FASTING IN SORROW FASTING IN JOY. Zechariah 8:1-23

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1 1 Commentary by Charles Box Questions by John C. Sewell FASTING IN SORROW OR FASTING IN JOY Zechariah 8:1-23

2 2 Text: Zechariah 8:1-23, Fasting In Sorrow or Fasting In Joy Commentary by Charles Box 1. Then the word of the Lord who rules over all came to me as follows: 2. The Lord who rules over all says, I am very much concerned for Zion; indeed, I am so concerned for her that my rage will fall on those who hurt her. 3. The Lord says, I have returned to Zion and will live within Jerusalem. Now Jerusalem will be called truthful city, mountain of the Lord who rules over all, holy mountain. 4. Moreover, the Lord who rules over all says, Old men and women will once more live in the plazas of Jerusalem, each one leaning on a cane because of advanced age. 5. And the streets of the city will be full of boys and girls playing. 6. And, says the Lord who rules over all, though such a thing may seem to be difficult in the opinion of the small community of those days, will it also appear difficult to me? asks the Lord who rules over all.

3 The Lord who rules over all asserts, I am about to save my people from the lands of the east and the west. 8. And I will bring them to settle within Jerusalem. They will be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and righteousness. 9. The Lord who rules over all also says, Gather strength, you who are listening to these words today from the mouths of the prophets who were there at the founding of the house of the Lord who rules over all, so that the temple might be built. 10. Before that time there was no compensation for man or animal, nor was there any relief from adversity for those who came and went, because I had pitted everybody each one against everyone else. 11. But I will be different now to this remnant of my people from the way I was in those days, says the Lord who rules over all, 12. for there will be a peaceful time of sowing, the vine will produce its fruit and the ground its yield, and the skies will rain down dew. Then I will allow the remnant of my people to possess all these things. 13. And it will come about that just as you (both Judah and Israel) were a curse to the nations, so I will save you and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid! Instead, be strong! 14. For the Lord who rules over all says, As I had planned to hurt you when your fathers made me angry, says the Lord who rules over all, and I was not sorry, 15. so, to the contrary, I have planned in these days to do good to Jerusalem and Judah do not fear! 16. These are the things you must do: Speak the truth, each of you, to one another. Practice true and righteous judgment in your courts.

4 Do not plan evil in your hearts against one another. Do not favor a false oath these are all things that I hate, says the Lord. 18. The word of the Lord who rules over all came to me as follows: 19. The Lord who rules over all says, The fast of the fourth, fifth, seventh, and tenth months will become joyful and happy, pleasant feasts for the house of Judah, so love truth and peace. 20. The Lord who rules over all says, It will someday come to pass that people residents of many cities will come. 21. The inhabitants of one will go to another and say, Let s go up at once to ask the favor of the Lord, to seek the Lord who rules over all. Indeed, I ll go with you. 22. Many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the Lord who rules over all and to ask his favor. 23. The Lord who rules over all says, In those days ten people from all languages and nations will grasp hold of indeed, grab the robe of one Jew and say, Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you. (NET) Introduction: I. Zechariah chapter seven began with a small group of people asking about continuing to fast in sorrow. A. Zechariah chapter eight closed with many nations fasting in joy. B. Zechariah chapter seven gave a picture of desolation. 1. But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations whom they knew not. Thus the land was desolate after them, that no man passed through not returned: for they laid the pleasant land desolate. (Zechariah 7:14)

5 5 C. Zechariah chapter eight gave a picture of joy and hope. 1. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; The fast of the fourth month and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts; therefore love the truth and peace. (Zechariah 8:19) D. The people of Zechariah s days were facing the same danger that their fathers had experienced. 1. Their empty practice of religion would cause them to suffer the same consequences as the previous generation. 2. It was not God s desire to punish Jerusalem again. 3. His desire was to return to Zion with joy and peace. II. The key expression in Zechariah eight (8) is the LORD of hosts. A. This great expression is found fifteen (15) times in chapter 8 alone. 1. This expression is found a total of thirty-six (36) times in the book of Zechariah. B. The Lord of hosts is a title that suggests the military majesty of God as it relates to the individual. 1. It suggests that most men will find their personal pride and might are as nothing compared to the Lord of hosts. C. God is powerful and jealous. 1. He will accept and tolerate no rivals. 2. God said, I was jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I was jealous for her with great fury.

