Zechariah 7:1

KJV

¶ 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;

KJV (with Strong's)

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};

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 7:1 precisely dates a new prophetic revelation, marking a significant transition in the book from the preceding night visions to a series of oracles concerning true worship and ethical living. This verse establishes the historical and chronological context for the divine message that follows, emphasizing God's active engagement with His people during the post-exilic period as they grappled with questions of religious practice and national identity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 7:1 serves as a pivotal transition point in the book of Zechariah. The preceding chapters (Zechariah 1-6) are dominated by a series of eight symbolic night visions, which primarily focused on God's promise of restoration for Jerusalem and Judah, the rebuilding of the Temple, and the establishment of the Davidic and priestly leadership. These visions offered hope and encouragement to the returned exiles. Chapter 7, introduced by this verse, shifts the focus from symbolic visions to direct prophetic discourse, addressing practical questions of obedience, ritual, and true righteousness. It introduces an inquiry from a delegation from Bethel regarding the continuation of traditional fasts, setting the stage for Zechariah's profound messages on the nature of genuine worship that follow in [Zechariah 7](/zechariah/7 "Zechariah 7 - True Fasting") and [Zechariah 8](/zechariah/8 "Zechariah 8 - Future Restoration and Blessing").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The dating "in the fourth year of king Darius" refers to Darius I Hystaspes (522-486 BC), placing this event specifically in 518 BC. This period is crucial, as it falls approximately two years after Zechariah's initial prophetic call (cf. [Zechariah 1:1](/zechariah/1-1 "Zechariah 1:1 - Zechariah's Prophetic Call")) and is roughly four years before the completion of the Second Temple in 515 BC (cf. [Ezra 6:15](/ezra/6-15 "Ezra 6:15 - Completion of the Temple")). The Jewish exiles had returned from Babylon decades earlier, and while the Temple rebuilding was underway, the community faced challenges and spiritual apathy. The specific mention of "the ninth month, even in Chisleu" (Kislev) refers to a Babylonian-derived name for the Jewish month corresponding to late November/early December. This precise dating underscores the historical accuracy and groundedness of the prophecy, linking God's word directly to the real-life circumstances and questions of the post-exilic community, particularly their concern about the fasts observed during the Babylonian exile.
* **Key Themes:** Zechariah 7:1 introduces several key themes that resonate throughout the subsequent chapters. Firstly, the phrase "the word of the LORD came unto Zechariah" highlights the theme of **Divine Revelation** and authority, emphasizing that the message is not of human origin but a direct communication from God Himself, ensuring its truthfulness and binding nature. Secondly, the meticulous dating ("fourth year of king Darius," "fourth day of the ninth month, even in Chisleu") underscores the **Historical Precision and Reliability** of God's word, demonstrating that divine prophecy is not abstract but deeply embedded in specific historical moments and human events. This precision also serves to authenticate the prophet's message. Lastly, this verse signals a **Thematic and Literary Transition** within the book, moving from the symbolic and visionary language of the initial chapters to a more direct, ethical, and practical discourse concerning the nature of true worship and obedience, setting the stage for the crucial questions about fasting and righteousness posed by the delegation from Bethel in [Zechariah 7:2-3](/zechariah/7-2-3 "Zechariah 7:2-3 - The Inquiry About Fasting").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** This term (H1697) is far more expansive than a simple utterance. It signifies a "matter," "thing," "affair," "decree," "report," or "purpose." When used in the context "the word of the LORD," it denotes a divinely authoritative communication, a message that carries the weight of God's will and intention, often with a performative power to bring about what it declares.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenantal name of God (H3068), often transliterated as Yahweh. It emphasizes God's self-existence, eternal nature, and His covenant faithfulness to Israel. The use of "Yᵉhôvâh" here highlights that the message is from the sovereign, covenant-keeping God who is actively involved in the history and destiny of His people.
* **Chisleu (Hebrew, _Kiçlêv'_):** This is the ninth month of the Hebrew civil calendar (H3691), corresponding to late November or early December. Its inclusion, alongside the regnal year of a Persian king, demonstrates the precise historical and cultural context of the prophecy. It is a Babylonian-derived name, reflecting the cultural impact of the exile on the Jewish calendar and further grounding the prophecy in verifiable historical time.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And it came to pass in the fourth year of king Darius,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes a precise chronological marker, dating the prophetic event to the fourth year of the reign of Darius I Hystaspes. This historical anchor grounds the divine revelation in a specific, verifiable time, emphasizing the reality and historical nature of God's interaction with humanity. The use of "it came to pass" is a common biblical formula indicating the unfolding of God's plan in history.
* **"that the word of the LORD came unto Zechariah"**: This central phrase identifies the divine origin and recipient of the message. It signifies that Zechariah is not merely speaking his own thoughts, but is a conduit for a direct, authoritative communication from YHWH, the covenant God of Israel. This underscores the prophetic authority and the divine nature of the subsequent oracles.
* **"in the fourth day of the ninth month, [even] in Chisleu;"**: This final clause provides an even more specific date within the year, pinpointing the exact day and month. "Chisleu" (or Kislev) is the Babylonian name for the ninth month, illustrating the post-exilic Jewish adoption of Babylonian calendar names. This meticulous dating reinforces the historical verifiability of the prophecy and highlights God's purposeful timing in delivering His message to His people at a crucial juncture in their restoration.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Chronological Precision** and **Formulaic Language**. The meticulous dating ("fourth year of king Darius," "fourth day of the ninth month, even in Chisleu") serves to firmly anchor the prophecy in a specific historical context, lending it authenticity and demonstrating God's active engagement within the timeline of human events. This precision is not merely incidental but underscores the reliability and historical veracity of the divine word. Furthermore, the phrase "the word of the LORD came unto Zechariah" is a classic example of **Prophetic Formula**, a recurring literary device throughout the prophetic books. This formula immediately establishes the divine origin and authority of the message, distinguishing it from human opinion and signaling its imperative nature. The verse also functions as a **Literary Transition**, acting as a clear demarcation point between the visionary section of Zechariah (chapters 1-6) and the more direct, ethical, and practical prophetic discourse that follows (chapters 7-8).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 7:1 profoundly illustrates God's commitment to communicating with humanity within the confines of time and history. The precise dating of this divine word underscores that God's revelation is not abstract or detached, but intimately woven into the fabric of human experience and historical events. This historical grounding ensures the reliability and relevance of His message, demonstrating that the God of the Bible is sovereign over time and actively intervenes in the affairs of His people. The coming of "the word of the LORD" signifies God's initiative in guiding, instructing, and correcting His people, particularly as they navigate the complexities of their post-exilic identity and worship. It reminds us that God speaks purposefully, addressing the specific needs and questions of His generation, and that His word is always timely and authoritative.

