Choose Three Commands

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Zechariah 7:9 ESV

The Lord God gave the Prophet Zechariah three “take-away” commands. The words were in the form of a command. In the Hebrew the first word is שְׁפֹ֔טוּ (pronounced šə·p̄ō·ṭū)

which translated means “execute” or give true.

In Zechariah 7:9 he was told:

“Thus says the Lord of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another.

The three items on the list for Zechariah were all intended to be a person to person take-away. It WAS personal.

Why is that important?

We have to remember the history during the time of the prophets.

Historically when God said, “you are my people” it was personal. It was about a relationship that was filled to overflowing with love. Man has little context for this kind of pure love.

In order for God to communicate with man, God sent prophets. God spoke to the prophets personally. In the Hebrew tradition a prophet was a man or a woman chosen by God because God knew He could trust the prophet

with the message. The prophet was a person God could trust to reveal the message, to rebuke man/woman if they are not of the same mind with God’s intent, to awaken man/woman to God’s truth and love, and to set man/woman on the right path to love.

When God chose the prophet God could see their heart and know they possessed the ability to receive the message AND pass it on in love. It stands to reason that the prophet would have established a relationship with the audience receiving the message.

In communication one of the most important elements between the speaker and the audience is establishing trust. An effective communicator has to win over the audience before giving the message. That’s why we see politicians shaking hands and speaking personally with members of the audience.

Prophets needed to be trusted to have an audience. In this case, the message from God was about the integrity of giving true judgments, being kind and offering kindness, and giving mercy.

God wanted His people to be fair in their judgments, empathetic with their fellow kinsmen (Hebrews), and supportive of those in need.

After all…the Hebrew people were God’s personal treasure chosen to proclaim God’s message to the world and the best of the best was yet to come.

Deborah

acrazyjourney.com