Zechariah 1:1-1-6 Introduction: (October-November 520 BC). The Word of the Lord came to Zechariah. Lessons from the past are given… a call for repentance. “Return to me and I will return to you”. The Lord had turned away from their covenant-breaking ancestors. They had been warned to turn from their evil ways. They had not listened; and now where are they? God implores: Do not be like your forefathers; God’s words will be fulfilled. Zechariah pleads for wholehearted response to the Lord.

First Vision…Horseman Among the Trees: Rider on a red horse, with three other horses behind him. