The Eternal Truth

Zechariah warns against trusting in false voices. The eternal truth comes only from God, whose Word never deceives or changes.

“For the household idols speak deception, and the diviners see an illusion and tell deceitful dreams; they comfort in vain. Therefore the people wander like sheep, they are wretched because there is no shepherd.”—Zechariah 10:2 NASB

In the powerful Greek city-state of Sparta, two kings competed for power during the fifth century BC. One of the men, Cleomenes, decided to eliminate his rival, Demaratus. A false accusation was made against Demaratus, and to settle the matter, they agreed to submit the issue to the oracle at Delphi. But instead of waiting for the judgment, Cleomenes decided to influence the outcome and paid a secret bribe to a prophetess to announce information that led to Demaratus’s banishment.

Cleomenes thought he had won. But when word of his bribery became public, he himself was forced to flee. Although Cleomenes was later reinstated, he eventually went insane and committed suicide.

This act of bribery and deception was made possible only because so many people trusted in false gods and oracles like that of Delphi. The prophet Zechariah spoke of a similar time when God’s people stopped trusting in Him and looked to various “household idols” through divination. The diviners could see “an illusion and tell deceitful dreams.” They might provide temporary comfort, but their words were “in vain,” deceptive and misleading.

None of these people spoke for God. His Word is always true, and He cannot be bribed.

Today, the world is filled with voices offering answers. But there is only one God. Make sure that you place your faith in Him. He cannot be manipulated. His standards are eternal. He will speak truth, the uncompromising, eternal truth.

Reflection Question: Where do you turn for truth in your life?