Zechariah
Twelve Minor Prophets With Major Life Lessons (Series)
Historical setting:
At the beginning of this book the 70 years of exile are almost done and God’s promise seemed impossible.
Zechariah 1:1-6
Don’t make the same mistakes as you ancestors by refusing to repent of your sin. The peoples response is to outwardly repent of their sin.
Zechariah 1:7-6:15
Zechariah has 8 dreams that are unusual visions from God that gave meaning to what was happening then and understanding about future events.
Dreams 1 and 8: The 70 years of exile is almost over. Is God going to bring in His Messianic Kingdom now.
Dreams 2 and 7: Look at Israel’s past sins leading to exile.
Dreams 3 and 6: Are about rebuilding a New Jerusalem.
3-It will be an example to the nations.
6-It’s a place that is cleansed from sin by God’s word.
Dreams 4 and 5: The coming Messianic Kingdom is dependent on this generation being faithful to God.
An extra dream building on the 4th and 5th dreams. 6:9-15
Joshua is given a crown. He is a symbol of the future messiah who is also a priest over God’s kingdom.
All these visions will only be fulfilled if these people are faithful to God and His covenant.
Chapters 7-8: The conclusion of the dreams.
Zechariah Tells the people, this generation will see the Messianic Kingdom if they are faithful to God’s covenant. Will they be ready to be a part of God’s Kingdom?
Chapters 9-14: Poems and pictures about the coming Messianic Kingdom.
(Chapters 9-11) The future Messianic King is riding a donkey into the New Jerusalem to establish His kingdom over all nations.
Then the Messianic King is a shepherd over the flock of Israel. He’s rejected by His people and their leaders, who are also shepherds. God hands Israel over to them. Will Israel reject their King forever?
(Chapters 12-14) Answers the question.
In the New Jerusalem God will defeat evil in all nations. God also confront His own peoples rebellious hearts. This New Jerusalem becomes a new Garden of Eden, with a river of living water flowing from the temple, to heal and bless all of creation.
