Bible Study: The Prophet Zechariah - The Coming of the Lord
Introduction:
• Zechariah's book is a rich tapestry of visions, prophecies, and exhortations, focusing on the coming of the Lord and the restoration of His people.
• His messages span from the rebuilding of the temple to the millennial kingdom, offering profound insights into God's plan for Israel and the nations.
• We'll explore Zechariah's background, his prophetic message, and its relevance for us today.
I. Zechariah: The Prophet and His Context:
• Name Significance:
◦ Zechariah (זְכַרְיָה, Zecharyah) means "The Lord remembers."
• Historical Context:
◦ Written in the 6th century BC (between 520 and 480 BC).
◦ Zechariah was a contemporary of Haggai (Zechariah 1:1, Haggai 1:1).
◦ He returned from Babylon in the first wave, during the reign of Cyrus.
• Purpose of the Book:
◦ To reveal prophecies about the coming of Christ (Zechariah 3:8-10, 8:19-21, 9:9-10, 13:7).
◦ To address the rejection of Christ by the Jews (Zechariah 11:10-12).
◦ To foretell God's punishment of the Jews for rejecting Christ (Zechariah 14:1-2).
◦ To announce the calling of the Gentiles (Zechariah 8:20-23, 12:10, 3:8-9, 6:12-13).
◦ To describe the time of Christ's operation through the church (Zechariah 14:3).
• Prophetic Emphasis:
◦ Zechariah contains a high concentration of Messianic prophecies and insights into Israel's future.
II. Historical and Apocalyptic Features:
• Darius's Reign:
◦ The Darius mentioned in Zechariah was Darius I Hystaspis, king of Persia (died 486 BC), who reigned between Cyrus and Artaxerxes (Ezra 4:1-7).
◦ This Darius is distinct from Darius the Mede in Daniel (Daniel 9:1), who was one of the first kings over Babylon after Belshazzar's fall (Daniel 5:29-31).
• Apocalyptic Nature:
◦ Zechariah is characterized by its use of visions, making it an apocalyptic book.
◦ The prophet receives eight visions in one night, three months after his initial call to repentance.
• Eight Visions:
◦ Vision of the four horses.
◦ Vision of the four horns and four blacksmiths.
◦ Vision of the man with a measuring line.
◦ Vision of Joshua the high priest (brand taken from the fire).
◦ Vision of the golden lampstand and two olive trees.
◦ Vision of the flying scroll.
◦ Vision of the woman in an ephah.
◦ Vision of the four chariots.
III. Key Visions and Themes:
• Joshua the High Priest (Zechariah 3:1-4):
◦ Symbolizes the purification and restoration of God's people.
◦ Highlights the conflict between Satan and God's grace.
◦ "Brand taken from the fire" emphasizes God's mercy and deliverance.
• Rebuilding the Temple:
◦ The return from exile and the rebuilding of the temple were times of discouragement and doubt.
◦ Zechariah encourages the people to persevere, reminding them of God's presence and purpose.
• The Role of the Holy Spirit (Zechariah 4:6, 7:12, 12:10):
◦ Zechariah emphasizes that understanding and serving God are possible only through the Holy Spirit.
◦ "Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit," is a key verse.
• Messianic Prophecies:
◦ Zechariah contains numerous prophecies about Christ:
▪ Sold for 30 pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12).
▪ The meek King pierced (Zechariah 12:10).
▪ The coming of the Branch (Zechariah 3:8, 6:12).
▪ The triumphant entry of the King (Zechariah 9:9).
IV. Theological Implications:
• God's Remembrance:
◦ Zechariah's name and message emphasize that God remembers His promises and His people.
• Restoration and Hope:
◦ The book offers hope for restoration and renewal, both for Israel and the nations.
• The Role of the Messiah:
◦ Zechariah provides profound insights into the Messiah's coming, His suffering, and His reign.
• The Power of the Holy Spirit:
◦ The emphasis on the Holy Spirit highlights His crucial role in understanding and serving God.
V. Application:
• God's Faithfulness:
◦ How does Zechariah's message remind us of God's faithfulness to His promises?
◦ How can we trust in God's remembrance in our own lives?
• The Coming Messiah:
◦ How do Zechariah's Messianic prophecies strengthen our faith in Jesus?
◦ How can we share these prophecies with others?
• The Power of the Holy Spirit:
◦ How can we rely on the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us?
◦ How can we cultivate a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit?
• Restoration:
◦ How does Zechariah's message of restoration give us hope in times of difficulty?
◦ How can we participate in Gods plan of restoration?
• Gods plan for the nations:
◦ How does Zechariah show us that Gods plan includes all nations?
- Bible Study: The Prophet Nahum - Comfort and Judgment
- Bible Study: The Prophet Zephaniah - The Day of the Lord
- Bible Study: The Prophet Habakkuk - From Doubt to Faith
Conclusion:
• Zechariah's book is a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness, His plan for restoration, and the coming of the Messiah.
• It encourages us to trust in God's promises and to rely on the Holy Spirit in our journey of faith.
• By studying Zechariah, we gain a deeper understanding of God's heart and His enduring love for His people.