Zechariah 7 - 8

In Zechariah 7-8, Steve Gregg examines the issue of fasting among the exiles in Babylon and Jerusalem. He notes that while fasting had become a ritual on the calendar, it was not something commanded by God. Gregg suggests that fasting should be done with the purpose of mourning and not as a religious show, and that it should be accompanied by actions that benefit society, such as helping the oppressed and sharing bread with the hungry. He also reminds listeners that former prophets have warned about the consequences of ignoring God's commands.