Zechariah 7:3

[And] to speak unto the priests which [were] in the house of the LORD of hosts, and to the prophets, saying, Should I weep in the fifth month, separating myself, as I have done these so many years?

And to speak {H559} unto the priests {H3548} which were in the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, and to the prophets {H5030}, saying {H559}, Should I weep {H1058} in the fifth {H2549} month {H2320}, separating {H5144} myself, as I have done {H6213} these so many years {H8141}?

as they inquired of the cohanim of the house of ADONAI-Tzva'ot and the prophets, "Should we go into mourning and abstain from pleasure during the fifth month, as we have been doing for all these years?"

by asking the priests of the house of the LORD of Hosts, as well as the prophets, “Should I weep and fast in the fifth month, as I have done these many years?”

and to speak unto the priests of the house of Jehovah of hosts, and to the prophets, saying, Should I weep in the fifth month, separating myself, as I have done these so many years?

Zechariah 7:3 records a pivotal question posed by a delegation from the city of Bethel to the priests and prophets in Jerusalem during the post-exilic period. This inquiry highlights a significant spiritual dilemma faced by the Jewish people after their return from Babylonian captivity.

Context of Zechariah 7:3

This verse is part of a larger section (Zechariah 7-8) that addresses a specific inquiry from the people. Decades after the destruction of the First Temple by the Babylonians and their subsequent return from exile, the Jewish community was engaged in rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem. A delegation from Bethel sent Sharezer and Regem-melech to inquire of the Lord through the priests and prophets about their long-standing religious practices.

The specific question in verse 3 concerns the observance of a fast in the "fifth month." This particular fast commemorated the tragic events of the burning of the Temple and the city of Jerusalem by Nebuzaradan, captain of the guard, which occurred in the fifth month (Ab) of the year. For "so many years"—likely referring to the 70 years of Babylonian exile prophesied by Jeremiah—the people had observed this fast as a sign of national mourning and penitence.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Nature of True Worship: The underlying question is whether God is truly honored by outward rituals of mourning, even those established during a period of national judgment. Zechariah's subsequent message (starting in Zechariah 7:5) reveals that God was not primarily interested in their fasting for fasting's sake, but in their obedience, justice, and compassion.
  • Transition from Mourning to Joy: With the Temple now being rebuilt and the people back in their land, the question implicitly asks if the time for mourning has ended. This theme culminates in Zechariah 8:19, where the Lord promises that these fasts will be turned into times of joy and cheerful feasts.
  • Sincerity of Heart: The phrase "separating myself" (KJV) or "abstaining" indicates a practice of self-denial and devotion. The question challenges the sincerity and purpose behind such long-held traditions. Was it merely habit, or was it a genuine expression of repentance and devotion to the Lord?

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew phrase translated "separating myself" (related to the root nazar, meaning to dedicate or separate) implies setting oneself apart through abstinence, often associated with religious devotion or mourning. The people's question suggests they were examining the spiritual efficacy and divine requirement of this long-standing practice of self-denial, wondering if it still held significance in their new circumstances.

Practical Application

Zechariah 7:3 prompts us to examine the motives behind our own religious practices and spiritual disciplines today. Are our acts of worship, fasting, prayer, or giving done out of genuine devotion to God, or merely out of tradition, habit, or a desire for outward appearance? God desires true fasting that leads to justice, mercy, and humility (Micah 6:8), rather than mere ritual. This verse encourages a continuous evaluation of our spiritual walk, ensuring our hearts are aligned with God's will and not just adhering to external forms.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Zechariah 8:19

    Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The fast of the fourth [month], and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts; therefore love the truth and peace.

  • Malachi 2:7

    For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he [is] the messenger of the LORD of hosts.

  • James 4:8

    Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse [your] hands, [ye] sinners; and purify [your] hearts, [ye] double minded.

  • James 4:10

    Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

  • Hosea 4:6

    ¶ My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

  • Haggai 2:11

    Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Ask now the priests [concerning] the law, saying,

  • Ecclesiastes 3:4

    A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

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