Many find the book of Zechariah to be a difficult one to read and understand. It is filled with visions and oracles. However, one of the most amazing things about Zechariah are the foreshadows of Christ it contains!
This study was done mainly by comparing four English translations—ESV, CJB, NASB, NLT—and simply writing my own outline and noting patterns, repeated words, structures, themes, cross-references in other parts of the Bible and connections. Commentaries/Bible dictionaries were consulted for supplementary information. I hope that this reflection on my own inductive study of Zechariah would help you to get a good overview of the book and inspire you to do your own. As you read this article, it would be good to have a Bible handy and open to Zechariah to follow in the text.
Introduction and Structure of the Book
Zechariah’s name means “The Lord remembers”, which is a quite appropriate name for him given the message this prophet delivers to a people returning from exile. He, along with Haggai, had returned to Jerusalem from the Babylonian exile after King Cyrus (538 BC) conquered Babylon and allowed them to rebuild under the leadership of Zerubbabel. They both urge the people who had become discouraged to finish rebuilding the Temple.[1]
Zechariah’s encouragement comes in the form of visions and messages which convey a present exhortation, and eschatological and messianic hope for the future.
His book is clearly divided into two distinct halves, the first containing eight visions and the second containing various messages or oracles with which he is burdened. The two halves differ quite a bit in style and were written at different times. The dates for the first half of the book given in the text at 1:1 and 1:7, and the second half in 7:1.
The book starts off with a call for repentance in 1:2-6 which admonishes the people to not be like their ancestors who failed to heed the warnings from the prophets. The structure of this initiating call by the Lord of hosts is first to “return to me. . . from your evil ways” (Zech. 1:3-4 ESV). It then points their attention to the consequence their unrepentant ancestors had suffered—that God had “done what he said he would” (Zech. 1:6b NLT). The implication here is to encourage the people to learn from the example of the past rather than repeat it. It possibly would have also implied that it was their un-repentance which led to their exile. The title for God, צְבָא֔וֹת יְהוָ֣ה translated ADONAI-Tzva’ot (CJB) or the Lord of Hosts (ESV, NASB) or the Lord of Heaven’s Armies (NLT) is used 53 times in the book. It takes a prominent role as the primary way the prophet refers to God. This is quite a significant title for God to address the people, who had been defeated and exiled by an earthly army, in order to emphasize to them that the commander of Heaven’s armies was for them.
Eight Visions Centered on the Messiah
The eight visions that follow take a chiastic structure. Vision 1 (1:7-17) of the rider among the myrtles and 8 (6:1-8) of the four chariots match each other and speak about the world at large using imagery involving horses. Visions 2 and 3 about the four horns, craftsmen, and measuring line (1:18-2:13) match with visions 6 and 7 about the flying scroll and woman in the ephah/basket (5:1-11) as they speak about the Lord’s people. Finally, visions 4 and 5 about the cleansing and crowning of Joshua and the golden lampstand and olive trees (3:1-4:14) speak about leadership. This chiastic structure tends to point to the center point as the focus which is interestingly where we find the messianic reference to the “Branch” (3:8). This messianic foreshadowing continues into the second half of Zechariah and is referenced numerous times in the Gospels (for example Matt. 9:36, 19:26, 21:5, 26:15, 26:31 Mk. 10:27, 14:27, Jn. 12:15, 19:37). Also, John makes reference to Zechariah multiple times in Revelations (for example Rev. 6:2-5, Rev. 11:1, 4, 21:1, 21:25, 22:5). The visions look like this mapped out:
- A. Vision 1 – (1:7-17) – Rider among myrtles – World
- B. Visions 2 & 3 – (1:18-2:13) – Four horns, craftsmen, measuring line – God’s people
- C. Visions 4 & 5 – (3:1-4:14) – Joshua and golden lampstand – Leadership
- B’. Visions 6 & 7 – (5:1-11) – Flying scroll, a woman in basket – God’s people
- A’. Vision 8 – (6:1-8) – Four chariots – World
The function of the visions
These visions, on one level, serve to encourage the people to continue presently in the effort to rebuild the Temple but on another level promise a far greater, final redemption to come. The first vision of the riders introduces the Angel of the Lord (1:11), to whom the other angles report and who asks God how long until he shows mercy again (1:12). God’s response is one of comfort and that His anger is now shifted against the nations which inflicted harm against Israel (1:13-15). It ends with a promise of comfort and restoration for Israel (1:16-17). The second vision of the horns and blacksmith speak of God’s plan to destroy the other nations (1:21), followed by the third about measuring Jerusalem (2:1-4) fulfilling what God had said in 1:16. What follows is a quite significant promise delivered by a second angelic figure who speaks for the Lord and promises to not only protect the city but also be the glory inside it (2:5)! He furthermore says that anyone who harms them would likewise be acting against the Lord as if injuring “the pupil of my eye” (2:8 CJB) and he will crush them.
