Zechariah 7:13

Arabic 2016 (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)

لِذَلِكَ يَقُولُ اللهُ القَدِيرُ: «كَمَا أنَّهُمْ لَمْ يَسْتَمِعُوا إلَيَّ حِينَ دَعَوْتُهُمْ، كَذَلِكَ حِينَ يَدْعُونَنِي لَنْ أُصغِيَ.

What Does This Mean?

This verse from Zechariah says that God spoke to the people but they did not listen, so now when they cry out, He will not listen. The speaker is the LORD of hosts, and the key message is about consequences for ignoring God's words.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a friend who keeps telling you something important, but you keep ignoring them. One day, when you really need help and call to your friend, they might not listen because you didn't pay attention before. That's kind of what this verse is saying about God and the people.

Historical Background

The book of Zechariah was written by the prophet Zechariah around 520 BC. It was directed at the returning exiles from Babylon, a time when they were rebuilding Jerusalem and the temple after their long exile. The cultural setting reflects a period of renewal and divine guidance.

Living It Out Today

In modern times, this verse can be applied to situations where people ignore advice or warnings and later face consequences for their neglect. For example, someone who ignores medical advice might suffer health issues later on.

Topics

• consequences
• obedience
• divine guidance
• rejection
• repentance
• justice

Related Verses

• Isaiah 65:2
• Jeremiah 7:13
• Amos 4:6
• Luke 13:34
• Hebrews 12:5

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main lesson from Zechariah 7:13?

The main lesson is that ignoring divine warnings has consequences, and just as they ignored God’s words, He will now ignore their cries for help.

How can we avoid the situation described in this verse?

We can avoid it by listening attentively to what God says through His Word and being obedient to Him, thus maintaining a responsive relationship with Him.

What does 'LORD of hosts' mean in this context?

'Lord of hosts' refers to God as the commander of all armies, emphasizing His power and authority over everything.

Why is understanding historical context important for this verse?

Understanding the historical context helps us appreciate the circumstances under which these words were spoken and how they relate to the rebuilding efforts after exile.