Title and Author: The book of Zechariah is named after its author, the prophet Zechariah, whose name means "Yahweh remembers." Zechariah was a contemporary of Haggai and was instrumental in encouraging the Jewish people during the post-exilic period. According to Zechariah 1:1, he was the son of Berechiah and the grandson of Iddo, a priestly lineage that underscores his authority and role as a prophet.

Historical Context: Zechariah prophesied during the early Persian period, around 520-518 BC, after the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon. This was a time of rebuilding and restoration for the Jewish community, particularly the reconstruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC. The Persian king, Cyrus the Great, had allowed the Jews to return to their homeland, and Zechariah's ministry coincided with this period of renewal.

Audience: Zechariah's primary audience was the Jewish remnant that had returned from Babylonian exile. These people were facing discouragement and opposition as they attempted to rebuild the Temple and restore their community. Zechariah's messages were meant to inspire hope and encourage faithfulness among the people.

Purpose: The purpose of the book of Zechariah is to call the people of Judah to repentance and to encourage them in the rebuilding of the Temple. It also serves to remind them of God's promises and the coming of the Messiah. Zechariah's visions and prophecies are designed to instill hope and assurance of God's sovereign plan for His people.

Genre and Style: Zechariah is a mix of apocalyptic literature, prophecy, and narrative. It uses symbolic visions and oracles to convey its messages.1. Zechariah (Zechariah 1:1)
- Zechariah is the prophet and author of the book. He is the son of Berechiah and the grandson of Iddo. His prophecies encourage the Israelites to rebuild the temple and return to God.

2. Darius (Zechariah 1:1)
- Darius is the king of Persia during the time of Zechariah's prophecies. His reign provides the historical context for the events in the book.

3. The LORD (Yahweh) (Zechariah 1:3)
- The central figure throughout the book, the LORD speaks through Zechariah, delivering messages of warning, encouragement, and future hope for Israel.

4. The Angel of the LORD (Zechariah 1:11)
- This angel serves as a divine messenger and intermediary, often communicating God's messages to Zechariah and interpreting visions.

5. Satan (Zechariah 3:1)
- Satan appears as an accuser standing against Joshua the high priest, representing opposition to God's plans and people.

6. Joshua the High Priest (Zechariah 3:1)
- Joshua is the high priest during the time of Zechariah. He is depicted in a vision where he is cleansed and given new garments, symbolizing the purification of Israel.

7. Zerubbabel (Zechariah 4:6)
- Zerubbabel is the governor of Judah and a leader in the rebuilding of the temple. He is encouraged by God to complete the temple despite obstacles.

8. The Branch (Zechariah 3:8)
- A messianic figure, "The Branch" is a symbol of hope and future restoration for Israel, often interpreted as a prophecy concerning the coming of the Messiah.

9. Shepherds (Zechariah 10:3)
- While not named individually, the shepherds represent the leaders of Israel who have failed in their duties, leading to God's judgment.

10. The House of David (Zechariah 12:7)
- Referring to the royal lineage of David, this house is promised divine protection and plays a significant role in the future restoration of Israel.1. Babylon (Zechariah 2:7)
- Babylon is referenced as a place from which the people of Zion are called to escape. It symbolizes the place of exile and captivity for the Israelites.

2. Jerusalem (Zechariah 1:12)
- Jerusalem is the central city of focus in Zechariah, representing the spiritual and political heart of the Jewish people. It is the site of the temple and the city that God promises to restore and protect.

3. Bethel (Zechariah 7:2)
- Bethel is mentioned as a place from which people sent representatives to seek the favor of the LORD. Historically, it was a significant religious site in Israel.

4. Lebanon (Zechariah 10:10)
- Lebanon is referenced in the context of God’s promise to bring His people back to their land. Known for its cedar trees, it symbolizes strength and beauty.

5. Egypt (Zechariah 10:10)
- Egypt is mentioned as a place from which God will gather His people. It historically represents a place of bondage and oppression for the Israelites.

6. Assyria (Zechariah 10:10)
- Assyria is another location from which God promises to gather His people. It was a major empire that once conquered and exiled the northern kingdom of Israel.

7. Tyre (Zechariah 9:2)
- Tyre is mentioned in a prophecy against the cities that opposed Israel. It was a prominent Phoenician city known for its wealth and trade.

