The issue in this scene is the correct view and practice of worship. This was an acute problem both for pre-exilic Israel (1:11–17), for post-exilic Judaism, and indeed for every age. If they want their prayers to be answered, they cannot continue to fast in the way they have been fasting (v 4b). The kind of worship God will choose and honor (vv 5–14) is not ostentatious self-abnegation in fasting with much beating of breasts, but acts which overcome the problems. (cf. Nehemiah’s acts and programs