7:1–3 · The question: About two years after the temple rebuilding had recommenced, the question arose regarding the necessity of continuing the annual fasts that commemorated the destruction of the temple. The delegation comes from Bethel. The word “entreat” (7:2) indicates that these people are not merely asking for a judicial decision from the priests and prophets. They are seeking a favor from God. The fasts have obviously become wearisome to them. Except for the fast of the Day of Atonement, God had not prescribed fasting as an annual ritual. It was appropriate on special occasions such as when there was mourning for sin (cf. Joel 1:13–14). In the present case the fasts have become a burdensome ritual with no real spiritual motivation. God does not tell them what they want to hear, bu…