Zechariah - The Return of the King (Part 2)

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)

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)

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

Vision 3: God’s Surveyor (2:1-13)

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

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.

Zechariah 6:12 (NKJV)

12 Then speak to him, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, saying: “Behold, the Man whose name is the BRANCH! From His place He shall branch out, And He shall build the temple of the Lord;

In Hebrew it literally says “Look. A man, branch by name.” 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.

Summary of the 8 Visions - God’s Plans for the Remnant Israel

God surveys the World and sees the injustice of evil nations resting at peace.

God promises to serve justice on the nations who ravaged Israel.

God promises to return to Jerusalem to dwell with Israel.

God purifies and restores the priesthood.

God promises that His Spirit will dwell with Israel.

God reestablishes the law and thereby righteousness throughout the land.

God removes the wickedness of Israel’s idolatry.

God sends out his soldiers to enact His plan and prophesies a unification of priesthood (spiritual leadership) and kingship (civil leadership) wherein Israel will be led in righteousness.

God’s Message to a Question about Fasting (7:1-8:19

At the beginning of chapter 7 a group of Jews return from Babylon to Jerusalem and seek an answer from the priests about fasting. Most likely this rose out of the habits and traditions that were established during the exile. With the Temple being rebuilt and the priesthood restored, these refugees wanted to ensure they were completing the correct fasts. A rather mundane question sparks a series of messages from God regarding Israel.

Sermon 1 (7:4-14)

God rebukes the spiritual apathy and stubbornness of the previous generation in regards to fasting. They honored God with their actions but refused to submit to God with their hearts and reaped judgment for it.

God’s Jealous Love of Israel (8:1-8)

God proclaims his jealous love for Israel. He desires a loyal, faithful relationship.

He reiterates His purpose to return to dwell in Israel and restore their covenant closeness. “They will be my people, and I will be their faithful and righteous God.”

Sermon 2 (8:9-17)

God urges them to be strong in continuing to build the Temple. He promises Israel that His judgment and curse have passed. Not they will be blessed and “a blessing” among the nations. He commands them to live up to the standards of the law in loving one another.

God’s Answer to the Fasting Question (8:18-19)

God declares that the times of fasting (the 4th, 5th, 7th, and 10th months) will no longer be times of fasting but times of feasting. Why? Because fasting is for mourning, for sorrow. The time of sorrow and grief for Israel has been concluded. Now is the time of God’s blessing, salvation, and love.

God Declares that All Nations Will Seek God through Israel (8:20-23)

Part 2

God’s Final Intervention by His Shepherd (9:1-14:21)

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

YHWH Conquers and Subjugates the Nations of the North (9:1-8)

Where previously Syria and other nations had oppressed Israel from the north. Now God comes from there conquering them all and guarding Jerusalem.

(Verse 4 contains a prophecy against Tyre that is fulfilled by Alexander the great)

God’s King Enters Jerusalem and God Saves Israel (9:9-10:1)

9:9 is clearly fulfilled by Jesus in the triumphal entry.

God also promises to grant Israel dominion and peace over the whole earth.

God will fight with Judah and Ephraim (the north) and conquer. He will also bestow blessing and abundance on His people.

The Good Shepherd Rejected (11:4-17)

In this section, God seems to be communicating the truth that Israel needs a good shepherd to replace their evil shepherds (leaders), but that even when God provides a good shepherd he is rejected. And in the end if Israel refuses to be shepherded by their good and loving God, then they will be shepherded by a shepherd of destruction.

The Lord gives Israel one last chance (4-6)

God sets up an illustration of Israel’s history and fate. He commands the prophet to assume the position of a shepherd tending a flock destined for destruction. They have been slaughtered and sold by their own shepherds previously. The prophet’s attempts though are doomed.

The good shepherd rejected (7-14)

The prophet then speaks in this section acting out (though most likely not a literal acting out) the role of the good shepherd of the evil flock.

Yet his efforts are pointless. The two staffs in this section represent the good leadership of the shepherd: gracious, favorable rule and union among the flock and shepherd. These outcomes are broken and not achievable by the shepherd. The good shepherd then basically gives up on these wicked sheep (v9) leaving them to their chosen fate. Since he has quit this task he asks for his pay, but leaves it up to his employers to decide what he is worth.

The merchants decide on 30 pieces of silver. The shepherd doesn’t want them and throws them into the house of the Lord and to the potter (the craftsmen type who made treasury vessels for the Temple).

This prophecy of the good shepherd is clearly applied to Jesus. And these prophecies about his “failure” the wicked sheep of Israel and the payment of 30 pieces of silver are fulfilled in Judas’s betrayal of Jesus. And what does Judas do with his payment after seeing Jesus’ death? He throws it back to the religious leaders of the Temple. They then use it to buy the “potter’s field” to bury him in.

A shepherd of doom replaces the good shepherd (15-17)

God’s Servant Suffers and Establishes the Final Righteous Kingdom (12:1-14:21)

Israel Cleansed through the Destruction of YHWH’s Shepherd (12:10 -13:9)

The section directly before this is one of triumph and victory, yet here it is paralleled with one of sorrow and mourning. Their victory must be accomplished through their cleansing, and that cleansing will only come through the death of God’s servant. This section is full of Messianic prophecies.

12:10 - God promises to pour out his Spirit on the Jews as they look on the One whom they have pierced. Fulfilled at the crucifixion and Pentecost

13:1 - On that day, God will open a fountain of cleansing which will wash away the sin and impurity of Israel.

13:2-6 - God prophecies of a day when all idolatry and false prophesy is removed and no tolerated. False prophets will be judged according to the Law (Deut 13:6–11; 18:20–22). They will put off the mantle of prophet and will not deceive anyone again.

13:7 - God’s Shepherd is struck down and the sheep scattered. God’s hand seems to turn against His people.

13:8-9 - But through the great trial by fire, Israel will be refined and purified. The remnant will be restored to covenant relationship with God. “They are my people and they will say, ‘The LORD is our God.’”

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

14:1-7 - Jerusalem will be attacked and captured by an enemy, but then the LORD appears as a warrior to fight for Israel. In this apocalyptic battle, the LORD will stand on the Mount of Olives and it will split in two, opening a way of escape for His people.

14:8-9 - A spring of living water will spring up from Jerusalem to the East and West (the whole world) in all seasons. Then God will become King and rule the whole Earth.

14:16-19 - the whole world will be subject to God’s rule in Jersualem. They will all submit to Him as King!

14:20-21 - Even the most mundane things, the bells on horses bridles will be completely dedicated and holy to God. The whole of society will be dedicated to God’s service. Every person and implement will be holy before Him.

In Zechariah, God promises the coming of His servant, the branch, who will unite the priesthood and kingship in one perfectly righteous and powerful ruler. He will suffer and die, though, to purify the people of Israel, removing their sin and evil. This King though, would still take the throne of David and rule over all the world, subjugating anyone who stands against Him with power and might. And in this everlasting kingdom, God will be righteously worshipped and obeyed. Everything will be set right and completely dedicated to His service. In short, God presents this picture of a world made right by God’s suffering and then ruling servant, the good shepherd, the priest-king, the branch of the root of Jesse.

While some of these prophecies were fulfilled by Jesus at His first coming, many are still to be fulfilled at His second. Just like Isaiah, Zechariah’s prophecy describes this perfect ruler as both powerful warrior-king-priest AND suffering servant rejected and mourned. Both find their fulfillment in God’s own son became man, Jesus the Christ.