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Zechariah 1:6

But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not take hold of your fathers? and they returned and said, Like as the LORD of hosts thought to do unto us, according to our ways, and according to our doings, so hath he dealt with us.

Zechariah 1:6 · King James Version

Meaning

During biblical times, the prophets were chosen by God to deliver divine messages and warnings to the people. In this verse, God is reminding the Israelites of the words and statutes He had given them through His prophets, which their ancestors had disregarded. The verse highlights the idea that God's commands and warnings are not to be taken lightly, as they have real consequences based on the actions and behavior of the people. The Israelites are being reminded that the Lord's actions towards them are a result of their own ways and deeds. It serves as a lesson for them to reflect on their actions and align themselves with God's will in order to avoid the consequences of their disobedience. By acknowledging God's intentions and taking responsibility for their actions, the people can strive to live in accordance with His commands and experience His blessings and favor.

Theological Overview

One theological interpretation of this verse is that it highlights the idea of divine justice being carried out by God in accordance with His words and statutes as proclaimed by the prophets. In this passage, the Prophet Zechariah is reminding the people of Israel of the consequences of their ancestors' actions. When their forefathers did not heed the word of the Lord and follow His commandments, they faced the repercussions of their disobedience. The phrase "Like as the LORD of hosts thought to do unto us, according to our ways, and according to our doings, so hath he dealt with us" underscores the understanding that God's judgment is based on the actions of His people. This verse serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of obedience to God's word and the inevitable outcome of straying from His commandments.

Zechariah 1:6 in other translations

American Standard Version

But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not overtake your fathers? and they turned and said, Like as Jehovah of hosts thought to do unto us, according to our ways, and according to our doings, so hath he dealt with us.

World English Bible

But my words and my decrees, which I commanded my servants the prophets, didn’t they overtake your fathers? “Then they repented and said, ‘Just as Yahweh of Armies determined to do to us, according to our ways, and according to our practices, so he has dealt with us.’”

Douay-Rheims

But yet my words, and my ordinances, which I gave in charge to my servants the prophets, did they not take hold of your fathers, and they returned, and said: As the Lord of hosts thought to do to us according to our ways, and according to our devices, so he hath done to us.

Geneva Bible (1599)

But did not my wordes and my statutes, which I commanded by my seruants ye Prophets, take holde of your fathers? and they returned, and sayd, As the Lord of hostes hath determined to doe vnto vs, according to our owne wayes, and according to our workes, so hath hee dealt with vs.