◄ Zechariah 1 ►
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A Call to Repentance (Jeremiah 3:11–25; Hosea 14:1–3) 1In the eighth month of the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to the prophet Zechariah son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo, saying: 2“The LORD was very angry with your fathers. 3So tell the people that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Return to Me, declares the LORD of Hosts, and I will return to you, says the LORD of Hosts.’ 4Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets proclaimed that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Turn now from your evil ways and deeds.’ But they did not listen or pay attention to Me, declares the LORD. 5Where are your fathers now? And the prophets, do they live forever? 6But did not My words and My statutes, which I commanded My servants the prophets, overtake your fathers? They repented and said, ‘Just as the LORD of Hosts purposed to do to us according to our ways and deeds, so He has done to us.’” The Vision of the Horses 7On the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month, the month of Shebat,a in the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to the prophet Zechariah son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo. 8I looked out into the night and saw a man riding on a red horse. He was standing among the myrtle trees in the hollow, and behind him were red, sorrel, and white horses. 9“What are these, my lord?” I asked. And the angel who was speaking with me replied, “I will show you what they are.” 10Then the man standing among the myrtle trees explained, “They are the ones the LORD has sent to patrol the earth.” 11And the riders answered the angel of the LORD who was standing among the myrtle trees, “We have patrolled the earth, and behold, all the earth is at rest and tranquil.” 12Then the angel of the LORD said, “How long, O LORD of Hosts, will You withhold mercy from Jerusalem and the cities of Judah, with which You have been angry these seventy years?” 13So the LORD spoke kind and comforting words to the angel who was speaking with me. 14Then the angel who was speaking with me said, “Proclaim this word: This is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘I am very jealous for Jerusalem and Zion, 15but I am fiercely angry with the nations that are at ease. For I was a little angry, but they have added to the calamity.b’ 16Therefore this is what the LORD says: ‘I will return to Jerusalem with mercy, and there My house will be rebuilt, declares the LORD of Hosts, and a measuring line will be stretched out over Jerusalem.’ 17Proclaim further that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘My cities will again overflow with prosperity; the LORD will again comfort Zion and choose Jerusalem.’” The Vision of the Horns and the Craftsmen 18Then I looked up and saw four horns. 19So I asked the angel who was speaking with me, “What are these?” And he told me, “These are the horns that have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem.” 20Then the LORD showed me four craftsmen. 21“What are these coming to do?” I asked. And He replied, “These are the horns that scattered Judah so that no one could raise his head; but the craftsmen have come to terrify them and throw down these horns of the nations that have lifted up their horns against the land of Judah to scatter it.” Footnotes: 7 a Shebat is the eleventh month of the Hebrew lunar calendar, usually occurring within the months of January and February. 15 b Or they have overdone the punishment Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Zechariah 1 Summary A Call to Repentance Verse 1 – Historical Setting In the eighth month of Darius’s second year (520 BC), Zechariah, son of Berechiah, grandson of Iddo, receives the word of the LORD in Jerusalem, stepping into his prophetic role alongside Haggai to encourage a discouraged remnant. Verses 2–6 – Call to Return to the LORD The LORD, deeply angered by the disobedience of the ancestors, pleads with the present generation: “Return to Me … and I will return to you” (v. 3). Past prophets warned, the fathers ignored, judgment came, and now the people stand at a crossroads—repent or repeat history. Verses 7–11 – The Rider among the Myrtle Trees On the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month (Shebat), Zechariah sees a man on a red horse among myrtles in a ravine, with red, sorrel, and white horses behind him. These angelic scouts report, “We have patrolled the earth, and behold, all the earth is at rest and quiet” (v. 11). Verses 12–17 – Comforting Word: Mercy for Jerusalem The Angel of the LORD intercedes, “How long will You withhold mercy from Jerusalem…?” The LORD answers with “gracious and comforting words,” promising His house will be built, His cities will overflow with prosperity, and He is “exceedingly jealous for Jerusalem and Zion” (v. 14). Verses 18–21 – The Four Horns and Four Craftsmen Four horns—powers that scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem—are confronted by four craftsmen. The craftsmen “have come to terrify them” (v. 21), signaling divine judgment on oppressors and security for God’s people. Zechariah 1 is the first chapter in the book of Zechariah, a