Zechariah 7:5
Zechariah 7:5 in Multiple Translations
“Ask all the people of the land and the priests, ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months for these seventy years, was it really for Me that you fasted?
Speak unto all the people of the land, and to the priests, saying, When ye fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh month, even those seventy years, did ye at all fast unto me, even to me?
Speak unto all the people of the land, and to the priests, saying, When ye fasted and mourned in the fifth and in the seventh month, even these seventy years, did ye at all fast unto me, even to me?
Say to all the people of the land and to the priests, When you went without food and gave yourselves to grief in the fifth and the seventh months for these seventy years, did you ever do it because of me?
Tell everyone in the land and the priests, when you fasted and mourned in the fifth month and the seventh month during these seventy years, was it really me you were fasting for?
Speake vnto all the people of the land, and to the Priests, and say, When ye fasted, and mourned in the fift and seuenth moneth, euen the seuentie yeeres, did ye fast vnto me? doe I approoue it?
'Speak unto all the people of the land, and unto the priests, saying:
“Speak to all the people of the land and to the priests, saying, ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and in the seventh month for these seventy years, did you at all fast to me, really to me?
Speak to all the people of the land, and to the priests, saying, When ye fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh month , even those seventy years, did ye at all fast to me, even to me?
Speak to all the people of the land, and to the priests, saying: When you fasted, and mourned in the fifth and the seventh month for these seventy years: did you keep a fast unto me?
He said, “Tell [RHQ] the priests and all the other people of Judah that during the past 70 years, when they mourned and fasted during the fifth and seventh months of each year, it was not really [RHQ] me, Yahweh, whom they were honoring.
Berean Amplified Bible — Zechariah 7:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Zechariah 7:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֱמֹר֙
אֶל
כָּל
עַ֣ם
הָ/אָ֔רֶץ
וְ/אֶל
הַ/כֹּהֲנִ֖ים
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
כִּֽי
צַמְתֶּ֨ם
וְ/סָפ֜וֹד
בַּ/חֲמִישִׁ֣י
וּ/בַ/שְּׁבִיעִ֗י
וְ/זֶה֙
שִׁבְעִ֣ים
שָׁנָ֔ה
הֲ/צ֥וֹם
צַמְתֻּ֖/נִי
אָֽנִי
אֱמֹר֙
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
עַ֣ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms
הָ/אָ֔רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Conj | Prep
הַ/כֹּהֲנִ֖ים
kôhên
H3548
priest
Art | N-mp
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
צַמְתֶּ֨ם
tsûwm
H6684
to fast
V-Qal-Perf-2mp
וְ/סָפ֜וֹד
çâphad
H5594
to mourn
Conj | V-Qal-Ptc
בַּ/חֲמִישִׁ֣י
chămîyshîy
H2549
fifth
Prep | Adj
וּ/בַ/שְּׁבִיעִ֗י
shᵉbîyʻîy
H7637
seventh
Conj | Prep | Adj
וְ/זֶה֙
zeh
H2088
this
Conj | Pron
שִׁבְעִ֣ים
shibʻîym
H7657
seventy
Adj
שָׁנָ֔ה
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fs
הֲ/צ֥וֹם
tsûwm
H6684
to fast
Part | V-Qal-Ptc
צַמְתֻּ֖/נִי
tsûwm
H6684
to fast
V-Qal-Perf-2mp | Suff
אָֽנִי
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Zechariah 7:5
אֱמֹר֙
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
עַ֣ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
הָ/אָ֔רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הַ/כֹּהֲנִ֖ים
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
Art | N-mp
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
לֵ/אמֹ֑ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
צַמְתֶּ֨ם
tsûwm
H6684
"to fast"
V-Qal-Perf-2mp
To fast or abstain from food, often for spiritual reasons. In the Bible, fasting is a way to show devotion to God, as seen in the examples of Moses and Elijah.
Definition: (Qal) to abstain from food, fast
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, fast. See also: Judges 20:26; 1 Kings 21:27; Isaiah 58:3.
וְ/סָפ֜וֹד
çâphad
H5594
"to mourn"
Conj | V-Qal-Ptc
This Hebrew verb means to mourn or lament, often by tearing hair and beating breasts. It involves expressing deep sadness or grief, like wailing or lamenting. The KJV translates it as lament or mourn.
Definition: 1) to wail, lament, mourn 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to wail, lament 1a2) wailers (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be lamented, be bewailed
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: lament, mourn(-er), wail. See also: Genesis 23:2; Jeremiah 16:4; Isaiah 32:12.
