Zechariah

This chapter is set during November of the second year of King Darius’ reign and later in February. Zechariah, a prophet during that time, received a message for the people of Israel, Judah, and Jerusalem telling them to return to the Lord. Zechariah shared that God had been a bit angry with their ancestors because of their practices. Now they were no longer around because everything that God had promised had happened. As a result of this word, the people repented and turned to the Lord. In the second word (in February), Zechariah has visions in which he sees horses and riders that go out to patrol the earth. Zechariah is also shown four horns which represent nations that persecuted Israel, Judah, and Jerusalem. Zechariah is told that those nations will be brought to justice for their persecution of Israel, Judah, and Jerusalem.

Principles: just because God uses something or someone in a plan to correct does not mean that it/they are free to do whatever they want. They too are responsible to God.

This chapter talks about the restoration of Jerusalem and the Israelites. It notes that Jerusalem will be busy and full of people to the point that it can’t hold everyone. God will stand up for His people, His prized possession, against the nations who have mistreated it.

Principles: God’s promises and covenants stay true.

In this chapter, Zechariah sees a vision of Jeshua the high priest appearing before God with satan accusing him. God rejects the accusations from satan and clothes him in new clothes, setting aside his dirty ones (his sin), and turban and sets an inscribed stone before him. The Lord challenges Jeshua to follow Him to be given authority over the temple. God is getting ready to send His servant, the Branch.

Principles: Satan stands before God accusing us. God rejects satan’s accusations because of His righteousness.

Zechariah has more of the vision from God. In it, he is seemingly awakened him and asked him what he saw. Zechariah saw a gold lamp stand, seven gold lamps, and two olive trees. He asks the angel what they mean. The angel seems surprised that he doesn’t know what they mean but tells him that it is not by might or power but by the Spirit of the Lord that Zerubbabel will accomplish the rebuilding of the temple. The angel gives him another message for Zerubbabel to not despise small beginnings and that he will see the completion of the temple through his own work. The angel tells Zechariah that the seven lamps represent the eyes of the Lord that search the earth. The olive trees and branches represent two anointed ones who stand in God’s presence.

Principles: God Spirit is the power that accomplishes the work He sets us to do. Even the seemingly small beginnings are the start of God’s plan and will be accomplished.

Zechariah’s vision continues. He looks up and sees a scroll. The angel says that the scroll is a curse saying that those who steal and those who swear falsely will be banished from the land. Then Zechariah sees a basket that is used to measure grain. It was filled with the sins of the people in the land and a woman named Wickedness. Then two other women with wings came and took the basket and carried it to Babylon and built a temple to it.

Principles: Those that lie and steal are cursed.

Zechariah’s vision continues. He sees four chariots led by four colors of horses coming from between two bronze mountains. He asks the angel what they are and the angel tells him that they are the four spirits of heaven that go out to do the Lord’s work, each in a specific direction.

In another message Zechariah receives, he is told that several Jews exiled in Babylon will be coming with a gifts of silver and gold. Zechariah is to accept them and create a crown out of them. Then he is to anoint Jeshua, the high priest as king and he will fulfill both high priest and king of Israel. There will be unity in his role and he will be called the Branch because he will branch out from where he is and build the temple. People will come from distant lands to rebuild the temple.

Principles: Jeshua may be a a type of Christ (king and priest).

Some of the Jews in captivity came to meet with Zechariah and the priests of the temple. They were asking if they needed to continue mourning the loss of the temple annually. God’s response was that they were not mourning it in honor of Him but with their own pleasures in mind. Instead God tells them to live justly towards others and care for people. It was because they weren’t doing that that God sent them into captivity.

Principles: The rationale for doing needs to be focused on living righteously before God, not on rules, regulations, and traditions.

In this chapter there are two words from God for the Jews. The first one is God telling the remnant rebuilding the temple that He loves Jerusalem and Mt. Zion and He will dwell in them once again. As s result it will prosper and people will return. The second word is that the blessings will be so much on the Jews that everyone will want to be connected with them and travel to Jerusalem.

Principles: God’s love for His people is strong and He blesses those who follow Him.

This chapter first talks about the coming judgment against Aram and Damascus and Tyre and Sidon. The Philistines are largely to be brought down and those left will become leaders and part of Israel.

There is also prophecy of Messiah, specifically the prophecy fulfilled by Jesus riding the donkey colt.

Principles: God is paying attention and judges accordingly.

This chapter is a promise of restoration. The chapter talks about the futility of any other source than God and that He we punish the false leaders but focuses on how God will make Israel stronger than it was as if they had not been disciplined.

Principles: God is the only source for us. When He disciplines us we come through stronger and better.

Zechariah shares another word from the Lord noting the bad shepherds and rejection of God from the people of Israel and Judah. Zechariah used two staffs to represent Gods Favor and Union between Israel and Judah. He also followed what God said and represented the worthless shepherd who did not care well for the sheep.

Principles: Shepherds must care for the flock.

This chapter points to a time when Jerusalem and Judah are delivered miraculously from their enemies. Then they will realize that Messiah has been sacrificed for them and mourn for their part in sacrificing Him.

Principles: God’s salvation shows us truth.

This chapter follows up after a previous chapter/word given. In this one God says he will purify the people to the point that no one wants to be associated with a false prophet. Idol worship will be removed and forgotten. It also talks about God letting the shepherd/leader be struck and the people scattered. One third will remain and God will purify them.

Principles: God’s holiness and purity purifies us.

This chapter talks about judgment that will come against those who have fought Israel and Judah and the way God will fight for Israel and Judah.

Principles: God’s greatness will be known.