GENERAL INFORMATION

Prophet Zechariah - “YHVH Remembers”

Date 520-518 BC

Scripture Ezra 5:1, 6:14 and Neh. 12:16

Recipients The Returned Remnant

Theme Build the Temple in Hope

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Leader Governor Zerubbabel

Priest Joshua the High Priest

Prophet Haggai (Preached First)

Exiles Remnant now Comfortable

Temple Progress being Made

MESSAGE & THEMES

Jealousy God’s Zeal Over Zion

Encouragement Continue Building

Prophecies Christ’s Incarnation (Zech. 2:10-12)

Christ as the Branch (Zech. 3:8-9, 6:12-13)

Christ’s Triumphal Entry (Zech. 9:9-10)

Beauty, Bonds, and Betrayal (Zech. 11:10-14)

Christ’s Violent Death (Zech. 12:10, 13:7)

Second Coming (Zech. 12:10-11)

The New Jerusalem (Zech. 14:16-20)

KEY VERSE

“Therefore say to them, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts: “Return to me,” says the LORD of hosts, “and I will return to you,” says the LORD of hosts.” (1:4)

OUTLINE

I. Introduction A. Superscription 1:1 B. Call to Repentance 1:2-6

II. The Night Visions A. Man Among the Myrtles 1:7-17 B. Four Horns and Four Craftsmen 1:18-21 C. Surveyor with Measuring Line 2:1-13 D. Cleansing and Crowning of Joshua 3:1-10 E. Lampstand and Two Olive Trees 4:1-14 F. The Flying Scroll 5:1-4 G. The Woman in a Basket 5:5-11 H. Four Chariots 6:1-8

III. The Crowing of Joshua A. Symbolic Crowning 6:9-11 B. Messianic Prophecy 6:12-13 C. Memorial and Significance 6:14-15

IV. Jerusalem’s Past, Present, and Future A. Instruction About Fasting 7:1-7 B. The Exile Explained 7:8-14 C. Future Restoration 8:1-17 D. Future Festivity 8:18-23 V. A Burden Against Enemies A. Nations Judged 9:1-8 B. The King Comes 9:9-10 C. Salvation and Prosperity 9:11-10:1 D. Leaders Rebuked 10:2-3 E. Restoration 10:3-11:3 F. The Good Shepherd 11:4-17 VI. A Burden Against Israel A. Jerusalem Rejoices 12:1-9 B. Firstborn Pierced 12:10-14 C. Leaders Rejected 13:1-6 D. Shepherd Killed 13:7-9 E. Day of the Lord 14:1-15 F. Messiah’s Kingdom 14:16-21

DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

1. This prophecy is quoted some seventy-one times in the New Testament (with nearly half of the quotes being found in the gospels). Why are so many unfamiliar with this book?

2. Be aware that this prophecy (especially the last six chapters) is one of the most difficult to understand and interpret. Therefore, as you read and attempt to interpret, do so with great humility. 3. Haggai and Zechariah prophesied at the same time. The former was straight-forward and the latter was sophisticated. What does this teach us about inspiration (i.e., mechanical vs. organic views)?

4. Remember that the night visions were all intended to comfort and encourage those who were building the temple. How does each vision accomplish this end?

5. Compare Zech. 3:1 with Job 1:6-12 and be reminded that “Satan” was not / is not a proper name, but rather a description of this angel’s legal role in heaven as prosecuting attornery.

6. Note the thematic differences between chapters 1-8 and 9-14 (specifically between earthly developments and heavenly). What is the prophet’s purpose in this?

7. Many prophecies anticipate and involve double fulfillments. How might some of the clearly “messianic” prophecies have been fulfilled in Zechariah’s generation or shortly thereafter?

8. The exiles had instituted an intricate system of mourning and fasting while in exile. What do their questions and God’s answers (chaps. 7-8) teach us about the nature and regulation of worship?

9. What does the cleansing and crowning of Joshua (3:1-5) teach us about the imputation of original sin, the imputed righteousness of Christ, justification by faith alone, and assurance?

10. Compare Zech. 14:20-21 with Exodus 28:36-38 and meditate upon the typology of the Aaronic priesthood, New Covenant fulfillments/applications, and our future expectations.

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