בַּ/חֲמִישִׁ֣י
chămîyshîy
H2549
"fifth"
Prep | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means fifth, referring to something in the fifth position. It appears in Exodus 20:12, where honoring parents is the fifth commandment. This word is used to show order and sequence.
Definition: ordinal number, 5th
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: fifth (part). See also: Genesis 1:23; 1 Chronicles 2:14; Jeremiah 1:3.
וּ/בַ/שְּׁבִיעִ֗י
shᵉbîyʻîy
H7637
"seventh"
Conj | Prep | Adj
The Hebrew word for seventh, this term is an ordinal number used to describe something in the seventh position. It appears in the Bible as seventh time.
Definition: 1) seventh 1a) ordinal number
Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: seventh (time). See also: Genesis 2:2; Numbers 29:12; Jeremiah 28:17.
וְ/זֶה֙
zeh
H2088
"this"
Conj | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
שִׁבְעִ֣ים
shibʻîym
H7657
"seventy"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means the number seventy, like the seventy disciples Jesus sent out in Luke 10:1. It appears in phrases like threescore and ten. The KJV Bible uses it to describe groups of seventy people.
Definition: seventy
Usage: Occurs in 90 OT verses. KJV: seventy, threescore and ten ([phrase] -teen). See also: Genesis 4:24; Judges 9:2; Psalms 90:10.
שָׁנָ֔ה
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fs
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
הֲ/צ֥וֹם
tsûwm
H6684
"to fast"
Part | V-Qal-Ptc
To fast or abstain from food, often for spiritual reasons. In the Bible, fasting is a way to show devotion to God, as seen in the examples of Moses and Elijah.
Definition: (Qal) to abstain from food, fast
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, fast. See also: Judges 20:26; 1 Kings 21:27; Isaiah 58:3.
צַמְתֻּ֖/נִי
tsûwm
H6684
"to fast"
V-Qal-Perf-2mp | Suff
To fast or abstain from food, often for spiritual reasons. In the Bible, fasting is a way to show devotion to God, as seen in the examples of Moses and Elijah.
Definition: (Qal) to abstain from food, fast
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, fast. See also: Judges 20:26; 1 Kings 21:27; Isaiah 58:3.
אָֽנִי
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
Study Notes — Zechariah 7:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Zechariah 7:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 7:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 7:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 7:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 7:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 7:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 7:5
- Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 7:5
- Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 7:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 7:5
- Sermons on Zechariah 7:5
Context — A Call to Justice and Mercy
3by asking the priests of the house of the LORD of Hosts, as well as the prophets, “Should I weep and fast in the fifth month, as I have done these many years?”
4Then the word of the LORD of Hosts came to me, saying,
5“Ask all the people of the land and the priests, ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months for these seventy years, was it really for Me that you fasted?
6And when you were eating and drinking, were you not doing so simply for yourselves? 7Are these not the words that the LORD proclaimed through the earlier prophets, when Jerusalem and its surrounding towns were populous and prosperous, and the Negev and the foothills were inhabited?’”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zechariah 1:12 | Then the angel of the LORD said, “How long, O LORD of Hosts, will You withhold mercy from Jerusalem and the cities of Judah, with which You have been angry these seventy years?” |
| 2 | Isaiah 58:4–6 | You fast with contention and strife to strike viciously with your fist. You cannot fast as you do today and have your voice be heard on high. Is this the fast I have chosen: a day for a man to deny himself, to bow his head like a reed, and to spread out sackcloth and ashes? Will you call this a fast and a day acceptable to the LORD? Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke? |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 10:31 | So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God. |
| 4 | Romans 14:6–9 | He who observes a special day does so to the Lord; he who eats does so to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. For none of us lives to himself alone, and none of us dies to himself alone. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. For this reason Christ died and returned to life, that He might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. |
| 5 | Zechariah 7:3 | by asking the priests of the house of the LORD of Hosts, as well as the prophets, “Should I weep and fast in the fifth month, as I have done these many years?” |
| 6 | Romans 14:17–18 | For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. For whoever serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. |
| 7 | Zechariah 7:6 | And when you were eating and drinking, were you not doing so simply for yourselves? |
| 8 | Matthew 5:16–18 | In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. |
| 9 | Isaiah 1:11–12 | “What good to Me is your multitude of sacrifices?” says the LORD. “I am full from the burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed cattle; I take no delight in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats. When you come to appear before Me, who has required this of you— this trampling of My courts? |
| 10 | Matthew 6:5 | And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward. |
Zechariah 7:5 Summary
[Zechariah 7:5 is a question from God to the people, asking if they were truly fasting for Him or just going through the motions. This verse teaches us that God cares more about our hearts and motivations than our outward actions, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:7. We should examine our own lives to see if we are doing things just to look good or to truly please God, as warned against in Matthew 6:1-6. By focusing on sincere worship and devotion, we can cultivate a deeper relationship with God, as described in Psalm 51:16-17.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of the fasting and mourning mentioned in Zechariah 7:5?
