The Book of Zechariah is perhaps second only to the much longer Book of Isaiah in the Old Testament in the breadth of prophetic writing about Messiah. Zechariah is quoted some forty times in the New Testament from its fourteen chapters. The Book contains some thrilling visions of the First Advent of Messiah, the Second Advent of Messiah and the Millennial Kingdom.
The writer was probable born in Babylon during the period of captivity in the 6th. Century B.C. His grandfather, Iddo, was the head of one of the leading families of the tribe of Levy. He, and his family, returned to the land with the first group of returnees under Zerubbabel.
Zechariah was probably active as a prophet between 538 BC and 518 BC and later became a member of the Great Synagogue, the forerunner of the Sanhedrin.
Of course, the city to which the exiles returned was a devastated ruin and they were few in number. Not surprisingly encouragement and the giving of hope were underlying themes in the prophecies of Zechariah, and of his contemporaries Haggai and Malachi.
The returning exiles faced the ruins of their once splendid city and of their Temple. There was much to be downhearted about. Thus, Zechariah encourages the exiles with visions of judgment on Israel’s enemies and the complete restoration of the city of Jerusalem.
He provides a dramatic vision in Chapter 3 of God’s continuing care for His people. This is a striking illustration of the removal of sin and the imputation of righteousness. There is a confrontation between the Angel of the Lord and Satan over the standing of Joshua, the High Priest. The removal of the High Priest’s filthy garments and the provision of a clean festal robe illustrates the work of Yeshua through His atoning death. Yeshua strips us of our filthy sins and clothes us with His own righteousness. In this way we can appear before a Holy God. This illustrates that true religion is based on a personal relationship with God.
Such a relationship should change our attitudes to our neighbours. Like the prophet before him, condemned the oppression of the widow, the orphan, the stranger and the poor. As a preacher of righteousness Zechariah called on God’s people to return to the virtues of justice, kindness, compassion and truth.
However, our main interest in this study is Zechariah’s role in prophecy concerning the Messiah in view of the depressing situation the people were facing.
The Book of Zechariah is the word of God and therefore, will contain nothing which is inaccurate or misleading. There is no “sugar-coating” concerning the betrayal, rejection and death of Messiah at His first coming or the horrors of the Great Tribulation which will precede His second coming.
Like all the prophets, he first called on the people to repent and to avoid the sins/unfaithfulness of their forefathers which had led to the captivity in Babylon. The Lord had only temporarily set aside His covenant people. Through Zechariah, God not only confirmed Jerusalem’s divine election, but He promised to live in their midst. It would be through His personal presence that God would accomplish a miraculous work.
The First Advent of Messiah in Zechariah.
Zechariah’s message of encouragement and hope of course, includes the first coming of Messiah. This he foretold some 500 years before the Incarnation of our precious Lord. But his message is a complex one. Messiah will be maltreated and rejected. The coming of His kingdom will be delayed. He will be killed and His followers persecuted.
But there is some good news for those confronted with the ruined city of Jerusalem:
Zechariah 1: 16.
“I am returning to Jerusalem with mercy; My house shall be built in it,” says the Lord of hosts … “
Moved by His great love for His people, God had acted against them in view of their unfaithfulness by their captivity in Babylon. Although the Babylonians were His instrument in the judgment against Israel, they had exceeded God’s instruction in meting out punishment. They did not understand that it was God’s intention to punish for a time and then to show compassion. These nations would suffer for their error.
So now God would re-engage with His people, show compassion and ensure that the Temple (of which only the foundations were left) would be re-built. And the city itself would be expanded because of prosperity.
But not only was God returning to Jerusalem, He would dwell among the people, causing great joy. This verse describes the personal presence of Messiah in Jerusalem.
Zechariah 2: 10
““Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion! For behold, I am coming and I will dwell in your midst,” says the Lord.”
It is made clear that God will be represented in Jerusalem by Messiah.
Zechariah 3: 8
“Hear, O Joshua, the high priest, You and your companions who sit before you. For they are a wondrous sign; For behold I am bringing forth My Servant the BRANCH.”
Both “My Servant” and “Branch” are messianic titles and here we see them combined. “My Servant” is used to speak of Messiah in Isaiah and Ezekiel. This title indicates complete obedience and His humble estate. “Branch” also points to Messiah and denotes His rise from humble beginnings and fruitfulness (See Isaiah and Jeremiah).
Zechariah 6:12
“Thus says the Lord of hosts, saying “Behold the man whose name is the BRANCH! From His place He shall branch out, and He shall build the temple of the Lord.
Zechariah had a vision of an elaborate crown being placed on Joshua, the high priest. But this act was a symbol of the future crowning of Messiah in whom the offices of king and priest would be combined. “His place” is Jerusalem but “He shall branch out” opening God’s kingdom to Gentiles, thus building God’s temple.
Famously, Zechariah foretold the triumphal entrance of Yeshua to Jerusalem.
Zechariah 9: 9
“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold your king is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, then foal of a donkey.”
The donkey was the mount of royalty especially princes (see the Book of Judges and the Book of Kings)
However, Zechariah also foretells the betrayal of Messiah and His death.
Zechariah 11: 12 – 14
“Then I said to Him, “If it is agreeable to you, give me my wages; and if not, refrain”. So they weighed out for my wages thirty pieces of silver. And the Lord said to me, “Throw it to the potter – that princely sum they set on me. So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them into the house of the Lord for the potter.”
Yeshua, of course, was betrayed by Judas for thirty pieces of silver (the price of a slave who is gored by a bull). In this analogy, Zechariah takes the place of the messianic shepherd. He requests his wages for services rendered. His wages are calculated at a mere thirty pieces of silver. This is a total insult and is sarcastically referred to as “princely sum”.
Zechariah is commanded to throw it to the potter. Potters may have been connected to the Temple because of the need for earthen vessels. Of course, Judas overcome with guilt threw his money into the Temple. The Sanhedrin used it to buy the potter’s field for the burial of the destitute. The rejection of the messianic shepherd, represented by Zechariah, meant that the national unity and security which Israel hoped for would not be achieved at this time.
Zechariah foretells the death of Messiah and the persecution of His followers:
Zechariah 13: 7
“Awake, O sword, against my Shepherd, against the man who is My Companion,” says the Lord of hosts. Strike the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered; then I will turn My hand against the little ones.”
The “sword” of course is an instrument of death. Here it is being roused (“awake”) like a warrior being called into battle. The sword is to strike Messiah (“My Shepherd”). Thus, the death of Messiah was no accident; it was divinely determined. The use of the term “My Companion” indicates an equal. “The sheep will be scattered” may refer to the disciples who abandoned Yeshua at the cross. “The little ones” may refer to believers or all Jews.
Zechariah hoped to offer hope and encouragement to the returnees who faced the daunting and depressing task of rebuilding their city. He showed them God’s anger that their oppressors had gone too far. And that God wished to return to them and rebuild. They should repent and return to God. The Messiah is clearly promised to represent God among them. But He will be betrayed, abandoned and killed.
The Second Advent of Messiah in Zechariah.
Often aspects of the First and Second Advents of Messiah are so closely juxtaposed in Zechariah, it is hard to distinguish between them. But with the amazing accuracy of what Zechariah foretold about the First Advent, we should examine carefully what he says about the Second Advent. He shows this to be a time of great trouble, death and suffering. However, these events are the prelude to the glorious millennial reign of Messiah.
Prior to these events there will be a worldwide regathering of the Jewish people.
Zechariah 8: 7 and 8.
“Thus says the Lord of hosts: Behold, I will save My people from the land of the east and from the land of the west; I will bring them back, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem.”
The second coming will be preceded by the outpouring of God’s wrath. Zechariah chapter 11 shows that these are actions instigated by God.
Zechariah 11: 4 – 6
“Thus says the Lord My God, ”Feed the flock for slaughter … I will no longer pity the inhabitants of the land”, says the Lord …”I will not deliver them.”
These verses depict the dramatic role of the rejection of Yeshua which will lead to judgment on Israel at the hands of the Romans. Almost half a million Jews were killed.
In obedience to God’s instructions, Zechariah pastures the sheep doomed for slaughter. The judgment which God has decreed must be accepted, not rejected. Those who refuse to believe would be given over to pursue their own desires and be left exposed to powerful enemies.
The “prince who is to come” (Daniel), also known as the Beast and the Anti-Christ is referred to in Chapter 11.
Zechariah 11: 15
“And the Lord said to me, “Next take the implements of a foolish shepherd. For indeed I will raise up a shepherd in the land who will not care for those who are cut off, nor seek the young, nor heal those who ae broken, nor feed those that stand still. But he will eat the flesh of the fat and tear the hooves in pieces.”
“Foolish” means wicked. “To take up the implements” means to behave like. “Eat the flesh and tear the hooves” expresses the savagery of the wicked shepherd.
