A delegation of Jews had come from Bethel inquiring whether it was still necessary to fast in mourning for the destruction of the Temple since it was now being rebuilt…only showing they were entirely missing the point. Yes, it had been 70 years, contends Zechariah, but their fasting had now become just for show and self-interest rather than to please God. In other words, the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple was just a distant memory and had taught them nothing. So Zechariah again called them back to obedience to God…for their formal worship had become mere lip-service. By the way, Zechariah did answer their question in Chapter 8:18-19, whether they needed to continue to fast or not with an empathic Yes!
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