Zechariah 7

Zechariah 7:1

OF the ninth] which is, the November Moone.

Zechariah 7:2

They] namely; the Priests and Levites, who yet remained in Babylon Before the] namely; in the Temple which was re-edefied in Jerusalem.

Zechariah 7:3

Should I] are we in conscience bound to keep the solemne Fast, appointed to be in the fifth Moneth; by reason of the destruction of the Temple, which happened at that time, 2 King. 25. 8, 9. Jeremiah 52:12-13 now that it is re-edefied, and Gods service restored? seeing the keeping of it is not commanded by the Law of God. See Malachi 3:14 Separating] from feasts, company of women, and all other carnall delights. See Exodus 19:14. 1 Samuel 21:5.

Zechariah 7:5

Seventh] this other Fast was appointed for the death of Gedaliah, which happened in this Moneth, 2 King. 25. 8, 9. Jeremiah 41:1. whereupon followed the totall dispersion of the remainder of the people Seventy] during the captivity, Zechariah 1:12 Unto me] to humble your selves, and turne with your hearts to me; was it not only through a carnall feeling of your evils? Isaiah 58:3. Hosea 7:14.

Zechariah 7:6

And when] yea, in your mirth and rejoycing you have not regarded me, to yeeld me honour and thanks for my benefits, Hos. 8. 13. and 9. 4 Now the answer to the aforesaid question is referred to this point: your Fast might be sanctified by piety and devotion, but you had better to omit it, then prophane it as you doe; and in stead of your Ceremonies, endeavour your selves to serve God internally; by meanes of which, I will change these your dolefull dayes into dayes of feasting, and giving thanks for new benefits, Zechariah 8:19.

Zechariah 7:7

Should ye not] hath not God sufficiently declared his will concerning these externall actions; and especially, concerning a Fast prophaned through wickednesse, Isaiah 58:3-4 Was inhabited] or a foot, or in its former state The South] those parts of Judea which had most felt the desolations of war. See Jer. 17. 26. and 32. 44.

Zechariah 7:11

The shoulder] A terme taken from yoaked Oxen, which are unwilling to draw, Nch. 9. 29. Hosea 4:16. Zephaniah 3:9.

Zechariah 7:14

After them] after they have been carried away out of it For they laid] they have been the cause that their fine and pleasant Country hath been laid waste.