3 Visions
3 Visions
Zechariah 1:1 – 2:13
FPBC December 11, 2005 [PM]
Zechariah means “God remembers” and is the unofficial theme of the book. A Levite, he was a member of the Great Synagogue. Contemporary of Haggai (520 B.C.), Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, he returned to Israel with the exiles from Babylon. He was instrumental in the revival that led to the rebuilding of the temple.
His prophecies say more about Messiah than any book (except Isaiah). Major themes include Jehovah’s sovereignty, submission to God by turning from sin, and the future blessings God would provide.
Call to Repentance 1:2 – 6
Anger at Ignorance
· Stubborn refusal to hear and heed God’s word.
o The message had not changed
Reminder of position
· Fathers and prophets were no longer alive
· God still remained and He demanded a response
o Haggai’s message demanded an active response
o Z’s message demanded a spiritual response
o The people repented! 1:6
Three months after delivering this message of repentance, Zechariah has 8 visions that he describes in the following chapters.
Vision #1: Man in the Myrtle Trees 1:7 – 17
Vision
· Man on a red horse leading other riders on horses of various colors.
Question
· “What are these?”
o A conversation b/w Z and the angel
Interpretation
· The rider on the horse gives the interpretation
o This rider is the Angel of the Lord
o A Christophany!
· The riders were a heavenly patrol 1:10 – 11
o Earth was at peace
· Angel of the Lord pleads for Jerusalem 1:12
o God had promised 70 years of desolation.
o This had happened but the land was still suffering.
· God comforts the angel who passes message to Z.
o God still cares for Jerusalem and Israel 1:14
o God is displeased with treatment others have given to His people 1:15
o God would show mercy to Jerusalem: cities and temple would be rebuilt; cities would prosper (cf. Haggai’s messages!) 1:16 – 17
Vision #2: Four Horns & Four Craftsman 1:18 – 21
Vision 1:18
· Four horns
o Trumpets to sound alarm
o Part of the altar of burnt offering
o Symbol of power and authority
Question 1:19
· “What does this mean?”
Interpretation 1:19
· The horns (powers) that scattered God’s people
o A reference to Daniel’s vision
o Babylon
o Medo-Persia
o Greece (yet to come)
o Rome (yet to come)
Vision Expanded 1:20
· Four craftsmen (artisans, smiths) appear
o Those skilled in woodwork, metallurgy or masonry.
Question 1:21
· “What have they come to do?”
Interpretation 1:21
· The craftsmen came to terrify the horns and cast them out – i.e. replace their power.
· Symbolize power over the previous horn
o Medo-Persia 539 B.C.
o Greece 333 B.C.
o Rome 200 – 63 B.C.
o Millennial Kingdom Future
Vision #3: Man with the Measuring Line 2:1 – 13
Vision 2:1
· Man measuring the city of Jerusalem
o Taking measurements to rebuild!
Question 2:2
· “Where are you going?”
o Asked to the man, not the angel
Interpretation 2:2 – 13
· Measuring Jerusalem
o Rebuilding not only in Z’s time, but in future as well!
· Second angel brings a further message
o There would be future blessing!
o Jerusalem would have peace – no need for protective walls
o God would be the protection and glory of Jerusalem.
§ Population would increase
§ Whoever touches J. “pokes God in the eye”
§ Messiah will dwell in your midst
§ Lord of hosts sends the Lord of hosts?
· Unity & diversity of the Trinity
o God will “again choose Jerusalem”!
What does this show is important to God? How can we align our priorities to reflect that we value what God values?