Verse 1

the fourth year. Two years later than the first literal prophecy in Zechariah 1:1.

king Darius. Darius (Hystaspis). See App-57,

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

Chisleu. Corresponding with our December. See App-51.

Verse 2

they had sent unto the house of GOD, &c.: or, when Sherezer had sent (and Regem-melech and his men) to Bethel", &c. Beth-el had already been occupied by exiles returned from Babylon. See Ezra 2:28. Nehemiah 7:32; Nehemiah 11:31.

GOD. Hebrew. El. App-4.

Sherezer. Probably born in exile, as he bears an Assyrian name.

men. Hebrew, plural of "enosh. App-14.

pray before the LORD = entreat Jehovah"s favour by prayer (Exodus 32:11. 1 Kings 13:6; Jeremiah 26:19); or by sacrifice (1 Samuel 13:12).

Verse 3

speak unto the priests, &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Deuteronomy 17:9; Deuteronomy 33:10). App-92.

the LORD of hosts. See note on Zechariah 1:3.

in the fifth month. See note on Zechariah 7:5.

as = according as.

these so many years = now so many years. Some codices read "seventy years", as in Zechariah 7:5

Verse 5

in the fifth. month. The month Ab (our August, App-51. V). The fast had already then been instituted to commemorate the destruction of Jerusalem on the tenth of Ab (Jeremiah 52:12, Jeremiah 52:13).

seventh month. The month Tisri (our October). The fast had already then been instituted, on the third of Tisri, to commemorate the murder of Gedaliah by Ishmael, the son of Nethaniah. See Jeremiah 40:8; Jeremiah 41:1-3, Jeremiah 41:15-18. See further notes on Zechariah 8:19.

even. Some codices omit this word.

Verse 6

when ye did eat, &c. Or, was it not ye that were the eaters, and ye the drinkers?

for yourselves. Not "before the Lord: or for His glory. See Deuteronomy 12:7; Deuteronomy 14:26. 1 Chronicles 29:22; and compare 1 Corinthians 10:31. Colossians 3:17.

Verse 7

Should ye not hear. ? Supply the Ellipsis (App-6) better by "[Should ye not have obeyed? ]" or, ["Are not these] the very words? "

by = by the hand of: "hand" being put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), App-6, for the agency.

the former prophets. See note on Zechariah 4:1.

the south = the Negeb. Compare Genesis 13:1. Deuteronomy 1:7, and see note on Psalms 126:4.

the plain = the lowland. Hebrew. shephelah. Compare Deuteronomy 1:7. Judges 1:9, &c.

Verse 9

Execute. judgment. Note the Figure of speech Polyptoton (App-6). Hebrew. mishpat. shephotu = true judgment judge ye. Compare Isaiah 58:6, Isaiah 58:7.

mercy = lovingkindness.

every man. Hebrew. ish. App-14.

Verse 10

oppress not the widow. stranger. Reference to Pentateuch (Exodus 22:21, Exodus 22:22. Deuteronomy 24:17). App-92.

nor = and.

evil. raa. App-44.

Verse 11

But they. Some codices, with four early printed editions, read "and ye", showing the Figure of speech Polysyndetion (App-6).

refused, &c. Compare Zechariah 1:4. Jeremiah 6:10, Jeremiah 6:17, Jeremiah 6:19, &c.

and. Note the Figure of speech Polysyndeton (App-6) for emphasis.

pulled away, &c. Turning aside from the one who speaks.

Verse 12

the law. Reference to Pentateuch (Exo 20, &c.), App-92.

in = by. Hebrew. ruach. App-9.

Verse 14

I scattered them with a whirlwind. Not the usual verb, to scatter; but sa"ar = to drive with a tempest. Occurs only seven times (2 Kings 6:11 ("sore troubled"). Isaiah 54:11. Hosea 13:3. Jonah 1:11, Jonah 1:13. Habakkuk 3:14).

the land was desolate. Reference to Pentateuch (Leviticus 26:22).

after them: i.e. when they had left it.

pleasant = desirable. Daniel 8:9.