8. Sidon (Zechariah 9:2)
- Sidon, like Tyre, is mentioned in the context of judgment. It was another major Phoenician city, often associated with Tyre.

9. Philistia (Zechariah 9:6)
- Philistia is referenced in a prophecy of judgment. It was a region inhabited by the Philistines, historical enemies of Israel.

10. Greece (Zechariah 9:13)
- Greece is mentioned in a prophecy where God promises to use the sons of Zion to fight against the sons of Greece. It represents the Hellenistic powers that would later influence the region.1. Introduction and Call to Repentance (Zechariah 1:1-6)
Zechariah begins with a call for the people of Israel to return to the Lord. The prophet urges them not to be like their ancestors who ignored the warnings of the former prophets.

2. The Vision of the Horsemen (Zechariah 1:7-17)
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 of the nations and His intention to restore Jerusalem.

3. 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, symbolizing God's plan to overthrow Israel's oppressors.

4. The Vision of the Surveyor (Zechariah 2:1-13)
A man with a measuring line appears, intending to measure Jerusalem. This vision signifies the future expansion and divine protection of Jerusalem.

5. The Cleansing of Joshua the High Priest (Zechariah 3:1-10)
Joshua, the high priest, stands before the angel of the Lord, accused by Satan. The Lord rebukes Satan, and Joshua is cleansed and given new garments, symbolizing the purification of the priesthood and the coming of the Branch, a messianic figure.

6. The Vision of the Golden Lampstand and Two Olive Trees (Zechariah 4:1-14)
Zechariah sees a golden lampstand with two olive trees beside it. This vision represents the continuous supply of God's Spirit to Zerubbabel, the governor, and Joshua, the high priest, for the rebuilding of the temple.

7. The Vision of the Flying Scroll (Zechariah 5:1-4)
Zechariah sees a large flying scroll, symbolizing the curse that will go out over the land to remove thieves and those who swear falsely.

8. The Vision of the Woman in a Basket (Zechariah 5:5-11)
A woman representing wickedness is seen sitting in a basket, which is then sealed and carried to the land of Shinar. This vision signifies the removal of sin from the land.

9. The Vision of the Four Chariots (Zechariah 6:1-8)
Zechariah sees four chariots coming out from between two mountains of bronze, representing the four spirits of heaven going out to patrol the earth, symbolizing God's sovereign control over the nations.

10. The Crowning of Joshua (Zechariah 6:9-15)
Zechariah is instructed to make a crown and set it on the head of Joshua, the high priest, symbolizing the future unification of the priestly and kingly roles in the Messiah.

11. The Question of Fasting (Zechariah 7:1-14)
The people inquire about continuing their fasts. God responds by emphasizing justice, mercy, and obedience over ritual fasting, reminding them of their ancestors' disobedience.

12. The Promise of Future Blessing (Zechariah 8:1-23)
God promises to restore Jerusalem, make it a city of truth, and bring prosperity. The chapter emphasizes God's faithfulness and the future gathering of nations to seek the Lord.

13. The Oracle Against Neighboring Nations (Zechariah 9:1-8)
Prophecies are given against Israel's neighboring nations, predicting their downfall and the protection of Jerusalem.

14. The Coming of Zion's King (Zechariah 9:9-10)
A prophecy of the coming of a humble king riding on a donkey, bringing peace and dominion from sea to sea, often associated with the messianic prophecy fulfilled by Jesus.

15. The Restoration of God's People (Zechariah 10:1-12)
God promises to strengthen and restore His people, gathering them from exile and making them strong in the Lord.

16. The Shepherds and the Flock (Zechariah 11:1-17)
Zechariah enacts a symbolic drama of shepherding a flock, representing God's judgment on unfaithful leaders and the rejection of the true shepherd.

17. The Future Deliverance of Jerusalem (Zechariah 12:1-9)
A prophecy of a future siege of Jerusalem, where God will defend the city and destroy the nations that come against it.

18. The Mourning for the Pierced One (Zechariah 12:10-14)
A prophecy of the outpouring of grace and supplication, leading to mourning for the one they have pierced, often interpreted as a messianic prophecy.

19. The Cleansing from Sin (Zechariah 13:1-9)
A fountain is opened to cleanse from sin and impurity. Idolatry and false prophecy are removed, and a remnant is refined and purified.

