True Fasting: God’s Call for Justice and Mercy – Zechariah 7 Commentary

✨ Executive Summary ✨

Zechariah 7 delves into the heart of true worship, revealing that God desires more than mere ritualistic fasting. The people of Jerusalem, already feeling the weight of their exile and the Temple’s destruction, sought to understand if their traditional fasts were still necessary. Through the prophet Zechariah, God clarifies that the fasts, observed for the past seventy years, were not primarily for His benefit, but rather for their own spiritual development. The Lord emphasized that He always longed for obedience, compassion, justice, and mercy towards one another. This chapter highlights the importance of inward transformation and righteous living over empty religious observances. Ultimately, Zechariah 7 serves as a timeless reminder that genuine faith manifests in acts of love, righteousness, and unwavering obedience to God’s commandments. True fasting, therefore, is not merely abstaining from food, but abstaining from evil and embracing a life of godliness and concern for the welfare of others. Explore true fasting.

Zechariah 7 poses a challenging question: What does God *truly* desire from us? It’s not empty ritual, but a heart filled with justice, mercy, and compassion. This commentary, deeply rooted in Coptic Orthodox tradition, will unpack this profound chapter verse by verse, drawing from Patristic wisdom, historical context, and practical applications to help us live a life pleasing to God. The message of Zechariah 7 – True Fasting: God calls for justice, mercy, and compassion rather than empty rituals, is just as relevant today as it was millennia ago.

📜 Commentary: Zechariah 7 Verse by Verse 📜

Zechariah 7:1 – The Inquiry

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;

NKJV: Now in the fourth year of King Darius it came to pass that the word of the Lord came to Zechariah, on the fourth day of the ninth month, Chislev.

The chapter opens by anchoring us in historical time. Darius, the Persian king, ruled over the land, and it was the fourth year of his reign. The specific date – the fourth day of the ninth month, Chislev (corresponding roughly to November/December) – is significant. This detail emphasizes the seriousness of the message that follows. The people were rebuilding the Temple, and their spiritual life was under scrutiny. The question they posed regarding fasting reflected their desire to understand God’s will in their restored circumstances. Historically, Chislev held significance as the month preceding the winter solstice, a time often associated with reflection and repentance in ancient cultures.

Spiritual Application: This verse reminds us that God speaks within the context of our lives. He meets us where we are, in the midst of our daily routines and historical circumstances. We must be attentive to His voice, recognizing that He often communicates in specific moments, calling us to deeper reflection and repentance.

Zechariah 7:2-3 – The Delegation and the Question

KJV: When they had sent unto the house of God Sherezer and Regemmelech, and their men, to pray before the Lord, 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?

NKJV: when the people sent Sherezer, with Regem-Melech and their men, to the house of God, to pray before the Lord, and to ask the priests who were in the house of the Lord of hosts, and the prophets, saying, “Should I weep in the fifth month and abstain, as I have done for so many years?”

Sherezer and Regemmelech, along with their men, are sent as delegates to inquire about the validity of their fasts. The fast in the fifth month (Av) commemorated the destruction of the Temple in 586 BC by the Babylonians. They had been observing this fast for seventy years, a period coinciding with their exile. Now, with the Temple being rebuilt, they wondered if the need for this fast still existed. Their question reveals a tension between tradition and current circumstances. They were seeking guidance from the priests and prophets, those responsible for interpreting God’s will.

Patristic Insight: St. Athanasius, in *Contra Gentes*, highlights the importance of seeking guidance from those appointed by God: “Καὶ γὰρ οἱ προφῆται, ὡς ὄντες τοῦ Θεοῦ κήρυκες, οὐκ ἐκ τῶν ἰδίων ἐλάλουν, ἀλλὰ τὰ παρὰ τοῦ Θεοῦ λαμβάνοντες, ἐκήρυττον.” (For the prophets, being heralds of God, did not speak from their own minds, but proclaimed what they received from God.) (Athanasius, *Contra Gentes* 46). This passage reinforces the importance of seeking truth and understanding from those ordained to teach and interpret God’s word.

Spiritual Application: We should always seek counsel from spiritual leaders and weigh our traditions against the teachings of Scripture. It’s crucial to examine our motives behind religious practices, ensuring they are driven by genuine devotion, not mere habit.

