Zechariah

Context

Introduction (1-6)

[8 Visions / Dreams](#8 Visions / Dreams)

[Dream 1 / Dream 8](#Dream 1 / Dream 8)

[Dream 2 / Dream 7](#Dream 2 / Dream 7)

[Dream 3 / Dream 6](#Dream 3 / Dream 6)

[Dream 4 / Dream 5](#Dream 4 / Dream 5)

[Bonus vision](#Bonus vision)

Conclusion (7-8)

[Messianic Kingdom](#Messianic Kingdom)

Context

• Set after the exile of Ezra (70 years)
• Tag team with Haggai
  • Wrtten one month earlier tan Haggai but also covers more time than Haggai as it spans several years
• Zechariah means “God Remembers”

Introduction (1-6)

• Return to God
• Don’t be like the ancestors ⇒ The people repent

8 Visions / Dreams

Dream 1 / Dream 8

• Four horsemen == God’s watchful eye
• Persia was raised to bring peace and now that the excile is nearly done, it is almost time to bring forth the messiah

Dream 2 / Dream 7

• Reflections on Israel’s past sin
  • Four horns representing the nations that scattered Israel
  • These horns are scattered by four blacksmiths (Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome). They came to “frighten the horns that scattered Judah”
  • Dream 7: The woman in a basket represents Israel’s rebellion and is carried off by winged women to Babylon

Dream 3 / Dream 6

• Rebuilding of new Jerusalem (measuring line)
  • Promises that Israel will be rebuilt
  • A scroll that flies around Jerusalem and punishes theives and liars ⇒ New Jerusalem is purified by scripture

Dream 4 / Dream 5

• Joshua (high preist) and Zerubabel (decendent of David who lead the rebuild project)
  • Joshua wore the sin of Irsrael (dirty clothes) and Satan accuesses him before God
  • God rebukes Satan and but gives Joshua new clothes to symbolize grace and forgiveness
  • Told that if he remains faithful, he’ll lead israel and become a messiah figure
  • Two olive trees that supply a menorah (lampstand): the two annointed leaders and God’s eye of the people
  • Symbolizes that the temple will only be blessed if it is not a politial move (not by might, not by power) but must be spirit lead

Bonus vision

• Joshua being crowned as a symbol of the messiah
• Only if the people remain faithful to God and obeys the covenant

Conclusion (7-8)

• Preists are mourning the temple and ask if they can stop

• Zechariah reminds them to pursue justice, peace, and remain faithful. Only then will you be ready to recieve and participate in God’s kingdom

Messianic Kingdom

• Messiah is given as a shephard
• Other shepards arise and lead the sheep astray
• The end shows how God will pour out his spirit on all people so that the enemies are destroyed and His own people are humbled
• At the end, the world will be beautiful and full of peace