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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/zechariah/7.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/zechariah/7.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The people of Bethel had sent Sharezer and Regem-Melek, together with their men, to entreat the LORD<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/zechariah/7.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The people of Bethel had sent Sharezer and Regemmelech, along with their attendants, to seek the LORD’s favor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/zechariah/7.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Now the people of Bethel had sent Sharezer and Regem-melech and their men to entreat the favor of the LORD,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/zechariah/7.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now the people of Bethel had sent Sharezer and Regem-melech, along with their men, to plead before the LORD<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/zechariah/7.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />When they had sent unto the house of God Sherezer and Regemmelech, and their men, to pray before the LORD,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/zechariah/7.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />when <i>the people</i> sent Sherezer, with Regem-Melech and his men, <i>to</i> the house of God, to pray before the LORD,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/zechariah/7.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now <i>the town of</i> Bethel had sent Sharezer and Regemmelech and their men to seek the favor of the LORD,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/zechariah/7.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Now the town of Bethel had sent Sharezer and Regemmelech and their men to seek the favor of the LORD,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/zechariah/7.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Now <i>the town of</i> Bethel had sent Sharezer and Regemmelech and their men to seek the favor of the LORD,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/zechariah/7.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And <i>the town of</i> Bethel sent Sharezer and Regemmelech and their men to entreat the favor of Yahweh,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/zechariah/7.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Now the people of Bethel had sent Sharezer and Regem-melech and their men to seek the favor of the LORD,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/zechariah/7.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now the people of Bethel had sent Sharezer, Regem-melech, and their men to plead for the LORD’s favor<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/zechariah/7.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now the people of Bethel had sent Sharezer, Regem-melech, and their men to plead for the LORD&#8217s favor<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/zechariah/7.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Now they of Beth-el had sent Sharezer and Regem-melech, and their men, to entreat the favor of Jehovah,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/zechariah/7.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Now they of Beth-el had sent Sharezer and Regem-melech, and their men, to entreat the favour of the LORD,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/zechariah/7.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Now, [the people from] Bethel sent Sharezer and Regem Melech with their men to ask the LORD for a blessing. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/zechariah/7.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The people of Bethel had sent Sharezer and Regemmelech and their men to the Temple of the LORD Almighty to pray for the LORD's blessing <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/zechariah/7.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The people of Bethel were sending Sharezer, Regem-melech, and their men to pray in the LORD's presence <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/zechariah/7.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now the people of Bethel had sent Sharezer and Regem-melech, along with their men, to plead before the LORD<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/zechariah/7.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Now the people of Bethel had sent Sharezer and Regem-Melech and their companions to seek the LORD's favor<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/zechariah/7.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The people of Bethel sent Sharezer and Regem Melech, and their men, to entreat the LORD's favor,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/zechariah/7.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />When they had sent to the house of God Sherezer and Regem-melech, and their men, to pray before the LORD,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/zechariah/7.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The people of Bethel sent Sharezer and Regem Melech and their men to entreat Yahweh’s favor, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/zechariah/7.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Beth-El sends Sherezer and Regem-Melech, and its men, to appease the face of YHWH,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/zechariah/7.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Beth-El sendeth Sherezer and Regem-Melech, and its men, to appease the face of Jehovah,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/zechariah/7.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he will send to the house of God, the chief of the treasure, and the friend of the king, and his men to beseech the face of Jehovah.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/zechariah/7.