prophetic book of the Old Testament. The chapter sets the stage for a series of visions and messages from God, conveyed through the prophet Zechariah. It initiates with a potent call to repentance, followed by the divine revelations via a series of eight night visions that depict God's judgement and His plans for restoration of His people. Historical Background • 539 BC: Cyrus’s decree allows Jews to return. • 536 BC: Temple foundation laid, work stalls. • 520 BC: Haggai and Zechariah prophesy; construction resumes (Ezra 5–6). • Persia controls the Near East; Darius I’s “second year” frames Zechariah 1 (Haggai 1:1 parallels). Authorship and Date Zechariah (“The LORD remembers”) is both priest (Nehemiah 12:16) and prophet. His three-generation pedigree shows continuity with pre-exilic faith, tying post-exilic hopes to ancient promises (cf. Ezra 5:1). Theological Themes 1. Covenant Faithfulness: God’s memory of promises, people’s obligation to return. 2. Divine Sovereignty: Heavenly patrols confirm God sees world affairs. 3. Hope After Judgment: Mercy follows wrath once repentance occurs. Literary Structure Ch. 1 launches eight night visions (1:7–6:8). Each vision pairs with another: #1 (myrtles) with #8 (chariots), #2 (horns) with #7 (woman in basket), highlighting God’s complete plan from oppression to purification. Vision One: The Rider among the Myrtle Trees • Location: A ravine—symbol of Israel’s humbled state. • Myrtle: Evergreen shrub, suggests restoration and peace (Isaiah 55:13). • The Angel of the LORD: Often a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ; He intercedes (cf. Exodus 3:2, Judges 6:11). • Global “rest”: While the nations feel secure, Jerusalem remains in ruins—an injustice God will rectify. Vision Two: The Four Horns and Four Craftsmen • Horn: Power or kingdom (Psalm 75:10; Daniel 7:24). Commonly linked to Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, and perhaps Greece. • Craftsmen (artisans/smiths): God raises specific agents to dismantle each oppressive power (Jeremiah 51:20). • Comfort: Judah’s scattering will not be permanent; God actively forges deliverance. Return and Repentance: Practical Application • Repentance is relational, not ritual: “Return to Me… I will return to you” (v. 3). • Past failures serve present wisdom: the fathers “did not listen”—a cautionary tale. • Modern relevance: Spiritual apathy invites discipline; wholehearted turning welcomes revival (James 4:8). Prophetic Connections to Other Scriptures • Ezra 6:14 – Zechariah’s words propel Temple completion. • Isaiah 40–66 – Similar comfort after exile; echo of “comfort, comfort My people.” • Revelation 1:13 & 19:11 – Rider imagery crescendos in the victorious Christ. • Daniel 2 & 7 – Horns and successive empires parallel God’s unfolding kingdom timeline. Archaeological and Historical Notes • Babylonian Chronicle tablets confirm Darius I’s campaigns, matching Zechariah’s dating. • Elephantine papyri reveal Jewish communities in Egypt during this period, highlighting the wider dispersion implied by “scattered Judah.” • Remains of Second-Temple foundations under today’s Temple Mount area align with Zechariah’s building context. Key Hebrew Words • šûb (“return”): occurs three times in vv. 3–4, stressing decisive turning. • qinʾâ (“jealousy,” v. 14): passionate, protective zeal, not petty envy. • raḥamîm (“mercy,” v. 12): deep compassion, womb-like care. Messianic Foreshadows • Angel of the LORD’s mediation mirrors Christ’s advocacy (1 Timothy 2:5). • The promised rebuilding signals a greater Temple—fulfilled in Jesus’s body and ultimately the New Jerusalem (John 2:19; Revelation 21:22). Lessons for Today • God remembers His promises even when we feel forgotten. • World stability is no measure of divine approval; heaven’s patrol sees deeper realities. • Every oppressive “horn” meets its divine “craftsman” in God’s timing. • Revival begins with returning hearts, and God eagerly meets penitent people with comfort and future hope. Connections to Additional Scriptures Joel 2:12-13 Even now, declares the LORD, return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. This passage echoes the call to repentance found in Zechariah 1. James 4:8 Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. This New Testament verse reinforces the promise of Zechariah 1:3. Isaiah 40:1-2 Comfort, comfort My people, says your God. This passage parallels the comforting message God gives to Jerusalem in Zechariah 1:17. Teaching Points Call to Repentance Zechariah 1:3 states, Therefore tell the people that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Return to Me, declares the LORD of Hosts, and I will return to you.’ This verse highlights the reciprocal nature of our relationship with God—our return to Him prompts His return to us. Historical Context The chapter begins in the second year of Darius, a time when the Israelites were returning from Babylonian exile. This context underscores the theme of physical and spiritual restoration. Vision of the Horses In Zechariah 1:8-11, Zechariah sees a vision of a man riding a red horse among myrtle trees, with other horses behind him. This vision symbolizes God's awareness and sovereignty over the nations, as well as His readiness to act on behalf of His people. God’s Anger and Mercy Zechariah 1:15 reveals God's anger with the nations that are at ease, indicating His displeasure with those who have oppressed His people. Yet, His mercy is evident as He promises comfort and rebuilding for Jerusalem (Zechariah 1:16-17). Practical Applications Personal Reflection Consider areas in your life where you need to return to God. What steps can you take to realign your heart with His will? Trust in God’s Sovereignty In times of uncertainty, remember that God is aware of the global and personal situations we face. Trust in His ultimate plan and timing. Embrace God’s Promises Just as God promised to restore Jerusalem, He offers restoration and hope to us today. Hold onto His promises in Scripture as a source of encouragement. People 1. Zechariah Zechariah is the prophet through whom the word of the LORD comes. He is identified as the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo. His role is to deliver God's messages to the people of Israel. The name Zechariah (זְכַרְיָה) means "Yahweh remembers" in Hebrew. 2. Berechiah Berechiah is mentioned as the father of Zechariah. His name (בֶּרֶכְיָה) means "Yahweh blesses" in Hebrew. 3. Iddo Iddo is the grandfather of Zechariah. His name (עִדּוֹ) means "timely" or "appointed" in Hebrew. 4. The LORD (Yahweh) The LORD is the central divine figure who communicates with Zechariah. In the Hebrew text, the name used is יהוה (YHWH), often rendered as "Yahweh" or "the LORD" in English translations. 5. The Angel of the LORD The Angel of the LORD is a divine messenger who appears in Zechariah's vision. This figure often represents God's presence and authority in the Old Testament. 6. The Man among the Myrtle Trees This man is part of Zechariah's vision and is identified as standing among the myrtle trees in a ravine. He is often interpreted as a representation of the Angel of the LORD or another divine messenger. 7. The Horsemen These are riders on different colored horses (red, sorrel, and white) who report to the Angel of the LORD. They are part of the vision and symbolize God's watchfulness over the earth. Places 1. Babylon Zechariah 1:12 refers to the seventy years of God's anger against Jerusalem and the cities of Judah, which is linked to the period of exile in Babylon. The Hebrew root for Babylon is "בָּבֶל" (Babel), which is historically significant as the place of Jewish exile. 2. Jerusalem Mentioned in Zechariah 1:12, Jerusalem is the central city of Judah and the focal point of God's promises and prophecies. The Hebrew root "יְרוּשָׁלַיִם" (Yerushalayim) signifies its importance as the spiritual and political center for the Jewish people. 3. Judah Also mentioned in Zechariah 1:12, Judah refers to the southern kingdom of Israel, which includes Jerusalem. The Hebrew root "יְהוּדָה" (Yehudah) is derived from the name of one of Jacob's sons and represents the tribe and territory that played a significant role in Jewish history. Events 1. The Call to Repentance (Zechariah 1:1-6) In the eighth month of the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD comes to Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo, the prophet. The LORD is angry with the ancestors of the people and calls them to return to Him. The Hebrew root for "return" is שׁוּב (shuv), emphasizing repentance and turning back to God. 2. The Vision of the Horsemen (Zechariah 1:7-11) On the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month, in the second year of Darius, Zechariah receives a vision. He sees a man riding a red horse among myrtle trees, with red, sorrel, and white horses behind him. These are identified as those whom the LORD has sent to patrol the earth. The Hebrew word for "patrol" is סָבַב (sabab), meaning to go around or survey. 3. The Angel of the LORD's Intercession (Zechariah 1:12-13) The Angel of the LORD asks how long God will withhold mercy from Jerusalem and the cities of Judah, which have been under His anger for seventy years. The LORD responds with comforting words to the angel, indicating His intention to show mercy. 4. The LORD's Assurance of Mercy (Zechariah 1:14-17) Zechariah is instructed to proclaim that the LORD is very jealous for Jerusalem and Zion and is angry with the nations at ease. The LORD promises to return to Jerusalem with mercy, and His house will be rebuilt. The Hebrew root for "jealous" is קַנָּא (qanna), reflecting God's zealous protection of His people. 5. The Vision of the Four Horns and Four Craftsmen (Zechariah 1:18-21) Zechariah sees four horns, representing the powers that have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem. Then he sees four craftsmen, who are sent to terrify and cast down these horns. The Hebrew word for "horns" is קֶרֶן (qeren), symbolizing strength and power. Lessons from Zechariah 1 1. Return to the Lord and He Will Return to You The book of Zechariah opens with a powerful call to repentance. "Return to Me," declares the LORD of Hosts, "and I will return to you" (Zechariah 1:3). This is a timeless reminder that God is always ready to welcome us back with open arms. No matter how far we've strayed, turning back to Him is the first step toward restoration and renewal. It's a promise that emphasizes His unchanging love and faithfulness. 