Zechariah

Introduction
Zechariah was both a prophet and priest of the Lord. He served during the same time as Haggai and continued after him. His message from the Lord was one of spiritual renewal as he warned them to heed God's Word. He also foretold much about the coming messiah in both His first and second comings. He was given many visions by the Lord as the temple was being rebuilt and then after its completion. Zechariah communicated these to the people to give them hope (in the Lord) during a discouraging time. Zechariah is called 'The Man of Vision and Faith'  by C. Swindoll.

Key Verses:  4:6, 9:9-10, 8:3, 14:9

Theme: King Over All the Earth (Jensen)
              God Remembers - Hope (D. Jeremiah)

Suggested Outline:
I.    A Call to Repentance 1:1-6
II.   Eight Visions 1:7-6:8
III. Crowning of Joshua, the High Priest 6:9-15
IV.  Four Messages 7-8
V. Two Burdens 9-14 (two comings of Messiah)
     1st - 9-11 and 2nd 12-14

Zechariah 1
The opening of this prophecy is the reminder to the people of the Lord's anger over the sins of their  forefathers while lead to His actions of judgment 1-2. The Lord calls them to return to Him and He promises to return to them 3. In the past, the Jews refused to listen to the Lord and thus faced Him in judgment, being removed 4-5. They respond by acknowledging the just actions of God in response to their sins 6. Beginning here at 1:7 through 6:15 is a series of different visions which Zechariah sees. Each are meant to communicate and reveal God's truth and His dealings with His people. Note: I find many of these difficult to understand and interpret. The comments to follow may be brief as some points because of this. With prayerful, in depth study, the Holy Spirit can teach us the meaning of the things recorded here. The first vision Zechariah is of a man riding a red horse, with other (colored) horses 7-8. They are sent out by the Lord to survey the earth and report that all is at peace 9-11. Note: Is this an insight into the spiritual realms that are real but unseen by us ? The Angel of the Lord (pre-incarnate Jesus ?) asks 'how long the Lord (Father) will withhold mercy from Jerusalem 12. Note: Jerusalem was still in much ruin after the Babylonian captivity. The Lord responds with kind and comforting words 13. Note: Unlike us, the Lord speaks because He intends to do, and is not 'mere idle talk'. The Lord further reveals His anger towards the nations which rest in their 'self' security 15. He is also 'very jealous' for Jerusalem 14 and plans  to show His mercy as her towns are rebuilt and prospered by Him 14-17. Note: Jerusalem is the capital city of the nation of Israel and is the city where God has placed His name in His temple forever. (This unfolded in the record of God's Word - Deuteronomy 12:5, 2 Chron 7:16; Nehemiah 1:9 and Ezekiel 43:7). The Lord's promise is that He will again 'chose' Jerusalem as His dwelling place. This word would encourage the people who were in the land after the exile and maybe discouraged by their surroundings in ruin and disrepair. Note: I am not sure if this was totally fulfilled by the Lord already or if this is a dual prophecy with a fuller fulfillment which is still in the future (even from our day) ? Zechariah then sees a vision of four horns 18. They represent the four that scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem. Note: Can that be the nations that invaded them and took them captive to other lands ? He then saw four craftsmen 20-21, whom the Lord would use to thrown down the horns (nations) that came against His people. Note: The Lord disciplines His people and He also restores them. (see: Hosea 6:1-2). The Lord also keeps His promise in reference to His people 'to bless those who bless them and to curse those who curse them' (Genesis 12:3).

