This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.’ Zechariah 7:9-10
“The duties here required of them, which would have been the lengthening of the tranquillity of their fathers and must be the restoring of their tranquillity, are not keeping fasts and offering sacrifices, but doing justly and loving mercy, duties which they were bound to by the light and law of nature, though there had been no prophets sent to insist upon them, duties which had a direct tendency to the public welfare and peace, and which they themselves would be the gainers by, and not God.
Magistrates must administer justice impartially, according to the maxims of the law and the merits of the cause, without respect of persons: “Judge judgment of truth, and execute it when you have judged it.’’
Neighbors must have a tender concern for one another, and must not only do one another no wrong, but must be ready to do one another all the good offices that lie in their power. They must show mercy and compassion every man to his brother, as the case called for it. The infirmities of others, as well as their calamities, are to be looked upon with compassion. Hanc veniam petimusque damusque vicissim — This kindness we ask and exercise.”
Matthew Henry (1662-1714) in Commentary on Zechariah 7:9-10.
We are living in a time of social unrest and physical infirmity that cannot be overstated as “unprecedented” and challenging. How can we find tranquility again? How should we live in response?
In reflecting on this question, I meditated on today’s Scripture and read this old commentary. Henry reminds us to consider how our actions impact others and to act with kindness.
While many plot evil, let’s plan to do good. Whether to foreigners or friends let us show mercy and compassion to all people. When we show “tender concern” we act justly and help each other navigate calamity.