2. Learn from the Past Zechariah urges us to consider the mistakes of our ancestors. "Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets proclaimed" (Zechariah 1:4). History is a valuable teacher, and by reflecting on past errors, we can avoid repeating them. This lesson encourages us to seek wisdom and guidance from Scripture, ensuring that our lives align with God's will. 3. God's Anger is Temporary, His Love is Eternal While God may express anger at sin, His love and mercy endure forever. Zechariah reminds us that God's discipline is meant to bring us back to Him, not to push us away. "The LORD was very angry with your fathers" (Zechariah 1:2), yet His ultimate desire is for reconciliation and peace. This underscores the importance of repentance and the hope of redemption. 4. Visions of Hope and Restoration Zechariah's visions are filled with hope and promise. The imagery of a measuring line in Zechariah 1:16 symbolizes God's intention to rebuild and restore. "Therefore, this is what the LORD says: 'I have returned to Jerusalem with mercy; My house will be rebuilt in it'" (Zechariah 1:16). This vision assures us that God is actively working to restore what is broken in our lives and communities. 5. God's Sovereignty Over Nations The book of Zechariah highlights God's control over all nations. "These are the horns that scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem" (Zechariah 1:19). Despite the chaos and turmoil in the world, God remains sovereign. This truth provides comfort and assurance that He is orchestrating events according to His divine plan, and we can trust in His ultimate authority. 6. The Power of God's Word Zechariah emphasizes the enduring power of God's Word. "But My words and My statutes, which I commanded My servants the prophets, did they not overtake your fathers?" (Zechariah 1:6). God's Word is living and active, capable of transforming lives and guiding us in truth. It is a reminder to immerse ourselves in Scripture, allowing it to shape our thoughts and actions. 7. The Importance of Obedience Obedience to God is a recurring theme in Zechariah. The call to "turn from your evil ways and your evil deeds" (Zechariah 1:4) highlights the necessity of aligning our lives with God's commands. Obedience is not just about following rules; it's about cultivating a relationship with God that reflects His character and brings glory to His name. 8. God's Zeal for His People God's passionate love for His people is evident in Zechariah. "I am exceedingly jealous for Jerusalem and Zion" (Zechariah 1:14). This divine jealousy is not possessive but protective, demonstrating His deep commitment to our well-being. It reassures us that we are cherished and valued by our Creator, who desires the best for us. 9. The Promise of Comfort Zechariah brings a message of comfort to a weary people. "Proclaim further: This is what the LORD of Hosts says: 'My cities will again overflow with prosperity, and the LORD will again comfort Zion and choose Jerusalem'" (Zechariah 1:17). In times of distress, we can find solace in God's promises, knowing that He is our ultimate source of comfort and peace. 10. The Call to Faithfulness Finally, Zechariah encourages us to remain faithful to God. The visions and messages in this chapter serve as a reminder that faithfulness is rewarded with God's presence and blessings. As we walk in obedience and trust, we can be confident that God is with us, guiding us toward a future filled with hope and purpose. Topics 1. Call to Repentance (Zechariah 1:1-6) The chapter begins with a call to repentance, where the LORD speaks through Zechariah, urging the people to return to Him. The Hebrew word for "return" is "שׁוּב" (shuv), emphasizing a turning back to God. The passage highlights the consequences faced by their ancestors for not heeding the prophets' warnings. BSB Quote: "Return to Me, declares the LORD of Hosts, and I will return to you." 2. The Vision of the Horsemen (Zechariah 1:7-11) Zechariah receives a vision involving a man riding a red horse among myrtle trees, with other horses behind him. This vision symbolizes God's awareness and oversight of the earth. The Hebrew term "סוּס" (sus) for "horse" is used, indicating strength and swiftness. BSB Quote: "I saw a man riding a red horse, standing among the myrtle trees in the hollow." 3. The LORD’s Assurance of Mercy (Zechariah 1:12-17) The angel of the LORD intercedes, asking how long God will withhold mercy from Jerusalem. God responds with comforting words, promising restoration and prosperity. The Hebrew word "רַחַם" (racham) for "mercy" underscores God's compassion. BSB Quote: "I am exceedingly jealous for Jerusalem and Zion, and I am very angry with the nations at ease." 4. The Vision of the Four Horns and Four Craftsmen (Zechariah 1:18-21) Zechariah sees four horns, representing the powers that scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem. Four craftsmen appear to terrify and cast down these horns. The Hebrew word "קֶרֶן" (qeren) for "horn" symbolizes power and might. BSB Quote: "These are the horns that scattered Judah so that no one could raise his head." Themes 1. Call to Repentance Zechariah 1 begins with a call to repentance, emphasizing the need for the Israelites to return to the Lord. The prophet Zechariah conveys God's message: “Return to Me, declares the LORD of Hosts, and I will return to you” (Zechariah 1:3). The Hebrew word for "return" (שׁוּב, shuv) implies a turning back or a complete change of direction, highlighting the importance of genuine repentance. 