Overview
The prophet Zechariah was a contemporary of Haggai, who had been prophesying for approximately two months and encouraging the people to rebuild the temple when Zechariah began his ministry. While Haggai’s total recorded ministry lasted less than four months, Zechariah prophesied for about two years. The book of Zechariah is considerably larger than that of Haggai — it teems with messianic flashes, mentioning many details about the life and work of Christ.
Outline of Zechariah
Captivity due to disobedience (1:1-6) — Zechariah’s opening message came between Haggai’s second and third messages (between verses 9 and 10 of Haggai 2) when work on the temple was not far along and its unimposing appearance and lack of splendor were disheartening to the people. Although the people were longing for the beauty of the original temple (Solomon’s), Zechariah warns against their evident rising tendency to return to the ways of their disobedient fathers and encourages them with visions God had given him of the magnificent future.
Vision of the horses (1:7-17) — God’s messages through the prophets generally came by the direct movement of His Spirit on a prophet’s mind, but here they are given through an angel, who talks back and forth with the prophet. “The vision of the horses means that the whole world was at rest under the iron hand of the Persian Empire, whose king, Darius, was favorably disposed toward the Jews and had decreed that the temple should be built. This vision concludes with the proclamation that Jerusalem shall once again be a great and prosperous city.” (Halley’s Bible Handbook)
Vision of the four horns and four craftsmen (1:18-21) — The four horns represent the nations that had destroyed Judah and Israel; the four craftsmen represent God’s destroyers of those nations. It was a figurative way of saying that the prevailing world powers would be broken and that Judah would again be exalted. God is on the throne, even when His people are temporarily vanquished.
Vision of the measuring line/plumb line (2) — Zechariah forecasts a Jerusalem so populous, prosperous and secure that it will overflow its walls, since God Himself is its protection. Work on temple was about five months along when Zechariah imparts this vision.
Vision of Joshua the high priest (3) — In chapter 3, Zechariah provides a pre-vision of the atonement of Christ. Joshua (the high priest) is arrayed in filthy garments symbolizing the sins of the people. The garments are removed, signifying the forgiveness of sin and acceptance of the people by God.
Lampstands and Two Olive Trees (4) — Zechariah exhorts the people to take courage, in the day of small beginnings, by keeping their eyes on the grandeur of the end. The lampstand is a symbolic representation of God’s house and its light-bearing qualities. (In Rev. 1:20, the lampstand represents the church). The two olive trees seem to stand for Joshua and Zerubbabel, which some scholars believe parallel the vision of the “two witnesses” in Revelation 11.
Flying Scroll (5:1-4) — The flying scroll, inscribed with curses against stealing and swearing, soars over the land. The scroll removes sin by destroying the sinners.
Flying basket (5:5-10) — Zechariah provides yet another representation of the removal of sin.
Four chariots (6:1-8) — The four chariots represent messengers of God’s judgments, patrolling the earth and executing the decrees of God on Israel’s enemies.
Coronation of Joshua (6:9-15) — The coronation of Joshua is a prophetically symbolic act, expanding on the vision of the Branch (3:8-9), the name of the coming Messiah in David’s family (Isa. 4:2, 11:1, 10; Jer. 23:5-6, 33:15-17; Rev. 5:5, 22:16). Joshua the priest is crowned and is represented as the Branch, sitting on the throne of David (6:12-13). This appears to represent a symbolic merging of the two offices of king and priest in the coming Messiah.
Questions about Fasting (7-8) — Previously, the people’s fasting had been to mourn the destruction of the temple. They question whether they should continue fasting with the building of the new temple. Zechariah reminds them that there had been good reason for their fasts: penitence for past disobedience and the resulting suffering. Unfortunately, their fasts had become a mere outward pretense, a way to exhibit their own holiness. Zechariah draws a picture of the age when fasts shall be joyful feasts (8:19).
God’s judgments on neighboring nations (9-11) — Chapter 9 seems to be a forecast of Judah’s struggle with Greece (Alexander the Great). Chapter 10 is a forecast of the full restoration of God’s scattered people, and chapter 11 is a parable of shepherds (Good Shepherd vs. worthless shepherd).
Vision of Israel’s Future (12-14) — Zechariah prophesies Judah’s coming struggle with all nations (12:1-6); mourning in the house of David (12:7-13:9); the death of Jesus; Judah’s struggle with the nations (14:1-2); and God’s victory and universal reign (14:3-21).
Messianic Prophecies
More than any of the other minor prophets, Zechariah give numerous prophecies concerning Christ:
* His atoning death for the removal of sin (3:8-9; 13:1)
* As builder of the house of God (6:12)
* His universal reign as King and Priest (6:13; 9:10)
* His triumphal entry (9:9, quoted in Matt. 21:5; John 12:15)
* His betrayal for 30 pieces of silver (11:12, quoted in Matt. 27:9-10)
* His deity (12:8)
* His hands pierced (12:10; 13:6, quoted in John 19:37)
* Jesus as the stricken Shepherd (13:7, quoted in Matt. 26:31; Mark 14:27)
Application
God will judge the nations. We should put our faith and take comfort in the eternal king, Jesus Christ, who will claim ultimate victory and reign forever.
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