Zechariah 7:7

Zechariah 7:7 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Are these not the words that the LORD proclaimed through the earlier prophets, when Jerusalem and its surrounding towns were populous and prosperous, and the Negev and the foothills were inhabited?’”

King James Version KJV

Should ye not hear the words which the LORD hath cried by the former prophets, when Jerusalem was inhabited and in prosperity, and the cities thereof round about her, when men inhabited the south and the plain?

American Standard Version ASV

Should ye not hear the words which Jehovah cried by the former prophets, when Jerusalem was inhabited and in prosperity, and the cities thereof round about her, and the South and the lowland were inhabited?

Bible in Basic English BBE

Are not these the words which the Lord said to you by the earlier prophets, when Jerusalem was full of people and wealth, and the towns round about her and the South and the Lowland were peopled?

Free Bible Version FBV

Isn't this what the Lord told you to do through the former prophets, when Jerusalem was prosperous and inhabited, and when people were living in the Negev and the Shephelah?

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Should ye not heare the wordes, which the Lord hath cryed by the ministerie of the former Prophets when Ierusalem was inhabited, and in prosperitie, and the cities thereof round about her, when the South and the plaine was inhabited?

Young's Literal Translation YLT

'Are not [these] the words that Jehovah proclaimed by the hand of the former prophets, in Jerusalem's being inhabited, and [in] safety, and its cities round about it, and the south and the plain — abiding?'

World English Bible WEB

Aren’t these the words which the LORD proclaimed by the former prophets when Jerusalem was inhabited and in prosperity, and its cities around her, and the South and the lowland were inhabited?’”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Should ye not hear the words which the LORD hath cried by the former prophets, when Jerusalem was inhabited and in prosperity, and her cities around her, when men inhabited the south and the plain?

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Are not these the words which the Lord spoke by the hand of the former prophets, when Jerusalem as yet was inhabited, and was wealthy, both itself and the cities round about it, and there were inhabitants towards the south, and in the plain?

Translation for Translators T4T

That is certainly [RHQ] what I continually told the former prophets to proclaim to the people, when Jerusalem and the nearby towns were prosperous and filled with people, and people also lived in the desert area to the south and in the foothills to the west.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Zechariah 7:7

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Zechariah 7:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB הֲ/ל֣וֹא אֶת הַ/דְּבָרִ֗ים אֲשֶׁ֨ר קָרָ֤א יְהוָה֙ בְּ/יַד֙ הַ/נְּבִיאִ֣ים הָ/רִֽאשֹׁנִ֔ים בִּ/הְי֤וֹת יְרוּשָׁלִַ֨ם֙ יֹשֶׁ֣בֶת וּ/שְׁלֵוָ֔ה וְ/עָרֶ֖י/הָ סְבִיבֹתֶ֑י/הָ וְ/הַ/נֶּ֥גֶב וְ/הַ/שְּׁפֵלָ֖ה יֹשֵֽׁב

הֲ/ל֣וֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part | Part

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הַ/דְּבָרִ֗ים dâbâr H1697 Chronicles Art | N-mp

אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

קָרָ֤א qârâʼ H7121 to call V-Qal-Perf-3ms

יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

בְּ/יַד֙ yâd H3027 hand Prep | N-cs

הַ/נְּבִיאִ֣ים nâbîyʼ H5030 prophet Art | N-mp

הָ/רִֽאשֹׁנִ֔ים riʼshôwn H7223 first Art | Adj

בִּ/הְי֤וֹת hâyâh H1961 to be Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

יְרוּשָׁלִַ֨ם֙ Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 Jerusalem N-proper

יֹשֶׁ֣בֶת yâshab H3427 to dwell V-Qal

וּ/שְׁלֵוָ֔ה shâlêv H7961 at ease Conj | Adj

וְ/עָרֶ֖י/הָ ʻîyr H5892 excitement Conj | N-fp | Suff

סְבִיבֹתֶ֑י/הָ çâbîyb H5439 around N-cp | Suff

וְ/הַ/נֶּ֥גֶב negeb H5045 Negeb Conj | Art | N-ms

וְ/הַ/שְּׁפֵלָ֖ה shᵉphêlâh H8219 Shephelah Conj | Art | N-fs

יֹשֵֽׁב yâshab H3427 to dwell V-Qal

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Zechariah 7:7

הֲ/ל֣וֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

הַ/דְּבָרִ֗ים dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" Art | N-mp

A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.

Definition: This name means word, speaking

Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.

אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

קָרָ֤א qârâʼ H7121 "to call" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.

Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen

Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.

יְהוָה֙ Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

בְּ/יַד֙ yâd H3027 "hand" Prep | N-cs

In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.

Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists

Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.

