Bible Study: The Prophet Zechariah - The Coming of the Lord

 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.