BOOK OF ZECHARIAH
About Zechariah, the Minor Prophet
The name "Zechariah" means "God remembers." Zechariah may have been a priest as well as a prophet. This is supported by Zechariah's interest in the Temple and the priesthood.
Zechariah's prophecies took place during the second year of Darius' reign. Haggai's prophecies also took place during Darius' second reign after the Babylonian captivity.
The events of Zechariah's book took place while the Second Temple was being built, as well as after it was built.
About Zechariah, the Book
The Book of Zechariah is the longest book of the minor prophets, with fourteen chapters. This book has more prophecies than any of the minor prophets and any of the prophets except Isaiah, a major prophet.
Most modern scholars believe the Book of Zechariah was written by at least two different people.
About the Book of Zechariah
Chapters 1–8 (known as First Zechariah). Prophecies are contemporary with those of Haggai. Scholars believe that Ezekiel, with his blending of ceremony and vision, heavily influenced the visionary works of Zechariah 1–8. First Zechariah contains oracles from the historical prophet Zechariah, who lived during the kingdom of Darius the Great.
Chapters 9–14 (known as Second Zechariah). Prophecies were much later during the late Persian or early Ptolemaic period. Zechariah 9–14 contains no datable references to specific events or individuals. Second Zechariah, in the opinion of some scholars, appears to make use of the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, and the themes from First Zechariah. This has led some to believe that the writer(s) or editor(s) of Second Zechariah may have been a disciple of the prophet Zechariah.
Zerubbabel was appointed by Darius as governor over Judah. Under the reign of Darius, Zechariah also emerged, focusing his prophecies on the rebuilding of the Temple.
The rebuilding of the Temple was encouraged by the Persian monarchs in hopes that it would stabilize the local population. This policy was good politics on the part of the Persians, and the Jews viewed it as a blessing from God.
What to Expect in the Chapters
In the Book of Zechariah, you will see....
----eight visions
----four messages
----two oracles
----six prophecies that were fulfilled in the New Testament
Chapters 1 to 6
These chapters feature the return from exile. The book begins with a preface in verses 1:1-6, which recalls the role of the "former prophets" in calling Israel in times past to repentance. Then follows a series of eight visions succeeding one another in one night which may be regarded as a symbolical history of Israel, intended to furnish consolation to the returned exiles and to stir up hope in their minds.
The Visions
1. man on a red horse
2. four horns and four blacksmiths
3. a man with a measuring line
4. clean garments for Joshua, Judah's High Priest
5. a gold lamp stand and two olive trees
6. a flying scroll
7. a woman in a basket
8. four chariots
Chapters 7 and 8
Two years after the initial visions, chapters 7 and 8 are delivered. They address the quality of life God wants his renewed people to enjoy, containing many encouraging promises to them. They are an answer to the question whether the days of mourning for the destruction of the city should be kept any longer. The answer is addressed to the entire people, assuring them of God's presence and blessing.
Chapters 9 to 14
Chapters 9–14 comprise two "oracles" or "burdens" of the future. The opening words of both chapter 9 and chapter 12 (and also the first chapter of Malachi) announce "The burden of the word of the Lord." Chapters 9–14 of the Book of Zechariah are an early example of apocalyptic literature.
---1. The first oracle (Zechariah 9–11) gives an outline of the course of God's providential dealings with his people down to the time of the coming of the Messiah.
---2. The second oracle (Zechariah 12–14) points out the glories that await Israel in "the latter-day", the final conflict and triumph of God's kingdom. The "burden" in Zechariah 12:1 stands against Israel.
Themes
The purpose of this book is not strictly historical but theological and pastoral. The main emphasis is that God is at work, and all his good deeds, including the construction of the Second Temple, are accomplished. Ultimately, God plans to live again with His people in Jerusalem. He will save them from their enemies and cleanse them from sin. However, God requires repentance, a turning away from sin towards faith in Him.
The Old Testament Book of Zechariah is apocalyptic literature because it contains writings concerning future events similar to the New Testament Book of Revelation and its eschatology study of end time events.
Messianic Prophecies
The Book of Zechariah is considered the most Messianic of all the Old Testament books because it contains many specific references to the Messiah.
Messianic prophecies are prophecies about the coming of the Messiah.
Prophecy: Zechariah 3:8 ............ Fulfillment: Mark 10:45
Prophecy: Zechariah 3:8, 6:12 .... Fulfillment: Luke 1:78
Prophecy: Zechariah 9:9-10 ........ Fulfillment: Matthew 21:4-5
Prophecy: Zechariah 12:10 ......... Fulfillment: John 19:37
Prophecy: Zechariah 13:7-9 ........ Fulfillment: Matthew 26:31
Prophecy: Zechariah 14:5,9......... Fulfillment: John 10:16
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