Zechariah 7-8

prayer—Lord thank you,

open our hearts and minds,

for Your glory!

WE ARE GOING THROUGH A BOOK IN THE MINOR PROPHETS THESE ARE THE BOOKS FROM HOSEA TO MALACHI at the end of the old testament.The name "Minor Prophets" goes back to St. Augustine in the 4th century who distinguished the 12 shorter prophetic books as from the four major prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel.

We are in our third week of the book of Zechariah . The setting of this book is after the nation Israel returns from 70 years of captivity (520BC). ZECHARIAH the prophet, was sent by God to the people who returned from Babylon to encourage them to follow God’s ways. Today we will look at chapters 7-8. There are several weeks left of the book that goes to chapter 14. a little over half way through.

Focus: In navigating the faith, we must rely on God’s wisdom and to guide us through challenges. NOT WORKS OR SACRIFICES if THEY TEND TO BE A COVERUP FOR BAD ATTITUDES TOWARDS PEOPLE we don’t normally want to deal with. By the time the new testament was written, there were a group of people were called Pharisees. They actually opposed Jesus Christ and His work.. They were all about the sacrifices and rules.

there’s 3 themes in this chapter

1] conflict

2] struggling to FIND RESOLUTION

3}WISDOM FROM ABOVE

1. Conflict

Verse 1-5

lets keep that idea about pharisees in mind as we look at underlying issues of conflict. How do these challenges mirror those in our lives today? How God's wisdom offer clarity? Christ is our source of peace and guidance, who can help us boldly face uncertainties of life.Let’s look at the text

7:1] Now in the fourth year of King Darius it came to pass that the word of the Lord came to Zechariah, on the fourth day of the ninth month, Chislev,  (december 4)

2] when the people sent Sherezer, with Regem-Melech and his men, to the house of God, to pray before the Lord, 

3] and to ask the priests who were in the house of the Lord of hosts, and the prophets, saying, “Should I weep in the fifth month and fast as I have done for so many years?”

Courson’s Application Commentary, Old Testament Volume 2 (Psalms–Malachi) Zechariah 7:1–3

For 70 years, the people had fasted on four specific days in order to seek the Lord and to repent from the sin that landed them in Babylon. Here, with the temple going up and good things happening, they ask if there is a need to keep fasting.

4] Then the word of the Lord of hosts came to me, saying, 

5] “Say to all the people of the land, and to the priests: ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months during those seventy years, did you really fast for Me—for Me? 

Courson’s Application Commentary, Old Testament Volume 2 (Psalms–Malachi) Zechariah 7:4–6

“Were your fasts ever for Me?” the Lord asks, “or were you fasting simply to prove your own goodness?” The question is still one that must be asked today. Why do we do what we do? Is it to assuage our guilt, showcase our goodness? our motive should be to love God. right?

2. STRUGGLING to find Resolution

6] When you eat and when you drink, do you not eat and drink for yourselves? 

this is the first thing in divine resolution: we need to examine or question our motives.

7] Should you not have obeyed the words which the Lord proclaimed through the former prophets when Jerusalem and the cities around it were inhabited and prosperous, and the South and the Lowland were inhabited?’ ” 

8] Then the word of the Lord came to Zechariah, saying, 

9] “Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Execute true justice, Show mercy and compassion Everyone to his brother. 

10] Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, The alien or the poor. Let none of you plan evil in his heart Against his brother.’ 

the second thing in divine reconciliation : finding things through prayer that add a fuller perspective on the problem. like in the text, showing mercy to people. It doesn’t happen when we have a bad attitude—which leads us to think of why are we doing the things we do? questioning of ourselves for good reason.

Courson’s Application Commentary, Old Testament Volume 2 (Psalms–Malachi) Zechariah 7:7–10 (a)

Forget the rituals,” the Lord declares. “I want you to show mercy and compassion—especially to the most vulnerable among you.” “Let none plan evil.in his heart against his brother.” We paint the worst picture with people we don’t like in our imaginations. Everything they say, we we find fault with— Everything they do, we think of a different way to do it, thinking it is superior. This shouldn’t be. Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. I want the abundance of my heart to be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, not the critical, judgy attitude of my pride.

3. Wisdom from Above

Verse 11-15… illustrates seeking divine wisdom. We should be able to understand things through God's perspective. Show Christ as the ultimate revelation of God's wisdom. If we make our decisions according to His Word we will reflect Christ's example of wisdom and compassion. Through this, we can navigate life's complex issues with divine understanding.

11] But they refused to heed, shrugged their shoulders, and stopped their ears so that they could not hear. 

12] Yes, they made their hearts like flint, refusing to hear the law and the words which the Lord of hosts had sent by His Spirit through the former prophets. Thus great wrath came from the Lord of hosts. 