The context is the seventy years of fasting and mourning that the people of the land and the priests had done in the fifth and seventh months, as mentioned in Zechariah 7:3, and this practice is questioned by God as to whether it was truly for Him or just a ritual, similar to the practices criticized in Isaiah 1:13-14 and Amos 5:21-24.
Why does God ask if the people fasted for Him?
God asks this question to highlight the motivations behind the people's actions, as seen in Zechariah 7:6, where it is stated that when they ate and drank, they did so for themselves, indicating that their fasting may have been for show or personal gain rather than a genuine act of devotion to God, as taught in Matthew 6:16-18.
How does this verse relate to the concept of true worship?
This verse emphasizes the importance of true worship, as seen in John 4:24, where Jesus teaches that God is a Spirit and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth, highlighting that outer actions, like fasting, must be accompanied by a genuine heart of worship and devotion to God, as expressed in Psalm 51:16-17.
What can we learn from God's question about the people's fasting?
We can learn that God is more concerned with the condition of our hearts than with our outward actions, as taught in 1 Samuel 16:7, and that our worship and devotion must be sincere and motivated by a desire to please and honor Him, rather than just going through the motions, as warned against in Ezekiel 33:31-32.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be going through the motions of worship or devotion without truly being focused on God?
- How can I ensure that my actions, like fasting or prayer, are motivated by a genuine desire to please and honor God?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be prioritizing outward appearances over inner sincerity, and how can I shift my focus to pleasing God rather than people?
- In what ways can I cultivate a heart of true worship, as described in John 4:24, in my daily life and interactions with God?
Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 7:5
Speak unto all the people of the land,.... Of Judea, who had sent these men on this errand, and whom they represented, and in whose name they spake: and to the priests; who were consulted on this
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 7:5
Speak unto all the people of the land, and to the priests, saying, When ye fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh month, even those seventy years, did ye at all fast unto me, even to me?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 7:5
Speak unto all the people, i.e. either by their messengers who came in their name, or to all the Jews that were at Jerusalem. Of the land; by which it seems to be not the loiterers in Babylon, but the returned in Judea, that sent. And to the priests: some of these perhaps doubted; and others might overvalue and dote on these voluntary services, and needed, as well as deserved, a reproof. When ye fasted and mourned: who prescribed this your fast? and since you needs would, (as it was at liberty you might fast and mourn,) who was better for it? or did you do it to please me, when you displeased me by other, your sinful courses? In the fifth month: see . And seventh; for the murder of Gedaliah, slain by Ishmael, . Even those seventy years; so many they were since Gedaliah’ s death to this time of inquiry, which is made now as many years after the return as Gedaliah was slain after the beginning of the captivity. Did ye at all fast unto me? whatever was in it, there was very little in it from me, no command, no honour; as you ordered it, you pleased yourselves in it, not me; you wept more for the inconveniences of the thing than the sinfulness of it. Had you fasted to me, you would have abstained more from sin, which I forbade, than from meats, which I did not forbid. Even to me; as if God had said, I put it once more to you, did you indeed fast to me?
Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 7:5
Zechariah 7:5 Speak unto all the people of the land, and to the priests, saying, When ye fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh [month], even those seventy years, did ye at all fast unto me, [even] to me?Ver. 5. Speak unto all the people of the land], Not to the ambassadors only: as the cause is common, so let the answer be public; for they were all too well conceited of their external services, bodily exercises, and made much ado about a trifle, a practice of their own devising, neglecting the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith, Matthew 23:23. And to the priests] Who themselves were to seek belike; and having been the authors and observers of these customs, were backward to abolish them, as those that rested in them without true repentance, faith, and new obedience. When ye fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh month] sc. For the slaughter of Gedaliah and the sad consequence thereof, 2 Kings 25:22 Jeremiah 41:1. Even those seventy years] Wherein ye have lost full seven score fasts; and were not a bit the better for them, because they fasted rather to get off their chains than their sins; they rested in their fasts, in the work done, neither regarding how nor why they should fast. Now God weighs men’ s actions by their aims. And with him, though a good aim doth not make a bad action good (as we see in the case of Uzzah), yet a bad aim makes a good action bad, as in Jehu’ s reformation. He had a squint eye to his own ends in all (as the eagle hath an eye upon her prey when she flies highest), and so consulted ruin to his own house. Did ye at all fast unto me, even to me?] Did you propound me to yourselves?
