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Zechariah 7

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 7 of 14

1 And it was in the fourth year of King Darius, the Word of Jehovah was to Zechariah, in the fourth of the ninth month, in Chislev.

2 And Sharezer and Regem-melech, and his men, had sent to Bethel to entreat the face of Jehovah,

3 to speak to the priests who belong to the house of Jehovah of Hosts, and to the prophets, saying, Should I weep in the fifth month, consecrating myself as I have done these many years?

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Chapter Summary

The captives inquire of fasting. Zechariah reproves their fasting. Sin the cause of their captivity.

Key Hebrew Words

צוּם fast H6684 · TWOT 1890
חֶ֫סֶד kindness, mercy H2617 · TWOT 698a
מִשְׁפָּט judgment, justice H4941 · TWOT 2443c
רַחֲמִים compassion H7356 · TWOT 2146b
תּוֹרָה Law H8451 · TWOT 910d
קֶ֫צֶף wrath H7110 · TWOT 2059b

People & Context

Zechariah

The prophet to whom the Word of Jehovah comes, rebuking empty fasting and calling for true justice and mercy.

Sharezer

One sent to Bethel to entreat Jehovah and ask the priests whether the people should keep fasting.

Regem-melech

Sent with Sharezer and his men to Bethel to inquire of the priests and prophets about fasting.

Darius

Persian king in whose fourth year the Word of Jehovah came to Zechariah in the month Chislev.

Timeline

Inquiry About Fasting

Delegates ask the priests and prophets if they should continue weeping and fasting in the fifth month.

Zechariah 7:1-3
Call for True Justice

Jehovah declares that instead of fasting, the people should judge with truth, practice kindness, and refrain from oppressing the vulnerable.

Zechariah 7:4-14

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