THESE ARE THE THINGS YOU SHALL DO

Prophet Zechariah, writing in 6th century B.C., has these powerful words from the LORD, to the People of God. 
– “14 “For thus says the LORD of hosts: Just as I determined to punish you When your fathers provoked Me to wrath,’ Says the LORD of hosts, And I would not relent, 15 So again in these days I am determined to do good To Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. Do not fear.” – Zechariah 8:14-15

The above verses speak of God’s heart, and His boundless love. The LORD who drove His people, to Babylon, the modern day Iraq, as a punishment for their disobedience, sin and rebellion against YAHWEH, their God, is speaking of His compassion and His love for His people, in their exile. 

God’s desire is never to destroy His people, even though the punishment is harsh and painful. God wants us to learn that disobedience, and the sin of rebellion, despite repeated warnings, has its consequences. It is the simple logic of nature – “What we sow, that we reap.”

When the LORD desires to show mercy and grace, towards His wayward and rebellious ‘Chosen People’ – which Israel did not deserve, just like us Christians – He expects certain things from us. This is very crucial for the promise of restoration to come to fulfilment. Israel and we are called, to do some things,, and not to do some things.
– “16 These are the things you shall do: Speak each man the truth to his neighbor; Give judgment in your gates for truth, justice, and peace; 17 Let none of you think evil in your heart against your neighbor; And do not love a false oath. For all these are things that I hate,’ Says the LORD.” – Zechariah 8:16-17

As Israel was subjected to this righteous and just punishment, the LORD is reminding them, and also to us, even this day, what is closest to His heart. The LORD our God wants all His children to do certain things, and also, there are certain things that He doesn’t want us to do. Our obedience to this, is the evidence of our repentance, and our restoration is conditional to our obedience.
– “God promised blessing to an obedient Israel and cursing to a disobedient Israel (Deuteronomy 28:1-2, 28:15). If God will bless instead of curse, they must fulfill their end of the Mosaic covenant, and gain blessing instead of curses.” – David Guzik

1- THINGS WE SHOULD DO
– “Speak each man the truth to his neighbor;”
– “Give judgment in your gates for truth, justice, and peace;”
“To secure the fulfilment of the promise of good, they [Israel] must do the will of God (Zechariah 7:9. etc.). Truth…was to be observed in all conversation and transactions with their neighbours…Practise perfect equity in judgments, and so decide, according to truth and justice, as to secure peace and concord between the parties concerned.” – Donald Spence Jones

2- THINGS THE LORD HATES, HENCE, WE SHOULD NOT DO THEM
– “Let none of you think evil in your heart against your neighbor;”
– “And do not love a false oath.”
“This phrase [“Let none of you think evil in your heart against your neighbor;”] emphasizes the importance of internal purity and the intentions of the heart. In biblical context, the heart is often seen as the center of thought and intention (Proverbs 4:23). The command not to plot evil reflects the broader biblical principle of loving one’s neighbor, as seen in Leviticus 19:18 and reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 22:39.” – Berean Study Bible

– “For all these are things that I hate,”
“This…reveals God’s character and His desire for His people to reflect His holiness. The use of “hate” indicates the intensity of God’s aversion to sin and injustice. It echoes other prophetic writings where God expresses His disdain for hypocrisy and unrighteousness (Isaiah 1:11-17, Amos 5:21-24). The declaration by the LORD underscores the divine authority behind these commands, reminding the audience of God’s covenant relationship with Israel and His expectations for their conduct. This reflects the broader biblical narrative of God’s desire for a holy people, set apart to reflect His character to the world (1 Peter 1:15-16).” – Berean Study Bible

It is good for us to pause and ponder on all what the LORD is asking Israel, even today in all her dealings with her neighbours. Let us remember that, the LORD is asking the very same from Christians too. For we are His Chosen People, and a Royal Priesthood… – 1 Peter 2:9-10. Let us always remember, and never forget, the words and the warning, our LORD spoke through His prophet Samuel, to king Saul. They are just as valid to us, even today, as they were to Saul, and the whole of Israel.
– “22 So Samuel said: “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He also has rejected you from being king.” – 1 Samuel 15:22-23. Let us learn to obey the LORD. Even so, the LORD help us.