Zechariah: 'Building God's House'

By Neil Earle

The prophets Haggai and Zechariah’s words were preserved because they stirred on the EXILES from Babylon to finish the Work of rebuilding the House of God. In so doing they raised issues and themes that went beyond the “dark sayings” of prophecy (Psalm 49:4, 78:2). “Rich in apocalyptic imagery and packed with messianic prediction and allusion, Zechariah’s writings became a favorite of the New Testament evangelists and apostles,” says Dr. Merrill. ”The glorious hope expounded was viewed as being fulfilled in the saving work and witness of Jesus Christ. No Minor Prophet excels Zechariah in the clarity and triumph by which he looks to the culmination of God’s program of redemption.”

High praise, but consider Zechariah’s allusions to the Triumphal Entry of Jesus in Mat. 21:1-11 and John 12:12, the cleansing of the Temple (Zech. 13:1 and Mat. 21:12), the Gentiles coming to Jerusalem (John 12:20), betrayal for 30 pieces of silver, the Shepherd’s wounding (Zech. 12:10), sheep scattered (Zech. 12:7), living water from Jerusalem (Zech. 14:8, John 7:37), the Light of the World (Zech. 14:7, John 8:12), prediction of Jerusalem’s destruction (Zech. 11:4). Though often cloudy and mystical, Zechariah sets up some key NT themes. In contrast, his “over the top” apocalyptic style has mystified many.

Background: The Persians are running things, specifically Darius I (521-486 BCE). Zechariah’s dates run from 520-518 and a rudimentary temple is finished by 515 BCE. Ezra and Nehemiah must finish the work some 70 years later.

Theme: The great and certain future of Jerusalem as the scene of redemption. Yet Jerusalem’s second destruction is clearly foreseen (Zech. 14:1-2). Future hope rests solely on the coming Messiah (Zech.14:3).

Outline: Eight Visions in Zech. 1-6 (in one night – Feb 15, 519 BCE); the Spirit vs. the Letter (7 and 8); Two Long Oracles with occasional utterances dark and drear (9-11 and 12-14). The Eight Visions show the order in the ext but also its setting in the 500s BCE:

• Vision One: Colored Horses – 1:14-17, Yahweh’s Patrol, note they are echoed in Vision Eight, Four Chariots in 6:1-8 (an envelope structure) – message is, the earth is at rest and peace, no reason not to get on with the Work!!
• Vision Two: Four Horns – 1:18-21, Four Powerful Horns – echoed in Vision Seven – the Woman in the Basket in 5:5-11 – lesson: Babylon is Gone, get on with it!!
• Vision Three: The Measuring Rod – 2:15, echoed in Vision Six – the Flying Roll in 5:1-4 – lesson: the curse is removed from Jerusalem, finish the job!!
• Vision Three and Four: High Priest Crowned and Two Olive Trees – visions come to concentric focus on Jerusalem – God will revive Temple Worship if you follow His Spirit (Zech 4:6). What are you waiting for?

NOTE: Zechariah uses both hyperbole and paradox – he considers the ideal as having been already fulfilled even though he knows it hasn’t (Zech. 1:16). His imaginative mind-set lies behind the visionary oracles that will climax in Zechariah 9-14.

To Be Continued