Zechariah 7:9

KJV

Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother:

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus speaketh {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, saying {H559}, Execute {H8199} true {H571} judgment {H4941}, and shew {H6213} mercy {H2617} and compassions {H7356} every man {H376} to his brother {H251}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"In the past ADONAI-Tzva'ot said, 'Administer true justice. Let everyone show mercy and compassion to his brother.

Berean Standard Bible

“This is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Administer true justice. Show loving devotion and compassion to one another.

American Standard Version

Thus hath Jehovah of hosts spoken, saying, Execute true judgment, and show kindness and compassion every man to his brother;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Zechariah 7:9 delivers a profound divine imperative from the LORD of hosts, redirecting the post-exilic community's focus from ritualistic fasting to the foundational ethical and moral conduct that truly honors God. The verse commands the people to administer impartial justice, rooted in truth and integrity, and to extend active mercy and deep compassion to one another, emphasizing that genuine piety is demonstrated through righteous and loving interactions within the community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of a larger prophetic discourse in [Zechariah 7](/zechariah/7 "Zechariah 7 - A Call to True Justice and Mercy"), which begins with a delegation from Bethel asking the priests and prophets if they should continue their traditional fasts commemorating the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple ([Zechariah 7:1-3](/zechariah/7-1-3 "Zechariah 7:1-3 - Inquiry about Fasts")). Instead of directly answering their question about rituals, the Lord, through Zechariah, issues a powerful rebuke and reorientation. He reminds them that their ancestors' disobedience to these very ethical commands led to their exile ([Zechariah 7:11-12](/zechariah/7-11-12 "Zechariah 7:11-12 - Disobedience and Its Consequences")). Therefore, [Zechariah 7:9](/zechariah/7-9 "Zechariah 7:9 - The Lord's Command for Justice and Mercy") serves as the core of God's response, highlighting that true worship is expressed through righteous living rather than mere external observances.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in [Zechariah 7](/zechariah/7 "Zechariah 7 - A Call to True Justice and Mercy") is delivered in the fourth year of King Darius, approximately 518 BC, about eighteen years after the first return of exiles from Babylon and a few years into the rebuilding of the Temple. The people had established fasts to mourn the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, occurring on the fifth and seventh months ([Zechariah 7:3](/zechariah/7-3 "Zechariah 7:3 - The Fasting Question")). This period was marked by spiritual apathy, economic hardship, and a struggle to maintain covenant faithfulness. The delegation's question about fasting reflects a concern for religious duty, but God's response reveals a deeper concern for their moral and social responsibilities within the nascent community. The command to "execute true judgment" and "shew mercy and compassions" was particularly pertinent in a society where the vulnerable (widows, orphans, sojourners) were often exploited, and justice was frequently perverted, as seen in earlier prophetic critiques.
* **Key Themes:** [Zechariah 7:9](/zechariah/7-9 "Zechariah 7:9 - The Lord's Command for Justice and Mercy") encapsulates several major themes central to the prophetic tradition and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **True Worship vs. Ritualism**, asserting that God prioritizes ethical conduct and a transformed heart over mere external religious practices. This resonates with the call in [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires") to "do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God." Secondly, it emphasizes **Divine Justice and Righteousness**, revealing God's own character as one who is just and merciful, and His expectation that His people reflect these attributes. Thirdly, the verse highlights **Communal Responsibility and Brotherly Love**, extending the principles of justice and compassion to all interpersonal relationships within the community, echoing the foundational command to "love your neighbor as yourself" found in [Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor") and reiterated by Jesus in [Matthew 22:39](/matthew/22-39 "Matthew 22:39 - The Second Great Commandment").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **judgment (Hebrew, _mishpâṭ'_):** From the root _shâphaṭ_ (to judge), _mishpâṭ_ refers to a verdict, sentence, or formal decree, encompassing both human and divine law. It signifies justice, equity, and what is right, including an individual's rights or privileges. Here, "true judgment" (mishpat emet) calls for decisions and actions that are impartial, righteous, and grounded in absolute truth, free from corruption or favoritism.
* **mercy (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** This rich Hebrew term denotes kindness, steadfast love, or loving-kindness. It implies a loyalty and faithfulness, often within a covenantal relationship. In this context, it refers to an active, loyal kindness that extends beyond mere pity, often involving an act of grace or withholding deserved punishment, reflecting God's own covenantal faithfulness.
* **compassions (Hebrew, _racham'_):** Derived from a root related to the womb, _racham_ signifies a deep, visceral, tender love or pity, akin to a mother's profound affection for her child. It speaks of empathy and a heartfelt concern for the suffering or vulnerability of others, prompting active intervention and care. The plural form emphasizes the abundance and intensity of this quality.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying,"**: This opening phrase establishes the divine authority and immutable nature of the command. "The LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) is a powerful title emphasizing God's sovereignty over all creation, including heavenly armies and earthly powers, underscoring the weight and non-negotiable nature of His decree. It signals that this is not a human suggestion but a direct, authoritative word from the Almighty.
* **"Execute true judgment,"**: This is a direct command to actively practice justice that is authentic, impartial, and based on truth. It implies a call to uphold what is right, to make fair decisions, and to ensure equity in all dealings, particularly within legal and social structures. It stands in stark contrast to perverted justice or judgments based on bribery, prejudice, or personal gain.
* **"and shew mercy and compassions"**: This clause complements the command for justice, highlighting that righteousness is not merely about strict adherence to rules but also about embodying God's character of active love and empathy. "Shew" (Hebrew: _ʻâsâh_) means to "do" or "make," indicating that mercy and compassion are not just feelings but actions – practical expressions of kindness, forgiveness, and tender care towards others.
* **"every man to his brother:"**: This final phrase specifies the scope of the command: these principles of true judgment, mercy, and compassion are to be applied universally within the community. "Every man to his brother" signifies all interpersonal relationships, emphasizing a communal responsibility to treat fellow human beings with dignity, respect, and active love, fostering a society marked by mutual care and righteousness.

#### Literary Devices
Zechariah 7:9 employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Divine Command**, as indicated by the authoritative opening, "Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying," which immediately establishes the absolute authority and non-negotiable nature of the ensuing imperatives. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism** through the pairing of "mercy and compassions," which are closely related concepts that reinforce and intensify the call for active benevolence. This pairing emphasizes the depth and breadth of the required empathy. Furthermore, there is a clear **Rhetorical Shift** from the people's initial concern with ritualistic fasting to God's redirection towards ethical and moral conduct, highlighting a fundamental theological truth about the nature of true worship. The phrase "every man to his brother" functions as a form of **Synecdoche**, where "brother" represents not just literal siblings but all members of the community, emphasizing the broad application of these principles across all social interactions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Zechariah 7:9 stands as a timeless articulation of God's unchanging character and His expectations for His people. It reveals that God's desire is for a community that reflects His own attributes of justice, mercy, and compassion, rather than one solely focused on external religious observances. This divine command underscores the prophetic emphasis on ethical monotheism, where true worship is inextricably linked to righteous living and social justice. The verse serves as a crucial reminder that our relationship with God is demonstrated not just in our piety towards Him, but profoundly in our treatment of one another. It highlights that genuine faith transforms hearts, leading to actions that uphold truth, extend grace, and show empathy, thereby building a society that mirrors divine order and love.

