Zechariah 7:11
But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their eares, that they should not heare. Zechariah 7:11 (KJV)
Zechariah was a prophet during the period when the people of Israel had returned from exile in Babylon and were rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. The book of Zechariah contains a series of visions and messages from God intended to encourage the people to repent and turn back to Him.
In this verse Zechariah highlights the disobedience and resistance of the earlier generations. The phrase “refused to hearken” shows a deliberate choice to ignore God’s instructions. The metaphor “pulled away the shoulder” depicts their refusal to bear the yoke of obedience, while “stopped their ears” emphasizes an intentional blocking out of God’s voice, resulting in hardened hearts.
The same chapter also records the people’s reliance on chance, as they “cast lots, saying, The LORD shall call us by name.” Casting lots was a common ancient practice for decision‑making, but here it symbolizes an attempt to avoid hearing God’s explicit guidance. By leaving important matters to random selection, they demonstrated a lack of trust and a rebellion against seeking divine direction.
Both passages teach timeless lessons for believers today. First, we must cultivate a willingness to listen—approaching God with humility, openness, and a receptive heart through His Word, prayer, and the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Second, true obedience requires submission to God’s authority, aligning our lives with His commands and surrendering our own plans. Third, we must guard against developing hardened hearts that refuse God’s voice, regularly examining ourselves, confessing sin, and seeking forgiveness. Fourth, we should avoid substituting divine direction with chance or secular decision‑making, ensuring that our choices are rooted in God’s wisdom rather than uncertainty.
When we recognize areas of disobedience, repentance and turning back to God are essential. His grace is always available to forgive and restore, opening the door to His mercy and deeper relationship. Zechariah 7:11 thus serves as a reminder to heed God’s voice, submit to His authority, reject reliance on chance, and keep our hearts soft and responsive to His guidance, so that we may live in accordance with His will.
