Search The Scriptures —Study 6 — Zechariah 9 and 10

Study 6  From the Book of Zechariah is: Zechariah 9 and 10

1. The opening verses (9:1-8) are a prophecy of an invasion of Syria, Phoenicia and the country of the Philistines. The prophecy was historically fulfilled in the conquests of Alexander the Great. Bur, to whom is the prophet’s eye directed? How does this account, on the one hand, for the fall of Tyre, notwithstanding its wisdom, strong defences and wealth, and, on the other, for the preservation of Jerusalem? Cf. 9:15a and 2:5.
2. In 9-12 a picture is presented of Zion’s King, in which, as often in the Old Testament, His first and second advents are merged into one. What is said (a) of His character; (b) of the manner of His coming; (c) of the final extent of His rule; and (d) of the benefits He brings? Cf. Ps. 40:2-3; Joel 3:16b; Is. 61:7.
3. The remaining portion (9:13-10:12) has for its theme what God will yet do for His people Israel. Make a list of the things here promised, and reflect how they are symbols of spiritual blessings which are ours in Christ.

Notes

1. 9:1-6. Hadrach and Aram are probably Syrian town; Hamath, Tyre and Sidon are Syrian neighbours; Ashkelon, Gaza, Ekron and Ashdod (verse 5, 6) are Philistine towns
2. 9:7. A prophecy of the abolition of idolatrous sacrifices, and the incorporation of the remnant of the Philistines among God’s people. The Jebusites were the original inhabitants of Jerusalem.
3. 9:8. When Alexander invaded these parts and swept through the coastal nations, nothing could stop his armies, but he was restrained from attacking Jerusalem.
4. 9:13-17. A prophecy of victory for Israel, when the enemy shall be trodden down like sling-stones and Israel lifted up like the Jewels of a crown. In verse 15b is another figure, representing the Israelites as drinking the blood of their enemies, with which they will be as full as the bowls used in sacrifice, or like the corners of the altar that were drenched in blood.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 5 — Zechariah 8

Study 5 From the Book of Zechariah is: Zechariah 8

1. Enumerate the blessings which God here promises concerning Jerusalem, notice also the emphasis placed upon them by the number of times the phrase ‘says the Lord’ occurs. Is God less willing to fulfil to us the ‘precious and very great promises’ (2 Pet. 1:4)., which He has given us in Christ? Cf. Heb. 6:11-18
2. What, however, are the conditions for obtaining the promises of God? In the light of the evidence we have of God’s willingness to give, where does the hindrance lie, if we are not enjoying in personal experience the things promised?
3. What will ultimately happen to the fasts about which the deputation from Bethel had enquire in 7:2, 3?

Noted

1. Verses 4, 5. ‘Old men…boys and girls playing…’ these indicate and illustrate the security and peace which is promised.
2. Verse 10. Three evils are here spoken of from which the people suffered when God’s house was neglected, namely, scarcity, absence of security and disunion.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 4 — Zechariah 7

Study 4  From the Book of Zechariah is: Zechariah 7

See introduction. Zechariah’s answer to the delegation from Bethel consists of four parts, each beginning ‘And the word of the Lord came to me’. The first two  parts of his reply are contained in this chapter and the last two in chapter 8.

1. With what did God find fault in these fast? See verses 5, 6 and contrast 1 Cor. 10:31. In the light of this part of the prophet’s reply, is there not much in men’s worship today that is not acceptable to God?
2. With verses 9 and 10, cf. Is. 58:6, 7. Where does a man’s enmity towards his brother take its rise? Cf. Mk. 7:21, 22. What attitude of heart towards God had the Jews shown?

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Search The Scriptures —Study 3 — Zechariah 5 and 6

Study 3 From the Book of Zechariah is: Zechariah 5 and 6

1. Chapter 5 contains a vivid vision concerning those who practice wickedness, and of wickedness itself. What is to be the eventual fate of such? Cf. 2 Tim. 2:19; 2 Thes. 1:7-10; Rev. 21:1-4, 8, 27.
2. What is foreshadowed in 6:9-15 by the crowning, of the high priest, and by the prophetic declaration that ‘the man’ (verse 12) this signified shall be a priest upon his throne, and shall build the temple of the Lord? Cf. Jn. 2:19-22; Eph. 2:13, 19-22; Heb. 8:1; 10:11-13; 1 Pet. 2:5.

