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.
