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"These are the things you shall do"

Text: Zechariah 8:16

GOD’S EXPECTATIONS

The LORD gave clear commandments to Jerusalem and Judah. These were not new things at all. These expectations were taught by Moses (Cf. Deuteronomy).

“‘These are the things you shall do:
Speak each man the truth to his neighbor;
Give judgment in your gates for truth, justice, and peace;
Let none of you think evil in your heart against your neighbor;
And do not love a false oath.
For all these are things that I hate,’
Says the LORD.”
Zechariah 8:16-17

1. “These are the things you shall do”

a) These are not suggestions.

b) These are commandments.

c) God expects compliance:

i) Speaking truth to each other.

ii) Truth must be the cornerstone of their life.

d) The word “gates”

i) This was where all the business transactions were done.

ii) There must be the practice of “truth” (honesty and integrity).

iii) Justice must be upheld (The poor and the weak must not be bullied).

iv) Peace must be promoted.

2. There were things that must not be done

a) There must be no evil thoughts in the heart against one’s neighbour.

b) A false oath must never be uttered.

c) God’s name would then have been taken in vain.

d) These were just two things that were highlighted.

These were the wicked practices of the past generations. God hates such things!