Notes

1. 5:1-4. A vision of God’s judgement pursuing the transgressor.
2. 5:6. ‘the ephah’: a barrel-shaped measure, having here a circular lid of lead.
3. 5:11. ‘The land of Shinar’: Babylonia.
4. 6:1-8. The vision in its details is difficult to interpret, but in general reveals the Lord ruling over the earth (verse 5), and exercising His judgment by unseen agents. Cf. 2 Ki. 6:15-17.
5. 6:10, 11. A deputation from the Jews in Babylon had come to Jerusalem. Zechariah is commanded to make ‘a crown’ from some of the silver and gold which they had brought, and to set it on the head of the high priest.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 2 — Zechariah 3 and 4

Study 2  From the Book of Zechariah is: Zechariah 3 and 4

1. Joshua, as high priest, acts as the representative of the people. How is the people’s guilt to be removed? By whose intervention is Satan rebuked and Joshua cleansed? Cf. Rom 8:31-34; Heb. 7:25; 9:26.
2. What is the meaning of the vision of chapter 4? What is its relevance today? Cf. Ho. 1:7; 2 Cor. 10: 4, 5.

Note.  3:8, 9. ‘My servant’, ‘the Branch’, ‘the stone’ are all titles of the Messiah. Cf., e.g., Is. 28:16; 42:1; Je 23:5. The ‘seven facets’ may represent the omniscience of the Messiah. Cf. Rev. 5:6.

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Search The Scriptures —Study 1 — Zechariah 1 and 2

Study 1 From the Book of Zechariah is: Zechariah 1 and 2

1. What do we learn from Zc. 1: 1-6 about the Word of the Lord and the different consequences of obeying and rejoicing it? What is and always will be true of it, whatever men do? With verse 6, cf. Mt. 5:18.
2. In these chapters are three visions (1:7-17; 1:18-21; 2:1-13). How do these answer the following questions? (a) What is God’s real attitude towards Jerusalem? How can the nations which oppress them be subdued? (c) Can the city, now desolate, have any future?
3. Consider how much that is said here of Jerusalem is true spiritually for us in Christ. See e.g., 2:5, 8b, 10-12. Is there not the same call, to us to believe, as there was to the people of Zechariah’s day? Cf. 2Cor. 1:20.

Notes

1. 1:11. There was not sign of any stirring among the nation to fulfil God’s purposes toward Israel.
2. 1:20, 21. ‘Four smiths’ : agents appointed by God to destroy the ‘horns’ (i.e. strength) of the nations.
3. 2:4, 5 The proposed measurement of Jerusalem is cancelled for the reasons given here.
4. 2:6 ‘The land of the North’: Babylon (or Persia), where they had been exiled. See verse 7

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Search The Scriptures — Study 0 — Zechariah Introduction

Study 0 From the Book of Zechariah is: Zechariah Introduction

Zechariah began his prophetic ministry two months after Haggai (see Zc. 1:1; Hg. 1:1). His book falls into two parts (chapters 1-8 and 9-14), and these are so different in character that many have thought that the second part must have been written by someone other than Zechariah. Such a supposition, however, is by no means necessary. The differences may be explained by the change of theme, and by the fact that the second part was written many years later than the first. A close study also reveals remarkable resemblances between the tow parts.

The first part of the book has to do mainly with the rebuilding and warning to the people and their rulers. After an opening call to repentance (1:1-6) there follows a series of eight visions, which supply an answer to doubts and questionings in the peoples’ minds. The first part closes with the prophet’s reply to an enquiry from the people of Bethel (7: 1-) about  the continuance of the fasts which the Jews had been observing in mourning for the calamities that had overtaken them.

The second part of the book consists of two oracles (a9-11 and 12-14). Both sections as David Baron says in his valuable commentary, treat of war between the heathen world and Israel, but ‘in the first judgment through which Gentile world power over Israel is finally destroyed, and Israel is finally destroyed, and Israel is endowed with strength to overcome all these enemies’, is the main theme; and in the second, the judgement through which ‘Israel itself is sifted and purged in the final great conflict between the nations, and transformed into the holy nation of the Lord, forms the leading topic.’

Zechariah’s writings foreshadow the appearance of Zion’s King both in meekness and in majesty, and declare both His rejection and His dominion over the whole earth. They are therefore frequently quoted in the New Testament with reference either to Christ first or to His second coming to the earth.