Zechariah 7:1

¶ And it came to pass in the fourth year of king Darius, [that] the word of the LORD came unto Zechariah in the fourth [day] of the ninth month, [even] in Chisleu;

And it came to pass in the fourth {H702} year {H8141} of king {H4428} Darius {H1867}, that the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} came unto Zechariah {H2148} in the fourth {H702} day of the ninth {H8671} month {H2320}, even in Chisleu {H3691};

In the fourth year of King Daryavesh, on the fourth day of the ninth month, Kislev, a message from ADONAI came to Z'kharyah.

In the fourth year of King Darius, the word of the LORD came to Zechariah on the fourth day of the ninth month, the month of Chislev.

And it came to pass in the fourth year of king Darius, that the word of Jehovah came unto Zechariah in the fourth day of the ninth month, even in Chislev.

Commentary

Zechariah 7:1 marks a significant transition in the book of Zechariah, moving from the series of eight night visions (chapters 1-6) to a new set of prophetic oracles concerning true righteousness and worship. This verse provides crucial chronological and contextual details for the messages that follow.

Context

This verse precisely dates the new prophetic revelation to the "fourth year of king Darius" (Darius I Hystaspes), specifically the "fourth day of the ninth month, even in Chisleu." This places the event approximately two years after Zechariah's initial prophetic ministry began. King Darius's reign is well-documented historically, confirming this period as part of the post-exilic era, when the Jewish exiles had returned to Judah and were engaged in the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. This specific dating highlights the divine timing and historical grounding of God's word, showing it is not abstract but deeply connected to the life and circumstances of the people.

The immediate context for this divine word is an inquiry from a delegation arriving from Bethel, who sought guidance on whether they should continue their traditional fasts, which had been observed during the Babylonian exile. This sets the stage for Zechariah's powerful message about the true nature of worship and obedience, which follows in chapters 7 and 8.

Key Themes

  • Divine Revelation: The phrase "the word of the LORD came unto Zechariah" underscores that the message is not of human origin but a direct communication from God. This emphasizes the divine authority and truthfulness of the prophecy.
  • Historical Precision: The detailed dating by king's reign, month, and day provides a strong historical anchor for the prophecy, affirming its authenticity and relevance to real-world events and the lives of the returning exiles.
  • Transition in Prophecy: This verse serves as a pivot point in the book of Zechariah, shifting the focus from the symbolic night visions to more direct questions and answers concerning the people's spiritual practices and future restoration. It introduces a new phase of prophetic engagement with the community.

Linguistic Insights

The month name "Chisleu" (also spelled Kislev) is a Babylonian-derived name for the ninth month of the Jewish civil calendar, corresponding to late November or early December. Its inclusion, along with the regnal year of King Darius, provides a very precise and verifiable historical timestamp for the prophetic event. This reflects the cultural integration and calendrical practices adopted by the Jewish people during and after their exile in Babylon.

Practical Application

Zechariah 7:1 reminds us that God's communication is purposeful and timely. Just as the word of the Lord came to Zechariah at a specific moment to address the pressing questions of his generation, so too does God's truth speak into our present circumstances. For us today, this verse encourages us to seek God's word when facing spiritual or practical dilemmas, knowing that He provides clarity and direction. The precise dating also reinforces the historical reliability of biblical prophecy, inviting us to trust in God's faithfulness throughout history.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Nehemiah 1:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace,

  • Zechariah 1:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying,

  • Ezra 6:14 (3 votes)

    And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished [it], according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.

  • Ezra 6:15 (3 votes)

    And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.

  • Haggai 2:10 (2 votes)

    ¶ In the four and twentieth [day] of the ninth [month], in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet, saying,

  • Haggai 2:20 (0 votes)

    ¶ And again the word of the LORD came unto Haggai in the four and twentieth [day] of the month, saying,