Zechariah 2
Next, Zechariah sees a man with a measuring line in his hand 1. He inquires about this and is told finds that he was going to measure Jerusalem 2. Zechariah is commanded to tell this man that Jerusalem with be without walls because of the numerous men and live stock 3-4. The Lord promises to be the protection of the city as 'a wall of fire' around it 5a. HE (the Lord) will also be 'its glory' 5b. God's people are called to return to the Lord and to Zion 6-7. The Lord says they are 'the apple of His eye' 8. Note: This is said of the Jews after they were in exile. They are still His people. He still loves them and they are His covenant people. I believe this statement still applies to the Jewish people today, even if they are living in unbelief. The Lord will one day restore the people and the nation, as a whole, to Himself, thus He will bring upon them all that He has promised. The Lord will judge those who came against His people 9. The (Jewish) people were to rejoice for the Lord was coming to them and would dwell among them 10. Note: The Lord's presence with us is a blessing that can not but move us to joy and gladness. Oh, to be near the Lord and have Him near. Many nations will also be joined to the Lord and become 'His' people 11. Note: This can be fulfilled as the Gospel is spread worldwide. It may also refer to a future day. Fulfillment of these promises assure them that the Lord sent His word through Zechariah 11b. Verse 12 is amazing as the Lord states that HE will inherit Judah as His portion, 'in the holy land'. Note: This is only place I know of where the land of Israel is called 'the holy land'. It is holy, because the Lord set it apart as His own and HE makes it holy ! The command of verse 13 is directed to the entire world (all mankind) to be still, for the Lord takes action from His dwelling in heaven. Note: God is active in the world that He has created and in the affairs of mankind. The command to 'be still' may indicate that the reality of what God has spoken will not be achieved or accomplished by the works of man, but by the Lord alone. Many times a proper response to the Lord's Word is to be still before Him. (ie. 'stand still and see the salvation of the Lord - Exodus 14:13-14).

Zechariah 3
Zechariah is given a vision here of Joshua, the high priest. The Angel of the Lord was before Joshua and Satan stood at his right side to accuse him 1. True to his nature, Satan accuses one before God, who is guilty of sin (Revelation 12:9-10). The Lord says 'the Lord rebuke you'. The Lord has chosen Jerusalem and He also chooses His people whom He has 'snacked from the fire' 2. Joshua, in filthy clothes (which represented his sin) has them removed by the command of the Lord and he is clothed with clean clothes 3-4. This shows that the Lord removes his sins and clothes with 'glory'. Note: Every believer has his/her sins removed by faith in the shed blood of Christ and is also clothed with 'His righteousness' (2 Corinthians 5:17-21). A clean turban is also placed on his head 5. So from head to foot his (our) sins are removed and then given clean garments so that he (we) are righteous in His sight. Joshua is then give the charge to walk with integrity before the Lord and lead His people 6. Obedience brings a useful and secure position before Him 6-7. Joshua and others with him were symbolic of things to come (in the Lord's plans) 8a. Note: I would suggest that one application is that he (Joshua) represents all who come to faith in Christ (being cleansed, clothed, and commissioned). The Lord also reveals that 'His Branch' would also come 8b. This is the Lord Jesus Christ ! A engraved stone is set before him, in connection which the Lord will remove the sin of the land in one day 9. Note: I would suggest that this will be fulfilled when the Lord Jesus returns and the Jewish people (in mass) turn to saving faith in Him (12:10-13, Romans 11:25-32). I do not know what this stone meant, unless it too is a 'veiled reference' to Christ. Verse 10 is a poetic way of speaking of the God ordained peace, security, and prosperity that the Lord will bring to His people.

