Zechariah 7:5

“Speak unto all the people of the land, and to the priests, saying, When ye fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh month, even those seventy years, did ye at all fast unto me, even to me?”

Historical Context: Zechariah was a prophet who lived during the post-exilic period of Israel’s history. The people of Israel had returned from Babylonian captivity and were in the process of rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. In Zechariah 7, the people of Bethel sent a delegation to inquire about continuing a fast that they had observed during the exile.

• The Question of Fasting:

In verse 5, Zechariah is instructed to speak to all the people, including the priests, regarding their fasting and mourning during the fifth and seventh months. These fasts were observed to commemorate the destruction of the temple and the exile. However, Zechariah raises a critical question: Did they fast for God or merely for themselves?

Fasting with the Right Motives: Zechariah’s question challenges the people’s intentions behind their fasting. He points out that their fasting during the seventy years of exile was not truly directed toward God. Their motive was more likely self-centered, focusing on their own desires and seeking their own favour rather than genuinely seeking God’s will and restoration.

True Worship and Obedience: Zechariah’s message emphasises that external religious rituals, such as fasting, must be accompanied by true obedience and a heart that seeks after God. The Lord desires sincere worship, devotion, and obedience from His people rather than empty rituals.

Application for Today: Zechariah’s message is relevant today as well. It reminds us to examine our own motives behind our religious practices and rituals. Are we engaging in acts of worship to please God or to seek our own self-interest? True worship involves a genuine heart transformation and a desire to align our lives with God’s will.

Prioritizing God’s Kingdom: Zechariah’s question serves as a reminder to prioritise God’s kingdom above personal desires and ambitions. It encourages us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33) rather than focusing solely on our own needs and wants.

The Heart of Worship: Ultimately, Zechariah 7:5 teaches us that God looks beyond external religious activities and rituals. He desires a sincere and humble heart that seeks to honour Him in all we do. True worship involves surrendering ourselves to God, aligning our motives with His, and living in obedience to His Word.

Remember to read the surrounding verses and study the entire book of Zechariah to gain a deeper understanding of the context and the broader message of this prophetic book.