ZECHARIAH
Author:
Zechariah was a contemporary of Haggai, the grandson of a priest named Iddo, and so a priest himself. In the Old Testament 29 men are named Zechariah, but the prophet who wrote this book is the one who lived in the days of Ezra and Nehemiah and is referred to in their books.
Date:
Zechariah began his ministry in 520 BC, and wrote this book sometime after that.
Themes:
Rebuking the people for their sins; encouraging the construction of the temple; God’s judgment on the nations; future trouble and then blessing for Israel; both the first and second comings of Christ (Zech 3:8; 6:12-13; 9:9; 14:3-4).
Contents:
The first exhortation to the people 1:2-6
Eight visions 1:7—6:8
A man and horses among the myrtle trees 1:8-17
Four horns 1:18-21
A man with a line in his hand 2:1-13
Changes for the high priest Joshua 3:1-10
Prophecy concerning Christ the Branch 3:8-10
The golden lampstand and the olive trees 4:1-14
The flying scroll 5:1-4
The woman sitting in a basket 5:5-11
Four chariots 6:1-8
A crown for the high priest, Christ’s coming 6:9-15
True religion contrasted with mere ceremonies,
and the result of disobedience to God 7:1-14
God’s decision to bring about well-being among
the people, and the way they should behave 8:1-17
Fast days to become joyful festivals 8:18-23
Destruction of neighboring nations, the coming of
Christ and the peace He will bring about 9:1-10
Victory for the people of Israel 9:11-17
God will rescue His people from false gods
and deceitful leaders and give joy 10:1-8
God will gather His scattered people 10:9-12
Shepherds with no concern for the good of the flock 11:1-11
Prophecy about 30 pieces of silver 11:12-14
The shepherd who will persecute the flock 11:15-17
Jerusalem the centre of trouble in the
last days, its deliverance 12:1-9
Israel’s repentance and lament about Christ 12:10-13
The cleansing of Israel 13:1-5
Wounds in the hands 13:6-7
The refining of the remnant of Israel 13:8-9
The Day of the LORD, the establishment of
God’s kingdom on the earth 14:1-11
War at the end of this age 14:12-15
The future glory of Jerusalem 14:20-21