* [Jeremiah 1:1](/jeremiah/1-1 "Jeremiah's Call and Dating")
* [Ezekiel 1:3](/ezekiel/1-3 "Ezekiel's Prophetic Call")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 7:1 offers a powerful reminder that God's communication is always purposeful, timely, and deeply rooted in the realities of human history. The meticulous dating of this prophetic word invites us to consider the historical reliability of Scripture and to trust in a God who acts and speaks within time, not outside of it. For us today, this verse encourages a posture of attentiveness and expectation: just as the "word of the LORD came unto Zechariah" to address the specific spiritual and practical dilemmas of his generation, so too does God's truth speak into our contemporary circumstances. When we face questions of faith, ethics, or direction, we are called to seek God's word, confident that He provides clarity, guidance, and correction. This verse also challenges us to recognize that genuine spiritual engagement is not merely about maintaining traditions, but about hearing and responding to God's living word in our present moment, allowing it to shape our worship and our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precise dating of God's word in Zechariah 7:1 strengthen your trust in the historical reliability and divine inspiration of Scripture?**
* **In what areas of your life are you currently seeking a "word of the LORD" or divine guidance, and how are you positioning yourself to receive it?**
* **Considering that God's word came to Zechariah to address specific practices, how might our own religious traditions or routines need to be re-evaluated in light of God's present truth?**

