Zechariah 7:14
But I scattered them with a whirlewinde among all the nations, whom they knew not: thus the land was desolate after them, that no man passed through, nor returned: for they layed the pleasant land desolate. Zechariah 7:14 (KJV)
“Therefore it is come to pass, that as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the LORD of hosts.” This verse belongs to the larger passage of Zechariah 7:8-14. To understand its meaning we read the whole context: “And the word of the LORD came unto Zechariah, saying, Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and show mercy and compassions every man to his brother: And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart. Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the LORD of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the former prophets: wherefore a great wrath came from the LORD of hosts. Therefore it is come to pass, that as he cried, and they would not hear; so they cried, and I would not hear, saith the LORD of hosts: But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations whom they knew not. Thus the land was desolate after them, that no man passed through nor returned: for they laid the pleasant land desolate.” In this passage the Lord, speaking through Zechariah, stresses the necessity of executing true judgment, showing mercy, and having compassion toward one another. He commands the people not to oppress widows, orphans, strangers, or the poor, and warns them against harboring evil thoughts against their brother.
The people of Israel, however, refused to listen. Their hearts became hardened like an adamant stone, rejecting the law and the words sent through the former prophets. Because of this disobedience a great wrath came upon them, and they were scattered among nations they did not know, leaving their land desolate.
Zechariah 7:14 therefore serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and heeding God’s Word. It warns against the hardening of hearts and the severe consequences that follow when we ignore divine instruction. The passage also highlights the righteousness and justice of God, who holds His people accountable for their actions.
