In chapters 7-8 of Zechariah, since the Jews are now home from exile, they asked the question do we need to continue fasting on months that reminded us of the Babylonian attack on Jerusalem? The 10th months was when Babylon laid siege on Jerusalem. On the 4th month Babylon breached Jerusalem's wall. It was on the 5th month that Jerusalem and the temple were burnt down, and it was the 7th month when Gedaliah the governor of Judah were killed by the Jews. The Lord first asked about why they fasted? He reminded them the reason for the exile was the sinfulness of their fathers who were hard headed and would not listen to the prophets the Lord sent them. He reminded His people what He expected: administer true justice, show mercy and compassion to one another, do not oppress the widow, fatherless, the alien, or the poor, do not think evil of each other, speak truth to each other, render true and sound judgments in court, do not plot evil against your neighbor, do not love to swear falsely. The Lord told them that Jerusalem will again be booming from the elderly to the children,, and their days of fasting will be days of joy, gladness, and happy festivals. People from other nations will hear that God is in this place, and they will want to come and see, so they are to not be afraid, and they are to be strong, and keep on working.