הַ/נְּבִיאִ֣ים nâbîyʼ H5030 "prophet" Art | N-mp

A prophet is someone who speaks for God, like a spokesperson. This word is used in the Bible to describe true and false prophets, like those in 1 and 2 Kings.

Definition: 1) spokesman, speaker, prophet 1a) prophet 1b) false prophet 1c) heathen prophet Aramaic equivalent: ne.vi (נְבִיא "prophet" H5029)

Usage: Occurs in 288 OT verses. KJV: prophecy, that prophesy, prophet. See also: Genesis 20:7; 2 Kings 24:2; Psalms 51:2.

הָ/רִֽאשֹׁנִ֔ים riʼshôwn H7223 "first" Art | Adj

This word means 'first' or 'primary', referring to something that comes before others in time, place, or rank. It is used to describe the first or most important thing in a series or list.

Definition: : first adj 1) first, primary, former 1a) former (of time) 1a1) ancestors 1a2) former things 1b) foremost (of location) 1c) first (in time) 1d) first, chief (in degree) adv 2) first, before, formerly, at first

Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ancestor, (that were) before(-time), beginning, eldest, first, fore(-father) (-most), former (thing), of old time, past. See also: Genesis 8:13; 1 Chronicles 27:3; Psalms 79:8.

בִּ/הְי֤וֹת hâyâh H1961 "to be" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

יְרוּשָׁלִַ֨ם֙ Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 "Jerusalem" N-proper

Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.

Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split

Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.

יֹשֶׁ֣בֶת yâshab H3427 "to dwell" V-Qal

This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.

Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)

Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.

וּ/שְׁלֵוָ֔ה shâlêv H7961 "at ease" Conj | Adj

Being at ease means feeling peaceful and secure, like having no worries. In the Bible, it can also mean being prosperous or wealthy, but sometimes it can imply being too comfortable and becoming careless.

Definition: 1) quiet, at ease, prosperous 1a) at ease (of persons) 1b) quiet (of land) 1c) quiet, ease 1d) ease (subst)

Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: (being) at ease, peaceable, (in) prosper(-ity), quiet(-ness), wealthy. See also: 1 Chronicles 4:40; Psalms 73:12; Jeremiah 49:31.

וְ/עָרֶ֖י/הָ ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" Conj | N-fp | Suff

In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.

Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.

סְבִיבֹתֶ֑י/הָ çâbîyb H5439 "around" N-cp | Suff

This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.

Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side

Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.

וְ/הַ/נֶּ֥גֶב negeb H5045 "Negeb" Conj | Art | N-ms

The Negeb is the southern district of Judah, also known as the south country, and can occasionally refer to Egypt, which is south of Palestine.

Definition: region of southern Judah Also named: ne.gev (נֶ֫גֶב "south" H5045H) This name means south-country

Usage: Occurs in 97 OT verses. KJV: south (country, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 12:9; 1 Samuel 14:5; Psalms 126:4.

וְ/הַ/שְּׁפֵלָ֖ה shᵉphêlâh H8219 "Shephelah" Conj | Art | N-fs

The Shephelah refers to the lowlands in Palestine, near the coast. This region is west of the Judean mountains. It appears in the Bible as a geographic location.

Definition: 1) lowland, valley 1a) lowland 1a1) strip west of Judean mountains (technical term) 1a1a) the Shephelah 1a2) strip near coast north of Carmel

Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: low country, (low) plain, vale(-ley). See also: Deuteronomy 1:7; 1 Chronicles 27:28; Jeremiah 17:26.

יֹשֵֽׁב yâshab H3427 "to dwell" V-Qal

This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.

Study Notes — Zechariah 7:7

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Zechariah 7:7 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 7:7
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 7:7
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 7:7
Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 7:7
Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 7:7
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 7:7
Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 7:7
Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 7:7
Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 7:7
Sermons on Zechariah 7:7

Context — A Call to Justice and Mercy

5“Ask all the people of the land and the priests, ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months for these seventy years, was it really for Me that you fasted? 6And when you were eating and drinking, were you not doing so simply for yourselves?

7Are these not the words that the LORD proclaimed through the earlier prophets, when Jerusalem and its surrounding towns were populous and prosperous, and the Negev and the foothills were inhabited?’”

