Zechariah 1:9

"What are these, my lord?" I asked. And the angel who was speaking with me replied, "I will show you what they are."

Study Bible

What are these, my lord?
This phrase reflects Zechariah's inquisitive nature and his desire for understanding. The Hebrew word for "lord" here is "adonai," a term of respect and recognition of authority. Zechariah's question indicates his humility and willingness to learn from divine messengers. In the context of prophetic visions, this question underscores the importance of seeking divine wisdom and understanding, a theme prevalent throughout the Bible. It encourages believers to approach God with questions, trusting that He will provide clarity and insight.

I asked
The act of asking signifies an active engagement with the vision. Zechariah's inquiry is not passive; it demonstrates his active participation in the revelation process. This reflects a broader biblical principle that God invites His people to seek, ask, and knock (Matthew 7:7). The Hebrew root for "asked" is "sha'al," which can also mean to inquire or request. This highlights the relational aspect of faith, where believers are encouraged to communicate openly with God.

And the angel who was speaking with me replied
The presence of an angel as a divine messenger is significant. Angels often serve as intermediaries between God and humans, delivering messages and providing guidance. The phrase "who was speaking with me" indicates an ongoing dialogue, suggesting that God is not distant but actively communicates with His people. The Hebrew word for "angel" is "mal'akh," meaning messenger. This emphasizes the role of angels in conveying God's will and the importance of being attentive to divine communication.

I will show you what they are
This promise of revelation is central to the prophetic experience. The angel's assurance to "show" Zechariah indicates that understanding will be granted. The Hebrew root for "show" is "ra'ah," which means to see or perceive. This implies that divine revelation involves both seeing and understanding, a process that transforms the believer's perspective. The promise of revelation is a reminder of God's faithfulness to illuminate the path of those who seek Him, reinforcing the idea that God desires His people to comprehend His plans and purposes.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Zechariah
A prophet of the post-exilic period, Zechariah is the author of the book and the one receiving the visions. His role is to encourage the Israelites in rebuilding the temple and to offer hope for the future.

2. The Angel
A divine messenger who communicates God's revelations to Zechariah. The angel serves as an interpreter of the visions Zechariah receives.

3. The Vision
This is part of a series of night visions given to Zechariah. These visions are symbolic and require interpretation to understand their meaning for Israel and God's plans.

4. The Lord
Referred to indirectly in the passage, the Lord is the ultimate source of the vision and the one who sends the angel to communicate with Zechariah.

5. The Context
The vision occurs during a time when the Israelites are returning from exile and are in the process of rebuilding Jerusalem and the temple. It is a period of renewal and hope, but also of uncertainty and challenge.

Teaching Points

The Role of Divine Messengers
Angels serve as interpreters of God's will, reminding us that God provides guidance and clarity through His appointed messengers.

Seeking Understanding
Zechariah's question, "What are these, my lord?" demonstrates the importance of seeking understanding in our spiritual journey. We should not hesitate to ask God for wisdom and clarity.

God's Communication
God communicates in various ways, including visions and dreams. We should be open to the different ways God might speak to us, always testing them against Scripture.

Encouragement in Uncertainty
Just as Zechariah received encouragement during a time of uncertainty, we too can find hope and direction in God's promises when facing challenges.

The Importance of Context
Understanding the historical and cultural context of biblical passages enriches our comprehension and application of Scripture.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the angel in Zechariah 1:9 compare to the role of angels in other biblical visions, such as those in Daniel or Revelation?

2. In what ways can we seek understanding from God when we encounter difficult or confusing situations in our lives?

3. How does the context of the Israelites' return from exile influence the message of Zechariah's visions?

4. What are some modern-day "visions" or messages that require discernment and interpretation, and how can we apply biblical principles to understand them?

5. How can the encouragement found in Zechariah's visions inspire us to persevere in our own spiritual and communal rebuilding efforts today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Daniel 7
Similar to Zechariah, Daniel receives visions that require interpretation by an angelic figure. This connection highlights the role of angels as mediators of divine revelation.

Revelation 1
The Apostle John also receives visions that are explained by an angel, showing a continuity in how God communicates through visions and angelic messengers.

Haggai 1
Haggai, a contemporary of Zechariah, also encourages the rebuilding of the temple, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing God's house.