Zechariah addresses the people of Israel, urging them to consider the true purpose behind their religious observances. The verse questions whether their acts of eating and drinking during feasts were genuinely for God or primarily for their own pleasure. This reflects a broader theme in the Bible where God desires sincerity and genuine devotion rather than mere ritualistic practices.
The context of this verse is a response to the people's inquiry about continuing a fast that had been observed for many years. Through Zechariah, God challenges them to look beyond the external actions and consider the heart's intent. This message is timeless, encouraging believers to evaluate their spiritual practices and ensure they are rooted in a sincere desire to honor God. It prompts introspection about whether one's religious activities are truly an expression of faith or simply habitual actions. By focusing on the heart's intentions, this verse calls for a deeper, more authentic relationship with God, where actions align with true devotion.