13] Therefore it happened, that just as He proclaimed and they would not hear, so they called out and I would not listen,” says the Lord of hosts. 

14] “But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations which they had not known. Thus the land became desolate after them, so that no one passed through or returned; for they made the pleasant land desolate.”

Courson’s Application Commentary, Old Testament Volume 2 (Psalms–Malachi) Zechariah 7:11–14

It wasn’t because the people neglected the rituals that the land was made desolate. It was because they weren’t showing mercy. They were instead planning evil in there hearts according to

Turn to Matthew 6:6

let’s see what the new testament says about It’s better to obey God than to sacrifice to Him leaving important heart matters undone.

Charitable Deeds

6 “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 3 But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.

Prayer

Mt. 6:9–13

5 “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.

6] But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. 7 And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.

1 Samuel 15:22–23 (NKJV)

22 So Samuel said:

“Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices,

As in obeying the voice of the Lord?

Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,

And to heed than the fat of rams.

23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft,

And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.

Because you have rejected the word of the Lord,

He also has rejected you from being king.”

the situation written about here is King Saul getting rejected as king for disobeying the Lord. He wanted to sacrifice for his sins without repenting from them.

lets go back to zech 8

Zechariah 8

Zechariah 8 presents a powerful vision of hope and restoration for God's people after their exile. God promises to return to Zion, restore Jerusalem, and bring peace and prosperity. The chapter emphasizes the joy of rebuilding and the blessing of God's presence.

Application: even in our lowest moments, God has a plan for restoration and hope. We trust in God's promises, seek reconciliation, and live in community, fostering peace and joy amidst struggles and weaknesses.

the 3 themes we’ll talk about in chapter 8:

God's desire is for restoration in their lives and rebuilding their homes, families, and faith:

1] the joy of God's presence,

2]pursue peaceful living

3] transformation into more maturity as a believer

focus: God is committed to restoring us and bringing hope to our lives, inviting us to participate in His work of reconciliation and rebuilding.

chapter 8

1Again the word of the Lord of hosts came, saying, 

2“Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘I am zealous for Zion with great zeal; With great fervor I am zealous for her.’ 

3“Thus says the Lord: ‘I will return to Zion, And dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. Jerusalem shall be called the City of Truth, The Mountain of the Lord of hosts, The Holy Mountain.’ 

4“Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Old men and old women shall again sit In the streets of Jerusalem, Each one with his staff in his hand Because of great age. 

Courson’s Application Commentary, Old Testament Volume 2 (Psalms–Malachi) Zechariah 8:1–4

Due to His sovereignty rather than the people’s sacrifices , the Lord declares that Jerusalem would one day be known as a city of truth and holiness, a place where even old men would be able to walk the streets in safety.

5The streets of the city Shall be full of boys and girls Playing in its streets.’ 

Courson’s Application Commentary, Old Testament Volume 2 (Psalms–Malachi) Zechariah 8:5

G. Campbell Morgan said that when he wanted to catch a glimpse of the kingdom of God, he didn’t go into a room where adults were praying but into the street where kids were playing. If you really want to know about the kingdom, watch little kids. Jesus said essentially the same thing when He placed a child in the midst of the disciples and said, “You must become as a child to enter into the kingdom”

turn to: Matthew 18:3-5

The New King James Version Chapter 18

18 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3]  and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.

Courson’s Application Commentary, Old Testament Volume 2 (Psalms–Malachi) Zechariah 8:5

. In the kingdom age, crime will be eradicated, allowing a childlike innocence to prevail.

6“Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘If it is marvelous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in these days, Will it also be marvelous in My eyes?’ Says the Lord of hosts. 

7“Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Behold, I will save My people from the land of the east And from the land of the west; 

8I will bring them back, And they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. They shall be My people And I will be their God, In truth and righteousness.’ 

9“Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Let your hands be strong, You who have been hearing in these days These words by the mouth of the prophets, Who spoke in the day the foundation was laid For the house of the Lord of hosts, That the temple might be built. 

Courson’s Application Commentary, Old Testament Volume 2 (Psalms–Malachi) Zechariah 8:6–9

T

2. Pursuing Peaceful Living

Zechariah 8:9-17

Israel is called to strengthen their hands and live truthfully and peacefully. This is how we actively participate in the unfolding of God's promises. This to how Christ empowers us to live in truth and peace through the Spirit.

10For before these days There were no wages for man nor any hire for beast; There was no peace from the enemy for whoever went out or came in; For I set all men, everyone, against his neighbor. 

11But now I will not treat the remnant of this people as in the former days,’ says the Lord of hosts. 

