Zechariah 7

**Zechariah 7**

**Definition:**
Zechariah 7 is a chapter in the Book of Zechariah, part of the Hebrew Bible and Christian Old Testament. It records a prophetic message delivered by Zechariah concerning the people’s inquiry about fasting and the importance of justice and compassion.

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## Overview of Zechariah 7

Zechariah 7 addresses a delegation sent from Bethel to ask the prophet whether they should continue fasting in the fifth and seventh months, commemorating the destruction of the Jerusalem temple. The chapter shifts from the question of ritual observance to a broader ethical teaching.

## Key Themes

### The Question of Fasting
The people inquire if the fasts observed during the exile should be maintained now that the temple has been rebuilt. Zechariah’s response redirects the focus from ritual fasting to the underlying purpose of such practices.

### Justice and Compassion
Zechariah emphasizes that God desires acts of justice, mercy, and kindness rather than mere ritual fasting. The chapter highlights the importance of caring for the oppressed, widows, orphans, and strangers as true expressions of faithfulness.

## Historical and Religious Context

This chapter reflects the post-exilic period when the Jewish community was rebuilding their temple and reestablishing religious practices. It serves as a reminder that external rituals must be accompanied by ethical behavior to be meaningful.

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**Meta Description:**
Zechariah 7 discusses the prophet’s response to inquiries about fasting, emphasizing justice and compassion over ritual observance. It highlights ethical conduct as central to faith in the post-exilic period.