Zechariah

Zechariah was written by the prophet Zechariah to the Jewish exiles who had returned to Jerusalem from Babylon, around 520-480 BC. Zechariah shares his visions from God, encouraging the rebuilding of the temple. Zechariah emphasizes God’s future plans for Jerusalem, the Messiah, and ultimate restoration of Israel. Zechariah urges people to remain faithful as God promises His protection and future blessings for those who obey Him. Through Zechariah, God reassures the people that despite their current struggles, He will fulfill His promises, and Jerusalem will once again be a place of prosperity and peace.

A Call To Return To The LORD - Chapter 1

In the second year of Darius, the LORD spoke to Zechariah. God urges the Jewish exiles to return to Him and in turn, He would return to them. God reminds them of their ancestors' refusal to listen to earlier prophets. The people acknowledge that God’s judgment was deserved, and they repent.

The Man Among The Myrtle Trees

Zechariah has a vision of a man on a red horse among myrtle trees, representing God's messengers patrolling the earth. The angel with Zechariah questions the LORD about how long His anger will last against Jerusalem. The LORD responds by expressing His jealousy for Jerusalem and anger at the nations that excessively punished Israel. God promises to return to Jerusalem with mercy, rebuild His house, and restore prosperity to His towns.

Four Horns And Four Craftsmen

Zechariah sees four horns, representing the powers that scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem. Then he sees four craftsmen, who are tasked with terrifying and overthrowing these horns. The craftsmen symbolize God's agents of judgment, who will bring down the oppressive nations that harmed God’s people. These visions show that God is aware of the nations that harmed them and will bring justice and restoration to His people.

A Man With A Measuring Line - Chapter 2

Zechariah sees a man with a measuring line, intending to measure Jerusalem's dimensions. An angel instructs Zechariah to tell the man that Jerusalem won't need walls. God will be its protective wall of fire and its inner glory. God urges the exiles to flee from Babylon and return to Zion, promising to act against those who plundered Israel. The LORD declares that He will dwell among His people, and many nations will join them. God reaffirms His choice of Jerusalem.

Clean Garments For The High Priest - Chapter 3

Zechariah sees Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD. Satan is accusing Joshua, but the LORD rebukes Satan. Joshua, dressed in filthy clothes symbolizing sin, has his clothes removed and is given fine garments, representing the removal of sin. God promises Joshua that if he remains obedient, he will lead God's house. God also reveals the coming of "the Branch," a messianic figure, who will remove the sin of the land in a single day to bring peace and prosperity.

The Gold Lampstand And The Two Olive Trees - Chapter 4

Zechariah sees a vision of a gold lampstand with seven lamps and two olive trees beside it. When asked about their meaning, the angel reveals that this symbolizes God's message to Zerubbabel that the temple would be completed by God's Spirit. The vision of the lampstand represents the continual supply of God's power, and the two olive trees symbolize the two anointed ones (likely Zerubbabel and Joshua) who serve the Lord and are empowered by Him to accomplish His purposes. Zerubbabel was the grandson of King Jehoiachin of Judah, a descendant of David. Zerubbabel, as revealed by the prophet Haggai, was the head of Judah after the exile.

The Flying Scroll - Chapter 5

Zechariah has a vision of a flying scroll. The scroll, measuring twenty cubits by ten cubits (approximately 30 ft by 15 ft), symbolizes judgment against thieves and those who swear falsely. The LORD declares that this curse will enter the homes of those guilty of these sins and destroy them. The scroll signifies God's judgment against sin and His commitment to purging unrighteousness from the land.

The Woman In A Basket

Zechariah is shown a basket containing a woman, symbolizing wickedness. The woman is sealed inside the basket with a lead cover, representing the containment of sin. Two women with stork-like wings carry the basket to Babylonia, where a house will be built for it. This vision symbolizes the removal of wickedness from the land and its eventual confinement in a distant place, signifying the separation of sin from God's people.

Four Chariots - Chapter 6

Zechariah sees four chariots emerging from between two bronze mountains, each chariot pulled by different colored horses: red, black, white, and dappled. These represent the four spirits of heaven sent by God to patrol the earth. Each chariot heads in a different direction, symbolizing God’s sovereign control over the world. The chariot with black horses goes north, bringing peace to the land, indicating God’s judgment and His Spirit’s rest upon the earth.

A Crown For Joshua

Zechariah is instructed to take silver and gold from returning exiles and make a crown for Joshua, the high priest. God tells Zechariah that Joshua is "the Branch," symbolizing a future ruler who will build the LORD’s temple and unite the roles of priest and king. The crown is then given as a memorial, signifying the coming Messiah. The prophecy emphasizes obedience to God and the involvement of those from afar in building the temple.

