THE FAST OF THE FOURTH HEBREW MONTH IS TODAY, 7/13/2025

"And the word of יהוה Tzava'oth came to me, saying, “Thus said יהוה Tzava'oth, ‘The fast of the fourth, and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth months, are to be joy and gladness, and pleasant appointed times for the house of Yehuḏah – and they shall love the Truth and the shalom.’"

Tzom Lachodesh Har’viy’y, also known as Tzom Tammuz, is the "Fast of the 4th Month" mentioned in Zekaryah 8:19 and is also known as Shiva-Asar B’tammuz, which literally means the “17th of Tammuz.” The day is a solemn remembrance of the taking of Yerushalayim by Nebuchadnetzar. It is a day of fasting and prayer, not given to smiles and merriment but to mourning. Tradition has it that the sin of the golden calf also occurred on this day, as well as the breaking of the first set of tablets by Moshe. The scripture readings for the day are: Sh'moth 32:11-14; Sh'moth 34:1-10 and Yeshayahu 55:6-56:8

Should you observe this fast, even if it is not a Torah commanded festival? The answer to this question has to do with who you are or wish to be. If we do not participate in mourning the destruction and absence of the Temple of the Most-High during these dark days before Messiah returns and rules from it, what right will we have to, and how will we ever understand and fully appreciate, its restoration?

The Temple of YHWH is His throne and the nexus between heaven and earth. In the Tehillym (Psalms) and the book of Chazon (Revelation) it is called His "Bride." It is coming to Yerushalayim again soon, and He will rule from it. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to mourn for its loss and to long for its return. We should join with all Yisrael in prayer and fasting on these days the people have set aside for it. Then, when our Father in heaven restores it again, we will be ready and able to rejoice along with the angels and all of creation celebrating its return. See the passage about it from Zecharyah in its entire context now:

“Thus said יהוה Tzava'oth, ‘Let your hands be strong, you who are listening in these days to these words, from the mouth of the prophets, of the day the foundation is laid for the House of יהוה Tzava'oth, the Hĕḵal that is to be rebuilt. For before these days there was not a wage for a man, nor a hire for beast, and there was no peace for him who went out or came in, because of his enemies, and I set all men one against another. But now I am not as in the former days to the remnant of this people,’ declares יהוה Tzava'oth. 'Because of the sowing of shalom the vine does give its fruit, the ground does give her increase, and the heavens do give their dew. And I shall cause the remnant of this people to inherit all these. And it shall be, as you were a curse among the nations, O house of Yehuḏah and house of Yisra’ĕl, so I shall save you, and you shall be a blessing. Do not fear, let your hands be strong.’ For thus said יהוה of hosts, ‘As I purposed to do evil to you when your fathers provoked Me,’ declares יהוה Tzava'oth, ’and I did not relent, so again in these days I have purposed to do excellence to Yerushalayim and to the house of Yehuḏah. Do not fear! These are the words you should do: speak the truth to one another, judge with truth and right-judgement for shalom in your gates. And do not plot evil in your heart against another, and do not love a false oath. For all these I hate,’ declares יהוה. And the word of יהוה of hosts came to me, saying, 'Thus said יהוה Tzava'oth: the fast of the fourth, and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth months, are to be joy and gladness, and pleasant appointed times for the house of Yehuḏah – and they shall love the truth and the shalom.’ Thus said יהוה Tzava'oth, ‘Peoples shall yet come, inhabitants of many cities, and the inhabitants of the one go to another, saying, “Let us earnestly go and pray before יהוה, and seek יהוה Tzava'oth. I myself am going.” And many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek יהוה of hosts in Yerushalayim, and to pray before יהוה.’ Thus said יהוה Tzava'oth, ‘In those days ten men from all languages of the nations take hold, yes, they shall take hold of the edge of the garment of a man, a Yehuḏi, saying, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that Elohim is with you.”’”



Have a blessed fast, Chaverym, and may the Temple of YHWH be rebuilt in your days.