ZECHARIAH BOOK OVERVIEW
OLD TESTAMENT PROPHECY: ZECHARIAH’S VISIONS + WARNING
The book of Zechariah, written during the post-exile period, encouraged the Israelites as they returned to Jerusalem after nearly seventy years of captivity. Zechariah, a prophet who worked closely with Haggai, delivered a series of visions and messages from God. These visions revealed God’s mercy toward Jerusalem and His plans to rebuild and restore the Israelites.
These apocalyptic visions provided insight into God’s judgment, promises of His future blessings, and an image of the coming Messiah. Unbeknownst to the Israelites, Zechariah prophesied about Jesus, the ultimate King.
Many of Zechariah’s visions, themes, and imagery—such as the Day of the Lord and God’s ultimate reign—are also reflected in other prophetic books like Amos and Ezekiel, as well as in the apocalyptic vision of Revelation.
Zechariah called the people to repentance and faithfulness, reminding them that God is sovereign over all nations and would remain faithful to His covenant. The book also looks ahead to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s kingdom, where He will reign in holiness as all nations worship Him.
MAIN IDEAS: ZECHARIAH HAS INSIGHT + HOPE FOR JERUSALEM
God called His people to repentance + promised restoration to those who repented. (Zechariah 1:3)
God provided visions of restored Jerusalem + promised to dwell among His people. (Zechariah 2:10-11)
The Messiah was foretold as a both a humble and righteous king. (Zechariah 9:9)
God revealed His plans for the future Day of the Lord and His ultimate, eternal reign. (Zechariah 14:9)
EXAMPLE OF GOD’S CHARACTER: GIVES VISIONS OF THE FUTURE
In Zechariah, God communicated His plans for the future through vivid, symbolic visions. Despite the current state of destruction and exile, God ultimately planned to restore Jerusalem and the Israelites. Through these visions, Zechariah also foretold the coming of the Savior, who would establish God’s eternal kingdom.
Zechariah’s apocalyptic visions in chapters 12-14 give a glimpse into the future Day of the Lord. These prophecies reveal a time when God’s judgment will come upon the nations and Jerusalem will be redeemed, similar to the visions found in the book of Revelation. God encouraged the Israelites, assuring them that even though they would face immediate challenges, God had a wonderful plan for the world.
Although we might not receive vivid imagery or visions of our immediate future, we can remember God’s sovereign character and His plans to redeem all things.
JESUS IN ZECHARIAH: THE HUMBLE RULER
Zechariah 9:9 predicted the coming of a humble king, saying, "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." This verse foreshadowed Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where He humbly rode on a donkey, fulfilling this exact prophecy (Matthew 21:5).
