Introduction to Zechariah: Presence of God
The Book of Zechariah, written by the prophet whose name means "Yahweh remembers," is a powerful call to covenant faithfulness and hope. Set during the post-exilic period as the Jewish people returned from Babylonian captivity, Zechariah encourages the rebuilding of the temple and spiritual renewal. Through vivid visions and prophetic oracles, God reveals His sovereign plans for Israel’s restoration and the coming of the Messiah. Zechariah points clearly to Jesus Christ as the promised King and Savior. The book assures believers that God remembers His promises and will accomplish His redemptive purposes in history.
Zechariah’s Authorship, Location & Date
Author: The Book of Zechariah is attributed to Zechariah son of Berechiah, son of Iddo (Zechariah 1:1). He was both a prophet and a priest, descending from a priestly lineage. His inclusion in the post-exilic community of leaders links him closely with Haggai, Ezra, and Zerubbabel. The name Zechariah (זְכַרְיָה) means "Yahweh remembers". This meaning is deeply woven into the message of the book: that despite exile and devastation, God remembers His covenant, His people, and His promises.
Location: Zechariah prophesied in Jerusalem, the spiritual and political center of the Jewish return from Babylonian exile. His ministry was tied to the efforts to rebuild the Second Temple, which had been destroyed in 586 BCE. The prophet ministered alongside Haggai during the restoration efforts under the Persian Empire’s rule, particularly during the governorship of Zerubbabel.
Date: Zechariah’s ministry began in 520 BCE, the second year of King Darius I of Persia (Zechariah 1:1). This places him firmly in the post-exilic period, approximately 18 years after the initial return of the Jews from Babylon. His early prophecies are closely timed with Haggai’s and focus on encouraging the people to complete the temple. The later oracles (chapters 9–14) may have been written a few decades later, though still within the same general post-exilic context.
Zechariah’s Historical Context
1. Post-Exilic Period (After 538 BCE)
Zechariah ministered during the early Persian period, following the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon. After Cyrus the Great's decree in 538 BCE, the Jews were allowed to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple (Ezra 1:1–4). Zechariah prophesied during this restoration era, specifically beginning in 520 BCE during the reign of Darius I of Persia (Zechariah 1:1).
2. Rebuilding the Second Temple
Upon their return, the Jews faced tremendous opposition and discouragement. Though they had begun reconstructing the temple in 536 BCE, progress halted for nearly two decades due to political pressure, economic hardship, and spiritual apathy. It was in this discouraging atmosphere that God raised up Haggai and Zechariah to exhort the people to complete the temple (Ezra 5:1–2).
Zechariah's early prophecies coincide directly with the renewed efforts to finish the temple, which was completed in 516 BCE (Ezra 6:15).
3. Political and Religious Leadership
During Zechariah’s ministry, the key leaders were:
Zerubbabel – the governor of Judah and descendant of King David.
Joshua (Jeshua) son of Jehozadak – the high priest.
Zechariah often addresses these two figures, showing God's anointing on both political and priestly offices (e.g., Zechariah 3 and 4), and foreshadowing their ultimate fulfillment in the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who combines both offices in one person.
Zechariah’s Purpose for His Book
1. To Call God’s People to Covenant Faithfulness
Zechariah begins with a strong call to repentance (1:1–6), reminding the returned exiles that their ancestors’ disobedience led to judgment. His message urges the people to turn back to the Lord and walk in obedience, laying a spiritual foundation for true restoration.
“Return to me... and I will return to you” (Zech. 1:3)
2. To Encourage the Rebuilding of the Temple
The book supports the physical and spiritual renewal of Jerusalem by urging the people to complete the Second Temple. This was not just about restoring a building but restoring the worship of Yahweh and His central place in the life of the nation. God's presence among His people is a recurring reassurance (e.g., Zech. 2:10–13).
3. To Reveal the Future Coming of the Messiah
Zechariah presents vivid and detailed messianic prophecies, portraying a coming King, Priest, and Shepherd who will bring righteousness, salvation, and peace. From a conservative Christian view, this purpose is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, and the book points forward to both His first advent (e.g., Zech. 9:9) and second coming (e.g., Zech. 14:4–9).
