Zechariah 7:9

"This is what the LORD of Hosts says: 'Administer true justice. Show loving devotion and compassion to one another.

Study Bible

This is what the LORD of Hosts says:
The title "LORD of Hosts" emphasizes God's sovereignty and power over all heavenly and earthly armies. It is a reminder of His authority and the divine source of the message. This phrase is often used in prophetic literature to assert the seriousness and divine origin of the message being delivered. It connects to other scriptures where God is depicted as a warrior and protector, such as in Isaiah 1:24 and Psalm 46:7.

Administer true justice.
The call to "administer true justice" reflects God's concern for righteousness and fairness in society. In the historical context, the Israelites had returned from exile and were rebuilding their community. Justice was a critical issue, as the people were called to reflect God's character in their dealings. This command echoes the teachings of the Law, such as in Deuteronomy 16:20, and the prophetic calls for justice found in Micah 6:8. It also foreshadows the justice that Jesus Christ embodies and teaches in the New Testament, particularly in the Sermon on the Mount.

Show loving devotion and compassion to one another.
"Loving devotion" and "compassion" are central to the covenant relationship between God and His people. These terms are often associated with the Hebrew word "hesed," which denotes steadfast love and mercy. The call to show these qualities to one another highlights the social and relational aspects of the covenant community. This mirrors the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized love and compassion as the greatest commandments (Matthew 22:37-40). The cultural context of the time, with its emphasis on community and family, underscores the importance of these virtues in maintaining social harmony and reflecting God's character.

Persons / Places / Events

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

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

3. The Jewish Exiles
The audience of Zechariah's prophecy, who had returned to Jerusalem and were in the process of rebuilding the temple and their community.

4. Jerusalem
The central place of worship and the city where the Jewish exiles were rebuilding their lives and religious practices.

5. The Fast of the Fifth Month
An event mentioned earlier in Zechariah 7, where the people questioned whether they should continue fasting as they did during the exile.

Teaching Points

True Justice
The Hebrew word for "justice" (mishpat) implies fairness and righteousness. Believers are called to uphold justice in their communities, ensuring that their actions reflect God's standards.

Loving Devotion
The term "loving devotion" (chesed) refers to steadfast love and kindness. Christians are encouraged to demonstrate this love in their relationships, mirroring God's covenantal love.

Compassionate Living
Compassion (rachamim) involves empathy and care for others. Followers of Christ should cultivate a heart of compassion, actively seeking to alleviate the suffering of those around them.

Community Responsibility
The call to justice and compassion is not just individual but communal. Churches and Christian communities should work together to create environments where these values are lived out.

Reflecting God's Character
By practicing justice, loving devotion, and compassion, believers reflect the character of God to the world, serving as His ambassadors.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the context of the Jewish exiles returning to Jerusalem influence the message of Zechariah 7:9?

2. In what ways can we "administer true justice" in our daily lives and communities today?

3. How do the concepts of loving devotion and compassion challenge our current relationships and interactions with others?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure our church community embodies the principles of justice and compassion?

5. How do the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament reinforce the message of Zechariah 7:9, and how can we apply these teachings in our modern context?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Micah 6:8
This verse echoes the call for justice, mercy, and humility before God, similar to the message in Zechariah 7:9.

Isaiah 1:17
This passage also emphasizes the importance of seeking justice and defending the oppressed, aligning with the themes of compassion and justice in Zechariah.

Matthew 23:23
Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness, which are the weightier matters of the law, resonating with the call in Zechariah 7:9.