In the book of Zechariah, Zechariah said, “And the word of the LORD of hosts came unto me, saying...”, and in chapter eight and verse nineteen of Zechariah, Zechariah shared how Jehovah God talked about, “the fourth month fast” where we read,
Thus says the LORD of hosts; The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth,
and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness,
and cheerful feasts; therefore love the truth and peace.
The verse reads, “Thus says the LORD of hosts; The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth, ...” Zechariah began with the words, “thus says the LORD of hosts” or “therefore, wherefore, then and on this account utters, declares and proclaims Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God who is over the spiritual army of angels and warriors”; “the fast” which means “the denying ones self of food or drink for spiritual purposes” “of the fourth month” or “belonging to the fourth lunar moon or new moon”, “and the fast” which means “ and the denying ones self of food or drink for spiritual purposes” “of the fifth” or “pertaining to the fifth lunar moon or new moon”. Zechariah
The verse continues, “... and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, ...” Zechariah added the words, “and the fast” or “and the denying ones self of food or drink for spiritual purposes” “of the seventh” which means “pertaining to the seventh lunar moon or new moon” “and the fast” or “and the denying ones self of food or drink for spiritual purposes” “of the tenth” which means “pertaining to the tenth lunar moon or new moon”, “shall be to the house” or “will exist toward the dwelling place, habitation and abode” “of Judah” which means “belonging to Judah whose name means praised and was the kingdom comprised of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin which occupied the southern part of Canaan after the nation split upon the death of Solomon” “joy and gladness” or “exaltation, rejoicing, mirth and cheerfulness”. Zechariah shared how the denying of food and drink for spiritual purposes during the seven and tenth lunar moons was to be changed to times of rejoicing, happiness and cheer.
Finally the verse says, “... and cheerful feasts; therefore love the truth and peace.” Zechariah concluded this verse with the words, “and cheerful feasts” which means “and good, pleasant, agreeable, excellent and valuable appointed times, seasons and meetings”; “therefore love the truth” or “wherefore, then, on this account and these things being so have passion and affection toward that which is firm, faithful, sure, reliable and truthful” “and peace” which means “and completeness, soundness, welfare, safety and security”. Zechariah ended this verse by sharing how Jehovah God emphasized that He wanted the people of Israel and Judah to replace their “fasting” with “feasts”, and they were to have great affection toward that which is faithful, true, sound and secure.
When we think through Zechariah's words in this verse, we discover how Jehovah God was aware of the times of the year when the people of Israel and Judah fasted while they were in captivity. The fourth, fifth, seven and tenth months were always observed by the denial of food and drink as a spiritual practice, however God desired for them to rejoice, be happy, glad and filled with cheer as they feasted together over the truthfulness and security He provided. God loves the people of Israel and Judah, and He loves us as well. He proved His love to the world when He sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and when we believe and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put within us a desire to “feast” in joy, cheer and celebration as we enjoy His presence for all eternity.
Next time Zechariah shares how the LORD speaks about, “people and inhabitants coming”, 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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