fast of . . . fourth month—On the fourth month of the eleventh year of Zedekiah's reign, on the ninth day, Jerusalem was taken (Jeremiah 39:2; Jeremiah 52:6-7). It was therefore made a fast day.
fifth . . . seventh—(See on Zechariah 7:3; Zechariah 7:5).
tenth—On the tenth month and tenth day, in the ninth year of Zedekiah, the siege began (Jeremiah 52:4).
therefore love the truth—or, "only love." English Version is better. God's blessing covenanted to Israel is not made to depend on Israel's goodness: but Israel's goodness should follow as the consequence of God's gracious promises (Zechariah 8:16-17; Zechariah 7:9-10). God will bless, but not those who harden themselves in sin.
The prophet answers the query (Zechariah 7:3) as to the fast in the fifth month, by a reply applying to all their fasts: these are to be turned into days of rejoicing. So Jesus replied to His disciples when similarly consulting Him as to why fasting was not imposed by Him, as it was by John the Baptist. When the Sun of righteousness shines, tears are dried up (Matthew 9:15). So hereafter (Isaiah 35:10).
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