2. Divine Anger and Mercy The chapter reflects on God's past anger with the ancestors of the Israelites due to their disobedience, yet it also underscores His mercy. Zechariah 1:2 states, “The LORD was very angry with your fathers.” Despite this anger, the call to return indicates God's willingness to forgive and restore, showcasing His merciful nature. 3. Vision of the Horsemen Zechariah receives a vision of horsemen, which symbolizes God's awareness and control over the earth. In Zechariah 1:8, it is written, “I saw in the night, and behold, a man riding on a red horse.” The vision signifies God's active involvement in the world and His readiness to act on behalf of His people. 4. Restoration and Comfort The theme of restoration is prominent, as God promises to comfort Zion and choose Jerusalem once again. Zechariah 1:17 declares, “My cities will again overflow with prosperity, and the LORD will again comfort Zion and choose Jerusalem.” This promise of restoration is a source of hope and encouragement for the Israelites. 5. Divine Sovereignty The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty over nations and history. The vision of the horsemen patrolling the earth (Zechariah 1:10-11) illustrates that God is fully aware of the global situation and is orchestrating events according to His divine plan. This theme reassures believers of God's ultimate control and purpose. Prayer Points Repentance Pray for a heart that is quick to repent and return to God, seeking His forgiveness and guidance. Awareness of God’s Presence Ask God to help you recognize His presence and sovereignty in your life, even in challenging times. Hope and Restoration Pray for those who feel hopeless or broken, that they may experience God’s promise of restoration and comfort. As we study Zechariah 1, may we be reminded of God's unwavering desire for us to return to Him and the abundant grace He offers when we do. Answering Tough Questions 1. How can Zechariah 1:7–8’s vision of colored horses be reconciled with scientific or natural observations of such creatures? 2. What historical or archaeological evidence supports the claim in Zechariah 1:1 that this prophecy came “in the second year of Darius”? 3. How does the promised divine judgment in Zechariah 1:14–15 align with or contradict other biblical accounts of God’s dealings with foreign nations? 4. Is there any corroborating evidence for the 70-year period mentioned in Zechariah 1:12, or does it conflict with known historical timelines? 5. Why should modern readers accept supernatural explanations in Zechariah 1:9–11 despite a lack of external validation for angelic or visionary experiences? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What are the implications of God’s call to repentance in verses 1-6? How does this apply to our lives today? 2. What do you think is the significance of the timing of the messages and visions given to Zechariah? 3. What can we learn about God's character from His response to the Angel's intercession in verses 12-17? 4. How does the vision of the horses and their report of a peaceful world contribute to the overall message of the chapter? 5. How does the image of the four horns and four craftsmen represent God's plan for judgement and restoration? 6. How do you interpret God's promise to return to Jerusalem with mercy and His commitment to rebuild His house within it? 7. How does Zechariah 1 illustrate God's faithfulness, even in times of disobedience? 8. What is the role of the angel of the Lord in this chapter and what does it tell us about God's relationship with His people? 9. How can we apply the lessons from the vision of the four horns and four craftsmen in our approach to obstacles and oppressions in life? 10. How does Zechariah 1 guide us in understanding the relationship between repentance and God's mercy? 11. What does God's response to the angel's intercession say about His feelings toward the afflictions of His people? 12. How can we apply the teachings of Zechariah 1 to better serve our communities and our world today? 13. How do the prophetic visions in Zechariah 1 relate to our understanding of God's plans? 14. How does Zechariah 1 instruct us in dealing with personal or societal sin and its consequences? 15. What does the book of Zechariah, starting from chapter 1, teach us about hope and restoration in the face of despair? 16. How can we foster a spirit of repentance and return in our personal lives, as exhorted in Zechariah 1? 17. How can we apply the call to repentance in our personal, professional, and spiritual lives? 18. How does Zechariah's vision of God's future for Israel affect your understanding of God's plan for your life? 19. In what ways can we take comfort in God's promises to restore Jerusalem when we face personal trials or tribulations? 20. Reflecting on the promise in Zechariah 1:17, how can we see God's loving-kindness and faithfulness in our lives today? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions