Zechariah 7:13

KJV

Therefore it is come to pass, [that] as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the LORD of hosts:

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore it is come to pass, that as he cried {H7121}, and they would not hear {H8085}; so they cried {H7121}, and I would not hear {H8085}, saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}:

Complete Jewish Bible

and it came about that just as they hadn't listened when he called, so ADONAI-Tzva'ot said, 'I won't listen when they call;

Berean Standard Bible

And just as I had called and they would not listen, so when they called I would not listen, says the LORD of Hosts.

American Standard Version

And it is come to pass that, as he cried, and they would not hear, so they shall cry, and I will not hear, said Jehovah of hosts;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 7:13 delivers a profound principle of divine justice, illustrating the reciprocal consequences of human disobedience. It declares that because the people of Israel stubbornly refused to heed God's prophetic calls and instructions, God, in turn, would refuse to hear their cries for help in times of distress. This verse powerfully underscores the serious spiritual repercussions of persistent rebellion and spiritual deafness, emphasizing that a relationship with God is predicated on responsive obedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Zechariah 7:13 is situated within a larger prophetic discourse (chapters 7-8) addressing a delegation from Bethel. These delegates came to Jerusalem to inquire whether they should continue observing the traditional fasts commemorating the destruction of the first Temple, specifically the fast of the fifth month, nearly 70 years after the event ([Zechariah 7:3](/zechariah/7-3 "Zechariah 7:3 - Inquiry about Fasts")). God's response through Zechariah shifts the focus from mere ritualistic observance to the imperative of genuine obedience and ethical living. The preceding verses ([Zechariah 7:4-7](/zechariah/7-4-7 "Zechariah 7:4-7 - God's Displeasure with Ritual Fasts")) challenge the sincerity of their fasts, questioning if they were truly for the Lord. Verses [Zechariah 7:8-10](/zechariah/7-8-10 "Zechariah 7:8-10 - Call to Justice and Mercy") then lay out God's true desire: to "execute true judgment, and show mercy and compassions every man to his brother," and not to "oppress the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor." Verse [Zechariah 7:11](/zechariah/7-11 "Zechariah 7:11 - Refusal to Listen") describes the people's stubborn refusal to listen, turning "a deaf ear," and [Zechariah 7:12](/zechariah/7-12 "Zechariah 7:12 - Hardened Hearts") further elaborates on their hardened hearts and rejection of the Law and prophetic words. Thus, verse 13 is the direct, divinely declared consequence of this long history of spiritual insubordination.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy of Zechariah was delivered to the Jewish remnant who had returned from Babylonian exile, around 520-518 BC. They were in the process of rebuilding the Temple, a project that had faced significant delays and opposition. The exile itself was understood as divine judgment for generations of Israel's disobedience, idolatry, and social injustice, as prophesied by earlier prophets like Jeremiah and Ezekiel. The question about continuing the fasts reflects a people grappling with their past and seeking to understand their relationship with God in the post-exilic era. Culturally, fasting was a common religious practice, often associated with repentance and seeking divine favor. However, God's message through Zechariah critiques a superficial religiosity that prioritizes outward ritual over inward transformation and ethical conduct. The phrase "LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) was a powerful title emphasizing God's supreme authority and sovereignty over all armies, both earthly and heavenly, a concept particularly significant for a people struggling to re-establish themselves in a hostile world.

* **Key Themes:** Zechariah 7:13 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book and broader prophetic literature. The most prominent is the theme of **Reciprocal Justice**, where divine action mirrors human behavior; because the people refused to hear God, God would refuse to hear them. This highlights God's righteous character and the consequences of moral accountability, a theme echoed in [Proverbs 1:28](/proverbs/1-28 "Proverbs 1:28 - When God Does Not Answer"). Another key theme is the **Supremacy of Obedience over Ritual**. God makes it clear that true worship is not found in outward religious observances like fasting, but in a heart that genuinely seeks to obey His commands, especially those concerning justice, mercy, and righteousness, as emphasized in [Zechariah 7:9-10](/zechariah/7-9-10 "Zechariah 7:9-10 - God's Desire for Justice"). The verse also underscores the **Severity of Spiritual Deafness and Hardness of Heart**, portraying a people who deliberately "made their hearts as an adamant stone" ([Zechariah 7:12](/zechariah/7-12 "Zechariah 7:12 - Hardened Hearts")) against God's word. Finally, it addresses the **Problem of Unanswered Prayer**, providing a divine rationale for why God might withhold His response from those who have consistently ignored His voice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **cried (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** From H7121, a primitive root meaning "to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)." In the context of Zechariah 7:13, it refers to God's persistent calling to His people through His prophets. It implies an earnest, public, and authoritative summons to attention and obedience. The repetition highlights the consistent nature of God's outreach.
* **hear (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** From H8085, a primitive root meaning "to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)." This word encompasses more than just auditory perception; it implies active listening, understanding, and crucially, an obedient response. The people "would not hear" means they refused to listen with a mind to obey, leading to their spiritual "deafness." Conversely, God's declaration "I would not hear" signifies His refusal to attend to or respond favorably to their cries.
* **saith (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** From H559, a primitive root meaning "to say (used with great latitude)." This word introduces a direct divine utterance, emphasizing the authoritative and certain nature of the declaration. When the "LORD of hosts" "saith" something, it is a definitive and unchangeable decree, underscoring the gravity of the consequences outlined in the verse.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore it is come to pass, that as he cried, and they would not hear;":** This initial clause establishes the premise for the divine judgment. "Therefore it is come to pass" indicates a direct consequence of prior actions. "As he cried" refers to God's consistent and earnest communication through His prophets, who "cried out" His messages to the people. The phrase "and they would not hear" signifies the people's willful and persistent refusal to listen, understand, and obey God's commands and warnings. This highlights their spiritual rebellion and obstinacy.
* **"so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the LORD of hosts:":** This second clause presents the reciprocal divine response. "So they cried" indicates that in their time of distress, the people would turn to God in supplication, crying out for help. However, because of their earlier refusal to hear God, He declares, "and I would not hear." This is a powerful statement of divine judgment, where God withholds His favorable attention and intervention. The concluding phrase, "saith the LORD of hosts," emphasizes the absolute authority, power, and sovereign nature of the One making this declaration. It underscores that this is not a mere human reaction but a just and certain decree from the Almighty God, the commander of all heavenly armies.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 7:13 is rich in **Parallelism** and **Reciprocity**. The structure of the verse creates a striking chiastic or antithetical parallelism: "as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear." This mirrors the actions of God and the people, creating a direct cause-and-effect relationship. The **Reciprocity** is stark: the people's refusal to listen to God is met with God's refusal to listen to them. This emphasizes the principle of divine justice, where the punishment fits the crime. The repeated use of "cried" and "hear" amplifies this reciprocal dynamic. Furthermore, the concluding phrase, "saith the LORD of hosts," serves as an **Authoritative Declaration**, lending immense weight and certainty to the divine judgment. It underscores God's **Sovereignty** and unchallengeable power, transforming the statement from a mere observation into an irreversible divine decree. The entire verse functions as a powerful **Warning**, illustrating the severe consequences of spiritual indifference and disobedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 7:13 is a profound theological statement on the nature of God's justice and humanity's accountability. It reveals that God is not obligated to respond to those who have consistently and willfully rejected His voice and commands. This principle underscores that the divine-human relationship is not a one-way street of unconditional divine blessing, but involves a responsive dynamic. While God is merciful and long-suffering, there are limits to His patience when His people harden their hearts against His truth and justice. The verse serves as a stark reminder that spiritual indifference and persistent disobedience create a barrier to divine communication and intervention, leading to a state where prayers may go unanswered and divine favor is withheld. It emphasizes that true piety is demonstrated not through ritualistic performance, but through a heart that actively listens and obeys God's revealed will, particularly concerning ethical conduct and justice towards others.

