Zechariah 1:1-6

1When Darius had been king of Persia for two years, Zechariah the prophet heard a message from the Lord. It was the eighth month of the year. Zechariah was the son of Berekiah, and Berekiah was the son of Iddo.

2This was the Lord's message: ‘I, the Lord, was very angry with your ancestors.

3Now I, the Lord Almighty, say this to you: “If you return to me, I will return to you.”

4Do not be like your ancestors. Many years ago the prophets gave them a message from me. The message was, “Stop doing those evil and wicked things.” But they did not listen to me. They did not think that my message was important.

5That was a long time ago. Your ancestors have been dead for a long time. So have the prophets.

6I told my prophets to speak my message and my commands. I punished your ancestors, as I warned them I would do. Then they turned back to me. They said, “The Lord Almighty has punished us for our sins, as he said he would do.” ’