ZECHARIAH, BOOK OF

This book of the Hebrew Scriptures identifies its writer as “Zechariah the son of Berechiah the son of Iddo the prophet.” (Zech. 1:1) It also provides a basis for establishing the time period covered and an approximate date for the composition. The last time indicator found in the book of Zechariah is the fourth day of Chislev in the fourth year of Darius’ reign (about November 29, 518 B.C.E.). (Zech. 7:1) Accordingly, this book could not have been committed to writing before the close of 518 B.C.E. Since it was in the “eighth month in the second year of Darius” (October/November 520 B.C.E.) that the “word of Jehovah occurred to Zechariah” (Zech. 1:1), the book covers a period of at least two years.

From chapter nine onward the subject matter found in the book of Zechariah appears to differ considerably from the earlier section. No further reference is made to angels and visions nor to Governor Zerubbabel and High Priest Joshua. There is no mention of the temple rebuilding work, and not even the name of Zechariah appears. In view of this and the nature of the prophecies contained in the latter chapters of the book, a number of critics maintain that this section could not have been written by Zechariah. However, it should be noted that Zechariah, like other prophets, wrote according to divine inspiration and did not receive all revelations at the same time nor in the same manner. (2 Pet. 1:20, 21) Also, prophecies did not have to fit within a particular framework of existing circumstances and incorporate the name of the prophet or of some of his contemporaries for an entire book to be the work of the prophet. That the book of Zechariah forms one harmonious whole, rather than consisting of separate and unrelated parts recorded by different writers, is evident from the thoughts expressed therein. Throughout, the book highlights that Jerusalem would be restored and that Jehovah would come to the defense of the city.—Zech. 1:13-21; 2:4, 5; 8:14-23; 9:11-17; 12:2-6; 14:3-21.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

About February 15, 519 B.C.E., the prophet Zechariah heard the words: “The whole earth is sitting still and having no disturbance.” (Zech. 1:7, 11) So it appears that by then King Darius had succeeded in subduing the rebellious elements throughout his realm, and peace had been restored. The situation at Jerusalem, however, made it appear that Jehovah had forsaken the city. Although the temple’s foundation was laid in 536 B.C.E., the rebuilding work made slow progress on account of enemy opposition and finally, about 522 B.C.E., came under an official ban. (Ezra 4:4, 5, 24) Additionally, plagued by droughts and crop failures because of having neglected the temple rebuilding work, the repatriated Jews found themselves in very difficult circumstances. (Hag. 1:6, 10, 11) They needed encouragement to continue the construction work despite mountainous obstacles.

Jehovah’s words, through Zechariah, must therefore have been a real source of comfort and inspiration to them. The visions seen by Zechariah clearly showed that it was the divine will for Jerusalem and its temple to be rebuilt. (Zech. 1:16; chap. 2) The power of the nations that had dispersed Judah would be shattered. (Zech. 1:18-21) High Priest Joshua would gain an acceptable appearance before Jehovah (Zech. 3:3-7) and Governor Zerubbabel would, with the help of God’s spirit, finish rebuilding the temple.—Zech. 4:6-9.

AGREEMENT WITH OTHER BIBLE BOOKS

The book of Zechariah is in complete harmony with the rest of the Scriptures in identifying Jehovah as the Protector of his people. (Zech. 2:5; compare Deuteronomy 33:27; Psalm 46:11; 125:2.) He rewards or punishes individuals or nations according to their dealings and returns to those who repentantly return to him. (Zech. 1:2-6; 7:11-14; compare Isaiah 55:6, 7; Jeremiah 25:4-11; Ezekiel 33:11; Malachi 3:7; 2 Peter 3:9.) Of those who desire his favor, Jehovah requires that they speak truth and manifest obedience, justice, loving-kindness and mercy. (Zech. 7:7-10; 8:16, 17; compare Deuteronomy 24:17; Psalm 15:1, 2; 82:3, 4; Proverbs 12:19; Jeremiah 7:5, 6; Ephesians 4:25.) He does not respond to calls for aid from those who do not obey him.—Zech. 7:13; compare Isaiah 1:15; Lamentations 3:42-44.

Also, noteworthy similarities are readily apparent by comparing passages in Zechariah with other scriptures.—Compare Zechariah 3:2 with Jude 9; Zechariah 4:3, 11-14 with Revelation 11:4; Zechariah 4:10 with Revelation 5:6; Zechariah 8:8 with Revelation 21:3; Zechariah 14:5 with Jude 14; Zechariah 14:7 with Revelation 21:25; Zechariah 14:8 with Revelation 22:1, 17.