Zechariah 4
The next vision Zechariah is given is of two lamp stands and two olive trees 1-3. He inquires about their meaning, because he does not know 4-5. The vision was for Zerubbabel who was the governor of the land and under whose leadership the Lord lead the Jews to rebuild the temple of the Lord. The word is a reminder and encouragement that it is by 'the Spirit of the Lord' that the plans of the Lord are accomplished through by His people 6. The obstacles would be removed (mountains leveled) and the capstone (to the temple ?) would be set with the people shouting 'God bless it ! 7. The context of this can be read in Ezra 6:13-18, where the work resumed on the temple amidst the opposition from enemies and disinterest by the people (see: the book of Haggai). The Lord reassures Zerubbabel that he will be the one to finish the project 8-9. When this comes to pass, the word of the Lord will be confirmed to the people, so they will know Him 9b. Though the temple and the work may seem a small thing, they should not despise it. Zerubbabel will hold a plumb line in the work. Note: This can be a literal sign or 'his actions overall, can be understood as the 'plumb line'. The two olive trees are described and explained as being two who are 'anointed to serve the Lord of all the earth' 11-14. Note: I wonder of the lamp stand is Zerubbabel and the two olive trees are not Zechariah and Haggai (see: Ezra 5:1-2). If this is the correct interpretation; it is notable that Zechariah does not know or see himself as being in these images (13). This also makes me realize that believers do not know everything and do not see things as the Lord does !

Zechariah 5
Zechariah sees a flying scroll that was thirty feet long and fifteen feet wide 1-2. It recorded the curse (of the Lord) that will go through the land and come upon those who steal and who swear falsely  in the name of the Lord 3. This curse would come into the houses of those who practice such 'sins'. The curse of the Lord destroys the timbers and stones of the house. 4. Note: This reveals just how serious the Lord takes these actions by individuals. Also, the curse of the Lord consumes the physical. Can it be that my sins result in my home being effected ? Can it also be that which consumes so that there is neither surplus nor enough (see: Haggai 1:5-6, 10-11) ? Zechariah is then shown a woman in a basket 5. This represents the iniquity of the people 6-8. Two other 'winged women' appear and carry the basket away 9. Zechariah is told that this represents the people who were carried away to Babylon 10-11. Note: I do not know what this meant to the people of his day since the Jews had returned, after the exile. Maybe this was a reminder that it was their sins that brought about the Babylonian exile. If they were still sinning in the same manner, it can only lead to their judgment by the Lord (as it had in the past).

Zechariah 6
Zechariah has a vision here of four chariots which are said to be 'the four spirits of heaven'  1-5. Each were sent by the Lord in a different direction 6-8. Note: I do not know the meaning of this passage ? In 9-15 a crown is to be made for Joshua (the high priest). He is called 'the Branch' which is also a type for the Lord Jesus Christ 12. Note: Christ will build His church (Matthew 16:18)
A priest who reigns as a king 13 ? Here again, I see this as fulfilled by the Lord Jesus Christ.

Zechariah 7
A question is asked concerning fasting 1-3. The Lord responds to this by questioning the motive of the people. In the past they did these things for themselves 4-6. The Lord had warned them of false humility and outward actions (without heart) through HIS prophets 7. The Lord sends His word and calls the people to true repentance before Him. This will include showing justice and compassion to one another 8-10. They refused to listen and hardened their hearts 11-12. Note: Was this a look back at the past actions of the people or was this the current condition of the people. They refused to listen 13 and they were scattered by the Lord 14. It was their actions that  brought the judgment of the Lord.

Zechariah 8
The  Lord promises to return to Zion and Jerusalem and thus make it the 'City of Truth' and 'the Holy Mountain' 1-3. The Lord promises multiplied blessings which are listed in this chapter 4-13. The Lord calls for His blessings in place of His curses and commands His people to 'speak the truth, render true and sound judgments' as well as, renouncing evil 14-17. Once again the feasts of the Lord would be celebrated with joy and gladness 18-19. Jerusalem and the Jews will be sought out so that the one seeking may come to know the Lord 20-23. Note: 17x the Lord Almighty is said to be doing this ! This can only be a future event (from our day as well) because it has not happened in connection with the Jewish people or Jerusalem (to date).

