1. It was the fourth year of King Darius’s rule. It was on the fourth day of the ninth month, which is called Kislev. The Lord spoke his word to Zechariah.
2. The city of Bethel sent Sharezer, Regem-Melech and their men to ask the Lord a question.
3. They went to the prophets and priests. They were at the Temple of the Lord of heaven’s armies. The men said, “For years the fifth month of each year has been a special time for us. We have shown our sadness and gone without food in this month. Should we continue to do this?”
4. The Lord of heaven’s armies spoke his word to me. He said,