Zechariah 7:6- And when you were eating and drinking, were you not just feasting for yourselves?
Extended Explanation
In this verse, God continues to challenge the people about their motives for fasting and worship. He shifts the focus from their times of mourning to their times of celebration, asking whether their feasting was genuinely about honoring Him or merely for their own pleasure. The implication is that their religious practices, whether fasting or feasting, lacked a focus on God and were instead self-centered. This verse underscores the principle that all of life—whether in sorrow or joy—should be lived with God at the center.
Historical Context
During the seventy years of exile, the people of Israel observed fasts to mourn significant national tragedies, but they also had times of eating and drinking in celebration. These practices were deeply tied to their history and identity. By the time of Zechariah, they had returned to the land and were rebuilding the temple, but their hearts remained distant from God. The question posed in this verse highlights how their actions, both solemn and celebratory, had become disconnected from true worship and devotion.
Theological Implications
This verse emphasizes that God desires holistic worship that encompasses all aspects of life. Whether in fasting or feasting, the focus should always be on glorifying God, not on personal satisfaction. It teaches that spiritual practices, when done for selfish reasons, are empty and fail to honor God. This principle applies to both our sorrow and our joy, reminding believers to live every moment in acknowledgment of God’s presence and grace.
Literary Analysis
The verse uses a rhetorical question to confront the people directly, creating a moment of self-reflection. The contrast between fasting and feasting highlights that the issue is not the activity itself but the motive behind it. The repetition of the question format from the previous verse reinforces God’s call for the people to examine their hearts and attitudes toward worship.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
- Isaiah 29:13: God criticizes worship that is outward but lacks heartfelt devotion.
- Luke 14:12-14: Jesus teaches about hospitality that reflects God’s values, not self-interest.
- Colossians 3:17: Encourages believers to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Zechariah 7:6 serves as a reminder to examine the motives behind both solemn and joyful practices. It challenges believers to ask whether their lives—whether in fasting, feasting, or everyday activities—are centered on God. This verse encourages a lifestyle of worship that goes beyond church services and religious rituals, seeking to honor God in all things.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s question reveals His deep love and care for His people. He doesn’t want them to waste their lives on empty rituals or self-centered practices. Instead, He calls them to a deeper, more fulfilling relationship with Him, where every part of their lives is lived in communion with Him. This invitation to wholehearted devotion is an expression of His desire for their ultimate joy and purpose.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse points to Jesus, who perfectly demonstrated a life lived for God’s glory. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection show us what it means to live in complete obedience and devotion to God. Through His teachings, Jesus called people to examine their hearts and motives, emphasizing that true worship is about loving God and loving others (Matthew 22:37-39). In Jesus, believers are empowered to live lives that reflect God’s purposes in every moment.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Are there areas in your life where you are more focused on yourself than on honoring God?
- How can you ensure that your celebrations, as well as your spiritual practices, are centered on God?
- What does it mean for you to glorify God in both fasting and feasting?
- How does this verse challenge you to reflect on your motives in worship and daily living?
- How does Jesus’ example of living for God’s glory inspire you to align your life with God’s purposes?
Zechariah 7:6 reminds us that God desires all of life—our actions, thoughts, and celebrations—to be centered on Him. It challenges us to live with a heart of worship, glorifying Him in every aspect of our lives.