4. To Assure God’s Sovereign Plan for Israel and the Nations
In the face of political uncertainty and national weakness, Zechariah offers hope. He proclaims that God is sovereign over world events, will judge the nations, and will restore His people. This includes both near-term encouragement and long-term prophetic hope.
5. To Inspire Hope in God’s Ultimate Victory and Reign
The book culminates in a vision of the Day of the Lord when God will triumph over evil, sanctify Jerusalem, and reign as King over all the earth (Zech. 14:9). This eschatological hope fuels perseverance, faithfulness, and trust in God’s unfolding plan.
Zechariah’s Theological Themes
1. The Sovereignty and Faithfulness of God
Zechariah emphasizes that God rules over history, nations, and His people. Despite Judah’s past rebellion and exile, God remains faithful to His covenant. His control over world powers (e.g., Persia) and His orchestration of Israel’s return and restoration reveal His providence and unchanging character.
“Thus says the Lord of hosts: I am exceedingly jealous for Jerusalem...” (Zech. 1:14)
2. Repentance and Spiritual Renewal
The book opens with a call to return to the Lord (1:3), underscoring the necessity of covenant obedience. While temple reconstruction is key, inner transformation is the true goal. God's desire is not just ritual, but righteousness.
“Return to me... and I will return to you” (Zech. 1:3)
3. The Coming of the Messiah
Zechariah contains some of the clearest messianic prophecies in the Old Testament, which conservative Protestants believe are fulfilled in Jesus Christ:
The Branch who will build the Lord’s temple (6:12)
The humble king riding on a donkey (9:9)
The one pierced by the people (12:10)
The shepherd struck down (13:7)
These point to both the first coming of Christ (in humility and suffering) and His second coming (in power and glory).
4. The Purification of God’s People
A recurring theme is God’s intent to cleanse and purify His people. Zechariah 3 portrays Joshua the high priest being cleansed from sin—a symbol of Israel's spiritual renewal. Ultimately, God promises a day when iniquity will be removedand the land cleansed.
“I will remove the iniquity of this land in a single day” (Zech. 3:9)
5. The Restoration of the Temple and Worship
Rebuilding the temple was central to Zechariah’s time. But theologically, it symbolized more than architecture—it was about the return of God’s presence, renewed worship, and hope for future glory. The temple pointed forward to Christ as the true dwelling of God with man (cf. John 2:19–21).
6. The Day of the Lord and Final Judgment
The latter chapters (especially 12–14) point to a climactic “Day of the Lord”, involving judgment on the nations, the deliverance of Jerusalem, and the universal reign of the Lord. Conservative interpretation sees this as referring to Christ’s ultimate return, judgment, and millennial reign.
“And the Lord will be king over all the earth” (Zech. 14:9)
7. God’s Global Mission
Zechariah looks beyond Israel to envision a time when many nations will join themselves to the Lord (2:11), anticipating the inclusion of the Gentiles in God’s redemptive plan—a theme central to the New Testament and fulfilled in the global church.
How to Read Zechariah
Read in Historical Context – Consider the setting of the land of Israel after a return from exile still being under foreign rule and the Israelites continuing to struggle with sin and wondering where their God is.
Read and look for NT Fulfillment – Zechariah prophecies to the time of Jesus and beyond. Look for fulfillment of God’s presence and cleansing in the work of Jesus Christ & His Holy Spirit.
Near-Far Fulfillment – Compare Habakkuk’s message and context to the context of the church and the message of the gospel. What are the similarities? Look for still distant future promises related to Christ’s second coming as well.
An Outline of Zechariah
I. Introduction and Call to Repentance (1:1–6)
Zechariah’s prophetic call during the second year of Darius (520 BCE)
Reminder of Israel’s past disobedience and divine judgment
Call to return to the Lord for renewed blessing
II. Eight Night Visions (1:7–6:15)
These symbolic visions encourage and assure the people of God’s presence, justice, and coming restoration.
A. Vision 1: Horsemen Among the Myrtle Trees (1:7–17)
God’s awareness of the nations
Promise of comfort and rebuilding Jerusalem
B. Vision 2: Four Horns and Four Craftsmen (1:18–21)
Judgment on enemy nations that scattered Judah
C. Vision 3: The Measuring Line (2:1–13)
Jerusalem’s future expansion and divine protection
God will dwell in their midst
D. Vision 4: Cleansing of Joshua the High Priest (3:1–10)
Joshua’s purification prefigures Israel’s restoration
Introduction of “the Branch” (a messianic figure)
E. Vision 5: The Golden Lampstand and Olive Trees (4:1–14)
God’s Spirit empowers Zerubbabel to complete the temple
Two anointed ones (Zerubbabel and Joshua) foreshadow messianic roles
F. Vision 6: The Flying Scroll (5:1–4)
Judgment against covenant breakers
G. Vision 7: The Woman in the Basket (Wickedness) (5:5–11)
Wickedness removed from the land and exiled to Babylon
H. Vision 8: Four Chariots (6:1–8)
God's sovereign judgment across the earth
I. The Crowning of Joshua (6:9–15)
Joshua crowned prophetically, pointing to the Messiah as Priest-King
III. Oracles and Questions on Fasting and Future Restoration (Ch. 7–8)
A. Question About Fasting (7:1–7)
Rebuke for empty ritual without heart transformation
B. Israel’s Past Hardness of Heart (7:8–14)
C. Promise of Future Blessing (8:1–23)
God will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem
Transformation of fasting into joy
Nations will seek the Lord
IV. Prophecies of the Coming Kingdom and the Messiah (Ch. 9–14)
These “burdens” or oracles shift to future events, combining near-term hope and long-term eschatology.
A. First Oracle: Judgment and the Coming King (Ch. 9–11)
God judges enemy nations (9:1–8)
The Messianic King comes riding on a donkey (9:9–10)
Deliverance of God’s people (9:11–17)
Future blessings and spiritual renewal (10:1–12)
Rejection of the Good Shepherd (11:1–17)
Symbolic actions depict Israel's rejection of God’s appointed leader
Introduction of 30 pieces of silver (Messianic prophecy)
B. Second Oracle: The Day of the Lord and Final Victory (Ch. 12–14)
Jerusalem under siege but divinely defended (12:1–9)
They will look on Him whom they pierced (12:10–14)
Cleansing and Refinement (13:1–9)
The Day of the Lord and cosmic transformation (14:1–15)
The Lord reigns as King over all the earth (14:9)
Nations come to worship in Jerusalem (14:16–21)
Visual Images in Zechariah
The OT Prophets taught theology through visual images. These are not exact interpretations but are meant to give examples concerning how to interpret visions & visual images in the book of Zechariah.
1. The Man Among the Myrtle Trees (1:7–17)
Image: A rider on a red horse among myrtle trees with other horses behind him.
Meaning: God is watching over the nations; though they are at ease, He will restore Jerusalem and the temple.
2. Four Horns and Four Craftsmen (1:18–21)
Image: Four horns (symbols of power) and four craftsmen or smiths.
Meaning: The horns represent nations that scattered Israel; the craftsmen represent divine agents who will judge and destroy them.
3. The Measuring Line (2:1–13)
Image: A man measuring Jerusalem with a line.
Meaning: God promises a city without walls, protected by His presence and filled with people—a sign of expansion and divine indwelling.
4. Joshua the High Priest Before the Angel (3:1–10)
Image: Joshua in filthy garments, Satan accusing him, and the Angel of the Lord cleansing him.
Meaning: God rebukes Satan, forgives sin, and restores His people. Introduces “the Branch”, a messianic figure.
5. The Golden Lampstand and Two Olive Trees (4:1–14)
Image: A lampstand with seven lamps and two olive trees supplying oil.
Meaning: Symbolizes God's Spirit empowering Zerubbabel and Joshua. The olive trees represent God’s anointed ones. "Not by might, nor by power..."
6. The Flying Scroll (5:1–4)
Image: A giant scroll flying through the air.
Meaning: Represents God’s Word bringing judgment on thieves and liars; the curse will enter and destroy wicked households.
7. The Woman in a Basket (Wickedness) (5:5–11)
Image: A woman (personified wickedness) in a basket, sealed with a lead cover, carried to Babylon by two women with stork wings.
Meaning: Sin is being removed from the land and exiled—ultimately to Babylon (a symbol of rebellion and exile).
8. The Four Chariots (6:1–8)
Image: Four chariots pulled by colored horses emerging between two bronze mountains.
Meaning: God’s angelic agents go out to patrol and execute judgment over the earth, reflecting His sovereign control over world affairs.
9. The Crowning of Joshua the High Priest (6:9–15)
Image: Joshua is crowned, a role usually reserved for kings.
Meaning: Prophetically prefigures the Messiah—a Priest-King who will build the true temple of the Lord.
10. The Donkey-Riding King (9:9)
Image: A righteous king comes humbly, riding on a donkey.
Meaning: A clear messianic prophecy fulfilled in Jesus' triumphal entry (Matthew 21), portraying His humility and salvation.
11. The Pierced One (12:10)
Image: The people mourn for someone they have pierced.
Meaning: A prophetic image of Christ's crucifixion, pointing to future repentance and recognition of the Messiah.
12. The Struck Shepherd (13:7)
Image: A shepherd is struck and the sheep scatter.
Meaning: Fulfilled in Christ’s arrest (Matthew 26:31); it also illustrates how judgment leads to refinement and testing of God’s people.
13. Living Waters Flowing from Jerusalem (14:8)
Image: A river of living water flows east and west from Jerusalem.
Meaning: Symbolizes spiritual life, blessing, and renewal in the Messianic kingdom.
14. The Lord Standing on the Mount of Olives (14:4)
Image: The Lord stands on the Mount of Olives, splitting it in two.
Meaning: A powerful eschatological image of divine intervention at the end of the age, often linked with Christ’s second coming.
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Other Biblical References to Micah
OT Context
1. Ezra 1–6 — The Historical Narrative of the Return
Key Passages:
Ezra 1:1–4 – Decree of Cyrus allowing the Jews to return from Babylon
Ezra 4:24–5:2 – Haggai and Zechariah begin to prophesy
Ezra 6:14–15 – The temple is completed under their ministry
Significance:
This is the primary historical background for Zechariah. Ezra documents how Zechariah, alongside Haggai, stirred up the returned exiles to rebuild the Second Temple after initial opposition and discouragement halted the work.
2. Haggai — Zechariah’s Contemporary Prophet
Key Passages:
Haggai 1:1–15 – Rebuke for neglecting temple rebuilding
Haggai 2:6–9 – Future glory of the temple foretold
Significance:
Haggai and Zechariah ministered at the same time (520–518 BCE). Haggai is more direct and practical, while Zechariah is more visionary and future-oriented. Together, they provide the full prophetic call to restore the temple and renew covenant faithfulness.
3. Jeremiah — Exile, Restoration, and the Branch
Key Passages:
Jeremiah 23:5–6 – Prophecy of “the Branch” from David’s line
Jeremiah 25:11–12 – Seventy years of exile foretold
Jeremiah 29:10–14 – God promises restoration after seventy years
Significance:
Zechariah references the “former prophets” (Zech. 1:4), and Jeremiah’s prophecies about the Babylonian exile and future restoration are key. The Branch motif in Zechariah 3 and 6 builds directly on Jeremiah’s messianic expectation.
4. Isaiah — Messianic Themes and Return Imagery
Key Passages:
Isaiah 11:1–10 – The shoot from the stump of Jesse
Isaiah 40–66 – Comfort to Zion, visions of restoration
Isaiah 53 – The suffering servant
Significance:
Isaiah provides the theological backdrop for much of Zechariah’s messianic language, restoration hopes, and imagery of nations streaming to Jerusalem. The figure of the Branch and the suffering shepherd are further developed in Zechariah based on Isaiah’s themes.
5. Ezekiel — Temple Visions and God's Presence
Key Passages:
Ezekiel 10–11 – God’s glory departs the temple
Ezekiel 36–37 – Spiritual renewal and restoration
Ezekiel 40–48 – Vision of the new temple
Significance:
Zechariah echoes Ezekiel’s focus on God’s glory returning, the cleansing of the people, and a renewed temple. The idea of God once again dwelling in Zion (Zech. 2:10–11) is tied to Ezekiel’s vision of God's presence returning (Ezek. 43:1–5).
