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 jam multis annis
4. et factum est verbum Domini exercituum ad me dicens
5. loquere ad omnem populum terræ et ad sacerdotes dicens cum jejunaretis et plangeretis in quinto et septimo per hos septuaginta annos numquid jejunium jejunastis mihi
6. et cum comedistis et cum bibistis numquid non vobis comedistis et vobismet ipsis bibistis
7. numquid non sunt verba quæ locutus est Dominus in manu prophetarum priorum cum adhuc Hierusalem habitaretur et esset opulenta ipsa et urbes in circuitu ejus et ad austrum et in campestribus habitaretur
8. et factum est verbum Domini ad Zacchariam dicens
9. hæc ait Dominus exercituum dicens judicium verum judicate 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 quæ 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 quæ nesciunt et terra desolata est ab eis eo quod non esset transiens et revertens et posuerunt terram desiderabilem in desertum
Footnotes:
7:1-3 - The messengers from Bethel question the prophet about continuing the fast. This highlights the concern about external worship practices without true inner change. God values sincerity and genuine repentance, not empty rituals (see also Isaiah 58:5-7 and Matthew 6:16-18).
7:4-7 - God responds that fasting should not be seen as an end in itself, but as an expression of repentance and righteousness. He reminds the people that His words have always been ignored, and judgment has come as a consequence (see also Amos 5:21-24 and Jeremiah 7:23-24).
7:8-10 - God calls people to practice true justice, including acts of mercy and compassion. Genuine repentance results in actions that reflect God's character, not empty sacrifices (see also Micah 6:6-8 and James 1:27).
7:11-14 - The people reject God's appeals, and as a result, He rejects their prayers. Disobedience and hardened hearts prevent the people from experiencing God's blessing (see also Isaiah 1:15-17 and Matthew 23:37-39).
Verses related to Prophetia Zachariae, 7:
Zechariah chapter 7 questions the authenticity of ritual fasting. What does God really want from His people? This challenging text answers a question about fasting, emphasizing the importance of justice and mercy over empty rituals. The chapter recalls the warnings of previous prophets and the consequences of disobedience. Zechariah 7 explores themes such as true worship, obedience from the heart, and social responsibility. Reflect with us on five biblical passages that illuminate the enduring principles of this provocative chapter.
Isaiah 58:6-7: "Isn't the fasting I desire this: to loosen the chains of injustice, to untie the ropes of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and to break every yoke? Isn't it sharing your food with the hungry, sheltering the helpless poor, clothing the naked you found, and not refusing help to your neighbor?" - This excerpt from Isaiah echoes the theme of Zechariah 7 about the true nature of fasting and worship that God desires.
Matthew 23:23: "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, hypocrites! You tithe mint, dill and cummin, but you have neglected the most important precepts of the law: justice, mercy and faithfulness. You must practice these things, without omitting those." - Jesus emphasizes the importance of justice and mercy over ritualism, reflecting the theme of Zechariah 7.
Micah 6:8: "He has shown you, O man, what is good and what the Lord requires: do justice, love faithfulness and walk humbly with your God." - Micah summarizes what God really wants, aligning with Zechariah 7's message about true worship.
Jeremiah 7:5-7: "If you truly change your ways and your actions and treat one another fairly, if you do not oppress the stranger, the orphan and the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place, nor follow other gods to your own ruin, then I will let them live in this place, in the land that I gave to their ancestors forever." - Jeremiah emphasizes the importance of social justice, echoing the theme of Zechariah 7.
Amos 5:24: "Rather, let righteousness flow like a river, justice like an everlasting stream!" - Amos emphasizes the importance of ongoing righteousness, reflecting Zechariah 7's call for a true change of heart.
FAQ:
What does God reveal about fasting in Zechariah 7?
God questions the sincerity of fasting and teaches that true fasting must be accompanied by justice, mercy, and care for those in need. (Zechariah 7:4-10)
What is the message of Zechariah 7 about obedience?
The message is that obedience to God's will, reflected in our dealings with others, is more important than external rituals like fasting. (Zechariah 7:11-14)
What does the promise of restoration in Zechariah 7 mean?
The promise of restoration indicates that despite past disobedience, God will bring blessing and prosperity to Israel when they turn to Him. (Zechariah 7:8-10)
Why did God reject Israel's prayers and fasting?
God rejected Israel's prayers and fasting because they were more concerned with rituals than with living according to His commandments of justice and mercy. (Zechariah 7:5-6)
What does the "land of oppression" mentioned in Zechariah 7 mean?
The "land of oppression" symbolizes Israel's plight, marked by disobedience and suffering, which would be transformed by divine restoration. (Zechariah 7:14)
