Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. And do not plot evil in your hearts against one another.' Do not oppress the widow or the fatherlessIn ancient Israel, widows and orphans were among the most vulnerable members of society, lacking the protection and provision typically provided by a male head of household. The Mosaic Law repeatedly emphasizes the need to care for these groups (Exodus 22:22-24, Deuteronomy 10:18). This command reflects God's character as a defender of the helpless (Psalm 68:5). The prophets often rebuked Israel for failing to uphold justice for these individuals, highlighting societal corruption and neglect (Isaiah 1:17, Jeremiah 7:6). This call to justice is a recurring theme, underscoring the importance of compassion and righteousness in community life. the foreigner or the poor And do not plot evil in your hearts against one another. Persons / Places / Events 1. ZechariahA prophet in the post-exilic period who received visions and messages from God to encourage the Israelites in rebuilding the temple and renewing their covenant with God. 2. The Israelites The people of God who had returned from Babylonian exile and were in the process of rebuilding Jerusalem and the temple. 3. Widows, Orphans, Foreigners, and the Poor Groups specifically mentioned in Zechariah 7:10 as those who should not be oppressed, representing the vulnerable and marginalized in society. Teaching Points God's Heart for JusticeGod consistently calls His people to act justly and show mercy, reflecting His character. The Call to Compassion Believers are called to actively care for and protect those who are vulnerable in society, such as widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor. Avoiding Oppression The command to not oppress others is a timeless principle that requires self-examination and societal awareness. Reflecting God's Love Our treatment of the marginalized is a reflection of our relationship with God and understanding of His love. Practical Obedience True faith is demonstrated through actions that align with God's commands, including social justice and mercy. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Zechariah 7:10 reflect God's consistent message throughout the Bible regarding justice and mercy?2. In what ways can we identify and support the "widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor" in our own communities today? 3. How does the command in Zechariah 7:10 challenge us to examine our personal and societal attitudes towards the marginalized? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we are not oppressing others, intentionally or unintentionally? 5. How do the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament reinforce the message found in Zechariah 7:10? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 22:22-24This passage emphasizes God's command to protect widows and orphans, showing continuity in God's concern for the vulnerable. Isaiah 1:17 Calls for justice and defense of the oppressed, aligning with the message in Zechariah 7:10. James 1:27 Highlights pure religion as caring for orphans and widows, connecting New Testament teachings with the Old Testament command. Matthew 25:35-40 Jesus' teaching on serving "the least of these" reflects the heart of Zechariah 7:10 in caring for the marginalized.
People Darius, Melech, Regem, Regemmelech, Sharezer, Sherezer, ZechariahPlaces Bethel, JerusalemTopics Afflicted, Alien, Brother, Calamity, Child, Devise, Evil, Fatherless, Foreigner, Heart, Hearts, Imagine, None, Oppress, Orphan, Poor, Sojourner, Strange, Stranger, WidowDictionary of Bible Themes Zechariah 7:10 5017 heart, renewal 1075 God, justice of Library Sad Fasts Changed to Glad Feasts"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."--Zechariah 8:19 MY time for discourse upon this subject will be limited, as we shall gather around the communion-table immediately afterwards. So in the former part of my sermon I shall give you an outline of what might be said upon the text if we had … Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 38: 1892 "And There is None that Calleth Upon Thy Name, that Stirreth up Himself to Take Hold on Thee," A Discourse of Mercifulness "To what Purpose is the Multitude of Your Sacrifices unto Me? Saith the Lord," "There is Therefore Now no Condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who Walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit. " Extent of Atonement. Zechariah Links Zechariah 7:10 NIVZechariah 7:10 NLT Zechariah 7:10 ESV Zechariah 7:10 NASB Zechariah 7:10 KJV Zechariah 7:10 Commentaries Bible Hub |
    |