Zechariah

Prophecy · Old Testament · Traditionally the prophet Zechariah, son of Berekiah · Late 6th century BCE to the 4th century BCE

The Book of Zechariah is a post-exilic prophetic text containing symbolic visions, exhortations to rebuild the Jerusalem temple, and eschatological oracles. Chapters 1–8 focus on the immediate restoration of Judah under Persian rule, while chapters 9–14 shift to apocalyptic themes of a coming messianic king and the final triumph of God.

14 chapters

• 1Zechariah 1Zechariah urges repentance and receives visions of horsemen patrolling the earth and four horns scattered by craftsmen.
• 2Zechariah 2A vision of a man measuring Jerusalem reveals that the city will expand without walls, protected by God's glory.
• 3Zechariah 3High Priest Joshua is cleansed of filthy garments and accused by Satan, symbolizing the removal of the land's iniquity.
• 4Zechariah 4Zechariah sees a golden lampstand and two olive trees, symbolizing God's spirit empowering Zerubbabel to complete the temple.
• 5Zechariah 5Visions of a flying scroll and a woman in an ephah basket represent the purging of wickedness from the land.
• 6Zechariah 6Zechariah sees a vision of four chariots, and the high priest Joshua is crowned to symbolize the coming "Branch."
• 7Zechariah 7When asked about fasting, Yahweh demands true justice and mercy, reminding the people that disobedience led to their exile.
• 8Zechariah 8Yahweh promises to restore Jerusalem, bringing peace, prosperity, and gathering nations to seek God alongside Judah.
• 9Zechariah 9God pronounces judgment on surrounding nations and promises a humble, victorious king riding on a donkey to restore his people.
• 10Zechariah 10Yahweh promises to punish false shepherds and gather his scattered people, strengthening the houses of Judah and Joseph.
• 11Zechariah 11Zechariah portrays a shepherd who rejects his doomed flock, breaks his staffs of Favor and Union, and receives thirty pieces of silver.
• 12Zechariah 12God promises to defend Jerusalem against invading nations, leading the inhabitants to mourn bitterly for one whom they have pierced.
• 13Zechariah 13God promises to cleanse Jerusalem, eliminate false prophets, and refine a remaining third of the people after striking the shepherd.
• 14Zechariah 14On the Day of the Lord, God defends Jerusalem, establishes His universal kingship, and requires all nations to worship Him yearly.