Zechariah 9
The also promises to deal with the enemies of His people in 1-8. With the firm declaration 'never again' this must not have been fulfilled because in 70 AD Israel was once again destroyed and the Jews scattered around the world. This awaits fulfillment. Verse 9-10 are a prophecy that applies to the Lord Jesus Christ in both His first and second comings. The Lord will restore 11-13, and rescue His people 14-15. He will then care for and provide for His people as His flock 15b-17. Note: Because so many of these images are applied to the salvation that is offered in the Gospel (to those who believe), it can be confusing and lead one to conclude that the only application is to the church and the Christian. However, we need to keep in mind the original readers (those to whom God was speaking) and not discount or ignore the application to them. God made these promises to His OT people (the Jews) and the fulfillment applies to them as well ! I highlight this because of those who hold to 'replacement theology' (ie. all the OT promises made to the Jews and Israel apply to the Christian and the Church). The literal and natural understanding of these and many other OT prophecies are understood when taken to mean exactly what they say. The Lord will rescue and restore the Jews to the land He gave them, thus fulfilling His promises and keeping all His covenants ! God is truly great !

Zechariah 10
The people are to call on the Lord to provide needed rains (for He controls the storms) 1. Idols, by way of contrast, are false and a lie. People who follow them wander 2. The leaders who lead astray will be punished by the Lord and HE will care for His flock 3. The cornerstone will come from Judah (Jesus) 4. Deliverance and salvation will come from the Lord 5-7. God will regather His people and they will return to Him 8-12.

Zechariah 11
The Lord will judge Lebanon 1-3. The Lord had judged His people 4-6. The Lord would abandon them 7-11. In 12-13 the prophecy applied to Jesus betrayal from money is foretold and exemplified by the actions of Zechariah (Matthew 27:9-10). Both Israel and Judah faced the judgment of God. They went astray because their leaders abandon the Lord 14-17. Note: This is a difficult chapter to follow. Where they still acting as their forefathers who were judged by the Lord ?

Zechariah 12
Here the Lord gives a word (an oracle) concerning Israel and Jerusalem 1-3. Jerusalem will become the trouble spot of the world and all the nations will gather against it 3. Note: Sounds like today's headlines ! When they are surrounded by enemies, the Lord will fight on behalf of Jerusalem 4-6. The Lord will save by destroying the nations that would attack her 7-9. Note: This has not yet happened. Neither has what follows. In 10-13, the Lord will pour out 'a spirit of grace and supplication' upon the Jews and they will turn to Him and be saved ! The Jews, who rejected Jesus Christ at His first coming will humbly receive Him at His second coming (Romans 11:25-29 and Revelation 1:7).

Zechariah 13
The word continues concerning Israel and the Jews. They will be cleansed from sin and impurity 1. Idols will be banished 2-3, and prophets will be ashamed 4-5. The shepherd of Israel will be struck (the first coming of Christ) 7. The land will be struck by the Lord with one third surviving 8-9. Note: Can this be Israel and the Jews of the last days before the Lord returns ? The Lord says the third that remains, HE will refine and they will claim the Lord as He claims them 9.

Zechariah 14
This final prophecy in recorded in this chapter looks forward to the second coming of Christ and His return to this earth (Acts 1:11). In broad terms the Lord returns and rescues His people. The Lord will be king over all the earth 9. The Lord will put down all the enemies of Israel 12-13. Judah will inherit the wealth of the nations 14-15. The Lord will be worshiped from all the nations 16. Those who do not keep the Lord's feasts will suffer 17-19. 'Holy to the Lord' will be the inscription on the bells of the horses and the cooking pots in the Lord's house' 20. All will be holy unto the Lord 21. The Canaanite will be removed from the house of the Lord 21. Note: This may be a reference to the corruption that Canaanites brought to God's people, now completely removed. While I believe these chapters (12-14) to have much that is yet to be fulfilled, I do not know how all of this will unfold. There is much here I do not understand, however the history of the Jews (to date) would indicate that to me that God has a plan and a future for the Jewish people and nation. One day we will be able to look back and see this fulfilled. Then we will again say 'The Lord, HE is God'  and 'His name be praised' !