This week we are studying Zechariah 8, a continuation of the prophet’s response to the Bethel delegation’s question about fast days. In chapter 7, the question provoked a somewhat testy sermon from Zechariah. He warned the people about the consequences of straying from God and the pitfalls of hypocrisy and empty religion.
In chapter 8, the tone changes from rebuke to reassurance. The prophet encourages the people to obey and experience the fullness of their inheritance. But there is a hitch. The blessings are contingent on their ability to “love truth and peace” (8:19).
Last week, we covered the importance of all the minute details in the historical narrative: the timing of the prophecy, the historic enmity of Bethel and Jerusalem, and the continuation of Babylonian influence in the remnant. Zechariah 7-8 is a classic example of the importance of studying the historical and cultural background of the prophets. Of course, the same is true for the entire Bible.
The Bible has a dual nature. While the Bible’s message is eternal, Zechariah, and all the other biblical writers, ministered to a particular people, at a certain time and place. They packed their message in the language, commands, and stories most relevant to those people in that day.
