A Call to Fast in Zechariah 7

Read Zechariah chapter 7

Introduction: Chapter 7 of Zechariah is a call to true and sincere fasting, and obedience to God, rather than mere religious rituals. In this chapter, the people of Israel are confronted with their insincere fasting and are called to examine their hearts and motives, as we should examine our own personal motives and know we are acting out of our faith as the Bible tells us in 2 Corinthians 13:5. The chapter also is a reminder to believers of the importance of justice, mercy, and compassion towards others.

I. Inquiry about Fasting (Zechariah 7:1-3)
In the fourth year of King Darius, the people of Bethel sent Sharezer and Regem-melech to inquire of the prophets and priests about whether they should continue to fast in the fifth month, as they had done for many years. This fast was in remembrance of the destruction of the temple (2 Kings 25:8-9). The question points out the people’s uncertainty about their religious practices after their return from exile.

II. A Call to Obedience (Zechariah 7:4-7)
God’s response to the question, delivered through Zechariah, is a challenge to the people’s motives. He questions whether their fasting was truly for Him or for themselves (Isaiah 58:3-5). God reminds them that their ancestors did not listen to His words and were ultimately punished for their disobedience (2 Chronicles 36:15-16).

III. A Reminder of Past Judgments (Zechariah 7:8-14)
The Lord restates the message of the earlier prophets, emphasizing the importance of practicing justice, showing mercy, and having compassion for the oppressed (Micah 6:8). The people’s failure to heed these commands led to their exile (Jeremiah 7:23-26). God warns that if they continue in their hypocrisy, they will face the same consequences as their forefathers.

Conclusion: Zechariah 7 serves as a reminder that religious rituals and practices are meaningless without a sincere heart and obedience to God. True fasting and worship must be accompanied by a lifestyle that reflects God’s character—filled with justice, mercy, and compassion. As believers, we must examine our own personal motives and ensure that our actions align with God’s desires for us. Let us not be like the Israelites who were more concerned with the outward appearance of religiosity rather than the inward life change that comes from a genuine relationship with God.