THE BOOK of Zechariah deserves much more attention on the part of Christians than it is usually given. Not only is it the longest of the works produced by the minor prophets, being divided into fourteen chapters, but it is the most Messianic, eschatological, and apocalyptic of the writings of the timely twelve.
Like Ezekiel and Jeremiah, Zechariah was both priest and prophet. His grand father Iddo was one of the priests who returned with Zerrubbabel from Babylon (Neh. 12:4). Zechariah seems to be a much younger contemporary of Haggai, whose plainness and forthrightness were nicely balanced by the more visionary outlook and literary skill of the young prophet.
Possessed of a vivid imagination, Zechariah exhibits the intriguing traits of impetuosity, curiosity, and enthusiasm. He is idealistic and colorful, and certainly a well-chosen instrument for the production of an apocalyptic message. His writings present a glowing picture of the present power of God to strengthen and encourage, as well as a revelation of God's infinite compassion and love.
The prophet Amos was also given instruction through visions but not to the extent that Zechariah was. The young prophet's visions emphasize the Lord's encouragement to His people to rebuild the Temple, but they are also of universal comfort to the church. The last mes sages of this exciting book emphasize restoration and ultimate glory. Zechariah's distinctive theme seems to be that there is no excuse for our faith to be weak when Christ is our strength.
Zechariah obviously points to the long-expected Redeemer. The Messiah is presented as both the Branch and the Servant in chapter 3:8 and again as the Branch in chapter 6:12. Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem is foretold in chapter 9:9. In chapter 11, verses 12 and 13, there is an indication that the Messiah would be sold for thirty shekels of silver. Zechariah also portrays Christ as a rejected shepherd who is wounded in the house of His friends (chap. 13:6, 7). In chapter 12:10 He is pointed to as the one "whom they have pierced." His sheep would be scattered (chap. 13:7), yet He is to return and establish His kingdom of glory with the New Jerusalem as its capital (chap. 14). Yet Christ's ultimate triumph will not be apart from that of His people—the "holy ones" will be with Him and when He says, "They are my people," they will say, "The Lord is my God" (chaps. 14:5; 13:9).
Zechariah was called to the prophetic ministry about two months after Haggai began his prophetic ministry. No one worker can appeal to every class of per son, and in these two strikingly different prophets who were united in one purpose, God was able to reach out to many who would not have responded to the efforts of just one of them. Zechariah seems to have been effective in reaching those who had not responded to Haggai's appeal.
The appeal to return to the Lord, found in the introduction of the book, is reinforced by a series of eight visions found in chapters 1:7 to 6:8. One of the fascinating features of this portion of the book is the way the personality of the young prophet shines through. In chapter 1:8 we find that as soon as he is introduced to the vision of the horse men among the myrtle trees, he impetuously interrupts the vision to ask, "What are these?" I can imagine the angel of the vision smiling as he answers, "I will show you what they are."
According to verse 18 Zechariah is given another vision. This time he sees four horns. Without even giving time for an explanation, his curiosity causes him to blurt out, "What are these?" The angel explains and Zechariah catches a glimpse of four carpenters or smiths. As we would expect by now, he questions, "What are these coming to do?" The patient angel answers, "These rep resent the healing power that God will use to restore His people and His temple."
As we come to the visions of chapter 2, Zechariah is still full of curiosity. He sees a man with a measuring line in his hand and calls out, "Where are you going?" When in chapter 3 he is shown Joshua the high priest dressed in filthy garments and hears the angel say to those who are standing before him, "Remove the filthy garments from him," Zechariah cannot contain himself. He calls out, "Let them set a fair mitre upon his head." And, interestingly, they followed his instructions.
In chapter 4, however, the angel turns the tables and asks the first question of the curious young prophet, "What do you see?" Zechariah describes the golden lampstands with seven lamps and the two olive trees nearby. However, he doesn't wait for the angel to question him again, but immediately asks, "What are these, my lord?"
The angel carries on the dialog by responding, "Don't you know what these are?" When Zechariah replies, "No, my lord," the angel goes on to explain the vision to him. This dialog continues through the eighth vision, and undoubtedly we are better able to understand these rather perplexing portrayals be cause of the curiosity exhibited by the young prophet.
This section of the writings of Zechariah closes with the symbolic growning of the high priest. Many commentators agree that this points to the time when Christ the Branch will be a priest upon His throne.
What About Fast Days
The second major division of the book is found in chapters 7 and 8. About two years before the rebuilding of the Temple was completed a deputation was sent to pray and to inquire of the priests and prophets concerning the observance of some of the minor fast days. Through His prophet God tells them in essence, "As far as I'm concerned in this matter, there's no difference between your fasting or not fasting. You'd have been far better off to pay attention to the messages that I sent through the prophets." They were strict about obeying the minor observances but at the same time were ignoring the major instruction God was sending them.
The last section of chapter 7 can be compared with Isaiah 58:6-10. The kind of fasting that God appreciates is that which leads to the practical demonstration of truth and judgment and kindness and mercy to others; but the people in Isaiah's day refused to listen. They shrugged their shoulders in stubbornness. They stopped their ears, and as a result their hearts were as hard as stone. Therefore, captivity came to them. Since they had not listened when God called, He did not listen when they called, and their land was left desolate.
Another Chance
But now, according to chapter 8, they have another chance. If God's people will "speak the truth to one another, render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace," and "not devise evil in your hearts against one another, and love no false oath" (chap. 8:16, 17, R.S.V.), then God will be able to bless them and theirs will be "a sowing of peace" (verse 12). Instead of fasting there shall be "seasons of joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts" (verse 19).
The book of Zechariah closes with two oracles. The first, in chapters 9-11, details the extent of the restoration and concludes with the thought that God's people will shine like jewels in the eternal diadem of Christ (chap. 9:16). In chapter 10 they are counseled to seek the Lord for His blessing. When they do so the following promises will be fulfilled: (1) strength will be given them; (2) they will be as though He had not cast them off; (3) they will have rejoicing; (4) they will remember God in the far countries; (5) He will bring them again from all countries; (6) they will be strong in the Lord.
Following the figure introduced in chapter 10, verses 2 and 3, the eleventh chapter presents the allegories of the good shepherd (verses 4 to 14), and of the foolish or worthless shepherd (verses 15 through 17).
Zechariah's last oracle begins in chapter 12 and demonstrates that the Lord takes care of His own. The first nine verses describe how God will give His people victory over their enemies, and verses 10 through 14 discuss the pouring out of God's spirit of compassion on His people. The result described in chapter 13 is that idols and false prophets are to be destroyed and His people will be refined.
The final triumph of His people will be seen in the last great day of the Lord, as outlined in chapter 14. Here are scenes from the last stages of the great controversy between Christ and Satan. All the nations will be gathered against Jerusalem to battle, but Christ will overcome and destroy them. The New Jerusalem has descended upon the Mount of Olives and after sin is destroyed, Christ will reign as supreme. There will be no more destruction nor plagues. All peoples will worship the Lord. Christ and His saints shall reign without interference.
As we have taken a brief look at the scope of the little known and often ignored book of Zechariah, we can readily see that there are still unexplored depths to probe and apocalyptic and eschatological passages that deserve much prayerful and thoughtful study. The promises that were made to God's people in the days of Zechariah were never adequately fulfilled, since they did not fully accept the Messiah. The wonderful and glorious fulfillment is to be realized in the days still ahead.