6. Daniel — Kingdom and Prophetic Timelines
Key Passages:
Daniel 2, 7 – Visions of world empires and God’s eternal kingdom
Daniel 9:24–27 – Seventy weeks prophecy
Daniel 10–12 – Apocalyptic visions and end times
NT Fulfillment
1. Zechariah 9:9 — The Triumphal Entry of Christ
OT Prophecy:
“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!... Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey…”
— Zechariah 9:9
NT Fulfillment:
Matthew 21:4–5; John 12:14–15
Explanation:
Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on a donkey is a direct fulfillment of this prophecy. It portrays Him as a humble, peaceful king, not a conquering warrior—a key moment in the Passion narrative.
2. Zechariah 11:12–13 — The Betrayal for Thirty Pieces of Silver
OT Prophecy:
“So they weighed out as my wages thirty pieces of silver... and threw them into the house of the Lord, to the potter.”
— Zechariah 11:12–13
NT Fulfillment:
Matthew 26:14–16; Matthew 27:3–10
Explanation:
Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Later, the silver was used to buy the potter’s field—exactly as foretold. Though Matthew references Jeremiah, the wording aligns closely with Zechariah, likely indicating a combined prophetic fulfillment.
3. Zechariah 12:10 — They Will Look on Me Whom They Pierced
OT Prophecy:
“...when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him…”
— Zechariah 12:10
NT Fulfillment:
John 19:37; Revelation 1:7
Explanation:
At Jesus' crucifixion, John directly cites this verse, emphasizing that Jesus was pierced and this would lead to national and individual mourning. Revelation expands this as a global, eschatological event at Christ’s return.
4. Zechariah 13:7 — The Struck Shepherd and Scattered Sheep
OT Prophecy:
“Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered…”
— Zechariah 13:7
NT Fulfillment:
Matthew 26:31; Mark 14:27
Explanation:
Jesus quoted this verse on the night of His arrest, identifying Himself as the Shepherd and the disciples as the scattered sheep. It emphasizes that His suffering was foreordained and would temporarily disband His followers.
5. Zechariah 3:8–9; 6:12 — The Branch (Messianic Title)
OT Prophecy:
“Behold, I will bring my servant the Branch...”
— Zechariah 3:8
“He shall build the temple of the Lord… and he shall bear royal honor.”
— Zechariah 6:12–13
NT Fulfillment:
Luke 1:78; John 2:19–21; Hebrews 4:14–5:10
Explanation:
“The Branch” is a title for the Messiah rooted in prophetic literature (cf. Isaiah 11:1). Jesus, the high priest and king, fulfills this role by building the true temple—the Church—and interceding as the eternal priest.
6. Zechariah 8:20–23 — Many Nations Seeking the Lord
OT Prophecy:
“Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem...”
— Zechariah 8:22
NT Fulfillment:
Acts 2:5–11; Ephesians 2:11–22
Explanation:
This prophecy finds partial fulfillment in Pentecost, when nations gather in Jerusalem and hear the gospel. It continues through the Church’s global mission to make disciples of all nations—fulfilling God's plan for Gentile inclusion.
7. Zechariah 14:4, 9 — The Lord Will Stand on the Mount of Olives; He Will Reign as King
OT Prophecy:
“On that day his feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives…”
“And the Lord will be king over all the earth.”
— Zechariah 14:4, 9
NT Fulfillment:
Acts 1:11–12; Revelation 11:15
Explanation:
Jesus ascended from the Mount of Olives (Acts 1), and many believe He will return there, fulfilling Zechariah 14. His future reign is echoed in Revelation, where Christ becomes King over all the earth.
Next Steps
Search this theme in Zechariah: Presence of God
Read Zechariah & keep a journal.
Look for the aspects to the presence of God including: God dwelling with man, the Holy Spirit, & the temple
Write out the verse with the key word in it. Look for at least one per chapter.
Look for the concept which is connected to the key word & identify how it is being used.
Identify the eternal truth that is being taught.
Look for some of these verses in the New Testament especially their connection to Jesus, his people & his gospel along with the human sin nature, forgiveness of sin & righteousness.