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />When Sarasar, and Rogommelech, and the men that were with him, sent to the house of God, to entreat the face of the Lord: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/zechariah/7.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And Sharezer and Regemmelech, and the men who were with them, sent to the house of God, to entreat the face of the Lord,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/zechariah/7.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Bethelsarezer sent Regem-melech and his men to implore the favor of the LORD<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/zechariah/7.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Now the people of Bethel had sent Sharezer and Regem-melech and their men, to entreat the favor of the LORD,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/zechariah/7.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />When they had sent to Beth-el, Sherezar and Rab-mag, and the king and his mighty men had sent word to pray for him before the LORD,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/zechariah/7.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And he sent Sheretsar and Rabmag to Bayth Eil, and the King sent and his mighty men to pray for him before LORD JEHOVAH<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/zechariah/7.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />When Bethel-sarezer, and Regem-melech and his men, had sent to entreat the favour of the LORD,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/zechariah/7.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Sarasar and Arbeseer the king and his men sent to Bethel, and <i>that</i> to propitiate the Lord,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/zechariah/7-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CFPk_KgOyMk?start=885" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/zechariah/7.htm">A Call to Justice and Mercy</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>In the fourth year of King Darius, the word of the LORD came to Zechariah on the fourth day of the ninth month, the month of Chislev. <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1008.htm" title="1008: bêṯ- (Prep) -- From bayith and 'el; house of God; Beth-El, a place in Palestine."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1008.htm" title="1008: ’êl (N-proper-fs) -- From bayith and 'el; house of God; Beth-El, a place in Palestine.">Now the people of Bethel</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: way·yiš·laḥ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">had sent</a> <a href="/hebrew/8272.htm" title="8272: śar-An Assyr., also perhaps an Isr. Of foreign derivation; Sharetser, the name of an Assyrian and an Israelite."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8272.htm" title="8272: ’e·ṣer (N-proper-ms) -- An Assyr., also perhaps an Isr. Of foreign derivation; Sharetser, the name of an Assyrian and an Israelite.">Sharezer</a> <a href="/hebrew/7278.htm" title="7278: wə·re·ḡem King's heap, an Isr. From Regem and melek; king's heap; Regem-Melek, an Israelite."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7278.htm" title="7278: me·leḵ (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- King's heap, an Isr. From Regem and melek; king's heap; Regem-Melek, an Israelite.">and Regem-melech,</a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: wa·’ă·nā·šāw (Conj-w:: N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general.">along with their men,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2470.htm" title="2470: lə·ḥal·lō·wṯ (Prep-l:: V-Piel-Inf) -- A primitive root; properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence to be weak, sick, afflicted; or to grieve, make sick; also to stroke, entreat.">to plead</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: pə·nê (N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">before</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>by asking the priests of the house of the LORD of Hosts, as well as the prophets, “Should I weep and fast in the fifth month, as I have done these many years?”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/29-12.htm">Jeremiah 29:12-13</a></span><br />Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. / You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/58-3.htm">Isaiah 58:3-7</a></span><br />“Why have we fasted, and You have not seen? Why have we humbled ourselves, and You have not noticed?” “Behold, on the day of your fast, you do as you please, and you oppress all your workers. / You fast with contention and strife to strike viciously with your fist. You cannot fast as you do today and have your voice be heard on high. / Is this the fast I have chosen: a day for a man to deny himself, to bow his head like a reed, and to spread out sackcloth and ashes? Will you call this a fast and a day acceptable to the LORD? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-16.htm">Matthew 6:16-18</a></span><br />When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward. / But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, / so that your fasting will not be obvious to men, but only to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-11.htm">Isaiah 1:11-17</a></span><br />“What good to Me is your multitude of sacrifices?” says the LORD. “I am full from the burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed cattle; I take no delight in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats. / When you come to appear before Me, who has required this of you—this trampling of My courts? / Bring your worthless offerings no more; your incense is detestable to Me. New Moons, Sabbaths, and convocations—I cannot endure iniquity in a solemn assembly. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/14-12.htm">Jeremiah 14:12</a></span><br />Although they may fast, I will not listen to their cry; although they may offer burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Instead, I will finish them off by sword and famine and plague.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/9-14.htm">Matthew 9:14-15</a></span><br />Then John’s disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Why is it that we and the Pharisees fast so often, but Your disciples do not fast?” / Jesus replied, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while He is with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/58-5.htm">Isaiah 58:5</a></span><br />Is this the fast I have chosen: a day for a man to deny himself, to bow his head like a reed, and to spread out sackcloth and ashes? Will you call this a fast and a day acceptable to the LORD?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/18-10.htm">Luke 18:10-14</a></span><br />“Two men went up to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. / The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. / I fast twice a week and pay tithes of all that I acquire.’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/6-6.htm">Hosea 6:6</a></span><br />For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/5-21.htm">Amos 5:21-24</a></span><br />“I hate, I despise your feasts! I cannot stand the stench of your solemn assemblies. / Even though you offer Me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; for your peace offerings of fattened cattle I will have no regard. / Take away from Me the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-23.htm">Matthew 23:23</a></span><br />Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin. But you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/6-6.htm">Micah 6:6-8</a></span><br />With what shall I come before the LORD when I bow before the God on high? Should I come to Him with burnt offerings, with year-old calves? / Would the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I present my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? / He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/2-18.htm">Mark 2:18-20</a></span><br />Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were often fasting. So people came to Jesus and asked, “Why don’t Your disciples fast like John’s disciples and those of the Pharisees?” / Jesus replied, “How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while He is with them? As long as He is with them, they cannot fast. / But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/15-22.htm">1 Samuel 15:22</a></span><br />But Samuel declared: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joel/2-12.htm">Joel 2:12-13</a></span><br />“Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.” / So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">When they had sent to the house of God Sherezer and Regemmelech, and their men, to pray before the LORD,</p><p class="hdg">they.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/zechariah/6-10.htm">Zechariah 6:10</a></b></br> Take of <i>them of</i> the captivity, <i>even</i> of Heldai, of Tobijah, and of Jedaiah, which are come from Babylon, and come thou the same day, and go into the house of Josiah the son of Zephaniah;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezra/6-10.htm">Ezra 6:10</a></b></br> That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezra/7-15.htm">Ezra 7:15-23</a></b></br> And to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his counsellers have freely offered unto the God of Israel, whose habitation <i>is</i> in Jerusalem, … </p><p class="hdg">pray before the Lord.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/zechariah/8-21.htm">Zechariah 8:21</a></b></br> And the inhabitants of one <i>city</i> shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to pray before the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts: I will go also.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/32-11.htm">Exodus 32:11</a></b></br> And Moses besought the LORD his God, and said, LORD, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/13-12.htm">1 Samuel 13:12</a></b></br> Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the LORD: I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ezekiel/21-17.htm">Appease</a> <a href="/amos/7-13.htm">Bethel</a> <a href="/amos/7-13.htm">Beth-El</a> <a href="/jeremiah/27-18.htm">Entreat</a> <a href="/zechariah/5-3.htm">Face</a> <a href="/hosea/12-4.htm">Favor</a> <a href="/daniel/9-13.htm">Favour</a> <a href="/zechariah/6-14.htm">Grace</a> <a href="/zechariah/6-14.htm">House</a> <a href="/isaiah/57-9.htm">Melech</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/2-47.htm">Regem</a> <a href="/zechariah/6-7.htm">Request</a> <a href="/zechariah/6-7.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/jeremiah/39-13.htm">Sharezer</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-38.htm">Share'zer</a> <a href="/acts/8-24.htm">Supplicate</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-20.htm">Together</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/zechariah/8-21.htm">Appease</a> <a href="/genesis/12-8.htm">Bethel</a> <a href="/genesis/12-8.htm">Beth-El</a> <a href="/zechariah/8-21.htm">Entreat</a> <a href="/zechariah/8-21.htm">Face</a> <a href="/zechariah/8-21.htm">Favor</a> <a href="/zechariah/8-21.htm">Favour</a> <a href="/zechariah/8-21.htm">Grace</a> <a href="/zechariah/7-3.htm">House</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-11.htm">Melech</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/2-47.htm">Regem</a> <a href="/zechariah/8-21.htm">Request</a> <a href="/zechariah/8-21.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/2_kings/19-37.htm">Sharezer</a> <a href="/2_kings/19-37.htm">Share'zer</a> <a href="/zechariah/8-21.htm">Supplicate</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-3.htm">Together</a><div class="vheading2">Zechariah 7</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/zechariah/7-1.htm">The captives enquire concerning the set fasts.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/zechariah/7-4.htm">Zechariah reproves the hypocrisy of their fasting.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/zechariah/7-8.htm">Sin the cause of their captivity.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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It was one of the places where Abraham and Jacob worshiped God (<a href="/genesis/12-8.htm">Genesis 12:8, 28</a>:19). By the time of Zechariah, Bethel had become a center of idolatry during the divided kingdom period (<a href="/1_kings/12-29.htm">1 Kings 12:29-33</a>). The mention of Bethel here indicates a return to seeking the true God, reflecting a shift from idolatry back to worshiping Yahweh.<p><b>had sent Sharezer and Regem-melech</b><br>Sharezer and Regem-melech are likely officials or representatives of Bethel. Their names suggest a Babylonian influence, as "Sharezer" is of Assyrian origin, meaning "protect the king," and "Regem-melech" means "friend of the king." This reflects the historical context of the Jewish return from Babylonian exile, where many Jews had adopted Babylonian names and customs.<p><b>along with their men</b><br>The inclusion of "their men" indicates that this was a formal delegation, suggesting the importance of their mission. It underscores the communal aspect of their inquiry, representing the concerns of the people of Bethel as a whole. This collective approach highlights the seriousness with which they approached the matter at hand.<p><b>to plead before the LORD</b><br>"Plead before the LORD" implies seeking divine guidance or favor. This phrase indicates a return to the covenant relationship with God, where the people sought His will and direction. It reflects the post-exilic community's desire to align with God's purposes, reminiscent of other biblical instances where leaders sought God's counsel (e.g., <a href="/1_samuel/23-2.htm">1 Samuel 23:2</a>, <a href="/2_samuel/5-19.htm">2 Samuel 5:19</a>). This act of seeking God's guidance is a precursor to the message of repentance and justice that Zechariah would later emphasize.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/b/bethel.htm">Bethel</a></b><br>A significant town in the history of Israel, often associated with worship and spiritual encounters. It was a center of religious activity and had historical importance as a place where God revealed Himself to Jacob.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/sharezer.htm">Sharezer</a></b><br>Likely a Babylonian name, indicating a person of foreign origin or influence. He was one of the individuals sent to seek God's favor, representing the people of Bethel.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/r/regem-melech.htm">Regem-melech</a></b><br>Another individual sent from Bethel, possibly a leader or official. His name suggests a royal or noble status, as "melech" means "king" in Hebrew.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord's_favor.htm">The LORD’s Favor</a></b><br>The central focus of the mission, indicating a desire for divine guidance or blessing. This reflects the people's concern about their spiritual standing and relationship with God.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_sending_of_delegates.htm">The Sending of Delegates</a></b><br>This event marks a significant moment where the people of Bethel actively seek divine guidance, showing a communal desire to align with God's will.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_god's_guidance.htm">Seeking God’s Guidance</a></b><br>The act of sending representatives to inquire of the Lord highlights the importance of seeking divine guidance in our decisions and spiritual journey.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_involvement_in_spiritual_matters.htm">Community Involvement in Spiritual Matters</a></b><br>The collective action of Bethel's people underscores the value of community involvement in seeking God's will and favor.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/sincerity_in_worship_and_inquiry.htm">Sincerity in Worship and Inquiry</a></b><br>The motivation behind seeking God's favor should be examined. Are we genuinely seeking His will, or are we merely fulfilling a ritualistic obligation?<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/historical_and_cultural_context.htm">Historical and Cultural Context</a></b><br>Understanding the historical and cultural background of Bethel and its people can enrich our comprehension of their actions and motivations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_leaders_in_spiritual_inquiry.htm">The Role of Leaders in Spiritual Inquiry</a></b><br>Sharezer and Regem-melech's roles as representatives remind us of the responsibility leaders have in guiding others toward God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_zechariah_7.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Zechariah 7</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_aren't_zech._8_19_fasts_consistent.htm">Zechariah 8:19: Why are the specified fasts not consistently observed or recognized in the same way across Jewish history? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bethel_and_ai_children_count.htm">How many were the children of Bethel and Ai? Two hundred and twenty-three (Ezra 2:28) One hundred and twenty-three (Nehemiah 7:32)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_zech._7_1-3_align_with_history.htm">In Zechariah 7:1-3, how does the timeline of the fourth year of King Darius align with known Persian historical records?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_amaziah's_claim_fit_jeroboam's_era.htm">Amos 7:10-13 - Does the account of Amaziah's accusation against Amos align with known historical records and political dynamics of Jeroboam's reign?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/zechariah/7.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">When they had sent unto the house of God.</span> The Vulgate supports this version, <span class="accented">Et miserunt ad domum Dei</span>; the LXX. gives, <span class="greek">Καὶ ἐξαπέστειλεν εἰς Βαιθὴλ</span> <span class="greek">Σαρασὰρ καὶ Ἀρβεσεὲρ ὁ βασιλεὺς καὶ οἱ</span> <span class="greek">ἄνδρες αὐτοῦ</span>, "And Sarasar and Arbescer the king and his men sent to Bethel" - which is far from clear. But the temple is never called <span class="accented">Beth-el</span>, while a mission to the town Bethel would be unmeaning. So "Bethel" is to be taken as the subject of the sentence, thus: "Now Bethel (<span class="accented">i.e.</span> they of Bethel) sent." The persons named may be taken either as the deputation or as the persons meant by "they of Bethel." The former seems most likely to be intended. The Bethelites sent these men to Jerusalem to make the inquiry. The exiles returned each to his own city, as we read in Ezra it.; among them were many people of Bethel (<a href="/ezra/2-28.htm">Ezra 2:28</a>; <a href="/nehemiah/7-32.htm">Nehemiah 7:32</a>), which town they rebuilt (<a href="/nehemiah/11-31.htm">Nehemiah 11:31</a>). They seem to have tacitly acquiesced in the spiritual supremacy of Jerusalem, notwithstanding the associations Connected with their own city. <span class="cmt_word">Sherezer</span>. The names of the deputies are Assyrian; they seem to have retained them on their return. <span class="accented">Sherezer</span>, equivalent to Assyrian <span class="accented">Sar-usur</span> or <span class="accented">Asur-sar-usur</span>, "Asur protect the King," is the name borne by a sen of Sennacherib (<a href="/2_kings/19-37.htm">2 Kings 19:37</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Regem-melech</span>; "Friend of the King." The first half of the word is probably Assyrian (see Schrader, 'Die Keilinschr. und Alt. Test.,' pp. 206, 417). <span class="cmt_word">And their men</span>. Certain persons associated with them in the business. <span class="cmt_word">To pray before the Lord;</span> literally, <span class="accented">to stroke the face of the</span> Lord (<a href="/zechariah/8-21.htm">Zechariah 8:21, 22</a>; <a href="/exodus/32-11.htm">Exodus 32:11</a>); so Latin, <span class="accented">mulcere caput.</span> Hence it means, "to entreat the favour of God" for their city. This was one object of their mission. The other purpose is mentioned in the next verse. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/zechariah/7-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Now the people of Bethel</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵ֔ל</span> <span class="translit">(’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1008.htm">Strong's 1008: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bethel -- 'house of God', a city in Ephraim, also a place in southern Judah</span><br /><br /><span class="word">had sent</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּשְׁלַח֙</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiš·laḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> </span><span class="str2">To send away, for, out</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Sharezer</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶ֕צֶר</span> <span class="translit">(’e·ṣer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8272.htm">Strong's 8272: </a> </span><span class="str2">Sharezer -- an Assyrian, also perhaps an Israelite</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="heb">וְרֶ֥גֶם</span> <span class="translit">(wə·re·ḡem)</span><br /><span class="parse">0<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">Regem-melech,</span><br /><span class="heb">מֶ֖לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7278.htm">Strong's 7278: </a> </span><span class="str2">Regemmelech -- 'king's heap', an Israelite</span><br /><br /><span class="word">along with their men,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַֽאֲנָשָׁ֑יו</span> <span class="translit">(wa·’ă·nā·šāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_582.htm">Strong's 582: </a> </span><span class="str2">Man, mankind</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to plead</span><br /><span class="heb">לְחַלּ֖וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḥal·lō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2470.htm">Strong's 2470: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be weak or sick</span><br /><br /><span class="word">before</span><br /><span class="heb">פְּנֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(pə·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3069.htm">Strong's 3069: </a> </span><span class="str2">YHWH</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/zechariah/7-2.htm">Zechariah 7:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/zechariah/7-2.htm">Zechariah 7:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/zechariah/7-2.htm">Zechariah 7:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/zechariah/7-2.htm">Zechariah 7:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/zechariah/7-2.htm">Zechariah 7:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/zechariah/7-2.htm">Zechariah 7:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/zechariah/7-2.htm">Zechariah 7:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/zechariah/7-2.htm">Zechariah 7:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/zechariah/7-2.htm">Zechariah 7:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/zechariah/7-2.htm">Zechariah 7:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/zechariah/7-2.htm">OT Prophets: Zechariah 7:2 The people of Bethel sent Sharezer (Zech. Zec Zc) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/zechariah/7-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Zechariah 7:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Zechariah 7:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/zechariah/7-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Zechariah 7:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Zechariah 7:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>