Zechariah 7:7-14

The true requirements of Jehovah, 7-14.

The vague answer, in 4-6, though it leaves, for the time being, the question unsolved, opens the way for a discourse, in which the prophet goes to the root of the matter and in which he gives the only true and satisfactory solution. He begins, in Zechariah 7:7, by calling attention to the things that are of real value in the sight of God.

Should ye not hear the words The Hebrew has no verb, but it has been customary to supply it as do the English versions. It seems better, however, to follow LXX., Peshitto, Vulgate, the three most important ancient versions, and read, “Are these the words?” The words are given in Zechariah 7:9-10, and they form the starting point of an appropriate solution of the problem.

The former prophets See on Zechariah 1:4.

Jerusalem was inhabited At the time when all was prosperity, that is, before the exile.

South… plain R.V., “South… lowland.” The Negeb and the Shephelah, two of the three divisions of Judah (Joshua 15:21; Joshua 15:33). The former was in the south, the other took in the foothills between the Central Range and the Maritime Plain. Disobedience to these words caused the loss of prosperity.

Zechariah 7:8 is a repetition of Zechariah 7:4 and should perhaps be omitted; it certainly does not add anything, and Zechariah 7:9 is the natural continuation of Zechariah 7:7, for in Zechariah 7:9 are quoted the words of the former prophets. The introductory phrase of Zechariah 7:9 also seems superfluous, but it may be a part of the quotation. If it was supplied by Zechariah, it should be translated “thus spake,” for it introduces words spoken to past generations. Zechariah 7:9-10 make it clear that the principles of pure and undefiled religion (James 1:27) were the same in the Old Testament period as they are now, love to God and love to fellow men. Zechariah, in this discourse, emphasizes the latter.

Execute true judgment Administer justice without respect of persons, according to the merits of the case (Amos 5:24; Hosea 12:6; Isaiah 1:17; compare Isaiah 5:23).

Show mercy and compassions R.V. reads for the first “kindness.” See on Hosea 2:19; Hosea 6:6; Micah 6:8.

Oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor All these are persons who cannot defend themselves, and who in many cases have no friends to take their part; therefore they are placed under the special care of Jehovah (Exodus 22:21-24), and his followers are enjoined constantly to care for them (Isaiah 1:17; Micah 2:9; for the stranger see on Malachi 3:5).

Imagine evil Plan to do evil (compare Zechariah 8:17; Micah 2:1; Jeremiah 4:14; Proverbs 3:29).

11, 12. The requirements could not have been made plainer, but the attitude of the people was disappointing.

They The fathers (Zechariah 1:4).

Refused to hearken They would pay no heed to the prophetic exhortations.

Pulled away the shoulder Better, with margin R.V., “turned a stubborn shoulder” (Nehemiah 9:29). The metaphor is taken from the ox that refuses to have the yoke put upon its neck (Hosea 4:16).

Stopped their ears Literally, made heavy their ears (Isaiah 6:10, so that they would not hear.

Their hearts as an adamant stone So that no impressions could be made (Ezekiel 11:19).

Lest The Hebrew construction is the same as in Zechariah 7:11, “that not.”

Law… words These two words are used frequently by the prophets as synonyms; the former would be better translated “instruction,” or “teaching,” as in Isaiah 1:10; Isaiah 2:3 (see on Hosea 4:6; compare Amos 2:4).

Which Refers to both law and words.

In his spirit Or, by; see on Joel 2:28.

The former prophets As in Zechariah 7:7.

As a result of this disobedience great calamity fell upon the former generations.

Came a great wrath Which found expression in judgments (see on Zephaniah 1:18, and references there). Though R.V.

reproduces more literally the Hebrew of Zechariah 7:13-14, A.V. is more successful in expressing the thought. The verses contain no direct threats against the prophet’s contemporaries; they describe the fate suffered by the fathers (for the Hebrew tenses compare G.-K., 107b, e), and they teach by implication that a similar attitude on the part of the present generation will bring a similar fate.

As he cried Jehovah, through the prophets, in the manner suggested in Zechariah 7:9-10.

They The fathers, who would not hear. The punishment was according to the lex talionis. When the fathers cried for help and deliverance Jehovah would not hearken to them.

I scattered them with a whirlwind Suddenly and fiercely (see on Hosea 8:7; Amos 1:14).

Nations whom they knew not The Assyrians and Chaldeans, who, as strangers, had no sympathy or compassion (Jeremiah 16:13; Jeremiah 22:28).

After them After they were scattered as exiles and fugitives the land became desolate.

No man passed through nor returned The country became so waste that no traveler cared to take his course through it (compare Zechariah 9:8; Exodus 32:27; 1 Kings 15:17).

For Better, and so.

They laid… desolate The subject may be either the indefinite they, the enemies, or the inhabitants of the land who, through their stubbornness and disobedience, attracted the judgment.

Pleasant land Literally, the land of desire. At one time it was thought a very desirable land, “flowing with milk and honey” (Jeremiah 3:19; Deuteronomy 8:7 ff.). After the divine judgment had fallen no one cared to go near it.