Zechariah 7 1

Zechariah 7:1 kjv

And it came to pass in the fourth year of king Darius, that the word of the LORD came unto Zechariah in the fourth day of the ninth month, even in Chisleu;

Zechariah 7:1 nkjv

Now in the fourth year of King Darius it came to pass that the word of the LORD came to Zechariah, on the fourth day of the ninth month, Chislev,

Zechariah 7:1 niv

In the fourth year of King Darius, the word of the LORD came to Zechariah on the fourth day of the ninth month, the month of Kislev.

Zechariah 7:1 esv

In the fourth year of King Darius, the word of the LORD came to Zechariah on the fourth day of the ninth month, which is Chislev.

Zechariah 7:1 nlt

On December 7 of the fourth year of King Darius's reign, another message came to Zechariah from the LORD.

Zechariah 7 verses

Zechariah 7 1 Meaning

Zechariah 7:1 records the precise date of a new prophetic revelation from the Lord to the prophet Zechariah. It states that in the fourth year of the reign of King Darius, on the fourth day of the ninth month, known as Chislev, the divine word was given. This verse establishes the historical and chronological context for the prophecies that follow in chapters 7 and 8, marking the occasion for an important inquiry from a delegation regarding the observance of specific fasts.

Zechariah 7 1 Context

Zechariah 7:1 introduces a new section of Zechariah's prophecies (chapters 7-8), distinct in theme from the visions concerning the temple's rebuilding in chapters 1-6. This verse precisely situates the events chronologically, about two years after the prophet's initial series of visions given in the second year of Darius (Zec 1:7). The historical backdrop is the post-exilic period, with the Jewish remnant having returned to Judah from Babylon under Persian rule. The rebuilding of the temple, initially met with apathy and then encouraged by the prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah, was likely well underway or approaching completion by this point. The immediate context, revealed in the subsequent verses (7:2-3), is an inquiry from a delegation sent from Beth-el asking the priests and prophets whether they should continue observing fasts traditionally kept in commemoration of the destruction of Jerusalem, now that the temple was being restored. Zechariah 7:1 sets the precise scene for God's extensive answer to this crucial question about genuine piety versus mere ritual.

Zechariah 7 1 Word analysis

• In the fourth year: This marks a precise chronological update from Zechariah 1:1, 1:7, which specify events in the "second year" of Darius. It indicates a period of two years has passed, signifying ongoing historical development and God's sustained communication with His people.
• of King Darius: The Hebrew term for Darius is דָּרְיָוֶשׁ (Daryavesh). This refers to Darius I Hystaspes, the King of Persia (reigned 522-486 BC). This historical anchoring provides crucial external validation for the biblical narrative and prophecy, connecting it to known ancient world history. The Temple rebuilding was officially sanctioned by Darius I (Ezra 6:1-12).
• the word of the Lord came: The Hebrew phrase is דְּבַר יְהוָה (devar Yahweh), a quintessential formula used throughout the Old Testament to introduce a divine revelation to a prophet. It underscores that the message is not of human origin or wisdom, but directly from the sovereign God, Yahweh. This phrase authenticates the prophecy's authority and origin.
• to Zechariah: The direct recipient of the divine message, confirming his role as God's chosen messenger. His ministry extends beyond initial temple encouragement to ethical instruction.
• on the fourth day: Another layer of precise chronological detail, showing specificity.
• of the ninth month: The ninth month in the Jewish religious calendar. This level of detail emphasizes the meticulous recording of prophetic encounters, enhancing their credibility.
• which is Chislev: The Hebrew for Chislev is כִּסְלֵו (Kislev). This provides the Babylonian name for the ninth month. During the post-exilic period, Jewish people commonly used the Babylonian month names (e.g., Nehemiah 1:1 for Chislev, Zechariah 1:7 for Shebat, another Babylonian name). This linguistic detail reflects the cultural impact of their exile in Babylon and their current administrative context under the Persian Empire. It clarifies the traditional month numbering.

Words-group analysis

• "In the fourth year of King Darius, on the fourth day of the ninth month, which is Chislev": This complete date structure provides meticulous precision. It functions as a historical timestamp, demonstrating the verifiable nature of God's interaction with His people in real time. It signifies that the following prophecies are not abstract pronouncements but are firmly rooted in specific historical circumstances that prompted them.
• "the word of the Lord came to Zechariah": This standard prophetic introduction immediately establishes the divine source and prophetic authority for the subsequent message. It tells the reader that what follows is not merely human counsel but a direct communication from Yahweh through His designated prophet, making it binding and significant for the audience.

Zechariah 7 1 Bonus section

• The exact timing of this oracle, approximately two years after the vision cycle in Zechariah 1-6 (dated in the 2nd year of Darius, Shebat, Zec 1:7), indicates a progression in the post-exilic community's concerns. The immediate Temple rebuilding efforts encouraged by Haggai and Zechariah had either concluded or were nearing completion, leading the people to reflect on other aspects of their restored religious life, specifically traditional fasts related to the exilic period.
• The meticulous dating itself is a hallmark of prophetic literature aiming for verifiability and demonstrating divine superintendence over history, echoing similar precise dates found in the books of Ezekiel and Haggai. It signals the importance of the message to follow.

Zechariah 7 1 Commentary

Zechariah 7:1 functions as a crucial gateway, transitioning the book's focus from the rebuilding of the physical Temple to the more profound matters of true righteousness and genuine heart-obedience. The verse's exceptional precision in dating – "the fourth year of King Darius, on the fourth day of the ninth month, which is Chislev" – serves multiple purposes. First, it authenticates the prophetic message, grounding it in a verifiable historical context, much like a chronicler would meticulously record events. This careful dating, two years after Zechariah's earlier visions in the second year of Darius, demonstrates the continuity of God's communication with His people during the challenging post-exilic period. Second, it sets the stage for a new prophetic revelation, indicating that the preceding visions related to the Temple's reconstruction (chapters 1-6) were likely near completion or gaining momentum. This precise timing underscores God's active involvement in the daily lives and concerns of His covenant people, responding to their inquiries and guiding them toward a deeper understanding of worship beyond mere ritual. The details establish the specific occasion for the teachings that follow, particularly the Beth-el delegation's inquiry about maintaining traditional fasts, revealing God's priorities for their spiritual life.