1. In the chodesh hashmini (eighth month), in the shnat shtayim (second year) of Daryavesh, came the Devar Hashem unto Zecharyah ben Berechyah ben Iddo HaNavi, saying,
2. Hashem hath been very angry with your avot.
3. Therefore, say thou unto them, Thus saith Hashem Tzva'os: Return ye unto Me, saith Hashem Tzva'os, and I will return to you, saith Hashem Tzva'os.
4. Do not be like your avot, unto whom the nevi'im harishonim preached, saying, Thus saith Hashem Tzva'os: Turn ye now from your evil ways, and from your evil doings; but they did not hear, nor listen to Me, saith Hashem.
5. Your avot, where are they? And the nevi'im, do they live hal'olam (forever)?