Zechariah 1:3-6

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.” ’