6 When God dwelt with Jerusalem the city was transformed in a positive way. a. Truth, when obeyed, always makes life better. b. With God in control, old people with walking sticks would once again sit around Jerusalem. c. The children would again play in the streets. d. The picture of the old people and the children is a picture of a peaceful city that had been repopulated. e. Such a radical change in the city might be too difficult for men, but it would not be hard for God. 4. God had the power to both gather and prosper His people. a. God gathered His people from one end of the earth to the other in order to fill Jerusalem with people and with joy. b. God had promised that Jerusalem would be restored, so now was the time for the people to be strong and faithful. III. God encouraged the people not to be afraid to rebuilt. A. He wanted them to rebuild the city, the Temple and their spiritual lives. 1. His desire was that they again become His submissive servants. a. In order to enjoy restoration and the promised prosperity, they must live as covenant people. B. God reminded the people that His discipline had come against the Jews because of their bullheaded behavior.

7 God wanted these Jews to know that what He said and did to their fathers was for them likewise. 2. The punishment they received was something that had to be done. C. God showed the people that their obligation was to love their neighbor as themselves and to honor the Creator. 1. The final words of the chapter come back to the fasts of faithful people. 2. We see that fasting in sorrow will be turned into feasting for joy. 3. The picture now is that all the reasons for the sorrowful fasts were past and God is instructing them concerning correct fasting. D. No longer when the fourth, fifth, seventh and tenth months roll around will there be mourning; instead there will be joyful and happy celebration. Commentary: 1. Things would be good and there would be a mass pilgrimage of the people of the earth to seek God at Jerusalem. 2. The nations would want to join themselves to the Jews because they heard that God was with them. Old People and Children Zechariah 8:1-8, Then the word of the Lord who rules over all came to me as follows: The Lord who rules over all says, I am very much concerned for Zion; indeed, I am so concerned for her that my rage will fall on those who hurt her. The Lord says, I have

8 8 returned to Zion and will live within Jerusalem. Now Jerusalem will be called truthful city, mountain of the Lord who rules over all, holy mountain. Moreover, the Lord who rules over all says, Old men and women will once more live in the plazas of Jerusalem, each one leaning on a cane because of advanced age. And the streets of the city will be full of boys and girls playing. And, says the Lord who rules over all, though such a thing may seem to be difficult in the opinion of the small community of those days, will it also appear difficult to me? asks the Lord who rules over all. The Lord who rules over all asserts, I am about to save my people from the lands of the east and the west. And I will bring them to settle within Jerusalem. They will be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and righteousness. (NET) I. It was God s desire that, Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain. A. God wanted it understood that His glory had returned to the Temple and to Jerusalem. 1. Even though the Temple and the city had not been rebuilt when He gave this promise, it was as dependable as if it were already a present reality. a. The returned glory of Jerusalem was pictured as God said. b. The old people with walking sticks will once again sit around in Jerusalem. c. He pictured the children in the streets. B. He reminded them that this might seem impossible to the remnant that was left in Jerusalem, but that it was not impossible for Him because He is the LORD of hosts.