20. The Day of the Lord (Zechariah 14:1-21)
A prophecy of the coming day of the Lord, involving the gathering of nations against Jerusalem, the Lord's intervention, and the establishment of His reign, resulting in holiness and universal worship.1. Restoration and Return (Zechariah 1:3)
- The theme of restoration is central to Zechariah, as God calls His people to return to Him so that He may return to them. This promise of restoration is both physical, in terms of returning to the land, and spiritual, in terms of renewing their relationship with God. "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,’ says the LORD of Hosts."

2. Divine Protection and Presence (Zechariah 2:5)
- God promises to be a protective presence for Jerusalem, symbolized by a wall of fire around the city. This theme emphasizes God's commitment to safeguarding His people and dwelling among them. "For I will be a wall of fire around it, declares the LORD, and I will be the glory within it."

3. Messianic Prophecies (Zechariah 3:8)
- Zechariah contains several prophecies about the coming Messiah, who is referred to as "the Branch." These prophecies point to a future leader who will bring salvation and righteousness. "Listen now, O High Priest Joshua, you and your companions seated before you, who are indeed a sign of things to come: I am going to bring My servant, the Branch."

4. Repentance and Renewal (Zechariah 1:4)
- The call to repentance is a recurring theme, urging the people to turn from their evil ways and embrace a renewed relationship with God. This is essential for experiencing God's blessings. "Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets proclaimed: This is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Turn now from your evil ways and your evil deeds.’ But they did not listen or pay attention to Me, declares the LORD."

5. Judgment and Justice (Zechariah 5:3)
- The theme of divine judgment is evident in visions that depict the consequences of sin and the establishment of justice. God’s judgment is portrayed as a necessary step towards purifying the land and its people. "Then he said to me, 'This is the curse that is going out over the face of all the land, for according to what it says on one side, every thief will be banished, and according to what it says on the other, everyone who swears falsely will be banished.'"

6. Hope and Future Glory (Zechariah 8:3)
- Zechariah offers hope for a future where Jerusalem will be a city of truth and peace, reflecting God's glory. This theme reassures the people of a future filled with divine blessings and prosperity. "This is what the LORD says: 'I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the LORD of Hosts will be called the Holy Mountain.'"

7. Universal Reign of God (Zechariah 14:9)
- The book concludes with a vision of God's universal reign, where He is recognized as the one true King over all the earth. This theme highlights the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan for His creation. "On that day the LORD will become King over all the earth—the LORD alone, and His name alone."1. The Branch (Zechariah 3:8; 6:12)
- Description: The term "Branch" refers to a future leader from the line of David who will bring renewal and restoration. In Zechariah 3:8, it is mentioned in the context of a prophecy about the coming servant of God. In Zechariah 6:12, it is associated with the building of the temple, symbolizing the establishment of God's kingdom.
- Verse: "Listen, O High Priest Joshua, you and your associates seated before you, who are men symbolic of things to come: I am going to bring My servant, the Branch." (Zechariah 3:8)

2. The King-Priest (Zechariah 6:13)
- Description: This title highlights the dual role of Jesus as both king and priest, uniting the two offices. It signifies His authority and His role as a mediator between God and humanity.
- Verse: "Yes, He will build the temple of the LORD, and He will be clothed in majesty and will sit and rule on His throne. And He will be a priest on His throne, and there will be harmony between the two." (Zechariah 6:13)

3. The Humble King (Zechariah 9:9)
- Description: This prophecy describes a king who comes in humility, riding on a donkey. It is a direct reference to Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, emphasizing His peaceful and humble nature.
- Verse: "Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." (Zechariah 9:9)

4. The Shepherd (Zechariah 11:4-14)
- Description: In this passage, the shepherd represents a leader who is rejected by the people. It foreshadows Jesus' rejection by Israel and His role as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep.
- Verse: "Thus says the LORD my God: 'Pasture the flock marked for slaughter.'" (Zechariah 11:4)

5. The Pierced One (Zechariah 12:10)
- Description: This prophecy speaks of one who is pierced, leading to mourning and repentance. It is often seen as a reference to Jesus' crucifixion and the recognition of His sacrifice.
- Verse: "Then I will pour out on the house of David and on the residents of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on Me, the One they have pierced, and they will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for Him as one grieves for a firstborn son." (Zechariah 12:10)