Or gat I anything by the hand? Did you serve me? and not yourselves rather upon me? Was it not sinful self-love and base self-seeking that put you upon these practices? looked you any higher therein than only to the satisfying of your own carnal humours? God was not in all your thoughts. This Daniel saw and acknowledged with grief and shame, Daniel 9:13 "All this is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the Lord our God, that we might turn from our iniquities and understand thy truth: therefore hath the Lord watched upon the evil and brought it upon us," &c. The Jews no doubt had prayed much and often during that seventy years’ captivity; yet Daniel denies that they had prayed to any purpose; because they had failed both quoad fontem et quoad finem, they had acted from evil principles, and had been carried on by self-respects. They had not that true heart spoken of by the apostle, Hebrews 10:22, but that wicked mind mentioned by the wise man, Proverbs 21:27.
Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 7:5
(5) All the people.—The question, though asked but by a few, was of interest to all the people; or the people of Bethel may have been the representatives of all the people; at all events the reply is given to the whole nation (Zechariah 7:5). Though the mission came in the ninth month, no question was asked about the fast of the tenth month, but only about that of the fifth month. The reason of this appears to be, that the fast in Ab being in connection with their mourning for the destruction of the Temple, it was natural that, now the rebuilding of it had progressed so far, they should inquire whether that particular fast should be kept. The prophet, in his first reply, mentions also the fast of the 3rd of the seventh month (Tishri), which was kept in memory of the assassination of Gedaliah, which took place soon after the destruction of the Temple. The seventy years to which he refers are those between the seventh month B.C. 587 (the date of the assassination of Gedaliah) and the ninth month B.C. 518 (the date of the Bethel mission).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 7:5
Verse 5. When ye fasted and mourned in the fifth - month] This they did in the remembrance of the burning of the temple, on the tenth day of that month; and on the seventh month, on the third of which month they observed a fast for the murder of Gedaliah, and the dispersion of the remnant of the people which were with him. See Jeremiah 41:1, and 2Kg 25:25.
Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 7:5
4–7. The Answer. First Section 5. seventh month] This fast appears to have been observed during the captivity, because in the seventh month “the murder of Gedaliah, whom the king of Babylon made governor of the land, completed the calamities of Jerusalem, in the voluntary but prohibited exile to Egypt, for fear lest the murder should be avenged on them.” Pusey. See 2 Kings 25:25-26; Jeremiah 41-43. even to me] For the emphatic repetition of the pronoun comp. Haggai 1:4 and note.
Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 7:5
Speak unto all the people of the land - They of Bethel had spoken as one man, as Edom said to Israel, “Thou shalt not pass by me” Numbers 20:18; and “the men of Israel said to the Hivite; Perhaps
Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 7:5
OF MORAL AND , Zechariah 7:1 to Zechariah 8:23.After a silence of nearly two years the voice of Zechariah was heard again.
Sermons on Zechariah 7:5
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God or Self, Which? by Charles Spurgeon by C.H. Spurgeon | This sermon by C. H. Spurgeon delves into the theme of serving God wholeheartedly versus serving oneself, using the text from Zechariah chapter 7. It highlights the importance of g |
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A Theology of Fasting by Tim Conway | This sermon delves into the importance of fasting as an act of worship and seeking the Lord with a desperate heart. It emphasizes that fasting should be done with the right motives |
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3 Characteristics of a Sacred Assembly by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the significance of a Sacred Assembly, highlighting three key characteristics: the necessity of fasting to prepare the heart, the importance of gathering i |
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Questions/answers on Fasting by James Blaine Chapman | James Blaine Chapman discusses the practice of fasting, emphasizing the importance of considering one's health and personal circumstances when deciding to fast. He distinguishes be |
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Words for Discouraged Workers by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson delivers a powerful sermon titled 'Words for Discouraged Workers,' drawing from the prophetic messages of Zechariah to encourage those rebuilding the temple in Jerusal |
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A Man of Discipline by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of fasting and the type of fast that God desires. He emphasizes that God is not pleased with a fast that is only outwardly observ |
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When the Serpent Bites Your Hand, Victory Is at the Door by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the journey of Paul and how he faced challenges and storms. Despite being misunderstood and seen as a murderer, Paul continued to serve and he |