Zechariah 7:8-14

8 et factum est verbum Domini ad Zacchariam dicens

9 haec ait Dominus exercituum dicens iudicium verum iudicate et misericordiam et miserationes facite unusquisque cum fratre suo

10 et viduam et pupillum et advenam et pauperem nolite calumniari et malum vir fratri suo non cogitet in corde suo

11 et noluerunt adtendere et verterunt scapulam recedentem et aures suas adgravaverunt ne audirent

12 et cor suum posuerunt adamantem ne audirent legem et verba quae misit Dominus exercituum in spiritu suo per manum prophetarum priorum et facta est indignatio magna a Domino exercituum

13 et factum est sicut locutus est et non audierunt sic clamabunt et non exaudiam dicit Dominus exercituum

14 et dispersi eos per omnia regna quae nesciunt et terra desolata est ab eis eo quod non esset transiens et revertens et posuerunt terram desiderabilem in desertum

Zechariah 7:8-14 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO ZECHARIAH 7

This chapter treats concerning the nature and use of certain fasts kept by the Jews, on account of the destruction of the temple, and other things; and concerning the message of the former prophets to them, and the effects of it. The occasion of the former was an embassy sent by the Jews to the priests and prophets, to know whether they should continue the fast of the fifth month; upon which the prophet was sent by the Lord unto them. The time of the prophecy is noted, Zec 7:1. An account of the embassy is given, of the persons that were sent, and to whom, and upon what account, Zec 7:2,3. The answer of the Lord to it by the prophet, showing the usefulness of fasts to him, and putting them upon hearkening to his voice by the former prophets, when Jerusalem was in great prosperity, Zec 7:4-7 and then they are exhorted by him, in the ministry of the present prophet, to acts of righteousness, several species of which are mentioned; and which were the same they had been exhorted to by the former prophets, but had neglected, and hardened their hearts against all exhortations and instructions, Zec 7:8-12 and were the reason of their captivity and desolation, Zec 7:13,14.