Zechariah 7:4-7 – The Divine Rebuke

KJV: Then came the word of the Lord of hosts unto me, saying, Speak unto all the people of the land, and to the priests, saying, When ye fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh month, even those seventy years, did ye at all fast unto me, even to me? And when ye did eat, and when ye did drink, did not ye eat for yourselves, and drink for yourselves? Should ye not hear the words which the Lord hath cried by the former prophets, when Jerusalem was inhabited and in prosperity, and the cities thereof round about her, when men inhabited the south and the plain?

NKJV: Then the word of the Lord of hosts came to me, saying, “Say to all the people of the land, and to the priests: ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months during those seventy years, did you really fast for Me—for Me? When you eat and when you drink, do you not eat and drink for yourselves? Should you not have obeyed the words which the Lord proclaimed through the former prophets when Jerusalem was inhabited and prosperous, with its cities all around it and the South and the Lowland inhabited?’”

God’s response is direct and challenging. He asks a piercing question: “Did you really fast for Me—for Me?” This highlights the core issue: the people’s fasts, while outwardly religious, lacked genuine devotion and were potentially self-serving. They were focused on the ritual, not the underlying spiritual transformation. The mention of the fifth and seventh months (the fast of Gedaliah) points to multiple periods of mourning for the destruction of Jerusalem and its aftermath. God reminds them that true obedience involves listening to the words of the former prophets, messages that emphasized justice, mercy, and righteousness. The reference to “Jerusalem was inhabited and prosperous” draws a sharp contrast between their present state and their past disobedience.

Patristic Insight: St. Cyril of Alexandria in his commentary on Isaiah writes “Οὐ γὰρ τὸ μὴ φαγεῖν μόνον ἀγαθόν, ἀλλὰ τὸ ἀγαθοεργεῖν τοὺς πένητας.” (For it is not only good to not eat, but to do good works to the poor). (Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on Isaiah 58:6).

Spiritual Application: We must examine our motives in all our religious practices. Are we truly seeking to please God, or are we simply going through the motions? True worship involves obedience to God’s commandments, particularly those concerning justice, compassion, and love for our neighbors. Our fasting should be accompanied by acts of charity and a genuine desire to serve others.

Zechariah 7:8-10 – The Call for Justice and Mercy

KJV: And the word of the Lord came unto Zechariah, saying, Thus speaketh the Lord of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother: And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart.

NKJV: Then the word of the Lord came to Zechariah, saying, “Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Execute true justice, Show mercy and compassion Everyone to his brother. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, The alien or the poor. Let none of you plan evil in his heart against his brother.’”

This passage outlines God’s true desires: “Execute true justice, Show mercy and compassion Everyone to his brother.” He specifically calls out the oppression of vulnerable groups: widows, orphans, aliens (strangers), and the poor. These individuals were often marginalized and exploited in ancient societies. God commands His people to protect and care for them. Furthermore, He prohibits them from harboring evil thoughts against one another. True righteousness begins in the heart and manifests in just and merciful actions.

Deuterocanonical Connection: The Book of Tobit, particularly chapter 4, emphasizes the importance of almsgiving and showing compassion to the poor and needy. Tobit’s exhortations mirror the sentiments expressed in Zechariah, highlighting the continuity of God’s call for justice and mercy throughout the Old Testament.

Spiritual Application: We are called to be advocates for the vulnerable and marginalized in our own communities. This requires active engagement in seeking justice, showing compassion, and protecting those who are easily exploited. It also demands that we examine our own hearts, rooting out any seeds of bitterness, resentment, or prejudice that could lead to oppression or injustice.

Zechariah 7:11-14 – The Consequences of Disobedience

KJV: But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear. Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the Lord of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the Lord of hosts. 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: But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations whom they knew not. Thus the land was desolate after them, that no man passed through nor returned: for they laid the pleasant land desolate.

NKJV: “But they refused to heed, shrugged their shoulders, and stopped their ears so that they could not hear. Yes, they made their hearts like flint, refusing to hear the law and the words which the Lord of hosts had sent by His Spirit through the former prophets. Thus great wrath came from the Lord of hosts. Therefore it happened, that just as He proclaimed and they would not hear, so they called out and I would not listen,” says the Lord of hosts. “And I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations which they had not known. Thus the land became desolate after them, so that no one passed through or returned; for they made the pleasant land desolate.”

This passage illustrates the dire consequences of disobedience. The people “refused to heed, shrugged their shoulders, and stopped their ears.” Their hearts became “like flint,” unwilling to hear God’s law and the words of the prophets. This stubbornness resulted in God’s wrath and their scattering among the nations. The land, once “pleasant,” became desolate. This serves as a stark warning about the dangers of ignoring God’s call to justice and mercy.

Environmental Context: The desolation of the land mentioned here is not merely a spiritual metaphor; it reflects the real environmental degradation that occurred as a result of war, neglect, and societal breakdown. The loss of agricultural productivity and the disruption of trade routes contributed to widespread suffering.

Spiritual Application: Disobedience to God has both spiritual and practical consequences. When we turn a deaf ear to His commands, we invite judgment and suffering. This passage serves as a call to humility, repentance, and a willingness to heed God’s voice.

🌱 Key Reflections and Teachings 🌱

Zechariah 7 offers several profound insights into the nature of true worship and obedience:

• True Fasting is More Than Abstinence: It involves abstaining from evil and embracing a life of righteousness and compassion.
• God Desires Justice and Mercy: He is deeply concerned about the welfare of the vulnerable and marginalized.
• Obedience is Paramount: Outward religious practices are meaningless without a heart that is obedient to God’s commands.
• Disobedience Leads to Desolation: Ignoring God’s call to justice and mercy has devastating consequences, both spiritual and practical.
• Examine Your Motives: Religious practices should be motivated by genuine devotion, not mere habit or self-righteousness.
• Seek Guidance from Spiritual Leaders: Wisdom and understanding come from those ordained to teach and interpret God’s Word.

❓ FAQ ❓

• Q: What does it mean to “execute true justice” as mentioned in Zechariah 7:9?

  A: “Executing true justice” goes beyond simply following legal procedures. It means ensuring fairness, impartiality, and righteousness in all our dealings. It involves actively seeking to right wrongs, protect the vulnerable, and uphold the principles of God’s law in every aspect of life.

• Q: How can I apply the message of Zechariah 7 to my daily life?

  A: Start by examining your own motives and actions. Are you truly seeking to please God in all you do? Look for opportunities to show mercy and compassion to those around you, especially those who are marginalized or in need. Advocate for justice in your community and stand against oppression in all its forms.

• Q: What is the Coptic Orthodox perspective on fasting, in light of Zechariah 7?

  A: The Coptic Orthodox Church places great emphasis on fasting as a spiritual discipline, but we understand it as a means to an end, not an end in itself. Fasting is a tool that helps us to cultivate humility, self-control, and a deeper connection with God. It must always be accompanied by prayer, repentance, and acts of charity.

• Q: How does Zechariah 7 connect to the New Testament teachings on love and compassion?

  A: Zechariah 7 perfectly foreshadows the New Testament emphasis on love as the fulfillment of the law (Romans 13:8-10). Jesus’ teachings on loving our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39) directly echo the call for mercy and compassion found in Zechariah. Both testaments emphasize that true faith manifests in acts of love and service to others.

Conclusion

Zechariah 7 – True Fasting: God calls for justice, mercy, and compassion rather than empty rituals. serves as a powerful reminder that God is not impressed by outward displays of piety if they are not accompanied by genuine inner transformation. Our fasts, prayers, and religious observances must be rooted in a heart that is committed to justice, mercy, and compassion. True worship involves loving God and loving our neighbors as ourselves. Let us strive to live lives that are pleasing to God, not just in our religious practices, but in every aspect of our daily lives, becoming living examples of His love and righteousness in a world that desperately needs it. By embracing this call, we can transform our individual lives and contribute to the building of a more just and compassionate world.

Tags

Zechariah, Fasting, Justice, Mercy, Compassion, Old Testament, Bible Commentary, Coptic Orthodox, Theology, Repentance

Meta Description

Unpack Zechariah 7’s profound message: God desires justice, mercy, and compassion over empty rituals. A Coptic Orthodox commentary on true fasting and its application today.