Zechariah 7:3

"The people of Bethel sent Sharezer and Regem Melech and their men to entreat the LORD’s favor,"

Key Reflection

In Zechariah 7:3, the people of Bethel send a delegation to seek the Lord's favor, likely due to concerns about divine judgment. This act reflects the ongoing tension between the people and their God, as it follows a series of prophecies where the Lord had declared judgment on Israel for their sins (Zechariah 7:1-2). The cultural context suggests that this delegation was an attempt to appease the Lord after receiving troubling messages about impending punishment, indicating a deep-seated awareness of divine will and the importance of maintaining favor with God.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Should I weep in the fifth month, separating myself? - “In the fifth month,” from the seventh to the tenth day, Jerusalem was in flames, fired by Nebuchadnezzar. “He burnt the house of the Lord, and the king’s house, and all the houses of Jerusalem and every great man’s house he burnt with fire” . Jerome: “Now since it is said that the temple is builded and we see that no cause of sorrow remaineth, answer, we pray, are we to do this or to change our sorrow into joy?” Separating myself -This seems to be added, to intensify the fast which they had kept.

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