Introductory Information
Dating of the Writing
There are a couple different ways to pull the dating of a writing. Some would say that the dating should come directly from Scripture and nothing else. Scripture is sufficient in most cases to date books on their own. Throughout the strand of Scripture, timing is done amazingly which lends a hand to the historicity of the Bible. The Bible gives dates because it is an account of the history of God’s relationship with humanity.
Using Scripture Alone
Zechariah really does pretty good about aiding in the date of which the events of the book took place. Starting right out, Zechariah makes it known that the events begin in the eighth month of the second year of King Darius. While, strictly from context of the book of Zechariah in Scripture, Darius is not given much detail, it can be derived that Darius is not the king of Babylon but a ruler from another kingdom. This is the time of the first section of Zechariah.
The next section begins in chapter 7 which takes place around two years after the first section. Zechariah begins chapter 7 by saying, “in the fourth year of King Darius, the word of the Lord came to Zechariah on the fourth day of the ninth month” (Zechariah 7:1 NASB). There aren’t any other dates given throughout the book of Zechariah, so it can be assumed it all happened around this time frame. It can also be deduced that this was at the end of the Babylonian captivity. Chapter 7 alludes to the 70-year captivity in Babylon. “’When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months these seventy years…’” (Zechariah 7:5 NASB). In this time frame, which can also be deduced by the context of what Zechariah is speaking about (and his visions), 70 years of captivity for Israel only fits the Babylonian captivity. Darius would be the king from Persia whom would destroy Babylon and free Israel to return to Jerusalem.
Using External Sources
Using Scripture alone really keeps the academic honest, but external sources can certainly be of aid in things such as dating. External sources can be used for questions such as:
- Who was King Darius according to history?
- When did the Babylonian Exile happen?
- When did King Darius reign?
- Was he in fact the king of a nation outside of Babylon?
- When does tradition say Zechariah lived?
All of these questions help tremendously in the dating of the book. However, if things don’t line up with the events of Scripture, the history book is wrong, not the Bible. The Bible has the final authority on all things, not just “spiritual” things.
Using the context of other Scripture, some key deductions can be made. Zechariah identifies his family line, which is key for accurately placing the date of Zechariah (the events within the book, not necessarily the writing of the book). Iddo, which Zechariah claims to be the son of, is the priest mentioned in Nehemiah 12:4 as one of the priests who returned from Babylon to Judah. Ezra 5:1 places Zechariah as a contemporary with Haggai, who returned to Judah with the first group (Benware, 260). This would give a date of 520-518 B.C. for the events which are contained in the book of Zechariah.
Authorship of Zechariah
Just like any writing throughout history (even outside of Scripture), the name placed on the writing, within the writing, holds a lot of weight. Zechariah’s name is claimed as the author from the beginning. He speaks throughout (in most cases) as the person receiving and giving the information. Very rarely does Zechariah refer to himself in the third person.
It is debated as to whether Zechariah wrote the entirety of the book. Within Scripture, there isn’t any reason why that should be debated. The topic supposedly changes in chapter 9. However, this isn’t accurate. Sure, it seems to have a pretty large section break but it simply is prophesying of future events. In the context of the book, God is giving His people the hope for which they have in the future. The length of time in which this takes place in uncertain. Now, looking back, it is certain there is a large gap of time between the prophecies earlier in the book and chapter 9. However, that does not justify crediting the second half of the book to a different author whenever nothing in Scripture points to that conclusion. One must recognize and accept the spiritual part of the text. God is speaking and in the context of Zechariah, the placement and existence of the second half of Zechariah makes complete contextual sense.
Historical Context for Zechariah
As stated before in the dating of the book, the historical context is clear. Zechariah is prophesying at the end of the Babylonian exile. Israel has been in exile and out of their homeland for seventy years (7:5). Zechariah is prophesying to a new generation than is seen in the earlier prophets. While most prophets in the Old Testament are speaking of judgment, Zechariah is mostly speaking of a future hope of restoration.