Justice And Mercy, Not Fasting - Chapter 7

Zechariah delivers a message from God in response to a question from the people of Bethel about continuing a long-held fast. God questions the sincerity of their fasting. Zechariah reminds the people that God desires true justice, mercy, and compassion, not empty rituals. He reminds them that their ancestors ignored these commands, which led to their exile and destruction of their land. God said that He did not listen to their cries because they had refused to listen to Him.

The LORD Promises To Bless Jerusalem - Chapter 8

Zechariah delivers a message from God, expressing His love for Jerusalem. God promises to return to Jerusalem, making it a place of peace, safety, and prosperity. God assures the people that He will bring the exiled back, bless their land, and turn their fasts into joyful celebrations. He urges them to be strong and rebuild the temple. All nations will seek God in Jerusalem and recognize His presence among them.

Judgment on Israel’s Enemies - Chapter 9

Zechariah prophesies judgment against Israel's enemies, including Hadrak, Damascus, Hamath, Tyre, Sidon, and the Philistine cities of Ashkelon, Gaza, Ekron, and Ashdod. These cities will be stripped of their wealth, power, and leaders, and their pride will be humbled. The remnant of these nations will be converted and integrated into God's people. God promises to protect His temple and guard His people from future oppression.

The Coming Of Zion’s King

God promises a future king for Zion who would come humbly by riding on a donkey, symbolizing the Messiah. This king will bring peace and extend his rule across the earth. God reassures the people that He will save them, restore them, and defeat their enemies.

The LORD Will Appear

Zechariah has a vision of God appearing to fight for His people. God protects and leads them to victory, symbolized by His arrow flashing like lightning. God shields His people as they overcome their enemies, and they rejoice in His salvation. The people of Israel will flourish, sparkling like jewels in a crown, blessed with abundance and prosperity.

The LORD Will Care For Judah - Chapter 10

Zechariah tells the people to ask God for rain rather than trusting in false idols and deceitful diviners. The people, like sheep without a shepherd, suffered under unfaithful leaders. God expresses his anger toward these leaders and promises to care for the people of Judah. God says He will strengthen Judah and the tribes of Joseph. God will bring them back from exile and make them prosperous again. He promises to subdue their enemies, gather them from distant lands, and ensure they live securely under His care.

The LORD Will Care For Judah (cont.) - Chapter 11

Zechariah has a vision of devastation on Lebanon, where the mighty forests would be destroyed.

Two Shepherds

God then commands Zechariah to shepherd the flock marked for slaughter, representing the oppressed people of the land. The people reject Zechariah, so he breaks two staffs named "Favor" and "Union," representing the end of God's covenant and the bond between Judah and Israel. Zechariah is paid 30 pieces of silver, which he throws to the potter, symbolizing Israel's undervaluing of God's shepherd. God then declares that a foolish shepherd will rise who neglects and exploits them. This shepherd will face divine judgment, signifying the consequences of failed leadership.

Jerusalem’s Enemies To Be Destroyed - Chapter 12

Zechariah delivers a prophecy where God declares that He will make Jerusalem a source of instability for surrounding nations. Jerusalem will be besieged but impossible to conquer under God's protection. The clans of Judah will be empowered by God, consuming their enemies like fire. The weakest in Jerusalem will be made strong, like King David, and God will destroy all nations that attack Jerusalem.

Mourning for the One They Pierced

God promises to pour out a spirit of grace and supplication on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. The people will realize the sin they have done before God and mourn. This mourning will be profound and widespread, with every clan and family in the land participating in it, including the houses of David, Nathan, Levi, and Shimei, along with all the other clans.

Cleansing From Sin - Chapter 13

Zechariah said that God will open a fountain to cleanse the house of David and Jerusalem's inhabitants from their sin. God will remove idols, false prophets, and the spirit of impurity from the land. False prophets will be condemns and killed for telling lies in God's name. Prophets will be ashamed, no longer wear their garments to deceive, and claim to be farmers.

The Shepherd Struck, The Sheep Scattered

Zechariah delivered a message from God, declaring that a sword will strike His shepherd and scatter the people. God will kill two-thirds of the land's population. God will refine the one-third left and they will call on God's name. He will answer them, acknowledging them as His people, while they will declare that He is their God.

The LORD Comes And Reigns - Chapter 14

Zechariah says the day of the LORD is coming. In this time, Jerusalem will be plundered, and the city will suffer. However, God will intervene, fighting against the nations and splitting the Mount of Olives. On that day, there will be neither sunlight nor cold darkness, no distinction between day and night, but when evening comes, light will appear. Living water will flow from Jerusalem, and God will reign as the sole ruler of the earth. A plague will strike the nations that opposed Jerusalem. Survivors will worship God annually, and everything in Jerusalem will be holy.