FULFILLMENT OF PROPHECY

The fulfillment of prophecies recorded in the book of Zechariah testifies to its authenticity. What is known about Alexander the Great’s campaign in Syria, Phoenicia and Philistia, including the conquest of Tyre and Gaza, fits the words of Zechariah 9:1-8 and, therefore, can be understood as a fulfillment of this prophecy. Numerous other prophecies contained in the book of Zechariah find their fulfillment in Christ Jesus—his entry into Jerusalem as king, “humble, and riding upon an ass” (Zech. 9:9; Matt. 21:5; John 12:15), his betrayal for “thirty silver pieces” (Zech. 11:12, 13; Matt. 26:15; 27:9), the subsequent scattering of his disciples (Zech. 13:7; Matt. 26:31; Mark 14:27), Jesus’ being pierced with a spear while on the stake (Zech. 12:10; John 19:34, 37) and his role as king-priest.—Zech. 6:12, 13; Heb. 6:20; 8:1; 10:21.

OUTLINE OF CONTENTS

I. Call to repentance (1:1-6)

II. Zechariah’s eight visions of the night (1:7–6:8)

A. First vision: four horsemen; Jehovah’s promise to show mercy to Jerusalem (1:7-17)

B. Second vision: four horns and four craftsmen (1:18-21)

C. Third vision: man with measuring rope to ascertain dimensions of Jerusalem (2:1-13)

D. Fourth vision: High Priest Joshua’s befouled garments replaced with robes of state (3:1-10)

E. Fifth vision: lampstand and two olive trees (4:1-14)

F. Sixth vision: flying scroll (5:1-4)

G. Seventh vision: ephah measure with woman (Wickedness) inside (5:5-11)

H. Eighth vision: four chariots, representing four spirits (6:1-8)

III. Grand crown to be made and put upon High Priest Joshua’s head, evidently a symbolic act signifying that the “man whose name is Sprout” would build Jehovah’s temple, would rule and become a “priest upon his throne” (6:9-15)

IV. Question involving fasts (7:1–8:23)

A. Inquiry by men from Bethel about practicing an abstinence in fifth month (7:1-3)

B. Jehovah’s reply through Zechariah (7:4–8:23)

1. Fasts not really observed unto Jehovah (7:4-6)

2. Through former prophets, Jehovah called attention to need for obedience, justice, loving-kindness and mercy, but people did not give heed and, therefore, experienced calamity (7:7-14)

3. Jehovah’s jealousy for Zion will lead to restoration, but he will continue to require truthfulness and justice from his people (8:1-17)

4. Fasts will become good festal seasons, and people of nations will join themselves to Jews (8:18-23)

V. Jehovah’s judgment against various places in Syria, Phoenicia and Philistia (9:1-8)

VI. Coming of Zion’s king (9:9, 10)

VII. Return of Zion’s prisoners; Jehovah’s defense of his people and their future prosperity (9:11–11:3)

A. Jehovah’s released people likened to his war weapons and a flock (9:11-17)

B. Requests for rain to be made to Jehovah, because teraphim and practicers of divination are valueless (10:1, 2)

C. House of Judah made like horse of dignity in battle; Jehovah to back up warfare of his people (10:3-7)

D. Redeemed ones to return from Egypt and Assyria, but Egypt and Assyria to experience calamity (10:8–11:3)

VIII. Prophet’s experience as a shepherd of ‘flock meant for killing’ (11:4-17)

A. Prophet called to be shepherd of people; later breaks one of his staffs, named Pleasantness, and provides opportunity for people to give him wages; receives thirty silver pieces; thereafter breaks other staff, called Union (11:4-14)

B. Prophet called again to be shepherd to illustrate that useless shepherd will rise up in land (11:15-17)

IX. Future role of Jerusalem and Judah (12:1–14:21)

A. Jehovah to defend Judah and Jerusalem from enemy nations (12:1-9)

B. House of David and inhabitants of Jerusalem to wail on account of One whom they had pierced through (12:10-14)

C. Removal of idolatry, false prophets and other uncleanness from land (13:1-6)

D. Shepherd to be struck and sheep scattered; a third part of people to be refined (13:7-9)

E. Jerusalem to come under attack but Jehovah to war against enemy nations; remaining peoples to bow before Jehovah and, in Judah and Jerusalem, even such common items as cooking pots to become holy (14:1-21)

See the book “All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial,” pages 168-172.