9 God promised to save those that had been scattered in other lands and bring them back to live in Jerusalem. 2. He said, I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness. Jerusalem Enjoys Prosperity Zechariah 8:9-13, The Lord who rules over all also says, Gather strength, you who are listening to these words today from the mouths of the prophets who were there at the founding of the house of the Lord who rules over all, so that the temple might be built. Before that time there was no compensation for man or animal, nor was there any relief from adversity for those who came and went, because I had pitted everybody each one against everyone else. But I will be different now to this remnant of my people from the way I was in those days, says the Lord who rules over all, for there will be a peaceful time of sowing, the vine will produce its fruit and the ground its yield, and the skies will rain down dew. Then I will allow the remnant of my people to possess all these things. And it will come about that just as you (both Judah and Israel) were a curse to the nations, so I will save you and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid! Instead, be strong! (NET) I. The admonition from God is that the people should be strong, both spiritually and physically. A. They should set their hands to the work of God and complete the rebuilding of the Temple. 1. While the Temple was in ruins, the Jews missed out on many blessings from God. a. Before that time, neither people nor animals were rewarded for their work, and no one was safe

10 10 anywhere, because I had turned them against each other. (NET) 2. God wanted the Jews to understand that He is the LORD All-Powerful (LORD of hosts) so they should never give up. B. The promise is that God will now bless the Jews with physical increase. 1. The hearts of the people are again focused on God and His work. a. This will make it possible for Him to renew His blessing to them. b. The blessings increased slowly over the next several years. c. Simple things lead to a life of joy. 2. The people were taught to love and serve God, work hard and grow spiritually. a. God promised the people that the punishment would end. b. God now promised that their crops and vineyards would be productive. c. He would allow the dew of heaven to fall upon their land. d. He would save and bless the people of Judah and Israel. e. They had been a curse to the nations, but now God would make them a blessing.

11 11 f. So the message to the Jews is do not be afraid or lose courage. What God Expected of Jerusalem Zechariah 8:14-17, For the Lord who rules over all says, As I had planned to hurt you when your fathers made me angry, says the Lord who rules over all, and I was not sorry, so, to the contrary, I have planned in these days to do good to Jerusalem and Judah do not fear! These are the things you must do: Speak the truth, each of you, to one another. Practice true and righteous judgment in your courts. Do not plan evil in your hearts against one another. Do not favor a false oath these are all things that I hate, says the Lord. (NET) I. God punished the ancestors of the Jews because they angered Him by their constant rebellion. A. The punishment that was brought on the Jews included the fact that someone else would enjoy the fruit of their labor. B. God did not hold back severe punishment from their fathers for their wickedness and these people could face the same consequences. C. At this point in history, God told them, Now you no longer need to be afraid. I have decided to treat Jerusalem and Judah with kindness. D. God set forth some requirements if they were to enjoy His blessings, including: You must be truthful with each other You must give fair decisions that lead to peace when you are in court, You must not plan evil things against others, and...

12 You must not tell lies under oath. E. The focus is on the internal moral values and spiritual values. 1. The right actions without the right heart are worthless. a. This sounds very much like what Jesus said, Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cumin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. (Matthew 23:23) (AKJV) b. Performing the externals when the heart is not right makes worship empty and vain. c. Obedience is always necessary, but such obedience must come from a godly heart. Coming to Jerusalem for Worship Zechariah 8:18-23, The word of the Lord who rules over all came to me as follows: The Lord who rules over all says, The fast of the fourth, fifth, seventh, and tenth months will become joyful and happy, pleasant feasts for the house of Judah, so love truth and peace. The Lord who rules over all says, It will someday come to pass that people residents of many cities will come. The inhabitants of one will go to another and say, Let s go up at once to ask the favor of the Lord, to seek the Lord who rules over all. Indeed, I ll go with you. Many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the Lord who rules over all and to ask his favor. The Lord who rules over all says, In those days ten people from all languages and nations will grasp hold of indeed, grab the robe of one Jew and say, Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you. (NET)

13 13 I. We now return to the discussion concerning fasting. A. God told them that when they fasted He wanted it to be a time of celebration. 1. The fast of the seventh month is the only one of their fasts mentioned in the Law of Moses. a. Leviticus 23:23-26, The Lord spoke to Moses: Tell the Israelites, In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you must have a complete rest, a memorial announced by loud horn blasts, a holy assembly. You must not do any regular work, but you must present a gift to the Lord. (NET) B. What about fasting today? 1. It seems that Jesus expected his disciples to fast at certain times. a. Matthew 9:14-15, Then John s disciples came to Jesus and asked, Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples don t fast? Jesus said to them, The wedding guests cannot mourn while the bridegroom is with them, can they? But the days are coming when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and then they will fast. (NET) 2. When Jesus was present He could give them answers to the problems of life. a. When He was taken away and there was the need for extra spiritual strength, then would they fast. b. Fasting is a matter of private concern. i. Matthew 6:16-18, When you fast, do not look sullen like the hypocrites, for they make

14 14 their faces unattractive so that people will see them fasting. I tell you the truth, they have their reward. When you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others when you are fasting, but only to your Father who is in secret. And your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you. (NET) c. The primary purpose of fasting is to give strength in times of adversity, sorrow, grief or even duty. C. It was God s desire that the people love truth and live at peace. Conclusion: 1. This should result in joyful fasts, even in the fourth month, the fifth month, the seventh month, or the tenth month. 2. Jews would go to Jerusalem from every city to worship. 3. They would boldly explain to others what they were doing and would ask them to go with them. 4. Others (Gentiles) would say to the Jews, Let us go with you. We have heard that God is on your side. I. Those that serve God are blessed and those that rebel are punished. A. Is it your desire to see the will of God done? B. If so, it is time to become a Christian now!

15 15 Questions On Zechariah 8:1-23 By John C. Sewell (Questions based on NIV text) 1. Compare Zechariah 7 and In what situation, danger, did the people of Zechariah s day find themselves? In what way(s) was their situation comparable to that of their fathers? 3. What is the key expression in Zechariah 8? What is the meaning, significance of this phrase?

16 God is and. He will and no. 5. When God dwelt with Jerusalem, what positive changes, conditions prevailed? 6. had the to both and His His from one of the to the other in order to fill with and with. God had that would be, so now was the for the to be and. 7. the to be to He wanted them to the the and their. His was that they again became His.

17 showed the that their was to their as and to the. 9. in will be turned into for. The for the were and is them concerning. 10. What accounted for the turning of fasting with sorrow to fasting with joy? When would this occur and on what conditions? 11. God was very for He with for her. 12. This is what the says: I will to and in. Their will be called the of, and the of the will be the. 13. This is what the says: Once again and of will in the of, each with in because of his. The will be with and there!

18 This is what the : It may seem to the of this at that time, but will it seem to me? 15. Exactly who were the remnant of the people? 16. This is what the says: I will my from the of the and the. I will bring them back to in ; they will be my, and I will be and to them as their. 17. This is what the says: You who now these by the who were there when the was for the of the, let your be so that the may be. 18. What conditions prevailed prior to verse 10? What conditions would prevail after verse 10? 19. and had been an of

19 19 among the, but God would them and make them a. They were not to be. Their were to be. 20. This is what the says: Just as I had to bring upon you and no when your me, so now I have to do again to and. Do not be. 21. What were the things they were to do? (See verses ) 22. What does the Lord hate? (See verse 17b.) 23. This is what the says: The of,, and will become and and for. Therefore and. 24. This is what the says: Many and the of many will yet come, and the of one will go to another and say, Let us go at to the

20 20 and the. And many and will come to to the and to him. 25. This is what the says: In those days men from all and will take at one by the of his and say, Let us go with you, because we have that is with you 26. How many and which yearly fasts were commanded by the Lord? What were the feasts of the fourth, fifth, seventh and tenth months? 27. Are Christians to fast? Explain your answer. 28. Date the historical events mentioned in Zechariah 8. When did God speak to Zechariah as stated in chapter 8?

21 The expression, This is what the Lord Almighty says, is used repeatedly in Zechariah 8. In your own words, relate what the Lord said. 30. In order to please God and receive his blessings, what does Zechariah 8 teach people to do? What things are to be avoided?