The Book Of Zechariah
Author	Zechariah
Date Written	Between 520 and 518 BC, chapters 1-8; chapters 9-14 authored some years later, possibly between 480 and 470 BC
Time Span	Chapters 1-8 cover about 2 years during the rebuilding of the Temple. Chapters 9-14 cover about 10 years after the Temple is completed.
Title	From the book's author: Zechariah. This name means “God remembers.”
Background	About 2 months after Haggai's first message to Jerusalem, Zechariah begins a similar ministry. Zechariah is the son of Berechiah and the grandson of Iddo, who were part of the exiles that returned to Jerusalem under Zerubbabel. Zechariah's message for those rebuilding the Temple of God is one of encouragement, comfort, and judgment.
Where Written	Jerusalem
To Whom	To a restored Israel
Content	Zechariah's message begins with a series of night visions, which offer both comfort to the people of God in rebuilding the Temple and judgment of the disobedient people and nations. Zechariah joins the older Haggai in exhorting the people to finish construction of the Temple (which they accomplish in about 4 years time) and encouraging a closer walk in obedience to God. The people's devotion to the task increases when they are finally made to realize that the glory of God cannot return to the Temple...if the Temple does not exist. Zechariah's prophecies concerning the Messiah include: the righteous branch; the Triumphal Entry on the colt of a donkey; the betrayal for 30 pieces of silver, the potter's field, and the piercing of the Good Shepherd. The book closes with the Day of the Lord and the restoration of Israel.
Themes	God's ways are not just best for God. . .they are also best for us. We need to fear no obstacle when we are on the side of God. God desires pure actions, but even more He desires pure motives for our actions. A person in love with the Lord will also have love and compassion for others. God's plan of redemption (through Jesus Christ) was established from the time sin first entered the world.
Key Words	“Obedience”; “Messiah.” Zechariah lets the nation know that future blessings are contingent upon the people's “obedience” to God and His Word. The coming of the “Messiah” is central to the book: His power, betrayal, and Kingdom.
Outline	1:1-1:6  Zechariah gives God's call to repentance 1:7-6:8  Zechariah has 8 visions from the Lord 6:9-6:15  Joshua is crowned 7:1-7:14  God seeks obedience, not hypocrisy 8:1-8:23  The Lord promises blessings for Israel 9:1-9:8  Israel's enemies are judged 9:9-14:21  The coming of the Messiah and His reign
More	Audio of the Book of Zechariah

Old Testament New Testament Pentateuch Historical Wisdom Prophets Gospels History Pauls Letters General Letters

Please send all comments or suggestions about this page to: [email protected]