Zechariah is a significant figure in the Bible, known primarily as a prophet and a priest. He is the son of Berechiah and the grandson of Iddo, as mentioned in Zechariah 1:1: "In 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." Zechariah's prophetic ministry took place during the post-exilic period, around 520–518 BC, a time when the Jewish people were returning from Babylonian captivity and rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem.

The Book of Zechariah, which bears his name, is the eleventh book of the Minor Prophets in the Old Testament. It is divided into two main sections: chapters 1–8, which contain visions and messages encouraging the people to complete the temple, and chapters 9–14, which focus on future events and the coming of the Messiah. Zechariah's prophecies are rich with apocalyptic imagery and messianic themes, including the famous prophecy of the coming king riding on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9), which is fulfilled in the New Testament by Jesus Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

Zechariah's role as both a prophet and a priest underscores his importance in guiding the spiritual and religious restoration of the Jewish community. His messages emphasize repentance, the sovereignty of God, and the hope of future redemption. Zechariah's visions, such as the vision of the four horsemen (Zechariah 1:8-11) and the vision of the high priest Joshua (Zechariah 3:1-10), serve to reassure the people of God's presence and His plans for their future.

Meshullam

Meshullam is a name that appears multiple times in the Old Testament, associated with various individuals, primarily during the time of the return from Babylonian exile. The name Meshullam means "friend" or "ally" in Hebrew, and it is borne by several notable figures in the biblical narrative.

1. Meshullam, the Son of Berekiah: Mentioned in Nehemiah 3:4, Meshullam, the son of Berekiah, was one of the leaders involved in the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem under Nehemiah's leadership. "Next to them, Meremoth son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz, made repairs. Next to him, Meshullam son of Berekiah, the son of Meshezabel, made repairs." His participation in this significant project highlights his dedication to the restoration of Jerusalem and the reestablishment of the Jewish community.

2. Meshullam, the Priest: Another Meshullam is noted as a priest in the time of Ezra and Nehemiah. In Nehemiah 12:13, he is listed among the priests who returned with Zerubbabel and Jeshua: "of Ezra, Meshullam; of Amariah, Jehohanan." This Meshullam played a role in the religious revival and reorganization of the priesthood during the post-exilic period.

3. Meshullam, the Father of Azariah: In 2 Kings 22:3, Meshullam is mentioned as the father of Azariah, who was involved in the repair of the temple during the reign of King Josiah: "In the eighteenth year of Josiah’s reign, the king sent the court secretary Shaphan son of Azaliah, the son of Meshullam, to the house of the LORD."

The recurring presence of individuals named Meshullam in the biblical narrative, particularly during times of restoration and reform, underscores the importance of faithful service and commitment to God's work. Each Meshullam, in his respective context, contributed to the spiritual and physical rebuilding of the Jewish community, reflecting the broader themes of renewal and covenant faithfulness found throughout Scripture.