Zechariah 7:4

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Then came the word of the LORD of hosts unto me, saying,

Complete Jewish Bible:

It was then that this message came to me from ADONAI-Tzva'ot:

Berean Standard Bible:

Then the word of the LORD of Hosts came to me, saying,

American Standard Version:

Then came the word of Jehovah of hosts unto me, saying,

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Then came the word^{H1697} of the LORD^{H3068} of hosts^{H6635} unto me, saying^{H559},

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Zechariah 7:4

Zechariah 7:4 is part of a larger prophetic book in the Old Testament, written by the prophet Zechariah during the post-exilic period, around 520-518 BCE. This was a time when the Jews had returned from Babylonian captivity and were in the process of rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem, under the leadership of Zerubbabel.

The verse itself, "Then came the word of the LORD of hosts unto me, saying," serves as a divine introduction to a message from God. In the verses preceding Zechariah 7:4, we learn that a delegation from Bethel had come to seek the favor of the Lord and to inquire of the priests and prophets whether they should continue to mourn and fast in the fifth month, as they had done for many years, commemorating the destruction of the first Temple.

The historical context of this inquiry is significant. The people are trying to understand how to worship God now that they are back in the land and have the opportunity to restore the Temple worship. The themes present in this chapter include the importance of true worship, the need for justice and mercy over empty ritual, and the call to obey God's commandments. Zechariah's prophecy that follows emphasizes that the fasts and mourning rituals should be transformed into occasions for joy and celebration, as the restoration of the Temple and the community's return signify God's renewed favor.

In summary, Zechariah 7:4 is a pivotal verse that introduces a divine message addressing the transition from mourning over the past to embracing a future of hope and restoration. It challenges the people to consider the heart and intent behind their religious practices, urging them towards a worship that is pleasing to God, characterized by justice, mercy, and faithfulness, rather than mere external observance.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H1697
   There are 1290 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: דָּבָר
   Transliteration: dâbâr
   Pronunciation: daw-baw'
   Description: from דָבַר; a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause; act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work.
   
2. Strong's Number: H3068
   There are 5521 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יְהֹוָה
   Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh
   Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw'
   Description: from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה.
   
3. Strong's Number: H6635
   There are 463 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: צָבָא
   Transliteration: tsâbâʼ
   Pronunciation: tsaw-baw'
   Description: or (feminine) צְבָאָה; from צָבָא; a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized forwar (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (specifically, hardship, worship); appointed time, ([phrase]) army, ([phrase]) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war(-fare).
   
4. Strong's Number: H559
   There are 4434 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָמַר
   Transliteration: ʼâmar
   Pronunciation: aw-mar'
   Description: a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); 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.