Zechariah 7:6

And when you were eating and drinking, were you not doing so simply for yourselves?

Study Bible

And when you were eating and drinking
This phrase refers to the practice of fasting and feasting among the Israelites. Historically, fasting was a significant religious observance, often associated with mourning or seeking God's favor. However, the context here suggests that the people were engaging in these activities without genuine spiritual intent. The reference to eating and drinking highlights the contrast between outward religious rituals and the inward spiritual reality. In biblical times, feasting was a communal activity, often associated with celebrations and religious festivals, such as Passover or the Feast of Tabernacles. The prophet Zechariah challenges the people to consider the true purpose of their actions, echoing the sentiments found in Isaiah 58:3-7, where God criticizes empty rituals.

were you not doing so simply for yourselves?
This phrase questions the motivation behind the people's actions, suggesting that their fasting and feasting were self-centered rather than God-centered. The critique is that their religious practices had become mere formalities, lacking genuine devotion or concern for God's will. This self-serving attitude is reminiscent of the rebukes found in other prophetic books, such as Amos 5:21-24, where God expresses disdain for insincere worship. The emphasis on self-interest contrasts with the biblical call to love God and neighbor, as seen in the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37-39). The challenge is to examine one's heart and ensure that religious observance is not merely a ritual but a true expression of faith and obedience to God.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. The People of Bethel
They sent a delegation to ask the priests and prophets whether they should continue fasting as they had during the exile.

3. The House of the LORD
Refers to the temple in Jerusalem, which was central to Jewish worship and the place where the people sought guidance from God.

4. The Exile
The period when the Jewish people were taken captive to Babylon, during which they instituted fasts to mourn the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem.

5. The Fasts
These were times of mourning and reflection instituted by the Jewish people during the exile, particularly the fasts of the fourth, fifth, seventh, and tenth months.

Teaching Points

True Worship and Intentions
Worship and religious practices should be driven by a genuine desire to honor God, not merely by tradition or obligation.

Heart Over Ritual
God values the condition of our hearts over the mere performance of religious rituals. Our actions should reflect a sincere devotion to Him.

Self-Examination
Regularly examine your motives in religious practices. Are they for God's glory or self-serving purposes?

Community and Compassion
True fasting and worship should lead to acts of justice, mercy, and compassion towards others, reflecting God's character.

Repentance and Renewal
Use times of fasting and prayer as opportunities for repentance and spiritual renewal, aligning your life more closely with God's will.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Zechariah 7:6 challenge us to evaluate our motives in religious practices today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our worship is sincere and not just a ritualistic habit?

3. How can the teachings in Isaiah 58 and Matthew 6:16-18 help us understand the true purpose of fasting?

4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate justice and compassion in our communities as a reflection of true worship?

5. How can we use times of fasting and prayer to seek personal and communal repentance and renewal?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 58
This chapter discusses true fasting, emphasizing that fasting should be accompanied by righteous living and care for others, not just ritualistic observance.

Matthew 6:16-18
Jesus teaches about fasting, emphasizing sincerity and the importance of the heart's condition over outward appearances.

1 Samuel 15:22
This verse highlights that obedience to God is more important than ritual sacrifices, paralleling the message in Zechariah about the heart's intent in fasting.