--Zechariah 8:19 MY time for discourse upon this subject will be limited, as we shall gather around the communion-table immediately afterwards. So in the former part of my sermon I shall give you an outline of what might be said upon the text if we had … Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 38: 1892 "And There is None that Calleth Upon Thy Name, that Stirreth up Himself to Take Hold on Thee," A Discourse of Mercifulness "To what Purpose is the Multitude of Your Sacrifices unto Me? Saith the Lord," "There is Therefore Now no Condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who Walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit. " Extent of Atonement. Zechariah Links Zechariah 7:2 NIVZechariah 7:2 NLT Zechariah 7:2 ESV Zechariah 7:2 NASB Zechariah 7:2 KJV Zechariah 7:2 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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