Zechariah 7:1-14
Q.1. How did God remind the Priests about approaching Him with integrity? What was His charge against the religious pursuits of Israel in exile? – (Zech.7:1-7)
The fasting and mourning of the returning priests, especially in the fifth month, was commendable. This probably happened when the enemies of Judah were opposing the rebuilding of the Temple (Zech.7:1 c.f. Ezra 6:6-15). God reminded them that the priests denied themselves in the fifth, as well as in the seventh month, all through their years in exile (Zech.7:2-5). However, these religious pursuits had been for themselves … to make them look and feel good (Zech.7:6).
Q.2. What must accompany our worship of God? Does God always answer the prayers of His people? – (Zech.7:8-14)
True spirituality is more than words – 9 “Thus has the Lord of hosts said, `Dispense true justice and practice kindness and compassion each to his brother; 10 and do not oppress the widow or the orphan, the stranger or the poor; and do not devise evil in your hearts against one another.’ (Zech.7:9-10). Because this previous generation had refused to obey the warnings from the prophets, – just as He called and they would not listen, so they called and I would not listen,” says the Lord of hosts (Zech.7:13). Moreover, God scattered them among foreign nations. We must conclude that self-centred prayers are of no value.