It is well known that Zechariah begins his message two months after the last of Haggai. Haggai was a prophet who spoke of the neglect of the Temple and the need for restoration. Zechariah’s message, in many ways, expounds on this message. God’s people are leaving the land from which they have been held captive and returning to the land of their fathers. This will in turn result in a rebuilding of God’s temple.
More than just the temple, though, Zechariah is pointing to the restoration of Israel spiritually. They have been spiritually dead (which can be seen in the opening of the book as well as many other passages). Zechariah calls them back to repentance and to worship the creator of the universe (12:1-2). Zechariah gives a message of hope and restoration as they are called to flee from Babylon and return to their homeland.
Brief Overview of Zechariah
Zechariah begins by calling Israel to repentance which is responded to in a very positive way. The people obey the call to repentance and are promised deliverance from Babylon. Zechariah points the people to flee Babylon and return to the Lord; God will be there God and they will be His people. In time, Jerusalem would be a joyous place with people who grew old. They would receive salvation through the Branch who would come and bring restoration. The leaders would deny Him and would be handed over to the bad shepherd. The return of Joshua the High Priest would be ushered by a time of tribulation. After this, the nations would be judged, and God would reign in holiness in Jerusalem. Jerusalem will never see destruction again. Zechariah is a beautiful message of restoration.
Outline of Zechariah
- Call to Repentance
- Series of Visions
- The vision of the horseman
- The vision of the horns and craftsmen
- The vision of the man with the measuring line
- The vision of Joshua the High Priest
- The vision of the completion of the temple
- The vision of the flying scroll
- The vision of wickedness being carried off
- The vision of the chariots which patrol the earth
- The crowning of Joshua the High Priest
- The beginning of the restoration of Jerusalem
- Jerusalem will again prosper
- The Judgement of the Nations and Reign of the Messiah (Joshua the High Priest)
- The Messiah Promised
- The Good Shepherd Rejected, the Bad Shepherd Given
- Judah and Jerusalem; the Two Blocks of Destruction
- The Shepherd is Struck and His Sheep Scattered
- Tribulation Followed by Prosperity
Walk Through of Zechariah
Call to Repentance
Zechariah begins the book by making a call to repentance. He calls for the people who are still in exile to repent and come back to God and do what their fathers did not do. This results in the repentance of the people of Israel who are in Babylon (1:1-6).
Series of Visions
Just a couple of months later, Zechariah is given a series of visions. These visions were direct revelation from God through which Zechariah could prophesy. These will be seen in different ways throughout the book of Zechariah. For example, the vision of Joshua the High Priest is later seen in the command from God to crown him.
Vision of Horseman
The first of these visions was of a man on a red horse who was being followed by many other horses. This man was among many who were sent to patrol the earth. He reported that the earth was at ease. The angel of the Lord (arguably the second Person of the Trinity) asks God how long He will refuse to have mercy on Jerusalem. God answers with compassion towards His people, and anger towards the nations at ease. God will have mercy on His people and dwell with them again.
Vision of the horns and their destruction
The second of these visions contains horns. These horns represent the nations that scattered Judah. Then, craftsmen come into play. These craftsmen are those who will destroy the horns. It points to the rescue and redemption of God’s people from these nations.
Vision of the measuring line
The third vision is that of a man with a measuring line. When asked about the measuring line, the man replies, “To measure Jerusalem, to see what is its width and what is its length”. This implies, people will be inhabiting Jerusalem again which implies deliverance from the horns or nations that scattered them in the first place. God them commands His people to flee from Babylon and return to their homeland where God will be their glory. They will be like a city without walls as they grow so large and God will protect them.
Vision of the High Priest; Joshua
This next vision is of Joshua the High Priest. He is standing before the angel of the Lord (again, arguably the second person of the trinity) clothed in filthy rags. The angel of the Lord commands that Joshua be clothed in new rags and states that He has taken away Joshua’s iniquity. He then charges him to keep His commandments and to pursue righteousness. If this is done, Joshua will surely reign with Him.
Vision of the completion of the temple
In the fifth vision, Zechariah is shown an interesting array of instruments used in the temple of the Lord. There are lampstands, a bowl and some olive trees. The moral of the story in this vision is that Jerusalem will be built in the time of Zerubbabel, but not by his power but by the power of the Lord. Whenever this is done, Zechariah will surely know that the Lord was speaking.
Vision of the flying scroll which judges wickedness
Next, Zechariah is given a vision of a flying scroll. This scroll is the means by which the wicked will be consumed. This scroll will find those who are committing wicked deeds and stay in their house until the whole house is consumed.
Vision of Wickedness being carried off
Zechariah is given another vision of a basket. In this basket is a lady named wickedness. She is placed in this basket and taken to the land of Shinar where a place will be prepared for her and she will stay.
Vision of the chariots which patrol the earth
The last vision given in this series is of four chariots which came out from between two mountains. These horses were of different colors. The black and white horses went towards the north country. The others went towards the south country. These chariots were meant to patrol the land. The spirit of God is laid at rest in the north country.
Crowning of the High Priest
Zechariah is now commanded to take gold and silver from particular people who are coming from the exile. With this, he is to make a crown for Joshua the High Priest (see the fourth vision). Joshua is titled as the Branch for he will branch out and build the temple of the Lord. People from far off will come to Jerusalem to help build the temple of the Lord.
Beginning of the Restoration of Jerusalem and Its Motives
This is the start of chapter 7 and here is a pretty big section break. There is a good amount of time passed (2 years +/-) between the end of chapter 6 and beginning of chapter 7. God’s people come to the prophets to talk with the Lord. They ask a question of fasting and God responds by telling them their motives are wrong. The motives of their fathers were the same and it resulted in the scattering of God’s people. God now also gives correct motives and means by which His people should live.
Jerusalem will again prosper
Chapter 8 begins with a beautiful picture of God’s compassion and future plans for His people. He is going to protect them from other nations and will bring them back to Jerusalem. The streets of Jerusalem will again be filled with the elderly (meaning long and prosperous life). Israel will be His people and He will be their God; again. God then gives the people of Israel a charge; let your hands be strong, for I am with you. This is sure. Just as God brought the wrath He promised, He will bring prosperity. God then comes back to the fasting deal. He states that these times will be times of joy and peace. This could be a result of the prosperity that God is going to bring. This will be widely known among the nations. So much so, that people from all nations will be coming to Jerusalem to experience God.
Judgment of the Nations and Reign of a Messiah
Chapter 9 is again, another big section break. Zechariah now turns his attention to the judgment on the enemies of Israel. God brings judgment on the nations but also gives reason in this chapter. This will also bring protection to His people. Even beyond protection, it will bring the riches and wealth of the nations.
Messiah prophesied
Zechariah presents a wonderful prophesy of the coming Messiah here. This is where the prophesy of Zechariah takes a large turn. The king is coming, and he will ride on a donkey. He will come, and He will save His people. He will reign over all the earth. This gives Israel great reason to rejoice! God will also bring His people back together in Jerusalem from the lands by which they have been scattered. He will do this and punish the leaders who have lead them astray.
Good shepherd rejected; bad shepherd given
It seems here that Zechariah is assuming the role of the Messiah which was spoken of earlier. He will be rejected and then assumes the role of a bad shepherd. Because they rejected the good shepherd, they are given to the bad shepherd.
Judah and Jerusalem; the two blocks of destruction
In that day, Jerusalem and Judah will be a stumbling block to the nations around them. Those who come against them will be utterly destroyed. God will protect Judah and Jerusalem and will conquer the nations who try to destroy Jerusalem. God will then pour out a spirit of grace on them as they mourn for the one whom they had pierced. In that day, the Lord will cut off all idols and they will not be remembered. Prophecy will be cut off.
The shepherd is struck, and His sheep scattered
The shepherd will be struck, and the sheep will be scattered. The third which remain will be refined like silver. They will be God’s people.
Tribulation followed by prosperity
A time of great disaster will come which will be followed by a time victory for God. He will come as prepared for battle and will destroy the wicked. The land will be a land of prosperity and evil will no longer reign. God will reign and living waters will burst from Jerusalem which will not cease. Jerusalem will be a place of security and will never again fall to destruction.
Application of Zechariah
The applications found throughout the book of Zechariah are numerous. There are so many applications. Each chapter even has current life applications, but for the sake of this paper, a few major applications will be addressed.
Repentance Leads to Restoration/Lack of Repentance Leads to Judgment
Zechariah starts his book of with the message of repentance from sins. He calls the people of God to repent of the ways they have adopted while in Babylon. Zechariah compares them with their fathers, who did not repent. As seen in verse six of chapter 1, the audience of Zechariah did not follow their fathers, but came to repentance.
The result of the lack of repentance led to a seventy-year exile. The fathers continued in their evil ways and were judged for their wickedness. The consequences of their actions were not just a natural thing but a supernatural judgment from God. In this same sense, God will judge Christians today for their actions. God will take life early and many other things. Acts 5 shows God taking the life of Ananias and Saphirra for their lack of honesty. While this is in a transition, it certainly has its place today. An unrepentant individual is also to be cast out and treated as an unbeliever by the Church (Matthew 18:15-18). In a very similar sense, Israel was cast out into exile for their lack of repentance.
The result of the repentance of the audience of Zechariah was restoration. They were brought back to the land from which they came and restored fellowship with God. In the same way, a repentant Christian will be restored to the Church and fellowship with God. It is the purpose of Church discipline to bring restoration which comes from repentance to sin.
God is Sovereign, Even Over Kings
Throughout the book of Zechariah, God used King Darius to free His people. As seen in other books throughout Scripture, this was ordained and prophesied. God used the king of Babylon to bring judgment on the fathers. God is in control. God is in control of the church you are leading. God is in control of the family crisis you are going through. God is in control of the life lost. God is sovereign and in control.
The Return of Christ is a Message of Hope
Zechariah is clearly a message of hope for the people of God. In this specific context, it is a message of hope to those who have been in exile under a tyranny for seventy years. After all of this time, God will bring an everlasting restoration to the nation of Israel. As revelation has advanced with the New Testament, it can now be seen in a much fuller light. It can be seen that Jesus was Joshua the High Priest, He came and was denied by His people, was pierced for the transgressions of the world and will one day return again to judge the nations and bring the promised everlasting restoration to His people. Just as this message applied in Zechariah, it applies to the dispensation today. The people of God still have an everlasting restoration to look forward to. Today, the details are simply in more detail.
This can be seen throughout the Thessalonian Epistles. Throughout the tribulation and persecution found in Thessalonica, Paul takes advantage of the message of restoration at the end of every section to bring hope and joy to his audience. Through persecution and suffering, one of the greatest joys a Christian can have is that brought only by the prospect of spending eternity in a perfect world with a perfect savior. This is the reason given in Hebrews 12 to cast off all weight and sin. It is told to focus on the finish line which is Jesus Christ. Focus on the things above. Count it all joy. Strive for the call of the upward prize. Find joy in Christ.
Jesus Will Physically Return
Just like most other prophesies, there is a physical fulfillment. Zechariah speaks of Joshua coming and reigning over the world and putting an end to destruction. This is backed up with Jesus coming physically throughout Revelation 20. Jesus will reign, bodily, for a thousand years.
Conclusion
Zechariah is speaking to an exiled people who are in desperate need of restoration. They are called to repentance and respond positively which results in a restoration to their homeland. Their fellowship with God is restored. God will bring about an everlasting restoration after a time of tribulation. Zechariah is a book of hope, restoration and future events for the people of God.