Zechariah’s prophecy jumps to the last days before the second coming. God permits the wicked shepherd to arise and to destroy the sheep because they did not choose the good shepherd. Consequently, Israel will receive a wicked one who will do the exact opposite of what is expected of a shepherd.
In the wars which follow Israel will suffer defeats and Jerusalem will fall. The loss of life and property will be great.
Zechariah 14: 1
“Behold, the day of the Lord is coming, and your spoil will be divided in your midst.”
This spoil will be taken from Israel and the people will be able to nothing about it.
Jerusalem will be overwhelmed by powerful international forces of great strength with horrific consequences.
Zechariah 14: 2
“For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem; The city shall be taken, the houses rifled, And the women ravished. Half of the city shall go into captivity.”
But when disaster seems to be inevitable and complete, the Lord intervenes.
Zechariah 13: 9
“I will bring one-third through the fire, will refine them as silver is refined, and test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name. And I will answer them. I will say, “This is My people”: And each one will say, “The Lord is My God”.”
The remnant which survives will be purged, purified and re-established in the covenant relationship with God.
The Lord’s intervention will be marked by incredible topographical events.
Zechariah 14: 3 – 5
“Then the Lord will go forth and fight against the nations, as He fights in the day of battle. And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which faces Jerusalem on the east. And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, from east to west, making a very large valley; Half of the mountain shall move toward the north and half of it toward the south. Then they shall flee through My mountain valley, For the mountain valley shall reach to Azal. Yes, you shall flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah.”
The creation of the valley allows the remnant to escape the city.
Darkness will also be used against the enemies of Israel.
Zechariah 14: 6 and 7
“It shall come to pass in the day That there will be no light; the lights will diminish. It shall be one day which is known to the Lord – Neither day nor night but at evening time it shall happen that it will be light.”
The imagery of darkness as a portent of judgment is common in the prophets (Isaiah, Ezekiel, Amos and Zephaniah).
The invaders will also be struck with plague.
Zechariah 14: 12 – 13
“And this shall be the plague with which the Lord will strike all the people who fought against Jerusalem: Their flesh shall dissolve while they stand on their feet, their eyes shall dissolve in their sockets, and their tongues shall dissolve in their mouths.”
Then the Lord saves Israel.
Zechariah 9: 16
“The Lord their God will save them in that day, as the flock of His people. For they shall be like the jewels of crown, lifted like a banner over His land.”
The victory paves the way for the millennial kingdom of Messiah. The instruments of warfare are destroyed.
Zechariah 9: 10
“I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the horse from Jerusalem; the battle bow will be cut off. He shall speak peace to the nations; His dominion will be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth.”
The Millennial Kingdom in Zechariah.
It should be noted that neither the Church Age in which we live, nor the Eternal Order which comes after the Millenium, are mentioned in Zechariah. These were not revealed to any of the Old Testament prophets.
Zechariah gives a good deal of detail concerning the Millennial Kingdom which is viewed as the ultimate reward for an obedient Israel.
In the kingdom, Jerusalem will be the centre of Messiah’s administration and the Gentile nations will want to be associated with the city and the Holy One of Israel.
Zechariah 2:11 and 12
“Many nations shall be joined to the Lord in that day, and they shall become My people. And I will dwell in your midst. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent Me to you. And the Lord will take possession of Judah as His inheritance in the Holy Land and will again choose Jerusalem.”
The prospect of many nations joining themselves to the Lord echoes the promise to Abraham concerning the nations. But this does not alter God’s choice of His people or of Jeruslaem. The land is “Holy” because it is the site of Messiah’s earthly home.
It will be clear who is in charge.
Zechariah 6: 13
“Yes, He shall build the temple of the Lord. He shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule on HIs throne; so He shall be a priest on His throne, and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.”
Messiah himself will build the temple. This must be the future temple described by among others Ezekiel. Messiah will hold both offices as king and priest. These offices were separated in the Old Testament but are now combined in Messiah who makes peace for Hid glorious kingdom.
Clearly, Jerusalem will be the leading city of the kingdom.
Zechariah 8: 2 and 3
“Thus says the Lord of hosts: “I am zealous for Zion with great zeal; with great fervour I am zealous for her”. Thus says the Lord: “I will return to Zion, and dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, the Mountain of the Lord of hosts, the Holy Mountain””.
The Lord’s great passion for His People and the City of Jerusalem is revealed here. He longed to bless them with His presence and to receive their worship. The use of the term “zealous” indicates the pain for God of his estrangement from His people brought about by their sin. Jerusalem will be “the City of Truth”. That is a city characterised by truth both in word and deed because it is ruled by the holy Messiah.
