Zechariah 7:1-10

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

Zechariah 7:1-10 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.