And the word of the Lord of hosts came unto me, saying. ] The word of prophecy, as the Targum paraphrases it: here begins a new prophecy, respecting the abrogation of Jewish fasts, and the calling of the Gentiles.
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"Here is what you must do. Speak the truth to one another. Make true and wise decisions in your courts.
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Do not make evil plans against your neighbors. When you take an oath to tell the truth, do not lie. Many people love to do that. But I hate all of those things," announces the Lord.
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Another message came to me from the LORD who rules over all. He said,
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"You have established special times to go without eating. They are your fasts in the fourth, fifth, seventh and tenth months. They will become days of joy. They will be happy times for Judah. It will happen if you take delight in telling the truth and bringing about peace."
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He continued, "Many nations will still come to you. And those who live in many cities will also come.