Writer:
The Book of Zechariah is attributed to the prophet Zechariah, son of Berechiah and grandson of Iddo. Zechariah was a contemporary of Haggai and, like him, was active during the early post-exilic period. He was a priest as well as a prophet, which gave him a unique role in encouraging the returned exiles to rebuild the Temple and renew their commitment to God.
Date of Writing:
Zechariah’s ministry began in the second year of King Darius of Persia, around 520 B.C., the same time as Haggai. The book likely was written over several years, with chapters 1-8 dating from 520-518 B.C., and chapters 9-14 written later, possibly as late as 480 B.C. The book’s context is the period after the Babylonian exile when the Jewish people were rebuilding Jerusalem and the Temple.
Important Events:
The Eight Night Visions (Zechariah 1:7–6:8):
- First Vision – The Man Among the Myrtle Trees (Zechariah 1:7-17): Zechariah sees a man riding a red horse among myrtle trees, with other horses behind him. The vision symbolizes God’s watchful presence over the earth and His plan to restore Jerusalem.
- Second Vision – Four Horns and Four Craftsmen (Zechariah 1:18-21): The four horns represent the nations that scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem. The four craftsmen symbolize God’s agents who will overthrow these nations.
- Third Vision – The Man with a Measuring Line (Zechariah 2:1-13): A man is seen measuring Jerusalem, indicating God’s intention to protect and bless the city, which will be a place of peace and prosperity.
- Fourth Vision – Clean Garments for Joshua (Zechariah 3:1-10): Joshua the high priest is accused by Satan but is acquitted by God, who clothes him in clean garments. This vision symbolizes the removal of sin from the land and the coming of the Branch (a messianic figure).
- Fifth Vision – The Gold Lampstand and the Two Olive Trees (Zechariah 4:1-14): Zechariah sees a golden lampstand fed by two olive trees, representing God’s continual provision for His people through the anointed leaders Zerubbabel and Joshua. The vision emphasizes that the Temple will be completed “not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit” (Zechariah 4:6).
- Sixth Vision – The Flying Scroll (Zechariah 5:1-4): A large flying scroll symbolizes the curse going out over the land, bringing judgment on those who violate God’s law.
- Seventh Vision – The Woman in a Basket (Zechariah 5:5-11): A woman representing wickedness is confined in a basket and carried to Shinar (Babylon), symbolizing the removal of sin from the land.
- Eighth Vision – Four Chariots (Zechariah 6:1-8): Four chariots emerge from between two bronze mountains, representing the four spirits of heaven going out to execute God’s judgment on the earth.
The Crowning of Joshua (Zechariah 6:9-15):
- Zechariah is instructed to make a crown for Joshua, the high priest, symbolizing the coming of the Branch, who will be both king and priest. This act points to the future Messiah, who will unite the roles of king and priest in one person.
Fasting and True Religion (Zechariah 7:1–8:23):
- Question on Fasting (Zechariah 7:1-7): The people ask whether they should continue the fasts commemorating the destruction of the Temple. God responds by questioning the sincerity of their fasting, which had become an empty ritual.
- God’s Call for Justice and Mercy (Zechariah 7:8-14): God rebukes the people for their ancestors’ disobedience and emphasizes that true religion involves justice, mercy, and compassion.
- The Future Blessing of Jerusalem (Zechariah 8:1-23): God promises to restore Jerusalem and make it a city of truth and peace, where the nations will come to seek the Lord.
The Oracles of the Future (Zechariah 9:1–14:21):
- First Oracle (Zechariah 9:1–11:17): This section includes prophecies of God’s judgment on Israel’s enemies, the coming of a humble king riding on a donkey (a messianic prophecy fulfilled in Jesus’ triumphal entry), the protection of Jerusalem, and the rejection of the good shepherd (another messianic prophecy).
- Second Oracle (Zechariah 12:1–14:21): These chapters describe the future deliverance of Jerusalem, the outpouring of God’s spirit of grace and supplication, the mourning for the one who was pierced (a prophecy related to the crucifixion of Christ), and the final victory of God over all nations. The book concludes with a vision of the Lord’s reign over all the earth and the ultimate holiness of Jerusalem.
Key Characters:
Zechariah:
- The prophet through whom God delivers visions and messages concerning the future of Israel, the coming Messiah, and the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom.
Joshua the High Priest:
- A key figure in Zechariah’s visions, representing the spiritual leadership of the restored community. Joshua’s cleansing and crowning symbolize the purification and future glory of God’s people.
Zerubbabel:
- The governor of Judah and a descendant of David, who is also a key figure in the rebuilding of the Temple. Zerubbabel’s leadership is crucial, and he is portrayed as a foreshadowing of the Messiah.
The Branch:
- A messianic figure who will rebuild the Temple, unite the offices of king and priest, and bring peace and righteousness. This figure is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
The Nations:
- Various nations are mentioned throughout Zechariah, representing the enemies of Israel and the broader world that will be subject to God’s judgment and eventual redemption.
Key Doctrines and Themes:
Messianic Hope:
- Zechariah contains numerous messianic prophecies, including the coming of the humble king (Zechariah 9:9), the Branch who will build the Temple and reign as king and priest (Zechariah 6:12-13), and the pierced one who will be mourned by the people (Zechariah 12:10). These prophecies point to the coming of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, who fulfills these roles.
The Rebuilding of the Temple:
- A central theme in Zechariah is the encouragement to rebuild the Temple, which symbolizes the restoration of God’s presence among His people. The physical rebuilding is linked to spiritual renewal and the fulfillment of God’s promises.
God’s Sovereignty and Judgment:
- Zechariah emphasizes God’s sovereignty over all nations and history. The visions and prophecies depict God’s control over the rise and fall of empires, His judgment on sin, and His ultimate plan to establish His kingdom on earth.
The Future Glory of Jerusalem:
- Jerusalem is portrayed as the focal point of God’s redemptive plan. Despite its current challenges, the city is destined for future glory, where it will be the center of worship for all nations. The vision of Jerusalem’s future peace and prosperity points to the eschatological hope of the new Jerusalem in the book of Revelation.
Spiritual Renewal and True Worship:
- Zechariah calls the people to genuine repentance, justice, and mercy, contrasting true worship with empty ritual. The emphasis on inner renewal and obedience to God’s commands reflects the need for a heart transformation that goes beyond external observance.
The Coming Day of the Lord:
- The book contains apocalyptic elements, with references to the “Day of the Lord,” a time of divine intervention, judgment, and ultimate victory. This theme is closely related to the final chapters, which describe the end-times battle, the return of the Lord, and the establishment of His kingdom.
The Role of the Spirit:
- Zechariah highlights the importance of the Holy Spirit in accomplishing God’s purposes, particularly in the vision of the golden lampstand (Zechariah 4:6), where God declares that the rebuilding of the Temple will be achieved “not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit.” This underscores the necessity of divine empowerment for spiritual and physical restoration.
The Book of Zechariah is rich in prophetic imagery and messianic expectation, offering hope and encouragement to the people of Judah during a time of rebuilding and renewal. Its visions and oracles not only address the immediate concerns of the post-exilic community but also look forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan through the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.
