ZECHARIAH

Zechariah means "one whom Jehovah remembers," He was the "son of Berechiah," which means "Jehovah blesses," and Berechiah was the "son of Iddo", which means "the appointed time." The rich meaning of these names are suggestive of the encouragement God gave to the remnant--God remembered to bless in His appointed time. He is the prophet of "Last and final Things." He saw the Royal Root and the sovereign Stem of Jesse(Messiah) in His coming judgment and justice. He was the prophet of "restoration and glory."

It has been said that while Haggai was a realist---with his feet on the ground, Zechariah was a visionary.....with his head in the clouds. Haggai dealt with the material; Zechariah, mainly with the spiritual. In addition to his being a prophet, Zechariah was also a priest (Nehemiah 12:16).

The purpose of Zechariah's prophecy was to give God's people hope by revealing future deliverance through the Messiah. It was written by Zechariah to the Jews in Jerusalem who had returned from their captivity in Babylon and to God's people everywhere. Chapters 1 - 8 were written approximately 520-518B.C. and chapters 9 - 14 were written around 480 B.C. It was during the time the exiles had returned from Babylon to rebuild the Temple, but the work had been interferred with and halted. Hagggai and Zechariah confronted the people with their task and encouraged them to complete it.

The key verses in this book are Ch. 9: 9,10 ~Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation' lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass. And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off: and he shall speak peace unto the heathen: and his dominion shall be from sea even to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth.
(This book is the most apocalyptic and messianic of all the minor prophets.)

Zechariah begins in the eighth month, in the second year of the reign of Darius...................

In the opening message (1:1-6) Zechariah warns the people who have just begun the temple rebuilding that they should listen to God's message through the prophets and maintain a vital relationship with God, lest they feel God's judgment.

The series of night visions (1:7-6:8) offers encouragement to the builders at a very crucial time. The rebuilding program in Jerusalem has caused Persian officials to investigate and submit a written complaint to Darius(Ezra5-6). The Jews may be awaiting the verdict of Darius when Zechariah delivers messages based on these night visions. The total perspective of this eight-vision series assures the builders that God has a long-range plan for Israel.

Two years later (518 B.C.) the practical question of observing the fast arose (7:1-8:23) Zechariah once more points out that the key to a right relationship with God is obedience. Fasting for the sake of fasting is futile. Legalistic observance of the law could never serve as a substitute for reflecting God's love in everyday living.

The remaining messages (9-14) are not dated. There is no compelling evidence to deny them to Zechariah. Very likely they were given much later, possibly after 480B.C. Here the emphasis is on the long-range development which portrays the establishment of the final kingdom. The King is introduced as coming in a humble manner, bringing salvation but being rejected by His own people, the Israelites, who subsequently are abandoned to the nations for judgment. When the nations gather for battle against Jerusalem, the Israelites will recognize Him "Whom they have pierced" (12:10), and emerge in victory. All nations will then come to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts.

So the book of Zechariah can be outlined in this manner:
First~ The call to obedience, 1:1-6
Second ~ The vision and coronation, 1:7-6:15
Third ~ Obedience versus legalism, 7:1-8:23
Fourth~ The King rejected, 9:1-13:9
Fifth ~ The King enthroned, 14:1-21

Although evil is still present, God's infinite love and personal care have been demonstrated through the centuries. God keeps His promises. Although our bodies may be destroyed, we need never fear, our ultimate destiny if we love and obey Him.

ON THE WAY HOME

In days of old, the story is told,
Of man's need to be bold.
To obey God in their paths,
Holding on to the promise they had.

God's love was then as it is now,
The promise, the same allowed.
Stand fast to faith and truth,
That same promise will come to you.

An eternal home will be earned,
If God's law you do not spurn.
But today, the price has been paid,
And the path to Heaven made.

By God's only SON, the MESSIAH
The same one told by Zechariah.
The Temple still needs repair,
God's people are arriving there.

To finish the prophecy foretold,
By all the prophets of old.
The day will arrive, the King will come,
To claim His Bride and Throne.

The march to Zion will get in step,
The souls of the dead shall accept,
The waiting Groom will enter in,
New life for His Bride will begin.

The saints of old will unite,
With all the children of light.
The Glory of the LORD will Shine
And all will come and dine.

If you don't know HIM today,
Get on your knees and pray,
No man may know the hour,
We we will feel HIS GREAT POWER!

Written by Shirley Barr
August 31, 2005
All Rights Reserved
References: Bible, KJV and Amplified

SONG: 'MARCHING TO ZION'
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