Inquiry About Fasting
Context and Inquiry
Zechariah 7 opens in the fourth year of King Darius’ reign, with a delegation from Bethel asking priests and prophets at the temple whether they should continue the mourning fasts commemorating the destruction of Jerusalem (Zechariah 7:1-3). This inquiry occurs as the temple reconstruction is nearing completion, stirring questions about continuing these observances.
Divine Response on True Fasting
God’s response, delivered through Zechariah, questions the sincerity of their past fasts, challenging whether they were for God or merely ritualistic (Zechariah 7:4-7). He rebukes the people for their insincere motivations, emphasizing that true fasting and ritual should stem from genuine devotion, not hollow tradition.
Exhortation to Righteousness
Call to Justice and Mercy
Instead of ritual fasting, the Lord reminds the people of the core ethical requirements: to show justice, mercy, and compassion to one another (Zechariah 7:8-10). These principles echo the wider prophetic tradition which prioritizes ethical behavior over mere ritual compliance.
Consequences of Disobedience
The chapter concludes with a stern reminder of the consequences faced by their ancestors due to their disobedience and hardened hearts, leading to their exile and the land’s desolation (Zechariah 7:11-14). The call to remember the past serves as a warning to the current generation to heed God’s words.
Connection to Jesus Christ
Zechariah 7 points to Christ in its emphasis on the weightier matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23). Christ fulfills these not only through His teachings but more profoundly through His life, death, and resurrection, embodying the ultimate expression of God’s justice and mercy.
How God Loves the World
The chapter showcases God’s love by His call for genuine relationship rather than rote religious rituals. His desire for justice, mercy, and compassion among His people reflects His loving character, which prioritizes moral integrity and relational fidelity above outward religious observance.
Why This Chapter Still Matters Today
Zechariah 7 remains relevant as it addresses themes of genuine faithfulness versus formalistic religion—a challenge prevalent in any religious context. It urges believers today to reflect on their motivations for religious practices, encouraging them to engage in acts of worship that are both true to God’s commands and reflective of His love and justice. This call to internal examination and realignment with God’s desires is timeless, pressing believers towards a faith that actively transforms their lives and communities.
This reminder to practice a religion that goes beyond surface level to impact hearts and communities underpins the lasting importance of this chapter, guiding believers in their daily walk with Christ.