Zechariah 7

The prophecy addresses a delegation that asks if they should continue the fasting they started during their exile. Zechariah reminds them that their fathers were destroyed because they focused on religious ritual while ignoring justice and mercy. He warns them that their fasting was only for themselves, not for God. Zechariah urges them to judge justly, show mercy and compassion, and not oppress the poor, widows, or orphans, making it clear that true religion involves moral action.