The people of Jerusalem will at last enjoy peace, security and prosperity. Zechariah provides this idyllic image.
Zechariah 8: 4 and 5
“Old men and old women will again sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each one with his staff in his hand because of great age. The streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in its streets.”
In the future messianic era, Jeruslaem will be inhabited and secure. The longevity of its citizens and the sight of children at play on its streets, suggests future prosperity and divine blessing.
The Lord has made this tranquillity possible and there will be sweet hospitality between neighbours.
Zechariah 3: 9 and 10
“And I will remove the iniquity from that land in one day. “In that day”, says the Lord of hosts, “Everyone will invite his neighbour under his vine and under his fig tree.””
To “remove the iniquity” indicates a future cleansing and forgiveness for the whole nation. This restored Israel will be the nucleus of the earthly Kingdom of God.
God’s former wrath will end and the setting aside of Israel is over.
Zechariah 8: 11 and 12
““But now I will not treat the remnant of this people as in former days,” says the Lord of hosts. “For the seed shall be prosperous, the vine shall give its fruit, the ground shall give her increase, and the heavens shall give their dew – I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all things.””
The topographical events of the Tribulation shall have a beneficial effect on the fertility of the land.
Zechariah 14: 8 – 11
“And in that day it shall be that living waters shall flow from Jerusalem, half of them toward the eastern sea and half of them toward the western sea; In both summer and winter it shall occur … All the land shall be turned into a plain … The people shall dwell in it; and no longer shall there be utter destruction, but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited.”
Everything in Jerusalem, even the smallest item, will be dedicated to the Lord.
Zechariah 14: 20 and 21
“In the day “HOLINESS TO THE LORD” shall be engraved on the bells of the horses. The pots in the Lord’s house shall be like the bowls before the altar. Yes, every pot in Jerusalem and Judea shall be holiness to the Lord of hosts. Everyone who sacrifices shall come and take them and cook in them. In that day there shall no longer be a Canaanite in the house of the Lord of hosts.”
The term “Canaanite” here refers to a worthless person.
The peoples of the world will want to come to visit Jerusalem and be associated with the Jews.
Zechariah 8: 21 – 23
“The inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying “Let us continue to go and pray before the Lord, and seek the Lord of hosts. I myself will go also.” Yes, many peoples and strong nations shall seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the Lord. Thus says the Lord of hosts: “In those days ten men from every language of the nations shall grasp the sleeve of a Jewish man, saying, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.””
Here Zechariah announces a great turning to God of all the nations. During the messianic era, a multitude of people from many cities will go to Jerusalem to seek God. The restored Israel will be a blessing to all the world. Gentiles from throughout the world will make pilgrimage to Jerusalem to entreat the Lord.
The Jews will truly be God’s messengers as originally intended, and Gentiles will fall over themselves to be associated with a Jewish man. This must have produced an amused smile among those receiving the prophecy of Zechariah having been on the receiving end of Gentile oppression and disdain for so long.
The importance of the Feast of Tabernacles will be recognised throughout the world. This Feast which could only be fulfilled in the messianic age.
Zechariah 14: 16 and 17
“And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left of all the nations that came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. And it shall be that whichever of the families of the earth do not come up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, on them there will be no rain.”
In the millennial kingdom, repentant and believing people from among the nations that had attacked Jerusalem, will seek God. The Feast of Tabernacles will celebrate Messiah’s presence among the people and the joyful restoration of Israel. The nations that are unwilling to come to Jerusalem and celebrate the feast, will receive divine judgment. Drought is a severe punishment as it deprives the people of life-giving water.
Conclusion.
The beauty, joy, peace, security and prosperity of the millennial kingdom are promised to Israel in this divinely inspired book. But as God does not mislead His people, Zechariah makes clear that the restored kingdom will only come after times of great trial and difficulty.
As we can see the great accuracy with which he foretold events of the First Coming of Messiah. We can have absolute confidence in what we are told of the events leading to his Second Coming.
As Zechariah acknowledged the troubles which would precede the restoration, we also must inform people the tribulation ahead. As Zechariah’s message is a complex one, so is ours. He was speaking to people surrounded by the physical ruin of their land. We must try to speak to people living in a spiritual wasteland.
When the tribulation comes, no doubt some will say, “Why is God doing this to us?” The sad answer is that mankind has brought it upon itself by rebelling against God, just as Israel did prior to the Babylonian exile.
However, believers will be taken out in the Rapture before the wrath of God is unleashed and that is a blessed message.
1 Thessalonians 5: 9
“For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ … “