Zechariah - The Return of the King

Introduction

Author: Zechariah the son of Berechiah, the sons of Iddo (1:7). He is referenced in Ezra 5:1 and 6:14 as the “son of Iddo.” This second description is most likely using “son of” to mean “descendant of” as is common in the OT. Zechariah was a very common Jewish name, but and Iddo is mentioned in Nehemiah 12:4 in the list of priests and levites that returned with Zerabbabel.

Date: 521 & 519 BC. Compare to the dates in Haggai. Zechariah 1:1 & 7 - second year of Darius. Zechariah 7:1, 3, & 5 - fourth year of Darius.

Zechariah’s Message

Zechariah, just like Haggai, brought God’s message to his people, at least a remnant of his people. Zechariah speaks to the small group of Jews returned from the exile. They were a pitiful remnant of a specially chosen and blessed nation. Just like Haggai, the book of Zechariah focuses on the return of God to dwell with His people once again. Though while Haggai’s message is short, matter of fact, and to the point - focusing on the physical rebuilding of the Temple - Zechariah gives an expansive, poetic, and even apocalyptic message that focuses on the spiritual realities related to God’s return to Israel. This message expands even beyond his current time to the future and the Messianic king that would one day complete the exaltation of God over all the earth. To that point Zechariah contains many Messianic prophesies. Some were fulfilled at the first advent of Jesus the Christ and others are waiting to be fulfilled at His second coming. Zechariah’s message instructed the small - and perhaps discouraged - remnant of Israel that their current humiliated state was all part of God’s plan, and that one day a king like David, like Solomon, but greater, would establish God’s kingdom over all the world.

Structure

From Tyndale Commentary Series on Zechariah

Part 1

INTRODUCTION: THE COVENANT STILL STANDS (1:1–6)

EIGHT VISIONS AND ACCOMPANYING ORACLES (1:7–6:15)

Vision 1. A patrol of the whole earth reports (1:7–17)

Vision 2. The nations meet retribution (1:18–21) (Hebrew 2:1–4)

Vision 3. Jerusalem has a divine protector (2:1–13) (Hebrew 2:5–17)

Vision 4. The high priest reinstated (3:1–10)

Vision 5. Divine resources for high priest and prince (4:1–14)

Vision 6. Evil meets retribution (5:1–4)

Vision 7. Jerusalem is purified (5:5–11)

Vision 8. God’s patrols compass the earth (6:1–15)

MESSAGES PROMPTED BY THE QUESTION ON FASTING (7:1–8:19)

The question (7:1–3)

The first sermon (7:4–14)

Relevant sayings (8:1–8)

The second sermon (8:9–17)

The answer (8:18, 19)

CONCLUSION: UNIVERSAL LONGING FOR GOD (8:20–23)

Part 2

TRIUMPHANT INTERVENTION OF THE LORD: HIS SHEPHERD REJECTED (9:1–11:17)

The Lord triumphs from the north (9:1–8)

Arrival of the king (9:9, 10)

Jubilation and prosperity (9:11–10:1)

Rebuke for sham leaders (10:2, 3a)

Jubilation and restoration (10:3b–11:3)

The fate of the good shepherd (11:4–17)

FINAL INTERVENTION OF THE LORD AND SUFFERING INVOLVED (12:1–14:21)

Jubilation in Jerusalem (12:1–9)

Mourning for the pierced one (12:10–13:1)

Rejection of sham leaders (13:2–6)

The shepherd slaughtered, the people scattered (13:7–9).

Cataclysm in Jerusalem (14:1–15)

The Lord worshipped as King over all (14:16–21)

Joyce G. Baldwin, Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 28, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1972), 89–90.

Return to the LORD (1:1-6)

The key word in this section is the Hebrew word translated “return” and “repent.” - שׁוב

God gives a warning to the people who have returned from exile, to return to Lord and not repeat the errors of their ancestors. Their fathers had rejected God’s word and followed evil. That had led to their death and the destruction of Israel.

Instead YHWH promises that if they return to Him, He will return to them. The LORD is near to those who call. Zechariah 1:3 “3 Therefore say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Return to Me,” says the Lord of hosts, “and I will return to you,” says the Lord of hosts.”

And just like with Haggai, the people hear God’s warning and listen. They repent and declare their desire to obey God.

Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi: An Introduction and Commentary

To sum up this introductory message, Zechariah is making a plea for a wholehearted response to the Lord’s invitation to return to him. All that happened in 587 BC was entirely in accordance with prophetic foretelling. God did not change, nor did the judgment belie his mercy. On exactly the same terms as had been offered to their fathers, young and old alike are invited to return to God. If they will do so the covenant relationship will be renewed, and spiritual restoration will accompany the material restoration of the temple.

8 Visions & A Promise (1:7-6:15)

Zechariah then receives 8 vision from the Angel of the LORD. These visions reveal God’s attitude toward the nation of Israel and His future actions for them. They demonstrate God’s love for His people and desire to restore them to proper fellowship and blessing. They are an encouraging message for the remnant of the nation.

Vision 1: God’s World Patrol (1:7-17)

Zechariah sees a man riding a chestnut horse in the middle of a forrest and with him was a group of horsemen. These are symbols of God’s patrol which scout out the whole earth. God’s scouts report that the whole earth is calm and quiet - at peace.

This peace will not last. God declares that those nations who have plundered and destroyed Israel will not live in peace forever. The LORD of Hosts (of Armies) will return to Jerusalem and exalt His city before waging war on the evil nations.

God will set the world right again - blessing and exalting His chosen people and city while judging the wicked.

Vision 2: The 4 Horns Scattered (1:18-21)

The prophet then lifts his eyes and sees 4 horns (like the horns of a bull). Horns were often a symbol of strength in the old world and were used for decorations and the like.

These horns represent the nations which had destroyed Israel. These four horns probably refer to the whole world (by representing the four points on a compass). They are most likely not specific nations.

He then sees 4 smiths (or workmen), who appear to terrify and destroy these four powerful horns. The nations which have long troubled God’s people will themselves be judged.

Vision 3: God’s Surveyor (2:1-13)

God’s Promise - Zion Restored

Zechariah sees a man stretching out a measuring tape over the city of Jerusalem. He is determining the dimensions of the city. Why? Because YHWH is returning to dwell within Zion! God is measuring his home.

The remnant that had returned was attempting to rebuild the temple and city, but so far their attempts had not been very successful. The city was small and empty compared to the old city. the walls had not been rebuilt and the city was vulnerable. They even had to cast lots to compel people to return to Jerusalem at one point (Nehemiah 11:1-2).

Yet this poor, small city would be the dwelling place of God. And He would protect it with a wall of fire around, and He would be the glory within it.

Zechariah 2:10–13

Zechariah 2:10-13 “10 “Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion! For behold, I am coming and I will dwell in your midst,” says the Lord. 11 “Many nations shall be joined to the Lord in that day, and they shall become My people. And I will dwell in your midst. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent Me to you. 12 And the Lord will take possession of Judah as His inheritance in the Holy Land, and will again choose Jerusalem. 13 Be silent, all flesh, before the Lord, for He is aroused from His holy habitation!””

Vision 4: God Cleanses the High Priest (3:1-10)

The Priesthood Restored

Zechariah sees the high priest, Joshua, standing before God being accused by Satan (for that is his name, accuser). Joshua is clothed in dirty, unclean clothes, full of sin. But the LORD rebukes Satan. Instead of rebuking or judging Joshua he provides new clothes of righteousness. God promises that as long as he obeys the LORD and keep His law, the priest will always have access to God’s house and God’s presence.

This cleansing symbolizes the future cleansing that will take place “in a single day.” There is one coming, the branch (or shoot), who will serve the LORD completely and perfectly. This one will bring cleansing, forgiveness, security, and blessing.

Vision 5: The Lamp-Stand of God’s Spirit (4:1-14)

In the tabernacle and Temple, a golden lamp-stand was to be kept alight at all times. This lampstand represented God’s ever-present Spirit. Fire and oil have long been symbols of God’s present Spirit.

Here the prophet sees a lampstand with seven lights over all the earth. These were to symbolize God’s presence with Israel, and to remind the prophet that their success was only by God’s Spirit. (4:6)

Vision 6: The Flying Scroll (5:1-4)

God’s Law Restored

Zechariah sees a massive scroll flying across the whole land. This scroll finds anyone who has broken the Law of God and brings judgment on them.

In a land where lawlessness had reigned, God’s Law returns in power and authority. God’s law will once again operate to punish the wicked.

Vision 7: The Woman in the Basket (5:5-11)

Israel’s Wickedness Removed

Zechariah sees a basket with a woman inside. The angel tells him that this woman is names Wickedness - representing the evil in the nation of Israel. This basket is sealed with a lead weight and flown away to the land of Shinar (in Babylon). The imagery suggests that the wickedness of idol worship has been removed from Israel and been left permanently in the land of Babylon - the land of the exile.

Vision 8: God’s World Patrol - Chariot Edition (6:1-8)

The first patrol is one of horsemen who have already returned to report. They were only scouts. The second patrol is comprised of chariots, stronger than horsemen. They are ready to be sent out on their mission. God’s plan is about to be enacted over the whole earth. The contents of the visions will soon be accomplished.

God’s Promised Servant - the King (6:9-15)

Zechariah is told to take silver and gold and make a crown for the high priest. This is odd because the priest and the king are complimentary, yet separate roles in OT Israel.

But God promises that this symbolizes His soon-to-come servant, the Branch (or shoot). He will grow up to build the LORD’s temple. He will rule from His throne. Interestingly, there will be a priest on the throne as well. There will be harmony between the two - the civil ruler and spiritual ruler.

This promise of a ruler who brings harmony and unity between the priestly duties and the kingly duties can point only the Christ! Jesus does the work of the priest - offering the sacrifice for cleansing, purification, and atonement. He also stands as the mediator between God and mankind. Yet He also is the king. He rules for God as His representative on earth, enforcing his law and leading God’s people in obeying Him.

“He will build God’s Temple.” What does this remind you of? Where in the NT do we see the Temple being mentioned, particularly by Jesus?

Jesus IS the Temple, the dwelling place of God on earth, the manifestation of God’s glory, the place of God’s worship. Jesus Himself is the king, the priest, the temple, the sacrifice, and the one being worshipped! He fulfills all the OT symbols and types.

God’s Servant - His Shepherd - Is Rejected (9:1-11:17)

YHWH’s King Comes to Jerusalem (9:9-11:17)

YHWH breaks the nation of Israel and brings Judgment on them (11:1-17)

Israel Cleansed through the Destruction of YHWH’s Shepherd (13:1-9)

The LORD’S FinalTriumph and Kingdom Established (14:1-21)