Zechariah 8:16
These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Zechariah addresses the post-exilic community where social ethics had deteriorated. Earlier in the prophecy (7:9-10), God condemned their fathers for refusing to practice justice, mercy, and compassion—sins that contributed to exile. Now the restored community must not repeat those failures. The specific commands—truthful speech and just judgment—address foundational social relationships.
The "gates" were the public square where legal proceedings occurred (Ruth 4:1-11, Job 29:7-17). Corruption in the gates—bribery, favoritism, false testimony—destroyed justice and community trust. Amos condemned Israel's northern kingdom for precisely these failures: "They hate the one who rebukes in the gate, and they abhor the one who speaks uprightly" (Amos 5:10). Zechariah calls the remnant to establish justice that reflects God's character.
These ethical requirements aren't legalistic demands but covenant responses to grace. God has determined to bless them (v. 15); they respond by living justly. The pattern mirrors New Testament teaching: "We love because he first loved us" (1 John 4:19). God's prior blessing enables and obligates ethical living. In Christ, believers receive the Spirit who produces fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)—empowering the truthfulness and justice God requires.
Questions for Reflection
- How does truthful speech in all relationships reflect God's character and build covenant community?
- In what situations are you tempted to shade the truth or speak deceptively, and how can you commit to 'truth with your neighbor'?
- What does it mean to execute judgment that is both true and promotes peace, especially when these seem to conflict?
- How should the sequence of grace before obedience (vv. 13-15 before v. 16) shape our approach to Christian ethics?
- In what ways can the church today serve as 'gates' where justice and peace are practiced and promoted?
Analysis & Commentary
These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates. Having established God's unwavering commitment to bless (verses 13-15), this verse outlines covenant obligations—how the restored community must live to align with God's purposes. The phrase "These are the things that ye shall do" (elleh ha-devarim asher ta'asu, אֵלֶּה הַדְּבָרִים אֲשֶׁר תַּעֲשׂוּ) introduces specific ethical requirements, echoing earlier prophetic calls (Zechariah 7:9-10) and demonstrating that blessing requires obedient response.
First, "Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour" (daberu emet ish et-reehu, דַּבְּרוּ אֱמֶת אִישׁ אֶת־רֵעֵהוּ). The word emet (אֱמֶת, truth) signifies faithfulness, reliability, and integrity—speech that corresponds to reality and keeps commitments. This isn't merely avoiding lies but positively speaking what is true, trustworthy, and builds up. Covenant community requires mutual trustworthiness; deception destroys communal bonds. Ephesians 4:25 echoes this: "Speak truth with your neighbor, for we are members of one another."
Second, "execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates" (mishpat emet ve-shalom shiftu be-sha'areikhem, מִשְׁפַּט אֱמֶת וְשָׁלוֹם שִׁפְטוּ בְּשַׁעֲרֵיכֶם). City gates served as courts where elders adjudicated disputes. Mishpat (מִשְׁפַּט, judgment/justice) must be characterized by both emet (truth—accurate, impartial, according to law) and shalom (שָׁלוֹם, peace—promoting reconciliation and community welfare). Justice isn't merely legal correctness but restorative, seeking peace. James 3:18 reflects this: "The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."