Zechariah 1:1~14:21
Zechariah , Sarah Barry
RETURN TO ME
Passage: Zechariah 1:1~21
Key verse: 3b
INTRODUCTION TO ZECHARIAH
The exile ended in 539 BC with Cyrus’ triumph over Babylon. Judah and Jerusalem were restored as a district of Persia, ruled by Persian governors. The first exiles to return focused on rebuilding the temple and restoring the worship of God (Ezra 1-3), but were subject to many obstacles (Ezra 4-5), and lost heart. When work resumed by King Darius’ decree (Ezra 6:1-12, about 520 BC), God sent Haggai and Zechariah with prophetic words to encourage and inspire them. The temple was completed about 515 BC (Ezra 6:13-15). Later Ezra and Nehemiah would join them (458 BC and 445 BC, respectively).
Zechariah was born in Babylon of a priestly family (Neh 12:16). His name means “The Lord Remembers.” While through Haggai, God motivated his people to focus on rebuilding the temple, Zechariah proclaimed God’s faithfulness to keep his covenant promises – particularly planting Messianic hope through prophetic visions and signs. The Branch (3:8), crowned as a priest-king (6:12), will humbly come and reign in Jerusalem (9:9) and bring peace to God’s people, reigning over the world and all nations from Zion (14:9). This book is heavily quoted by New Testament authors to explain Jesus’ coming as our Shepherd King.
Chapters 1-8: Eight visions and a sign.
Chapters 9-14: Vision of the Messianic Kingdom.
1. Do not be like your ancestors (1-6)
Construction of the temple had halted until King Darius’ second year (Ez 4:24). At that time God gave his word to his people through Zechariah: 'Return to me, and I will return to you.' They were not at the mercy of world powers; all that happened to them was the hand of the LORD Almighty as punishment for the sins of their ancestors who would not listen. To return to God is to repent: turn from evil ways and practices and obey God’s word.
2. I will return to Jerusalem with mercy (7-21)
God gave Zechariah eight visions at night to reveal why he is calling his people to return to him. The first vision, of four horsemen, found the world at peace. The seventy years were done, and now was the time for God to return to Jerusalem with mercy. The second vision of craftsmen who came to terrify the horns (world powers that scattered Judah, Israel and Jerusalem) reveals God’s power to deal with all opposition.
Prayer: Father, you are the Almighty Ruler of nations and history. Thank you for calling us to return. I repent and accept your words today.
One Word: The Lord says: Return to Me
The exile ended in 539 BC with Cyrus’ triumph over Babylon. Judah and Jerusalem were restored as a district of Persia, ruled by Persian governors. The first exiles to return focused on rebuilding the temple and restoring the worship of God (Ezra 1-3), but were subject to many obstacles (Ezra 4-5), and lost heart. When work resumed by King Darius’ decree (Ezra 6:1-12, about 520 BC), God sent Haggai and Zechariah with prophetic words to encourage and inspire them. The temple was completed about 515 BC (Ezra 6:13-15). Later Ezra and Nehemiah would join them (458 BC and 445 BC, respectively).
Zechariah was born in Babylon of a priestly family (Neh 12:16). His name means “The Lord Remembers.” While through Haggai, God motivated his people to focus on rebuilding the temple, Zechariah proclaimed God’s faithfulness to keep his covenant promises – particularly planting Messianic hope through prophetic visions and signs. The Branch (3:8), crowned as a priest-king (6:12), will humbly come and reign in Jerusalem (9:9) and bring peace to God’s people, reigning over the world and all nations from Zion (14:9). This book is heavily quoted by New Testament authors to explain Jesus’ coming as our Shepherd King.
Chapters 1-8: Eight visions and a sign.
Chapters 9-14: Vision of the Messianic Kingdom.
1. Do not be like your ancestors (1-6)
Construction of the temple had halted until King Darius’ second year (Ez 4:24). At that time God gave his word to his people through Zechariah: 'Return to me, and I will return to you.' They were not at the mercy of world powers; all that happened to them was the hand of the LORD Almighty as punishment for the sins of their ancestors who would not listen. To return to God is to repent: turn from evil ways and practices and obey God’s word.
2. I will return to Jerusalem with mercy (7-21)
God gave Zechariah eight visions at night to reveal why he is calling his people to return to him. The first vision, of four horsemen, found the world at peace. The seventy years were done, and now was the time for God to return to Jerusalem with mercy. The second vision of craftsmen who came to terrify the horns (world powers that scattered Judah, Israel and Jerusalem) reveals God’s power to deal with all opposition.
Prayer: Father, you are the Almighty Ruler of nations and history. Thank you for calling us to return. I repent and accept your words today.
One Word: The Lord says: Return to Me
