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Zechariah (Week 1) ZECHARIAH (WEEK 1) DAY 1: DISCOURAGED & DOWNTRODDEN Following 70 years of exile, some of the Jews have been allowed to return to Jerusalem and set about rebuilding the city and temple. However, after a few years, discouragement set in and the temple construction ceased. Zechariah and his contemporary, Haggai, brought encouragement from the Lord not only to boost the morale of the Jews, but also to give the mandate to complete the work of the temple. Zechariah identifies himself as the author of the book and because of the lineage he names, it is likely that Zechariah came from a priestly family, making him both priest and prophet. Zechariah’s name, “Yahweh remembers,” also speaks to the themes of messages he gives to the people. Though contemporaries with Haggai, Zechariah’s ministry began two months after Haggai and continued for about two years. References to Greece in chapter 9 reveal the possibility that part of the book was written later in Zechariah’s life, after 480 B.C., when Greece defeated Persia as a world power. Taking this into consideration, Zechariah was written somewhere between 520-475 B.C. It is valuable to note that Zechariah was likely born during the exile and brought to Jerusalem while still quite young. This helps explain why he did not speak up earlier when the temple was being neglected (536-520 B.C.) When Zechariah’s prophetic career started, he was yet a young man, as evidenced in Zech. 2:4, and should encourage youth that they too can be used of God to speak spiritual truth into people’s lives! Historically, the setting is the same as Haggai. If you’ve not yet studied Haggai, I highly encourage you to study that book first, or at least read through the GOING DEEPER historical background so you can better understand Zechariah and his times. The book of Ezra provides Though Haggai and Zechariah both address the completion of the temple, much historical and Zechariah focuses on a more broad scope of renewed faith and trust in God – the spiritual background for the sovereign Lord who was right in judging Israel through exile, who has not book of Zechariah. If you forgotten His people, who will judge surrounding nations, and who will forever have the time, I highly remember His covenant even when His people forgot. In essence, there is a call recommend doing a quick for Israel to return to her God, so He can fully bless her as He always desired to read through Ezra, paying do throughout history. attention to what is said regarding the temple. This book is easily divided into two sections: Chapters 1-8 and Chapters 9-14. Because of this natural division, we will subdivide our study that way as well. It may feel at times as though you are reading the books of Daniel or Revelation, and that is due to the fact that many portions of Zechariah describe dreams he had and messages that are apocalyptic in nature. There are also many Messianic prophecies contained in the book, so take your time as you read through each chapter, perhaps even reading through portions again on a different day. Allow the Lord to speak to you through this book and reveal His truths amidst the future-telling messages. Remember to put yourself in the shoes of the post-exiled Jews who would be hearing Zechariah’s words of encouragement, instruction, and future hope. Therefore say to them, “Thus says the Lord of hosts, ‘Return to Me,’ declares the Lord of hosts, ‘that I may return to you,’ says the Lord of hosts. -- Zechariah 1:3 CHAPTER 1 Zechariah begins his book by identifying his lineage and then a brief history of how they all ended up in exile. Quickly following are two visions, or dreams, that are meant to encourage the Jews. You’ll notice in this chapter and beyond, a frequent use of the term, “Lord of Hosts” (NASB) or “Lord Almighty” (NIV). Translated also as “Jehovah-sabaoth,” this term is used more than 270 times in the Old Testament and conveys a God of supreme power, might, warrior status, and sovereignty. By my count, this term for the Lord is used 37 times in just the first 8 chapters of Zechariah!! As you read Chapters 1, please do the Following: • Mark with a distinctive color or shape the words “word oF the Lord”, “Lord oF hosts,” “return,” “I/Lord will,” and “saw/looked/showed.” Include any synonyms. • Mark any references, foreshadowing, or works of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. • Write down what the “I/Lord will” statements in this chapter. Angel oF the Lord A title given to those angelic