Zechariah 7:12

They made their hearts like flint and would not listen to the law or to the words that the LORD of Hosts had sent by His Spirit through the earlier prophets. Therefore great anger came from the LORD of Hosts.

Study Bible

They made their hearts like flint
The phrase "They made their hearts like flint" uses the imagery of flint, a very hard stone, to describe the stubbornness and resistance of the people’s hearts. In Hebrew, the word for "flint" is "שָׁמִיר" (shamir), which conveys the idea of something impenetrable and unyielding. This metaphor highlights the deliberate choice of the people to harden their hearts against God's message. Historically, flint was used to make tools and weapons, symbolizing the people's active resistance to divine instruction. Theologically, this phrase warns against the dangers of spiritual obstinacy and the refusal to be molded by God's will.

refusing to hear the law
The phrase "refusing to hear the law" indicates a willful disobedience to God's commandments. The Hebrew word for "law" is "תּוֹרָה" (torah), which encompasses not just legalistic rules but the entire teaching and instruction of God. This refusal is not due to ignorance but a conscious decision to ignore divine guidance. In the historical context, this reflects the period of the prophets when Israel repeatedly turned away from God's covenant, leading to their exile. Spiritually, it serves as a reminder of the importance of being receptive to God's word and the consequences of neglecting His teachings.

and the words that the LORD of Hosts had sent by His Spirit
This phrase emphasizes the divine origin of the message delivered to the people. "The LORD of Hosts" (יהוה צְבָאוֹת, Yahweh Tseva'ot) is a title that underscores God's sovereignty and command over the heavenly armies, highlighting His authority and power. The mention of "His Spirit" (רוּחוֹ, ruach) indicates that the messages were not merely human words but were inspired by the Holy Spirit. This underscores the seriousness of rejecting such divinely inspired messages. Historically, the prophets were seen as mouthpieces of God, and their words carried the weight of divine authority.

through the earlier prophets
The phrase "through the earlier prophets" refers to the prophets who came before Zechariah, such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. These prophets consistently called the people back to faithfulness and warned of the consequences of disobedience. The historical context here is crucial, as it shows a pattern of God’s persistent attempts to reach His people through various messengers. This continuity of prophetic messages highlights God's patience and enduring desire for His people to return to Him. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of heeding prophetic voices throughout history.

So a great wrath came from the LORD of Hosts
The phrase "So a great wrath came from the LORD of Hosts" describes the inevitable consequence of the people's hardened hearts and disobedience. The "great wrath" (קֶצֶף גָּדוֹל, qetsef gadol) signifies not just anger but a righteous and just response to persistent rebellion. Theologically, this reflects the holiness and justice of God, who cannot overlook sin indefinitely. Historically, this wrath manifested in the form of exile and destruction, as seen in the Babylonian captivity. This serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of sin and the reality of divine judgment, urging believers to remain faithful and obedient to God’s commands.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Zechariah
A prophet who ministered to the people of Judah after their return from Babylonian exile. His messages often focused on repentance and the coming of the Messiah.

2. The People of Judah
The audience of Zechariah's prophecy, who had returned from exile and were in the process of rebuilding their community and temple.

3. The LORD of Hosts
A title for God emphasizing His sovereignty and command over the heavenly armies, highlighting His power and authority.

4. Earlier Prophets
Refers to the prophets who came before Zechariah, such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and others, who delivered God's messages to His people.

5. The Law
The Torah, or the first five books of the Bible, which contains God's commandments and instructions for His people.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Hardening Hearts
Just as the people of Judah hardened their hearts like flint, we must be vigilant against becoming spiritually callous. Regular self-examination and repentance are crucial to maintaining a soft heart toward God.

The Importance of Listening to God's Word
The refusal to hear the law and the prophets led to God's anger. We must prioritize listening to and obeying God's Word, recognizing it as the ultimate authority in our lives.

The Role of the Holy Spirit
The verse highlights that the words of the prophets were sent by God's Spirit. We should seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in understanding and applying Scripture to our lives.

Consequences of Disobedience
The great anger of the LORD serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of persistent disobedience. God's patience is immense, but His justice is certain.

Bible Study Questions

1. What are some ways we might harden our hearts against God's Word today, and how can we guard against this tendency?

2. How does understanding the role of the Holy Spirit in delivering God's messages through the prophets impact our view of Scripture?

3. In what ways can we ensure that we are not just hearers of the Word, but doers as well, in light of Zechariah 7:12?

4. How do the warnings in Zechariah 7:12 relate to the New Testament teachings on obedience and faithfulness?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced the consequences of not listening to God's guidance. What did you learn, and how can that experience help you grow in your faith?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Jeremiah 17:23
This verse speaks of the people's stubbornness and refusal to listen to God's commands, similar to the hard-heartedness described in Zechariah 7:12.

Ezekiel 3:7-9
God tells Ezekiel that the people are hard-hearted and stubborn, and He makes Ezekiel's forehead like flint to stand against them, paralleling the imagery of hardened hearts in Zechariah.

Hebrews 3:7-8
The writer of Hebrews warns against hardening hearts as the Israelites did in the wilderness, echoing the warning in Zechariah.