8Then the word of the LORD came to Zechariah, saying, 9“This is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Administer true justice. Show loving devotion and compassion to one another.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Isaiah 1:16–20	Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil! Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.” “Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best of the land. But if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
2	Jeremiah 17:26	And people will come from the cities of Judah and the places around Jerusalem, from the land of Benjamin, and from the foothills, the hill country, and the Negev, bringing burnt offerings and sacrifices, grain offerings and frankincense, and thank offerings to the house of the LORD.
3	Jeremiah 7:5	For if you really correct your ways and deeds, if you act justly toward one another,
4	Jeremiah 32:44	Fields will be purchased with silver, and deeds will be signed, sealed, and witnessed in the land of Benjamin, in the areas surrounding Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah—the cities of the hill country, the foothills, and the Negev—because I will restore them from captivity, declares the LORD.”
5	Isaiah 55:6–7	Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. Let the wicked man forsake his own way and the unrighteous man his own thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon.
6	Jeremiah 7:23	but this is what I commanded them: Obey Me, and I will be your God, and you will be My people. You must walk in all the ways I have commanded you, so that it may go well with you.
7	Ezekiel 18:30–32	Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so that your iniquity will not become your downfall. Cast away from yourselves all the transgressions you have committed, and fashion for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, O house of Israel? For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death, declares the Lord GOD. So repent and live!
8	Jeremiah 33:13	In the cities of the hill country, the foothills, and the Negev, in the land of Benjamin and the cities surrounding Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah, the flocks will again pass under the hands of the one who counts them, says the LORD.
9	Micah 6:6–8	With what shall I come before the LORD when I bow before the God on high? Should I come to Him with burnt offerings, with year-old calves? Would the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I present my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?
10	Jeremiah 22:21	I warned you when you were secure. You said, ‘I will not listen.’ This has been your way from youth, that you have not obeyed My voice.

Zechariah 7:7 Summary

[Zechariah 7:7 reminds us that God's words and guidance are not new, but have been proclaimed through many prophets and leaders throughout history, as seen in Jeremiah 7:25 and Ezekiel 38:17. This verse encourages us to remember and learn from the past, and to seek God's guidance in our present and future. By looking back at how God interacted with His people in the past, we can gain a deeper understanding of His character and His plans for us, as described in Psalm 103:7 and Isaiah 46:10. As we reflect on Zechariah 7:7, we are called to consider how we can apply the lessons of the past to our own lives, and to seek to obey God's commands and follow His guidance, as encouraged in Deuteronomy 8:1-6 and Joshua 1:7-9.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the context of Zechariah 7:7?

Zechariah 7:7 is part of a larger conversation between God and the people of Israel, where God is questioning their motives for fasting and seeking His guidance, as seen in Zechariah 7:5-6 and further emphasized in Zechariah 7:8-9.

Who are the earlier prophets mentioned in Zechariah 7:7?

The earlier prophets mentioned in Zechariah 7:7 likely refer to prophets such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, who spoke to the people of Israel before the Babylonian exile, as referenced in Isaiah 1:1, Jeremiah 1:1, and Ezekiel 1:1.

What is the significance of the Negev and the foothills being inhabited?

The Negev and the foothills being inhabited, as mentioned in Zechariah 7:7, symbolize a time of prosperity and peace in Israel, similar to the prosperity described in Deuteronomy 8:7-10 and Joshua 21:43-45.

How does Zechariah 7:7 relate to the rest of the Bible?

Zechariah 7:7 connects to the broader theme of God's relationship with His people, as seen in Genesis 17:1-8 and Exodus 19:5-6, emphasizing the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God's commands and promises.

Reflection Questions

What can I learn from the way God interacted with His people in Zechariah 7:7, and how can I apply that to my own relationship with Him?
In what ways can I, like the earlier prophets, be a voice for God in my community, sharing His words and guidance with others?
How can I, in my own life, distinguish between self-serving actions and genuine obedience to God, as highlighted in Zechariah 7:6-7?
What are some areas in my life where I can seek to 'administer true justice' and 'show loving devotion and compassion to one another', as encouraged in Zechariah 7:9?
What does Zechariah 7:7 teach me about the importance of remembering and learning from the past, and how can I apply those lessons to my present and future?

Gill's Exposition on Zechariah 7:7

[Should ye] not [hear] the words which the Lord hath cried by the former prophets,.... As Hosea, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and others; suggesting that it would have been much better for them to have regarded

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Zechariah 7:7

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Zechariah 7:7

Should ye not hear the words? you needed not have thus inquired had you heeded the word written. Should you not remember, or have you not read, what , determines in this very case? Which the Lord hath cried, openly and loudly spoken, by the former prophets; who have given you the true value of obedience to the great and momentous precepts of the law, who have called for repentance and sincere love to God and man, and have on just balance showed how light and under weight formal services have been. When Jerusalem was inhabited, and in prosperity: did such observances preserve Jerusalem in its prosperity? Did they prevent the desolation of the cities round about her? Were they sufficient to save the men, the multitudes, that inhabited the south of the plain? Did they, or could they, do no good when things were all safe and well? and do you fondly imagine they can profit you now all is in ruins? Can they restore a fallen state that could not support it falling?