* [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires")
* [Matthew 23:23](/matthew/23-23 "Matthew 23:23 - Woe to the Scribes and Pharisees")
* [James 2:13](/james/2-13 "James 2:13 - Judgment Without Mercy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Zechariah 7:9 challenges us to examine the authenticity of our faith. It calls us beyond mere religious rituals or outward displays of piety to the heart of what God truly desires: a life characterized by justice, mercy, and compassion in all our interactions. This means actively seeking fairness and truth in our decisions, extending grace and forgiveness even when it's difficult, and cultivating deep empathy for those around us, especially the vulnerable and marginalized. In a world often marked by injustice, division, and indifference, this verse serves as a powerful mandate for believers to be agents of God's righteousness and love. It reminds us that our spiritual walk is inextricably linked to how we treat our "brother," reflecting God's heart for a just and caring community.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be prioritizing external religious practices over internal transformation and ethical conduct?**
* **How can I actively "execute true judgment" in my personal relationships, workplace, or community, ensuring fairness and integrity?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to "shew mercy and compassions" to someone in need, particularly those who are often overlooked?**
* **How does my understanding of God's character (as just, merciful, and compassionate) influence my interactions with "every man to his brother"?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "the LORD of hosts" in this verse?**

Answer: The title "the LORD of hosts" (Hebrew: _Yᵉhôvâh tsâbâʼ_) emphasizes God's supreme authority and power. "Hosts" refers to armies or multitudes, implying God's sovereignty over all heavenly and earthly forces. In [Zechariah 7:9](/zechariah/7-9 "Zechariah 7:9 - The Lord's Command for Justice and Mercy"), its use underscores that the commands given—to execute true judgment, show mercy, and compassion—are not mere suggestions but divine imperatives from the Almighty, carrying the full weight of His omnipotence and righteous character. It reinforces that these are non-negotiable requirements for His people.

**Why does God emphasize justice, mercy, and compassion over fasting rituals?**

Answer: God's emphasis on justice, mercy, and compassion over fasting rituals, as seen in [Zechariah 7:4-7](/zechariah/7-4-7 "Zechariah 7:4-7 - God's Rebuke of Selfish Fasting") and [Zechariah 7:9](/zechariah/7-9 "Zechariah 7:9 - The Lord's Command for Justice and Mercy"), reveals His consistent priority throughout the prophetic tradition. While rituals have their place, they are meaningless—or even offensive—if they are not accompanied by a transformed heart that expresses itself in righteous and loving conduct towards others. The people were fasting to mourn past calamities, but God points out that their ancestors' *lack* of justice and mercy led to those very calamities. God desires genuine piety that manifests in ethical living and social responsibility, reflecting His own character, as highlighted in [Isaiah 1:10-17](/isaiah/1-10-17 "Isaiah 1:10-17 - A Call to Justice").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Zechariah 7:9 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament commands reveal God's righteous character and His desire for His people to reflect it, humanity consistently falls short. Jesus, however, perfectly embodies the "true judgment," "mercy," and "compassions" commanded here. He is the one who perfectly executed true judgment, not by condemning the world, but by offering Himself as the [righteous sacrifice](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith") to satisfy divine justice. His entire ministry was a demonstration of unparalleled mercy and compassion, from healing the sick and feeding the hungry to extending forgiveness to sinners ([Matthew 9:35-36](/matthew/9-35-36 "Matthew 9:35-36 - Jesus' Compassion")). Moreover, He taught His followers to embody these very virtues, proclaiming that the greatest commandments are to [love God and love neighbor](/matthew/22-37-40 "Matthew 22:37-40 - The Greatest Commandments"), effectively summarizing the essence of Zechariah's command. Through His atoning work, Christ enables believers, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, to live out these commands, empowering them to truly "shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother" as a reflection of His own boundless love and grace ([Ephesians 4:32](/ephesians/4-32 "Ephesians 4:32 - Be Kind and Compassionate")).

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

Micah 6:8

He hath shewed thee, O man, what [is] good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

Psalms 82:2

How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah.

Psalms 82:4

Deliver the poor and needy: rid [them] out of the hand of the wicked.

Proverbs 21:3

¶ To do justice and judgment [is] more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

Jeremiah 7:5

For if ye throughly amend your ways and your doings; if ye throughly execute judgment between a man and his neighbour;

Jeremiah 21:12

O house of David, thus saith the LORD; Execute judgment in the morning, and deliver [him that is] spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor, lest my fury go out like fire, and burn that none can quench [it], because of the evil of your doings.

Deuteronomy 10:18

He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment.