Zechariah 7:3 - Easy To Read Version They went to the prophets and to the priests at the temple of the Lord All-Powerful. Those men asked them this question: “For many years we have shown our sadness for the destruction of the temple. In the fifth month of each year we have had a special time of crying and fasting. Should we continue to do this?” Tuilleadh leaganachaKing James Version (Oxford) 1769 and to speak unto the priests which were in the house of the LORD of hosts, and to the prophets, saying, Should I weep in the fifth month, separating myself, as I have done these so many years? Amplified Bible - Classic Edition And to speak to the priests of the house of the Lord of hosts and to the prophets, saying, [Now that I am returned from exile] should I weep in the fifth month, separating myself as I have done these so many years [in Babylon]? American Standard Version (1901) and to speak unto the priests of the house of Jehovah of hosts, and to the prophets, saying, Should I weep in the fifth month, separating myself, as I have done these so many years? Common English Bible saying to the priests who were in the house of the LORD of heavenly forces and to the prophets: “Should I weep in the fifth month and abstain as I have done for a number of years?” Catholic Public Domain Version to speak to the priests of the house of the Lord of hosts and to the prophets, saying: "Must there be weeping with me in the fifth month, and must I sanctify myself, as I have now done for many years?" Douay-Rheims version of The Bible - 1752 version To speak to the priests of the house of the Lord of hosts, and to the prophets, saying: Must I weep in the fifth month, or must I sanctify myself as I have now done for many years? |
The builders finished laying the foundation for the Lord’s temple. When the foundation was finished, the priests put on their priests’ clothing. Then they got their trumpets. And the sons of Asaph got their cymbals. They all took their places to praise the Lord. This was done the way David, king of Israel, ordered in the past.
There is a time to cry,\par and a time to laugh.\par There is a time to be sad,\par and a time to dance from joy.\par
“My people are destroyed because they have no knowledge. You have refused to learn. So I will refuse to let you be a priest for me. You have forgotten the law of your God, so I will forget your children.
Let the priests, the Lord’s servants,\par cry between the porch {\cf2\super [15]} and the altar. {\cf2\super [16]} \par All of those people should say these things:\par “Lord, have mercy on your people.\par Don’t let your people be put to shame.\par Don’t let other people tell jokes\par about your people.\par Don’t let people in other nations\par \{laugh at us and\} say,\par ‘Where is their God?’”\par
The Lord All-Powerful commands you to ask the priests what the law says about these things:
“Tell the priests and the other people in this country these things: For seventy years you fasted and showed your sadness in the fifth month and in the seventh month. But was that fasting really for me? No!
The Lord All-Powerful says, “You have special days of sadness and fasting in the fourth month, the fifth month, the seventh month, and the tenth month. {\cf2\super [22]} Those days of sadness must be changed into days of happiness. Those will be good and happy holidays. And you must love truth and peace!”
A priest should know God’s teachings. People should be able to go to a priest and learn God’s teachings. A priest should be God’s messenger to the people.”
Jesus answered, “\{When there is a wedding,\} the friends of the bridegroom {\cf2\super [110]} are not sad while he is with them. But the time will come when the bridegroom will leave them. The friends are sad when the bridegroom leaves. Then they will fast. {\cf2\super [111]}
Don’t refuse to give your bodies to each other. But you might both agree to stay away \{from sex\} for a time. You might do this so that you can give your time to prayer. Then come together again. This is so that Satan (the Devil) cannot tempt you in your weakness.
They will teach your rules to Jacob [222] They will teach your Law to Israel. They will burn incense [223] before you. They will offer burnt offerings on your altar.