In the book of Zechariah, Zechariah wrote concerning the people of Judah and Israel, “thus says the LORD of hosts; As I thought to punish you, when your fathers provoked me to wrath, says the LORD of hosts, and I repented not. So again have I thought in these days to do well unto Jerusalem and to the house of Judah: fear you not”, and in chapter eight and verse sixteen of Zechariah, Zechariah shared how the LORD said to Judah and Israel, “speak you every man truth to his neighbor” where we read,
These are the things that you shall do; Speak you every man the truth to his neighbor;
execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:
The verse reads, “These are the things that you shall do; Speak you every man the truth to his neighbor;” Zechariahbegan with the words, “these are the things” or “the following exist as the acts and deeds” “that you shall do” which means “that you, Judah and Israel, are to perform”; “speak every man the truth” or “utter, declare and proclaim to every person whether male or female according to firmness, faithfulness and reliability” “to his neighbor” which means “toward his, the people of Judah and Israel's, fellow-citizens, companions, friends and associates”. Zechariah shared how Jehovah God instructed the people of Judah and Israel to perform the following acts beginning with declaring that which is true and reliable to their fellow-citizens and companions.
The verse continues, “execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:” Zechariah added the words, “execute the judgment of truth” or “govern, vindicate, rule and decide the justice, ordinance, procedure and litigation pertaining to firmness, faithfulness and reliability” “and peace” which means “and safety, soundness, health, prosperity and welfare”“in your gates” or “within your, the people of Judah and Israel's, entry points, marketplace and court of the tabernacle”. Zechariah shared how Jehovah God instructed the people of Israel and Judah to rule in faithfulness, reliability, calm and tranquility within the entrance of their cities and in their marketplaces.
When we think through Zechariah's words in this verse, we learn how Jehovah God began to instruct the people of Judah and Israel in their behavior toward one another. They were to speak to their fellow-citizens and companions in a reliable manner while they carried out justice in a faithful and peaceful way. God wants there to be “peace on earth, goodwill toward men” (See Luke 2:14), and when we receive His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His traits within us so we care for others in the same manner in which we would like to be cared. (See Matthew 7:12)
Next time Zechariah shares how the LORD says to Judah and Israel, “let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbor” so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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