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"Do not be like your fathers"

Text: Zechariah 1:4

THE FATHERS OF ISRAEL

The patriarchs of Israel were not in view as Zechariah proclaimed this word of counsel.

“‘Do not be like your fathers,
to whom the former prophets preached,
saying, “Thus says the LORD of hosts:
‘Turn now from your evil ways and your evil deeds.'”
But they did not hear nor heed Me,’ says the LORD.”
Zechariah 1:4

1. “Do not be like your fathers”

a) This was not a reference to the patriarchs.

b) They did not have “prophets” sent to them.

c) These “fathers” must have lived in the period where monarchy existed.

2. “The former prophets”

a) These were the pre-exilic prophets.

b) Some were writing prophets.

c) Some only delivered messages from the LORD verbally.

3. “Thus says the LORD”

a) This was the typical way in which the prophets spoke.

b) They proclaimed that their authority came from the LORD.

c) They were but spokesmen for Him.

4. “Turn now from your… evil deeds”

a) This was a frequent cry of the prophets.

b) They spoke against the evil deeds practised by the rulers and officials.

c) Evil deeds were rampant in the country; the ordinary man in the street also perpetrated evil deeds.

5. “‘But they did not hear nor heed Me,’ says the LORD”

This was the solemn appraisal of the LORD as He watched over Israel and Judah.