12‘For the seed shall be prosperous, The vine shall give its fruit, The ground shall give her increase, And the heavens shall give their dew— I will cause the remnant of this people To possess all these. 

13And it shall come to pass That just as you were a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, So I will save you, and you shall be a blessing. Do not fear, Let your hands be strong.’ 

14“For thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Just as I determined to punish you When your fathers provoked Me to wrath,’ Says the Lord of hosts, ‘And I would not relent, 

15So again in these days I am determined to do good To Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. Do not fear. 

Courson’s Application Commentary, Old Testament Volume 2 (Psalms–Malachi) Zechariah 8:10–15

Whereas previously there had been a complete lack of prosperity, under the Lord’s care, the land would flourish once again. How can we move toward this mindset? let’s read on:

16These are the things you shall do: Speak each man the truth to his neighbor; Give judgment in your gates for truth, justice, and peace; 

17Let none of you think evil in your heart against your neighbor; And do not love a false oath. For all these are things that I hate,’ Says the Lord.”

Courson’s Application Commentary, Old Testament Volume 2 (Psalms–Malachi) Zechariah 8:16, 17

Here, the people are cautioned against the sins that apparently drew them away from the work in the first place. These are the same issues that were brought up earlier in today’s lesson when the people wanted to stop the sacrifices. The heart issues. These things kill a Christian community. Instead Lets follow

3. Joyful Transformation

Zechariah 8:18-23

Through Christ, we experience the joy of salvation and community. Let’s work in faith for the joy of living for God's kingdom—inviting others to join in joy and celebrating God’s presence and work in the world. Let’s be conduits of joy and hope in our spheres of influence.

18Then the word of the Lord of hosts came to me, saying, 

19“Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘The fast of the fourth month, The fast of the fifth, The fast of the seventh, And the fast of the tenth, Shall be joy and gladness and cheerful feasts For the house of Judah. Therefore love truth and peace.’ 

Courson’s Application Commentary, Old Testament Volume 2 (Psalms–Malachi) Zechariah 8:18, 19

The Lord would change the people’s fasts into feasts.

20“Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Peoples shall yet come, Inhabitants of many cities; 

21The inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, “Let us continue to go and pray before the Lord, And seek the Lord of hosts. I myself will go also.” 

22Yes, many peoples and strong nations Shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem, And to pray before the Lord.’ 

23“Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘In those days ten men from every language of the nations shall grasp the sleeve of a Jewish man, saying, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.” ’ ”

Courson’s Application Commentary, Old Testament Volume 2 (Psalms–Malachi) Zechariah 8:20–23

Can you imagine ten men grabbing every Jew, saying, “Take us to your temple. Let’s go pray!”? When Jesus comes back, when Israel is prospering and feasting, there will be no more “Middle East Problem.” Instead, Israel will be nothing but a blessing—a place where everyone will want to be. This will take place in the sometime in the future….. will we be here by then? who knows. I do know this: our lives right now are preparing us for the glorious future we have withJesus in eternity. we should take heed of the messages in this Book. and learn to live for eternity.

Lets review the lesson today:

chapter 7

In navigating the faith, we must rely on God’s wisdom and Christ's example to guide us through challenges.

1] THE CONFLICT: NOT WORKS OR SACRIFICES— if THEY TEND TO BE A COVERUP FOR BAD ATTITUDES TOWARDS things and PEOPLE WE DON’T LIKE

2] struggling to FIND RESOLUTION: the first thing is to examine or question our motives. Ask ourselves what underlying bad attitudes or sin are we holding on to, while justifying it with sacrifices or the good works we do.

the second thing comes from humility—— letting God through prayer broaden our view of the situation and let us see things like in the text— not showing mercy to people when they should have been shown mercy

3} WISDOM FROM ABOVE —let learning God’s ways shape our decisions: New testament examples were: giving in private and praying with humility. Obedience is better than sacrificing.

Chapter 8

God's desire is for restoration in our lives and rebuilding our homes, families and communities,

1] the joy of God's presence: this is a very big topic! The text focused of entering in with the innocence of a child. a safe environment was brought up as well ( the streets were safe)

2]we are to pursue peaceful living: the text admonishes us to strengthen our hands, (work as a Christian)and live peacefully wiith our brothers.

3] transformation into more maturity as a believer:

the text contrasts the sacrificing with underlying bad attitudes, but rather having joyful celebrations because of true hearts living in harmony.

I repeat the concluding remark

Courson’s Application Commentary, Old Testament Volume 2 (Psalms–Malachi) Zechariah 8:20–23

I do know this: our lives right now are preparing us for the glorious future we have withJesus in eternity. we should take heed of the messages in this Book. and learn to live for eternity.