Zechariah 7:9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

6:37), but instead instructed His followers to pray, saying, “forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors” (Mt. 6:12); for the compassionate God offers forgiveness to those who extend forgiveness to others, warning that “the way of those who remember evil to death,” as stated in the book of Proverbs (Proverbs 12:28).

The Lord responded to the envoys through the prophet, instructing them to convey to those who sent them that their understanding was misguided. They believed their captivity stemmed solely from their observance of what was not divinely commanded. Instead, the Lord admonished them, revealing that the true cause of their captivity was the neglect and disregard for His commandments and laws. This is reflected in the following inquiry: “If ye fast or mourn in the fifth month, as ye say, for seventy years, shall ye fast unto Me?” (Zechariah 7:5). He stated, "I did not command you to fast, nor did I instruct you about fasting through the prophets before and after the exile; rather, I emphasized righteous judgment and proclaimed to your ancestors: ‘Judge righteous judgment, and do mercy and bounty to everyone to his brother’” (Zechariah 7:9). Their failure to heed these instructions led to My anger and the removal of them from their land. I called out to them prior to the exile, but they did not listen; now, during their captivity, they cry out to Me, yet I do not respond. For it has been said, “They have given their shoulders to despise, and they have weighed down their ears, that they should not hear, and they have made their heart like adamantine” (Zechariah 7:11-12).

Because of your actions, Habakkuk raises a lament to God on behalf of the oppressed: A judgment is rendered against me, and the judge receives bribes; as a result, the law is disregarded, and justice remains unfinished, for the wicked support the needy (Hab. 1:3-4). Let us not assume this is a new edict from God; He previously commanded through Moses: You shall judge fairly, whether the case involves a great or small matter; do not show partiality, and do not favor the poor in judgment, for this is the decree of the Lord (Deuteronomy 1:17). Furthermore, let each person demonstrate mercy and compassion toward their neighbor. Let strict justice be tempered with grace for all, especially for our brethren, whom we define as those who share either our blood or our faith.