* [Proverbs 1:24-28](/proverbs/1-24-28 "Proverbs 1:24-28 - Wisdom's Rejection and Consequences")
* [Jeremiah 7:13-16](/jeremiah/7-13-16 "Jeremiah 7:13-16 - God's Refusal to Hear")
* [Isaiah 59:1-2](/isaiah/59-1-2 "Isaiah 59:1-2 - Sin Separates from God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 7:13 serves as a timeless and sobering warning for all who claim to follow God. It challenges us to deeply examine the sincerity of our spiritual lives, moving beyond mere outward religious observance to genuine, heart-level obedience. The verse compels us to consider whether we are truly "hearing" God's voice—not just audibly, but with a receptive heart ready to respond in obedience. Are there areas in our lives where we have become spiritually deaf, willfully ignoring God's commands or the promptings of His Spirit, particularly concerning justice, mercy, and integrity? This passage reminds us that persistent disobedience or a hardened heart can create a spiritual chasm, leading to a sense of divine silence when we most need God's intervention. It calls us to cultivate a posture of active listening and humble submission, recognizing that our willingness to hear God directly impacts His willingness to hear us. It is an invitation to continuous self-examination and, if necessary, heartfelt repentance, to ensure our relationship with God remains vibrant and responsive, rather than becoming a cycle of unheeded calls.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "not hearing" God's voice or ignoring His commands?**
* **Do I prioritize outward religious practices over genuine obedience and ethical living?**
* **How does my willingness to obey God's word impact my expectation of Him hearing my prayers?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a more responsive and obedient heart towards God?**

### FAQ

**Does Zechariah 7:13 mean God will never hear my prayers if I've disobeyed Him?**

Answer: Not necessarily "never," but it highlights a profound spiritual principle: persistent, willful disobedience creates a barrier in our relationship with God. Zechariah 7:13 describes a pattern of stubborn rejection of God's word over a long period, leading to a reciprocal divine response. It's not about a single mistake, but a hardened heart. God is always merciful and ready to forgive those who genuinely repent and turn back to Him, as seen in [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness"). However, the verse serves as a serious warning against taking God's grace for granted and continually ignoring His commands, which can lead to a period of divine silence or withdrawal. It prompts us to examine our hearts and ensure our prayers are accompanied by a sincere desire to obey.

**What does "LORD of hosts" mean in this context?**

Answer: The title "LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: _Yahweh Sabaoth_) is a powerful designation for God, emphasizing His supreme sovereignty and authority. "Hosts" (Hebrew: _tsâbâʼ_) can refer to heavenly armies (angels), the stars, or even earthly armies. In Zechariah 7:13, it underscores that the declaration of not hearing is not a mere human emotion but a definitive, authoritative decree from the Almighty God, who commands all creation. It highlights His power to execute judgment and the certainty of His word. It reinforces that the consequences of disobedience are not arbitrary but come from the ultimate authority in the universe.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Zechariah 7:13 speaks of God's reciprocal judgment against a disobedient Israel, its ultimate fulfillment and resolution are found in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament repeatedly demonstrates humanity's inability to perfectly hear and obey God's voice, leading to broken covenants and divine judgment. However, Jesus Christ perfectly embodied the obedient Son, always doing the will of the Father, as He declared in [John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Pleases the Father"). He is the ultimate "Word" of God, through whom God speaks to humanity ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Speaks Through His Son")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ provides the means for humanity's spiritual deafness to be healed and the barrier of sin to be removed. Believers, through faith in Him, are given a new heart and the Holy Spirit, enabling them to truly "hear" God's voice and obey His commands ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - New Heart and Spirit")). In Christ, the reciprocal principle of Zechariah 7:13 is transformed: because we "hear" and believe in the Son, God hears our cries and grants us access to His presence ([John 14:13-14](/john/14-13-14 "John 14:13-14 - Asking in Jesus' Name"); [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")). He is the mediator who bridges the gap created by human disobedience, ensuring that those who come to God through Him will always be heard and received.

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

Proverbs 1:24

Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;

Proverbs 1:28

Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:

Jeremiah 14:12

When they fast, I will not hear their cry; and when they offer burnt offering and an oblation, I will not accept them: but I will consume them by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence.

Isaiah 1:15

And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.

Jeremiah 11:11

¶ Therefore thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon them, which they shall not be able to escape; and though they shall cry unto me, I will not hearken unto them.

Micah 3:4

Then shall they cry unto the LORD, but he will not hear them: he will even hide his face from them at that time, as they have behaved themselves ill in their doings.

Psalms 81:8

¶ Hear, O my people, and I will testify unto thee: O Israel, if thou wilt hearken unto me;