Zechariah 7:3
“and to speak to the priests of the house of Yahweh of Armies, and to the prophets, saying, “Should I weep in the fifth month, separating myself, as I have done these so many years?””
What does Zechariah 7:3 mean?
The people of Jerusalem are asking the priests and prophets whether they should continue a mourning practice they've observed for many years, specifically fasting and weeping in the fifth month (which commemorated the burning of the temple). They're essentially questioning whether this old ritual still matters now that the temple is being rebuilt and their circumstances have changed. This question opens up a deeper conversation in Zechariah about what God actually values, moving from external religious habits toward genuine faithfulness and compassion. It's a poignant moment of people wondering whether their long-held traditions still make sense in their new reality.