Zechariah 1:6

But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my seruants the Prophets, did they not take holde of your fathers? and they returned and saide; Like as the Lord of hostes thought to doe vnto vs, according to our wayes, and according to our doings, so hath he dealt with vs. Zechariah 1:6 (KJV)

*Note: The passage above is frequently cited as Zechariah 1:6 in some devotional materials, but the King James Version of Zechariah 1:6 reads, “And the angel of the LORD answered and said, O LORD of hosts, how long wilt thou not have mercy on Jerusalem?” The quoted words are not found in Zechariah 1:6 or its surrounding verses.

Historical Context:

Zechariah was a prophet during the time of the Jewish people’s return from Babylonian exile. The book of Zechariah contains a series of visions and messages from God to encourage the people in the task of rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem.

Importance of God’s Words:

The passage reminds the people of the past prophetic words and statutes given to their ancestors. God spoke through the prophets, warning the Israelites about the consequences of their disobedience and calling them to repentance. These words were meant to guide and instruct the people in righteous living.

Relevance of Ancestral Experience:

The phrase “take hold of your fathers” shows that the words and statutes of God, delivered through the prophets, had a direct impact on the forefathers. Their experiences serve as a lesson for the present generation, demonstrating that God’s promises and warnings produce tangible outcomes based on obedience or disobedience.

Acknowledging God’s Faithfulness:

The latter part of the passage reflects the people’s recognition that God dealt with them according to their ways and doings. Their acknowledgment that “the LORD of hosts thought to do unto us” indicates that God’s actions were in line with His declared intentions, and the events that befell them were a result of their own actions and God’s faithfulness to His promises.

Application for Believers:

This study encourages believers to heed God’s words and instructions as revealed in Scripture. It reminds us that God’s words are powerful and bring about consequences. We should learn from the experiences of our ancestors in faith and acknowledge God’s faithfulness in dealing with us according to our ways.

Summary:

While the quoted text is not a verbatim verse from Zechariah, its themes echo the significance of God’s words and statutes. The passage underscores the importance of taking seriously the instructions and warnings given by God through the prophets and recognizing His faithful dealings with His people based on their actions.