servants of God who are given specific tasks in furthering God’s • Describe the 2 visions of Zechariah in this chapter and what the purposes among humanity. angel of the Lord reveals as its meaning. These tasks include the giving of revelations, guidance, encouragement, warnings and the execution of judgment on those who oppose God’s purposes. -- Dictionary of Bible Themes At times the “angel of the Lord” is separate from the Lord, as Today’s Devotional Thought seen in Zechariah 1:12-13 Edmund Burke said, “Those who don’t know history are destined to repeat where the Lord directly answers it.” Zechariah’s first message comes in the form of a history lesson, begging the angel. Other times the the Jews who have returned to Jerusalem not to repeat what their “angel of the Lord” is a forefathers did – ignoring God and serving self. Because of their fathers’ manifestation of Jesus, as seen disobedience, they died under the Lord’s discipline while in exile. This in Zechariah 3:1-2. returned remnant has a new opportunity: to listen to the Lord’s instruction and experience the blessings of God for their repentance and return to Him. We must also learn from this history, or we will be destined to repeat it! I’m sure all of us can go back in our own family history to find individuals who weren’t serving the Lord and suffered the consequences. Will we follow in those same footsteps, or will we turn our hearts to God and develop a long-lasting relationship with Him that brings about His blessings and favor? Consecrate anew today your relationship with the Lord. Thank Him for His great patience, wondrous mercy, and everlasting commitment to His covenants. Repent of thoughts and actions that go against the Lord, and return to Him in faith that He will guide your steps, shower you with His Presence, and fulfill His promises. DAY 2: CHAPTERS 2-3 Zechariah has two more visions in today’s passage that clearly point to the Lord of Hosts’ acceptance of Jerusalem and His people, the coming Messiah, and a future holy city. I’ve said it before, but I think it bears repeating: Put yourself in the place of the returned Jews hearing these messages for the first time, and then apply that to whatever strife you’re facing in your own life. Be encouraged today! As you read Chapters 2-3, please do the following: GOING DEEPER • Distinctively mark the words “Lord oF hosts”, “saw/liFted up Read the following passages for my eyes, showed,” “I/Lord will,” “nations,” and “in that greater understanding and biblical day”. Include any synonyms. connection: • Mark any references, foreshadowing, or works of Jesus and the Chapter 2 – Holy Spirit. Haggai 2:9 Isaiah 4:5, 26:1, 60:18 • List the “I/Lord will” statements. Jeremiah 33:22 Revelation 21:15-17 Chapter 3 – Ezra 9:15 Isaiah 11:11, 53:2, 61:10, 64:6 Jeremiah 23:5, 33:15, 50:20 Romans 11:27 • Describe the two visions oF Zechariah and their meanings. Revelation 12:10 Today’s Devotional Thought How easy it is for us to read the dreams and prophecies of Zechariah through the lens of knowing the Messiah and understand that Zechariah was pointing to Christ and a future Jerusalem. But if we look at these visions more at face value, they still bring intense encouragement to Jew and Christian alike. After years of strife and exile, the Lord says to the people of Jerusalem that He will be their Protector and will once again dwell in their midst. They are the apple of His eye, and where they were once viewed lowly by other nations, He will glorify them again before the world. They are claimed as His chosen people once more! Likewise, Joshua represents the remnant and the priesthood in particular. Though originally seen in filthy garments, the Lord has forgiven them and clothes them in white. The covenant is renewed: “If you will walk in My ways, and if you will perform My service, then you will also govern My house and also have charge of My courts, and I will grant you free access among these who are standing here.” (Zech. 3:7) What in your life needs to be viewed in light of Christ’s great mercy? What part of your past can you surrender to Him so He may glorify you through it, for you are the apple of His eye! Accept your part of the covenant as priest to walk in His ways and serve Him so that He may work through you and bless you. DAY 3: CHAPTER 4-5 The end of chapter 3 closed with a vision involving Joshua, the high priest. Today’s passage starts with a vision directed toward Zerubbabel, the leader over the remnant of Jerusalem.
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