Introduction to Zechariah

Zechariah’s prophecies were delivered when God’s people had returned to the promised land after their exile in Babylon. Although the messages address a specific situation, they also are timeless. Zechariah encouraged the leaders of Jerusalem and called the Jewish people to rebuild the temple—and he looked forward to the ultimate fulfillment of Yahweh’s promise to restore and save.

Background

Like the prophet Haggai, Zechariah appears in 520 bc as a prophet to the Jewish exiles who returned to the promised land. Zechariah’s efforts are set against the backdrop of a trying time for God’s people. The story of Zechariah really begins back in 586 bc, when the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem and took most of its people back to Babylon (2 Kgs 25:1–21). In 538 bc the Persian king Cyrus allowed these deported Jews to return to their land and to begin rebuilding the temple (2 Chr 36:22–23; Ezra 1:1–4). The Historical Book of Nehemiah identifies Zechariah as part of a priestly family that returned to Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel the governor and the high priest Joshua (Neh 12:4, 16).

Although the returning exiles were initially enthusiastic to rebuild the temple, they soon encountered opposition and persecution from other people living in Judah, and they ceased working. After Haggai and Zechariah urged the people to finish the project, they resumed rebuilding the temple in 520 bc (Ezra 4:24), and in 516 bc they finished its construction (Ezra 6:15).

Structure

The book of Zechariah has five sections. It begins with an introductory call to repentance (Zech 1:1–6). The second, and longest, section (Zech 1:7–6:15) describes Zechariah’s eight visions, which he uses to challenge the people to rebuild the temple and affirm the leadership of Joshua and Zerubbabel. In the third section (Zech 7:1–8:23), four messages highlight the restoration of God’s relationship with His people, as summed up in God’s proclamation that they shall be His people and He will be their God (Zech 8:8).

The latter half of the book presents two oracles that use typical features of apocalyptic literature. The term “apocalyptic” comes from the Greek word meaning “revelation” or “uncovering,” and apocalyptic texts often describe visions using symbolic language and angelic interpreters. Other examples of apocalyptic literature within the Bible include the second half of Daniel and the New Testament book of Revelation. The first of Zechariah’s apocalyptic oracles (Zech 9:1–11:17) presents the coming messianic king as a warrior who will fight for Yahweh’s people. In the second oracle (Zech 12:1–14:21), the Messiah’s suffering leads to God’s ultimate victory. The New Testament includes many references to this part of Zechariah.

Outline

• A call to repentance (Zech 1:1–6)

• Eight night visions and Joshua’s crowning (Zech 1:7–6:15)

• Four prophetic messages (Zech 7:1–8:23)

• Two apocalyptic oracles (Zech 9:1–14:21)

Themes

Zechariah’s message is one of encouragement: He tells the returned exiles that, in spite of humble appearances, God truly cares about Jerusalem and its temple. When Zechariah looked at the stalled rebuilding project, he saw God’s vision for what it could be and sought to communicate that vision to the people. More important, he encouraged the people so that, just as God had returned to them, they would return to God and follow His ways.

Zechariah’s vision of the future contained more than a rebuilt temple and a restored community. The later chapters in Zechariah look forward to the coming of a humble ruler from the house of David. The New Testament writers saw the fulfillment of this prophecy in Jesus (Zech 9:9–11; Matt 21:5; John 12:15).

It can be challenging to fully complete a task—especially when we struggle to see beyond our immediate circumstances or are opposed by outside forces. At these times, it can help to refocus and to try to see things from God’s point of view. Zechariah reminds us that when we are discouraged, we must look to Yahweh for direction (Zech 4:10). Yahweh is the ultimate cosmic force—and He is victorious through Jesus.

Further Reading

The Minor Prophets

Zechariah, Book of CLBD

Zechariah the Prophet CLBD