Zechariah 7:5Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

If those who dwelled in the shadows and were engulfed in the darkness of error found no benefit in a fast that they did not uphold, nor in removing their anger towards their neighbors, what justification can we offer, to whom greater responsibilities are given? We are commanded not only to do these things but also to love and bless our adversaries. Indeed, we are called to pray for them, seeking the Lord’s mercy upon them (Luke 6:27-28). Such acts of kindness towards our enemies will be most beneficial and will serve as our greatest atonement for sins on that terrifying day of judgment. It is acknowledged that this command is indeed challenging, yet when we reflect on the reward awaiting those who embrace it, its difficulty diminishes. What is this reward? The Scripture states, “If you do these things, you shall be like your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:45).

While you were among the Babylonians, not only did you fail to observe a public fast, but you also did not stand out for striving to fulfill the commandments of Moses. Yet, He expressed mercy towards you, rescuing you from the hands of your oppressors; you partake of food and drink, but you are more inclined to please yourselves than to please Me. Thus, such fasting is futile and of no worth, filling your eyes with tears is pointless, and your labor bears no reward. Are these not the words of the ancient prophets when Jerusalem was thriving and filled with blessings, famed for its flourishing cities in both highlands and plains? The prophet Joel implored the elders, priests, and people to weep and also to sanctify fasting. The intention behind this call was to lead them to repentance; for He did not desire them to endure the tribulations they faced, resulting in mourning over a temple already destroyed, but rather He wished that even before undergoing such trials, they would seek to appease God with their cries and tears, thereby being spared. Now, are these not the words of the ancient prophets? Ignorant of them, you weep futilely and weep over scattered stones in your folly. Should you choose to reform your life and follow a glorious, blameless path, it should be done only after you have learned what is pleasing to the Lawgiver.

The Lord responded to the ambassadors through the prophet, instructing them to convey to their initiators that they were mistaken in believing their captivity was merely a result of observing traditions not mandated by God. He corrected them, indicating that the reason for their captivity lay in their disregard for His commandments and laws. This is reflected in the following statement: "If ye fast or mourn in the fifth month, as ye say, for seventy years, shall ye fast unto Me?" (Zechariah 7:5). He did not command them to fast, nor did He preach about fasting through the prophets both before and after their captivity; instead, He emphasized righteous judgment and called upon their ancestors: "Judge righteous judgment, and show mercy and compassion to your neighbor" (Zechariah 7:9). Because they failed to uphold these principles, His anger resulted in their expulsion from the land. He had implored them prior to the exile, yet they ignored Him; now, in their time of captivity, they beseech Him, but He does not respond. As it is written, "They have given their shoulders to disdain, and they have made their ears heavy that they should not hear, and they have hardened their hearts like flint" (Zechariah 7:11-12).