6. The Smitten Shepherd (Zechariah 13:7)
- Description: This passage describes the striking of a shepherd, leading to the scattering of the sheep. It is interpreted as a prophecy of Jesus' arrest and the subsequent scattering of His disciples.
- Verse: "Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, against the man who is My companion," declares the LORD of Hosts. "Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn My hand against the little ones." (Zechariah 13:7)1. Prophecy of the Coming of the Branch (Messiah)
- Prophecy: "Listen, O High Priest Joshua, you and your associates seated before you, who are men symbolic of things to come: I am going to bring My servant, the Branch." (Zechariah 3:8)
- Fulfillment: Christians interpret this as a prophecy of Jesus Christ, who is referred to as the "Branch" in the New Testament (e.g., Matthew 2:23, John 19:5).

2. Prophecy of the King Riding on a Donkey
- Prophecy: "Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." (Zechariah 9:9)
- Fulfillment: This is seen as fulfilled in the New Testament when Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey (Matthew 21:4-5, John 12:14-15).

3. Prophecy of Thirty Pieces of Silver
- Prophecy: "I told them, 'If it seems good to you, give me my wages; but if not, keep them.' So they weighed out my wages—thirty pieces of silver." (Zechariah 11:12)
- Fulfillment: This is linked to Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16, Matthew 27:3-10).

4. Prophecy of the Piercing of the One They Have Pierced
- Prophecy: "And I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on Me, the One they have pierced, and they will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for Him as one grieves for a firstborn son." (Zechariah 12:10)
- Fulfillment: Christians see this as fulfilled in the crucifixion of Jesus, where He was pierced (John 19:34, John 19:37).

5. Prophecy of the Shepherd Struck, the Sheep Scattered
- Prophecy: "Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, against the man who is My companion," declares the LORD of Hosts. "Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn My hand against the little ones." (Zechariah 13:7)
- Fulfillment: This is interpreted as fulfilled when Jesus was arrested and His disciples scattered (Matthew 26:31, Mark 14:27).

1. A Call to Repentance  ( 1:1⁠–⁠6 )

2. The Eight Visions  ( 1:7⁠–⁠6:15 )

a. The Vision of the Horses  ( 1:7⁠–⁠17 )

b. The Vision of the Horns  ( 1:18⁠–⁠21 )

c. The Vision of the Measuring Line  ( 2:1⁠–⁠13 )

d. The Vision of Joshua the High Priest  ( 3:1⁠–⁠10 )

e. The Vision of the Lampstand and Olive Trees  ( 4:1⁠–⁠14 )

f. The Vision of the Flying Scroll  ( 5:1⁠–⁠4 )

g. The Vision of the Woman in a Basket  ( 5:5⁠–⁠11 )

h. The Vision of the Four Chariots  ( 6:1⁠–⁠8 )

i. The Crown and the Temple  ( 6:9⁠–⁠15 )

3. Fasting and Restoration  ( 7:1⁠–⁠8:23 )

a. Question about Weeping and Fasting  ( 7:1⁠–⁠3 )

b. Four Answers  ( 7:4⁠–⁠8:23 )

i. Incorrect Motives  ( 7:4⁠–⁠7 )

ii. True Justice  ( 7:8⁠–⁠14 )

iii. Restoration of Jerusalem  ( 8:1⁠–⁠17 )

iv. Future Feasts for All Nations  ( 8:18⁠–⁠23 )

4. Prophecies of the Messiah  ( 9:1⁠–⁠14:21 )

a. The Messiah’s First Coming  ( 9:1⁠–⁠11:17 )

i. Judgment against Israel’s Enemies  ( 9:1⁠–⁠8 )

ii. Zion’s Coming King  ( 9:9⁠–⁠10:12 )

iii. The Rejected Shepherd  ( 11:1⁠–⁠9 )

iv. Thirty Pieces of Silver  ( 11:10⁠–⁠17 )

b. The Messiah’s Second Coming  ( 12:1⁠–⁠14:21 )

i. Jerusalem Will Be Attacked  ( 12:1⁠–⁠9 )

ii. Mourning the One They Pierced  ( 12:10⁠–⁠14 )

iii. An End to Idolatry  ( 13:1⁠–⁠9 )

iv. The Destroyers of Jerusalem Destroyed  ( 14:1⁠–⁠15 )

v. All Nations Will Worship the King  ( 14:16⁠–⁠21 )