Introduction and summary of Zechariah

Zechariah calls God's people to return to Him (1:2-6) and promises the Spirit of God to encourage the weak and erring (4:6; 12:10).

What: eleventh of the minor prophets, between Haggai and Malachi

Where and when written: in Jerusalem as the Jews were returning from Babylon, about 500 B.C.

Zechariah lived 500 years before Christ, when the Persian King Darius ruled God's people (1:1, 7; 7:1). God had punished the Jews 70 years for their sins (1:2-6, 12; 7:7-14). Now many were returning to their homeland to rebuild (1:13-17). The prophet exhorts them to continue immigrating, not to fear, and to live righteously (2:6, 7; 7:9, 10; 8:13, 15-17)

Longest of the minor prophets (14 chapters), the book of Zechariah is one of the less understood and more difficult prophetic writings. Even so, it contains several familiar passages:

• a popular phrase ("The apple of His eye," 2:8)
• a memory verse ("Not by might, not by power . . . ," 4:6)
• many prophecies of Messiah (3:8, 9; 6:12; 9:9; 11:12, 13; 12:10; 13:1, 7)
• a thrilling chapter that predicts the last great battle (14)

Zechariah was a man of the Spirit. Using the word seven times (4:6; 6:5, 8; 7:12; 12:1, 10; 13:2), he also speaks symbolically of the Spirit's work: fire; oil in lampstands; anointed ones; and latter rain (2:5; 3:2; 4:11, 12, 14; 10:1; 14:17, 18). For the prophet, nothing is revealed or accomplished by human ability, but by the Spirit (4:6). Angels and grace are also expressions of the Spirit (ch. 1 - 6; 4:7).

Important people

• Joshua: A high priest, he was opposed by Satan for his filthy garments (3:1, 3). The Lord removed his dirty clothes, gave him a clean robe, and rebuked Satan instead (3:2, 4, 5). With the governor, he helped to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem (6:9-13).

• Zerubbabel (4:6-10): Governor of the returnees to Jerusalem, he and Joshua led them to rebuild their temple, called the second Jewish temple or Zerubbabel's temple (6:12, 13). This building was unimpressive at its start (4:9, 10). A history of this period (Ezra 3 - 6) mentions Zechariah and Haggai as prophets successful in urging the people to complete their task (6:14-16).

Because Zechariah uses symbols, numbers, and strange phenomena (ch. 1 - 7), it is often classed as an "apocalyptic" book with Ezekiel, Daniel, and Revelation. Examples of mysterious or other-world imagery:

• the number seven (3:9; 4:2, 10)
• appearances of angels and of Satan (ch. 1 - 6; 3:1, 2)
• fire, lamps, lampstands (2:5; 3:2; 4:2, 11)
• a flying scroll (5:1, 2)
• a woman in a basket and women with wings (5:5-9)
• horses and chariots (1:8; 6:1-7)
• mountains of bronze (6:1)

The book consists of personal visions and revelations (ch. 1 - 8), followed by public "burdens" concerning the nations (ch. 8 - 14). Some short "burdens" mention nearby cities and lands (9:1-8; 11:1-3), but greater emphasis is on God's plans for His people: Israel, Judah, and Jerusalem, called Zion (9:8ff; 10:6ff; 12:1ff).

What does God say about Zion, His holy mountain?

• He is zealous for it and will dwell there (1:14-17; 2:10-12; 8:2, 3).
• He will re-populate it from many lands (8:4, 5, 7, 8; 10:9-12).
• He will make it a burden to many and strengthen it (12:1-4, 5-9).
• He will open its eyes to grace, producing mourning (12:10-14; 13:1).
• A remnant will be spared after suffering (13:7-9; 14:1, 2).
• The Lord will come to His people (9:9; 14:3-5).
• Their final destiny is peace over all the earth (9:9-12; 14:5-11).
• Some enemies shall suddenly be destroyed (14:12-15).\
• Others who remain will have opportunity to learn God's ways (14:16-21).

Memory verse: "'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the Lord of hosts" (4:6).

Zechariah in a sentence: Through a series of visions, Zechariah urges folks to return to the Lord and to Jerusalem and Judah, promising them cleansing, grace, and ultimate safety when He comes to dwell in Zion.