Zechariah 7:3

by asking the priests of the house of the LORD of Hosts, as well as the prophets, "Should I weep and fast in the fifth month, as I have done these many years?"

Study Bible

by asking the priests of the house of the LORD of Hosts
The priests served as mediators between God and the people, responsible for teaching the Law and performing sacrifices. The "house of the LORD of Hosts" refers to the temple, emphasizing God's sovereignty and power. This phrase indicates a formal inquiry, showing respect for religious authority. The title "LORD of Hosts" underscores God's command over heavenly armies, a reminder of His ultimate authority and protection over Israel.

as well as the prophets
Prophets were God's messengers, providing guidance and correction. Their inclusion highlights the importance of seeking divine insight beyond ritualistic practices. Prophets like Haggai and Zechariah were active during this period, encouraging the rebuilding of the temple and spiritual renewal. This dual consultation with priests and prophets reflects a comprehensive approach to understanding God's will.

“Should I weep and fast in the fifth month,
The fifth month refers to the month of Av, during which the Jews commemorated the destruction of Solomon's Temple by the Babylonians in 586 BC. Fasting and weeping were expressions of mourning and repentance. This practice had become a tradition during the Babylonian exile, reflecting a deep sense of loss and longing for restoration. The question implies a desire to understand whether these rituals remain necessary now that the temple is being rebuilt.

as I have done these many years?”
The phrase "these many years" indicates a long-standing tradition, suggesting a period of seventy years since the temple's destruction. This reflects the persistence of mourning practices even after returning from exile. The inquiry suggests a shift in focus from ritual to understanding God's current expectations. It raises questions about the relevance of past practices in light of new circumstances, pointing to a broader theme of spiritual renewal and transformation.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Bethel
A significant location in Israel's history, often associated with worship and spiritual encounters. In this context, representatives from Bethel are seeking guidance from the priests and prophets in Jerusalem.

2. House of the LORD
Refers to the temple in Jerusalem, the central place of worship for the Israelites, where they sought divine guidance and instruction.

3. Prophets and Priests
Religious leaders in Israel responsible for conveying God's messages and teaching the people. They were approached for guidance on religious practices.

4. Fasting in the Fifth Month
A practice observed by the Israelites, commemorating the destruction of the temple. The inquiry concerns whether this fast should continue now that the temple is being rebuilt.

5. Zechariah
A prophet who conveyed God's messages to the people of Israel, including the response to the inquiry from Bethel.

Teaching Points

True Worship Over Rituals
God desires heartfelt worship and obedience rather than mere ritualistic practices. Our religious observances should reflect genuine devotion and a desire to align with God's will.

Self-Examination in Worship
Believers should regularly examine their motives in worship and religious practices. Are we seeking to honor God, or are we merely fulfilling obligations?

Historical Context and Its Relevance
Understanding the historical context of religious practices can help us discern their relevance today. The Israelites' question about fasting reflects a broader inquiry into the purpose and meaning of their traditions.

Seeking God's Guidance
Like the people of Bethel, we should seek God's guidance in our spiritual practices, ensuring they align with His desires and purposes.

Community and Worship
The inquiry from Bethel highlights the importance of community in worship. Engaging with fellow believers and seeking collective guidance can strengthen our faith and understanding.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the inquiry from Bethel reveal about the people's understanding of religious practices, and how can this inform our approach to worship today?

2. How does the message in Zechariah 7:3 relate to Jesus' teachings on fasting in Matthew 6, and what practical steps can we take to ensure our worship is sincere?

3. In what ways can we apply the lessons from Isaiah 58 to our modern-day religious observances and community service?

4. How can we discern when a religious tradition or practice has become more about ritual than genuine worship, and what actions should we take in response?

5. Reflecting on Jeremiah 7, how can we ensure that our worship and religious practices are aligned with God's desires for justice and righteousness in our communities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 58
This chapter discusses the true nature of fasting and worship, emphasizing that God desires genuine repentance and justice rather than mere ritualistic observance.

Jeremiah 7
Highlights the importance of sincere worship and obedience to God over empty rituals, similar to the message conveyed in Zechariah 7.

Matthew 6
Jesus teaches about the proper attitude towards fasting, emphasizing sincerity and a focus on God rather than outward appearances.