JOSEPH W. TKACH
PASTOR GENERAL

January 1988

Dear Friend:

Thank you for your question concerning Zechariah 8:19.

The fasts mentioned in this verse were of human origin. They were instituted to serve as reminders of four sorrowful events which befell the Jewish nation during the days of Jeremiah and Ezekiel.

The "fast of the fourth month" was observed during the month of Tammuz; it commemorated the time the city of Jerusalem was broken up (Jer. 52:6-7). The "fast of the fifth" was observed on the tenth of Ab, when the Temple and the houses were burned (Jer. 52:12-13). The "fast of the seventh" refers to the third of Tishri, when Gedaliah was slain by Ishmael (Jer. 40:8; 41:1-3, 15-18). The "fast of the tenth" was kept on the tenth of Tebeth, when the king of Babylon turned against Jerusalem (Ezek. 24:1-2). This information can be verified in the Jewish "Talmud."

As verse 19 of Zechariah 8 shows, these humanly appointed fasts will be turned into feasts or occasions of gladness when God restores all Israel to His way of life. At last, the people will seek God (verses 20-23) and will be greatly blessed. They will no longer wish to perpetuate the memory of tragic events.

Whenever we may assist you further with your study of the Bible or in Christian living, we hope you will let us know. It is our pleasure to serve you.

PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT