Zechariah 7:8
And the word of the LORD came unto Zechariah, saying,
Original Language Analysis
וַֽיְהִי֙
H1961
וַֽיְהִי֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 6
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
דְּבַר
And the word
H1697
דְּבַר
And the word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
2 of 6
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 6
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
Zechariah prophesied during the Second Temple rebuilding (520-518 BC). The delegation's question about fasting (7:1-3) prompted God's extended response about true versus false religion. This oracle (7:8-14) grounds the answer in Israel's tragic history: ignoring justice brought exile; heeding justice enables restoration. The word came to Zechariah specifically, but its content echoes all the former prophets—a unified biblical testimony that God desires mercy not sacrifice (Hosea 6:6).
Questions for Reflection
- Why does God use repetitive formulas ('the word of the LORD came') to emphasize prophetic authority?
- How does recognizing Scripture as 'the word of the LORD' rather than human opinion change your response to it?
- What specific 'word of the LORD' have you been avoiding that this formula calls you to heed?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And the word of the LORD came unto Zechariah, saying—A new oracle begins, continuing the theme of obedience versus ritual. The formula vayəhī dəḇar-Yahweh 'el-Zəḵaryāh lē'mōr (וַיְהִי דְּבַר־יְהוָה אֶל־זְכַרְיָה לֵאמֹר, 'and the word of the LORD came to Zechariah saying') marks transition. This isn't Zechariah's opinion but divine revelation. The following verses (7:9-14) will specify what the 'former prophets' preached: justice, mercy, and faithfulness toward the vulnerable.
The repetition of divine word-formulas throughout Zechariah emphasizes prophetic authority. God speaks directly, authoritatively, repeatedly to ensure the message penetrates. The structure mirrors ancient Near Eastern treaty documents that reiterated obligations to emphasize importance. God doesn't merely suggest or advise but commands as covenant Lord. The introduction prepares for specific ethical imperatives (v. 9-10) and historical warning (v. 11-14). Zechariah functions as God's spokesman, channeling heaven's perspective on ritual versus righteousness, a theme Jesus would later amplify (Matthew 23:23).