Zechariah 7

1 et factum est in anno quarto Darii regis factum est verbum Domini ad Zacchariam in quarta mensis noni qui est casleu

2 et miserunt ad domum Dei Sarasar et Rogomelech et viri qui erant cum eo ad deprecandam faciem Domini

3 ut dicerent sacerdotibus domus Domini exercituum et prophetis loquentes numquid flendum mihi est in mense quinto vel sanctificare me debeo sicuti feci iam multis annis

4 et factum est verbum Domini exercituum ad me dicens

5 loquere ad omnem populum terrae et ad sacerdotes dicens cum ieiunaretis et plangeretis in quinto et septimo per hos septuaginta annos numquid ieiunium ieiunastis mihi

6 et cum comedistis et cum bibistis numquid non vobis comedistis et vobismet ipsis bibistis

7 numquid non sunt verba quae locutus est Dominus in manu prophetarum priorum cum adhuc Hierusalem habitaretur et esset opulenta ipsa et urbes in circuitu eius et ad austrum et in campestribus habitaretur

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 Commentary

Chapter 7

The captives' inquiry respecting fasting. (1-7) Sin the cause of their captivity. (8-14)

Verses 1-7 If we truly desire to know the will of God in doubtful matters, we must not only consult his word and ministers, but seek his direction by fervent prayer. Those who would know God's mind should consult God's ministers; and, in doubtful cases, ask advice of those whose special business it is to search the Scriptures. The Jews seemed to question whether they ought to continue their fasts, seeing that the city and temple were likely to be finished. The first answer to their inquiry is a sharp reproof of hypocrisy. These fasts were not acceptable to God, unless observed in a better manner, and to better purpose. There was the form of duty, but no life, or soul, or power in it. Holy exercises are to be done to God, looking to his word as our rule, and his glory as our end, seeking to please him and obtain his favour; but self was the centre of all their actions. And it was not enough to weep on fast days; they should have searched the Scriptures of the prophets, that they might have seen what was the ground of God's controversy with their fathers. Whether people are in prosperity or adversity, they must be called upon to leave their sins, and to do their duty.

Verses 8-14 God's judgements upon Israel of old for their sins, were written to warn Christians. The duties required are, not keeping fasts and offering sacrifices, but doing justly and loving mercy, which tend to the public welfare and peace. The law of God lays restraint upon the heart. But they filled their minds with prejudices against the word of God. Nothing is harder than the heart of a presumptuous sinner. See the fatal consequences of this to their fathers. Great sins against the Lord of hosts, bring great wrath from his power, which cannot be resisted. Sin, if regarded in the heart, will certainly spoil the success of prayer. The Lord always hears the cry of the broken-hearted penitent; yet all who die impenitent and unbelieving, will find no remedy or refuge from miseries which while here they despised and defied, but which they then will not be able to bear.

Chapter Summary

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.