### FAQ
**Why is the precise dating in Zechariah 7:1 so important?**

Answer: The precise dating in Zechariah 7:1 is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it grounds the prophecy in verifiable history, lending authenticity and credibility to the divine message. It demonstrates that God's revelation is not mythical or abstract, but occurred at a specific time and place, interacting with real people and events. Secondly, it highlights God's purposeful timing; the word came at a critical juncture for the post-exilic community, addressing their specific questions and challenges regarding worship and ethical living as they rebuilt their nation and Temple. This precision allows scholars and readers to correlate the prophecy with known historical events, such as the reign of Darius I Hystaspes and the ongoing Temple reconstruction (cf. [Ezra 6:15](/ezra/6-15 "Ezra 6:15 - Completion of the Temple")).

**What is "Chisleu" and why is it mentioned?**

Answer: "Chisleu" (also spelled Kislev) is the ninth month of the Jewish civil calendar, corresponding to late November or early December in our modern calendar. Its mention, along with the specific day and the regnal year of King Darius, provides an exceptionally precise historical timestamp for the prophetic event. The use of "Chisleu," a Babylonian-derived name, reflects the cultural integration and calendrical practices adopted by the Jewish people during and after their exile in Babylon. Its inclusion further underscores the meticulous historical accuracy of the biblical text and connects the divine message directly to the lived experience and cultural context of the returning exiles.

**How does Zechariah 7:1 relate to the rest of the book?**

Answer: Zechariah 7:1 serves as a significant literary and thematic pivot point in the book of Zechariah. The first six chapters are primarily characterized by a series of eight symbolic night visions, which focus on themes of restoration, the rebuilding of the Temple, and the establishment of leadership in the post-exilic community. Zechariah 7:1 introduces a new section (chapters 7-8) that shifts from these visions to direct prophetic discourse, addressing more practical and ethical questions. It sets the stage for the inquiry from a delegation from Bethel regarding the continuation of traditional fasts observed during the exile (cf. [Zechariah 7:2-3](/zechariah/7-2-3 "Zechariah 7:2-3 - The Inquiry About Fasting")). This transition indicates a move from encouraging hope through symbolic imagery to providing direct instruction on the true nature of worship, obedience, and righteousness for the returned exiles.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 7:1, with its emphasis on "the word of the LORD" coming at a specific time and place, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. Just as God's word was precisely dated and historically grounded in the Old Testament, so too was the incarnation of God's ultimate Word, Jesus, meticulously timed within human history. [Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - God Sent His Son in the Fullness of Time") declares that "when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son," highlighting the divine precision of Christ's arrival. Jesus is not merely a bearer of God's word, but He *is* the Word made flesh, as [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God") proclaims, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." The prophetic word given to Zechariah was a partial and progressive revelation, but in Christ, God has spoken His final and complete word ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "God Spoke Through His Son")). Furthermore, the shift in Zechariah 7-8 from ritualistic fasting to a call for true justice and mercy foreshadows Christ's teaching on worship. Jesus Himself emphasized that true worship is not about external observances tied to specific locations or traditions, but about worshipping "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")), fulfilling the deeper spiritual intent behind the Old Testament laws and prophetic calls for genuine righteousness. Thus, the historical grounding of God's word in Zechariah 7:1 points forward to the historical reality of Christ's life, death, and resurrection, through whom all of God's promises and purposes are ultimately fulfilled.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Nehemiah 1:1

¶ 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

¶ 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

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

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

¶ 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

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