A person with “vision” understands how to make plans for a better future. The prophet Zechariah was a person of “vision.” In fact, he actually had visions about Israel’s future. Read Zechariah to find out what he had to say.
What makes Zechariah special?
Zechariah is made up of a number of different kinds of writings found in prophetic literature, including visions, speeches of prophets (oracles), and apocalyptic writings. Apocalyptic writings often focus on the “end of time” when God will defeat evil and bring about a new creation. This type of writing commonly includes visions and symbolic imagery using animals, angels, demons, and numbers. They were often meant to comfort people who were experiencing oppression by promising them the final victory over their “enemies.” (See also the article called “Apocalyptic Writings”)
New Testament Gospel writers quote Zechariah (Matt 21.5; Mark 14.27; John 12.15) or refer to certain passages indirectly (compare, for instance, Matt 26.15 and Zech 11.12; Matt 26.28 and Zech 9.11) to show that Jesus is the fulfillment of prophecies of a coming Messiah. Many references to Zechariah also appear in Revelation, because both books have visions of God’s victory over all enemies and the creation of a new Jerusalem where God will bless and give new life to all who are faithful (compare Rev 22.1 and Zech 14.8; Rev 22.3 and Zech 14.10-11).
Why was Zechariah written?
The people of Judah returned to Jerusalem from exile in Babylon in 538 B.C. They soon laid the foundation for a new temple to replace the one destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 B.C. But the work stopped, so in 520 B.C. Zechariah joined the prophet Haggai in encouraging the people of Jerusalem to complete the work of rebuilding the temple. Why was rebuilding the temple so important? It was to be the center of worship and a symbol of God’s renewed blessings for the restored people of God.
In addition, Zechariah focuses on other concerns that the people of Judah had after the exile. Because Judah was now only a small province in the Persian Empire and there were no more kings in Israel, what kind of political leadership could they expect? What about God’s promise to King David that one of his descendants would rule over Israel (2 Sam 7.12-16)—was this still to be expected? Would God continue to protect them now that they were back in their homeland? God had punished them in the past by letting their enemies take over their land and send many of them into exile. Would God punish them in this way again? What could they expect to happen in the near future? Where did they fit in God’s plans for the rest of the world?
Zechariah said that David’s descendant, Zerubbabel, would be the governor of Judah, and Joshua would be the high priest. Zechariah also said that in the future, Judah and Jerusalem will be attacked by enemies, but the Lord will appear and rescue his people. The people will turn back to the Lord, and he will forgive them. The mountains around Jerusalem will be flattened, while Jerusalem remains on the mountain towering high above the land around it. Life-giving streams will flow from Jerusalem, and all people on earth will worship the Lord (14.8-11).
What’s the story behind the scene?
Zechariah is really two books rolled into one. The first book (chapters 1–8) was written by the prophet Zechariah who preached to the people of Judah from 520 to 518 B.C. Like the prophet Haggai, Zechariah encouraged the people to trust in God and rebuild the temple (see also the Introduction to Haggai). Unlike Haggai’s simple and direct message, however, Zechariah’s message comes through eight visions, as well as prophetic speeches. The visions describe who will end up ruling Judah. What seems to come out of these visions is a partnership between the civil leader, Governor Zerubbabel , and the religious leader, High Priest Joshua.
It is difficult to pinpoint the historical setting of the second part of the book (9.1–14.21), which appears to be divided into two units. The first unit (9.1–11.17) speaks of the Lord’s judgment against Israel’s enemies and against Israel’s own worthless “shepherds” (leaders) who had been unfaithful. It also describes how the Lord will bring home captives scattered to other lands and tells of a king who will bring peace to the nations. A reference to the Greeks (9.13) may mean those who ruled Judah after Alexander the Great conquered the Persians in 333 B.C. The second unit (12.1–14.21) focuses on an unknown future time. Jerusalem and Judah will be attacked by all nations, and many of Jerusalem’s people will die. But the Lord will come to the rescue and create a new holy Jerusalem where the Lord will rule as King.
How is Zechariah constructed?
Based on the two-fold development described above, Zechariah can be divided into the following sections:
- Zechariah preaches to the people of Israel in the days of Darius, King of Persia (1.1—8.23)
- Introduction (1.1-6)
- Zechariah’s eight visions (1.7—6.8)
- Joshua is made high priest (6.9-15)
- Questions and promises (7.1—8.23)
- Visions of Israel’s future (9.1—14.21)
- Punishment and victory (9.1—11.17)
- The Lord will rule as King in Jerusalem (12.1—14.21)
Zechariah Preaches to the People of Israel in the Days of Darius, King of Persia
The first part of Zechariah (chapters 1–8) records the prophetic messages and visions of the prophet Zechariah during 520 to 518 B.C. Zechariah encourages the people of Jerusalem to rebuild their city and the temple. Joshua, the high priest, will be chosen to lead the people of Judah, perhaps alongside the civil governor, Zerubbabel. Those who have returned to Jerusalem from exile are to see that justice is done and to be kind and merciful to one another. If they do this, the Lord will make them a blessing to the nations.
Introduction
Zechariah delivers a message to the people of Jerusalem in the eighth month of 520 B.C.
Zechariah’s Eight Visions
During one evening in the eleventh month of 520 B.C., Zechariah has eight visions, which are recorded in chapters 1–6. Each description follows a common pattern. First, the prophet describes the vision (what he has seen). Then Zechariah asks a question about the vision, and an angel answers the question.
Joshua Is Made High Priest
Up to this point, it has appeared that Zerubbabel would become king. Instead, it is Joshua who is chosen as leader.
Questions and Promises
This section has three parts. Zechariah answers a question about what is necessary for proper worship of God (7.1-14). Zechariah delivers seven promises of future happiness for Jerusalem and Judah (8.1-17). And Zechariah delivers God’s promise that the time of mourning and fasting to remember the old temple will become a time of joy and celebration.
Visions of Israel’s Future
The second part of Zechariah (chapters 9.–14) presents two messages about the future of the people of Israel (see 9.1; 12.1). These messages tell of the Lord defeating Israel’s enemies and punishing worthless shepherds (leaders). Jerusalem will be attacked, but the Lord will save the city and create a new future for Jerusalem and its people.
Punishment and Victory
Israel’s enemies will be punished. The Lord will send a new king to bring peace to the nations. The Lord will protect Israel and Judah but bring disaster to the leaders who caused the people to sin.
The Lord Will Rule as King in Jerusalem
Nations will attack Jerusalem, but the attack will give the Lord an opportunity to punish Judah’s enemies and protect Judah. Many people of Judah will suffer and die, but the Lord’s final victory will do away with idols. Those who survive will be purified and dedicated to the Lord. Life-giving streams will flow from Jerusalem, and everyone on earth will worship the Lord as King.
Questions about Zechariah
1. What was the situation in Judah at the time of Zechariah’s visions? (1.1—6.8) Take a moment to read the short book of Haggai, p. 1676. What parts of Zechariah’s message are like the message of the prophet Haggai?
2. Who were Joshua and Zerubbabel? (3.1—4.14; 6.9-14) What roles were they toplay in the future of the people ofIsrael, according to Zechariah’s visions and messages?
3. How might our society be different today if religious leaders were in charge of leading our country and government? In your opinion, would this be a good change or not? Explain your answer.
4. Summarize what Zechariah says will happen to Jerusalem and its people in the future (9.1—14.21). What part will the Lord play in future events? How will the nations of the earth respond to the Lord? (14.9,16)
5. Choose one vision or image from Zechariah and tell why it was especially meaningful to you.
6. The name Zechariah means “The Lord remembers.” In what ways does God remember you? How would you like to be remembered by others?