What Is the Book of Zechariah About — In Biblical Context

The Biblical Context

Zechariah is the longest of the Minor Prophets and one of the most messianically concentrated books in the Old Testament. It divides into two main sections: chapters 1-8, dated to 520-518 BC, contain eight night visions and exhortations to rebuild the temple; chapters 9-14, undated, are apocalyptic prophecies about the Messiah and the end times. Zechariah was a priest and prophet, the son of Berechiah and grandson of Iddo. He began his ministry two months after Haggai and continued after Haggai's messages ceased. The first eight chapters address the discouraged returned exiles. The eight night visions form a coherent series, each revealing a different aspect of God's plan. The man among the myrtle trees reports that the nations are at ease while Jerusalem suffers, but God is jealous for Zion and will return to her. The four horns and four craftsmen promise that the nations that scattered Israel will themselves be scattered. The surveyor measures Jerusalem, declaring that God will be a wall of fire around her. Joshua the high priest, standing before the angel in filthy garments, represents the nation cleansed from sin and clothed in rich apparel — a picture of justification. The golden lampstand and two olive trees promise that the temple will be completed not by might nor by power but by God's Spirit. The flying scroll pronounces judgment on thieves and false swearers. The woman in the basket represents wickedness removed from the land. The four chariots execute God's judgment on the nations. These visions encouraged the people to complete the temple, which was finished in 516 BC. Chapters 9-14 shift to the distant future. Chapter 9 predicts the King entering Jerusalem on a donkey — fulfilled in the triumphal entry. Chapter 11 portrays the rejected Shepherd, sold for thirty pieces of silver — fulfilled in Judas' betrayal. Chapter 12-13 describe the siege of Jerusalem, the piercing of the Messiah, and the national mourning of Israel. Chapter 14 depicts the day of the Lord, when the nations gather against Jerusalem, the Lord fights for His people, living waters flow from the city, and 'the LORD shall be king over all the earth.' Zechariah's book bridges the gap between the return from exile and the coming of Christ. It teaches that God's temple must be built, His Messiah will come, and His kingdom will ultimately triumph over all opposition.

Where It Sits in Scripture

Supporting Passages