Trapp's Commentary on Zechariah 7:7

Zechariah 7:7 [Should ye] not [hear] the words which the LORD hath cried by the former prophets, when Jerusalem was inhabited and in prosperity, and the cities thereof round about her, when [men] inhabited the south and the plain?Ver. 7. Should ye not hear the words which the Lord hath cried] q.d. Hath he not spoken loud enough, long enough? Hath he not sufficiently declared his will concerning these external actions, and especially concerning a fast profaned through wickedness, Isaiah 58:8; Isaiah 58:4 Jeremiah 14:12, and elsewhere. Sed surdo fabulam; But a story falling on deaf ears. All hath been but as a trumpet sounded in a dead man’ s ear; you are altogether uncounsellable, untractable; and all that hath been spoken hath even been spilt upon you. Should ye not the words] So the original runs, by a concise and short kind of speaking, well befitting a sharp reproof. Should ye not hear them and heed them? which, if you had done, you might have spared that labour of coming to us; and out of the former prophecies have resolved yourselves. When Jerusalem was inhabited and in prosperity] But then their hearts were fat as grease, and the prosperity of those fools destroyed them; who, if they had hearkened to wisdom, had dwelt safely; and lived quietly from the fear of evil, Proverbs 1:32-33. Surely as those that lie on downy pillows cannot hear well; so such as be at ease in Sion cannot profit by good counsel. It is by correction that God openeth the ears of men and sealeth their instructions, Job 33:16. When men inhabited the south and the plain] Heb. the south of the plain, that is, the bounds and borders, that part of the country that lieth most open to the inroads of the enemy, and hath most of all felt the desolations of war. See Jeremiah 17:26; Jeremiah 32:44.

Ellicott's Commentary on Zechariah 7:7

(7) Should ye not hear the words which . . .—Better, are not these the very words which . . . Haggai 2:5, and Zechariah 8:17, afford exactly parallel constructions. There is no need to supply any verb, such as “should ye not hear?” “should ye not do?” or “do ye not know?” LXX., rightly, οὐχοὗτοιοἱλόγοι; The south.—District belonging to Judah (Joshua 15:21). And the plain.—To the west of Judah (Joshua 15:33).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Zechariah 7:7

Verse 7. The words which the Lord hath cried by the former prophets] נביאים הראשנים nebiim harishonim, is the title which the Jews give to Joshua, Judges, the two books of Samuel, and the two books of Kings. The latter prophets, נביאים אחרונים nebiim acharonim, are Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the twelve minor prophets. The hagiographa, כתובים kethubim, holy writings, are the Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Canticles, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, Esther, Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, and the two books of Chronicles. But the above words, the former prophets, seem to apply to Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. The south and the plain?] From Eleutheropolis to the sea, Obadiah 1:19. The south was the wilderness and mountainous parts of Judea: and the plain, the plains of Jericho.

Cambridge Bible on Zechariah 7:7

7. Should ye not hear the words] Comp. Isaiah 58:3-7; 1 Samuel 15:22. To that old teaching it is that you have need to take heed and return. It was uttered in the time of your national prosperity. By neglecting it that prosperity was lost. Only by returning to it can it be regained. the south and the plain] two of the three divisions of the territory of the tribe of Judah; the Negeb and the Shepçlah (or lowland, R. V.). Perhaps the third division, “the hill country,” Luke 1:39, is pointed at in the words, “Jerusalem and the cities thereof round about her.” Judges 1:9; Obadiah 1:19 and note.

Barnes' Notes on Zechariah 7:7

Should ye “not hear” the words, or, Know ye “not the words?” The verb is presupposed in the emphatic question, as in, “Shall I, the blood of these men?” 2 Samuel 23:17. David omits the word “drink” for abhorrence.

Whedon's Commentary on Zechariah 7:7

OF MORAL AND , Zechariah 7:1 to Zechariah 8:23.After a silence of nearly two years the voice of Zechariah was heard again.

Sermons on Zechariah 7:7

	Sermon	Description
	The Bible: Inspired of God by Lewis Sperry Chafer	Lewis Sperry Chafer emphasizes the divine nature of the Bible as God's message to humanity, highlighting the unique inspiration of the Scriptures where human authors were directed
	What Is It to Accept Jesus by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of accepting Christ and making one's calling and election sure. He compares accepting Christ to having a compass on a sea jou
	Are You Developing a Hard Heart by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the passage from Isaiah 6:9-10 where God sends Isaiah on a mission to a people who will not understand or perceive his message. The preacher
	What Does It Mean to Accept Christ - Part 1 by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher tells the story of the prodigal son from the Bible. He emphasizes the humbling experience of the son feeding swine, which was considered shameful for a
	The Anatomy of Adultery by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of taking action and living a holy life. He urges the audience to not just go through the motions of attending church, but to
	(John - Part 46): The Last Supper: Jesus' True Humility by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of Jesus washing the disciples' feet. He explains that in biblical times, it was customary for a servant to wash the feet of
	The Voice of Reason by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of the gospel to transform lives. He acknowledges that many of the hymns we sing were written by individuals who were once evil an