Zechariah:7

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* Verse 1-7 - If we truly desire to know the will of God in doubtful matters , we must not only consult his word and ministers , but seek his direction by fervent prayer . Those who would know God 's mind should consult God 's ministers ; and , in doubtful cases , ask advice of those whose special business it is to search the Scriptures . The Jews seemed to question whether they ought to continue their fasts , seeing that the city and temple were likely to be finished . The first answer to their inquiry is a sharp reproof of hypocrisy . These fasts were not acceptable to God , unless observed in a better manner , and to better purpose . There was the form of duty , but no life , or soul , or power in it . Holy exercises are to be done to God , looking to his word as our rule , and his glory as our end , seeking to please him and obtain his favour ; but self was the centre of all their actions . And it was not enough to weep on fast days ; they should have searched the Scriptures of the prophets , that they might have seen what was the ground of God 's controversy with their fathers . Whether people are in prosperity or adversity , they must be called upon to leave their sins , and to do their duty . * Verse 8-14 - God 's judgements upon Israel of old for their sins , were written to warn Christians . The duties required are , not keeping fasts and offering sacrifices , but doing justly and loving mercy , which tend to the public welfare and peace . The law of God lays restraint upon the heart . But they filled their minds with prejudices against the word of God . Nothing is harder than the heart of a presumptuous sinner . See the fatal consequences of this to their fathers . Great sins against the Lord of hosts , bring great wrath from his power , which cannot be resisted . Sin , if regarded in the heart , will certainly spoil the success of prayer . The Lord always hears the cry of the broken-hearted penitent ; yet all who die impenitent and unbelieving , will find no remedy or refuge from miseries which while here they despised and defied , but which they then will not be able to bear . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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