We then see a repeated phrase which tells us the result of all of this, mainly that “then you will know that the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has sent me” (2:9b, 4:9 and 6:15 NLT). This phrase is reused later as a significant marker. We see an expansion of God’s people as many nations will join themselves to the Lord (2:11). Also, we notice significant promises from God to come and live among them (2:10), and again choosing them to be His special possession (2:12). These things are further reasons to take comfort and encourage people who are currently feeling dejected—perhaps assuming that the Lord had left and deserted them in exile. Now they are to be silent “before the Lord, for he has roused himself from his holy dwelling.” (2:13 ESV) He is about to do something!
The Righteous Branch
This comfort continues as God himself defends Joshua, the high priest before the Angel of the Lord, against the Accuser (3:1-2) and then takes away his sins as he removes his filthy rags (3:3-5)—a reminder of Isaiah 64:6. It is interesting to note that in all of these actions, it is God who is the active initiator and operator, and Israel who is the passive beneficiary of His grace. In 3:8 we see a direct connection of messianic foreshadowing as the priests are called “symbols of things to come” (NLT) and will be replaced by the servant “the Branch”—which points us to Jesus’ role as our high priest and a promise to remove the sins of the land in a single day.
Next, God affirms his support of the rebuilding of the Temple by Zerubbabel and ultimately, despite the small beginnings, it is not by human might or power, but rather through the Lord’s sovereign direction that these things will be accomplished (4:6-10). This is an important theological point to note here of God’s sovereign direction which is underlined by the repetition of the phrase, “then you will know that the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has sent me.” (Zech. 4:9b NLT) This is followed by an explanation of the vision of the lampstands by the angel and a reference to the two anointed ones (also referred to in Revelation 11:4).
The next two visions speak of judgement, firstly from the flying scroll (5:1-4) and secondly in the vision of ‘the basket case woman’ representing Wickedness. This basket of the sins of the land is taken away to Babylonia (5:5-11). Again this imagery of justice and removal of sin continue to build the theme of redemption, forgiveness and comfort to the people. Closing up the visions are the four chariots who go out to do the Lord’s work patrolling the earth (6:1-8).
Before the start of the second half is a message for Zechariah to crown Joshua and a messianic message that “the man whose name is Branch” will build the temple of the Lord (6:12-13a). He will rule as King on His throne and also serve as a priest so that there will be “perfect harmony between his two roles.” (Zech. 6:13 NLT) This foreshadows Jesus’ role as the God-Man and our Mediator and Lord. The importance of this point is again emphasized by that repeated phrase, “you will know that my messages have been from the Lord of Heaven’s Armies” and brings the visions neatly to a close (Zech. 6:15 NLT). This conclusion involves a symbolic crowning of the priest, a prophetic message of a promised messiah, a visible memorial and help from others in the rebuilding of the Temple if they obey.
Oracles
The next section of messages or oracles begins with a question from the people of whether they should continue to mourn (7:2-3). The Lord criticizes the genuineness of their fasts and feasts (7:5-6). Instead, he tells them what he really requires of them, which is very much akin to what we read in Isaiah 58. God desires that they “render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another, do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart.” (Zech. 7:9-10 ESV) It was their neglect to do this which had made the Lord angry at them, so that He did not hear their calls and scattered them (7:12-14).
