Zechariah 7:4

Then the word of the LORD of Hosts came to me, saying,

Study Bible

Then
The word "Then" indicates a continuation or a response to a preceding event or inquiry. In the context of Zechariah 7, the people of Bethel had sent men to seek the favor of the LORD and inquire about continuing their fasts. This word sets the stage for a divine response, emphasizing the immediacy and relevance of God's communication in response to human actions and questions.

the word
In Hebrew, "word" is "dabar," which signifies not just a spoken word but a matter or thing. It implies authority and purpose. In the biblical context, "the word" of the LORD is not merely a message but a powerful, creative force that accomplishes what it declares. This underscores the divine authority and the active nature of God's communication with His people.

of the LORD
The term "LORD" is translated from the Hebrew "YHWH," the sacred and personal name of God, often rendered as Yahweh. This name signifies God's eternal, self-existent nature and His covenant relationship with Israel. It reminds the reader of God's faithfulness and His role as the sovereign ruler over all creation.

of Hosts
"Hosts" translates from the Hebrew "Tsebaoth," meaning armies or multitudes. This title portrays God as the commander of heavenly armies, emphasizing His supreme power and authority over both the spiritual and earthly realms. It reassures the faithful of God's ability to protect and deliver His people.

came
The word "came" suggests movement and intentionality. It indicates that the message from God was not static but actively delivered to Zechariah. This highlights the personal nature of God's communication, as He reaches out to His prophets to convey His will and guidance.

to me
The phrase "to me" personalizes the message, indicating that Zechariah, the prophet, is the recipient of God's word. This personal address underscores the role of prophets as intermediaries between God and His people, chosen to receive and relay divine revelations.

saying
"Saying" introduces the content of the message that follows. It prepares the reader for the direct words of God, emphasizing the importance of what is to be communicated. This word serves as a transition from the introduction of the divine message to its actual content, inviting the audience to listen attentively to God's instructions and insights.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Zechariah
A prophet who ministered to the people of Judah after their return from Babylonian exile. His messages often focused on repentance and the coming of the Messiah.

2. The House of the LORD
Refers to the temple in Jerusalem, which was central to Jewish worship and the place where God's presence dwelt among His people.

3. The People of Bethel
A group that sent representatives to inquire about continuing a fast, indicating their concern with religious observance and seeking guidance from God through the prophet.

4. The Exile
The period when the Israelites were taken captive to Babylon, a significant event that shaped their identity and religious practices.

5. The LORD of Hosts
A title for God emphasizing His sovereignty and command over the heavenly armies, underscoring His power and authority.

Teaching Points

True Worship Over Rituals
God desires genuine worship that reflects a heart aligned with His will, rather than mere ritualistic observance. Our religious practices should be expressions of our love and obedience to God.

The Heart of Fasting
Fasting and other religious observances should lead to transformation and align with God's purposes, focusing on justice, mercy, and humility.

Repentance and Obedience
The call to repentance is central to Zechariah's message. True repentance involves turning away from sin and aligning our lives with God's commands.

God's Sovereignty and Authority
Recognizing God as the LORD of Hosts reminds us of His ultimate authority and our need to submit to His will in all aspects of life.

Community and Justice
Our faith should manifest in how we treat others, emphasizing justice and compassion within our communities as a reflection of God's character.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Zechariah 7:4 challenge our understanding of religious practices and their purpose in our lives today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our worship and religious observances are genuine and pleasing to God, as emphasized in Zechariah 7?

3. How do the themes of justice and mercy in Zechariah 7 connect with Jesus' teachings in the New Testament, and how can we apply these principles in our daily lives?

4. What role does repentance play in our relationship with God, and how can we cultivate a lifestyle of repentance and obedience?

5. How can we, as a community of believers, reflect God's character through acts of justice and compassion, as encouraged in Zechariah 7 and other related scriptures?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 58
This chapter discusses true fasting, emphasizing justice and mercy over ritualistic observance, which parallels the message in Zechariah 7 about the heart behind religious practices.

Micah 6:6-8
These verses highlight what God requires: to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God, aligning with the themes of genuine worship and obedience found in Zechariah 7.

Matthew 23:23
Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness, echoing the call in Zechariah 7 for sincere devotion rather than empty rituals.