And the word of the LORD of hosts came unto me, saying,
-The prophet answers the query (Zechariah 7:3) as to the fast in the fifth month, by a reply applying to all their fasts: these are to be turned into days of rejoicing.-So Jesus replied to His disciples when similarly consulting Him as to why fasting was not imposed by Him, as it was by John the Baptist. When the Sun of Righteousness shines, tears are dried up (Matthew 9:15). So hereafter (Isaiah 35:10).
The fast of the fourth month. On the 4th month of the 11th year of Zedekiah's reign on the 9th day, Jerusalem was taken (Jeremiah 29:2; Jeremiah 52:6-7). It was therefore made a fast day.
And the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh - (notes, Zechariah 7:3-5).
And the fast of the tenth - on the 10th month and 10th day in the 9th year of Zedekiah, the siege began (Jeremiah 52:4).
Shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts - i:e., the fasts shall be turned into feasts of joy, gladness, and cheerfulness.
Therefore love the truth - or, 'only love the truth and peace;' i:e., only, with this proviso-namely, that ye "love the truth and peace" - your fasts shall be turned into feasts. The English version is better. God's blessing covenanted to Israel is not made to depend on Israel's goodness: but Israel's goodness should follow as the consequence of God's gracious promises (Zechariah 8:16-17; Zechariah 7:9-10). God will bless, but not in order that men may harden themselves in sin.