Likewise, for us, true piety must result in a faith that works and love beyond mere sentiment.
Obedience follows Grace
What follows is surprising, the Lord then says that he is jealously returning to them, to dwell in their midst, save His people and bring restoration (8:2-7). God’s promise that, “they will be my people, and I will be faithful and just toward them as their God” (8:8) comes as a total surprise of undeserved grace. Furthermore, it is after this show of grace that God then commands them to “be strong and finish the task.” (Zech. 7:9a NLT) The gospel implications of this are clear. God’s requirement of obedience follows His show of grace towards us so that our obedience would be motivated by thankfulness—reflecting on the former judgment we have been rescued from. He says, “so will I save you, and you shall be a blessing. Fear not, but let your hands be strong.” (Zech. 7:13b ESV) We see this pattern continued in 8:14-17, and 18-19. The imperatives are predicated on grace first shown. Also, the nations are drawn to Israel to seek the favour of the Lord (8:20-23).
The second half of Zechariah echoes many similar themes of the first half such as God’s impatience and judgment (11:4-14, 14:2), His giving victory over the nations (9:1-8, 12:1-9, 14:1-4), His promise to be their God (13:9, 12:5), provision of a King and leader (9:9-10, 10:2-4, 11:4-17, 13:7-9), purifying his people (12:10-13:9, 14:21) and the blessing of the nations through Israel (14:16-21).[2] Also, it has many messianic references weaved into it. In 9:9, Israel’s King comes riding on a donkey (cf. Matt. 21:5, John 12:15). This King brings peace and a universal reign “because of the blood of my covenant with you” (9:10-11) which sets the prisoners free. Later on, we see a parallel to 10:2 in Matthew 9:36 and Mark 6:34, as Jesus sees the crowds as sheep without a shepherd and has compassion on them. This is followed by God’s promise to care for his flock and the coming of “the cornerstone” from Judah (10:3-4).
Shepherds
Moving on to chapter 11, there is a shift in how Zechariah now addresses the Lord as “my God” (11:4). God tells him to become a shepherd to a flock which is doomed to slaughter. This sort of call to a ministry that is bound to fail is reminiscent of the call of Jeremiah to preach to a people who would not listen. We must understand that the call to ministry is not always a call to success but rather faithfulness. Zechariah eventually becomes impatient with this wayward flock and rejects them (11:8-11). The people determine his wages to be thirty pieces of silver (11:12) which is sarcastically referred to as a “lordly price” and he is commanded to throw it to the house of the potter (11:13). Interestingly the Complete Jewish Bible renders this word יוֹצֵר [yô·ṣēr] as treasury instead of the potter (Zech. 11:13 CJB). However, the obvious parallel to Judas here is undeniable (cf. Matt. 27:9-10). The breaking of the second staff signifies the breaking of the bond between the northern and southern kingdoms of Israel and Judah.
The Lord then commands him to go back to the people, but this time to play the part of a worthless shepherd (11:15). This sort of living parable speaks against the people who could not appreciate the good shepherd they were given and so are handed over to a shepherd who would abuse and neglect the flock (11:16). However, this worthless shepherd, though he will be an instrument of the Lord’s judgment against the people, will also himself be judged of the Lord (11:17). This is also a theme we see repeated, that the Lord sovereignly uses other peoples and nations as his agents of judgment but also exacts judgment on them for their own sins.
On that day
From this point on until the end of the book, there is the repetition of the thematic phrase “on that day” pointing forward to a coming eschatological Day of the Lord. This last section is based on the fact that it is a declaration coming from the Lord, “who stretched out the heavens and founded the earth and formed the spirit of man within him.” These are his ‘credentials’ for the sureness of these prophecies (12:1). It is this God who makes these grand promises and will establish Jerusalem, strike their enemies, and give salvation and glory (12:3-9). Were it anyone lesser, they may indeed be too incredulous to believe.
God then refers to himself as “him whom they have pierced” (12:10) which is picked up and referred to in John 19:37 and also in Revelation 1:7. On that day, Israel will mourn for this One they have pierced, both corporately and individually. On that day is also promised cleansing (13:1), the end of idolatry and false prophets (13:3). These false prophets will be exposed and ashamed (13:4-6). The reference to the wounds on their chest or back showing what would have been self-inflicted in the service of idols—evidence exposing them as false prophets. The messianic prophecy that follows is about the Lord’s shepherd, that he will be struck down and his sheep scattered (13:7) is clearly referenced in the Gospels (cf. Matt. 26:31, 56; Mark 14:27, 50; John 16:32). It is followed by the promise of a remnant (13:8), and their purification (13:9) so that they will be the people of God.
The Day of the Lord
Finally, in chapter 14, the coming Day of the Lord is brought into full focus. It starts off with what seems to be a tragedy to a besieged Jerusalem (14:1-2), but then the Lord comes to fight on their behalf (14:3). On that Day, it says that there will be perpetual light (14:6-7), the elimination of darkness—which reminds us of Isaiah 60:19 and is picked up again in Revelation 21:25 and 22:5. Furthermore, life-giving waters will flow out of Jerusalem and the Lord alone will be worshipped (14:8-9). Jerusalem, the City of God, will be fully restored and safe (14:10-11) and the Lord will judge the nations who fought against it (14:12-15). Those surviving will worship the Lord, celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles and the ones that still do not will be punished (14:16-19). Interestingly in John 7:37-39, it was also during the Feast of Tabernacles that the Lord Jesus said that for those believing in him, “out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”
The imagery connected with this feast is significant, as it was a celebration of God’s provision and protection for them in the wilderness and also one of the feasts that required a return pilgrimage to Jerusalem (cf. Deut. 16:16). Also, Jesus is said to be the Word that has come to dwell or tabernacle with us in the prologue to John’s gospel. So this is very appropriate imagery for the Second Coming of Christ and the ultimate hope and celebration of His people. Lastly, there is the imagery of all vessels in the house of the Lord being holy so that all may come and boil the meat of the sacrifice in them (14:21)—abolishment of the priestly system as they become a nation of priests. The fact that there are no traders in the Temple points to the fact that there is no longer any need for Temple sacrifice, no need for people to buy their sacrifice to offer at the Temple, for the Lord has perfectly cleansed and rescued His people.
Concluding Thoughts
The overall significance of this book, though at first reading it may seem strange and hard to understand, is a message drenched in hope and encouragement to a people who have become disillusioned and feel deserted. The opening call to return to the Lord is not toward a God who is aloof and still wrathful against them. Instead, the following eight visions emphasize that the Lord is for and with His people. Though they have been conquered and displaced by mighty human armies, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies who is faithful to his word is on their side. God’s sovereign control over all events is highlighted, no situation was ever out of His control. Instead, just the opposite—they were the agents of accomplishing His final purpose.
Apart from present help and hope of restoration in the rebuilding of the Temple, there is also future hope of the Lord dealing with the people’s sin and blessing them. The introduction of the messianic Branch at the pinnacle of the visions’ chiastic structure serves to emphasize this. The Branch also starts off the second half of the book as the one who will ultimately build the Temple of the Lord and rule as King and serve as the priest. After numerous exhortations to live as God’s true people, to do justly and that through them the nations would be blessed, the book ends with a final eschatological hope of the consummation of all things in the blessed hope of a perfected Kingdom reign. Zechariah is overall a very Gospel-centred, grace-driven book—Jesus takes center stage in this prophetic encouragement. It tells the story of a people who had reached the end of their own strength and a God who will do for them that which they are unable to do for themselves.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Carson D. A. et al., eds., New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition, 4th ed. Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994.
- [1] Carson, New Bible Commentary, 863
- [2] Carson, New Bible Commentary, 865
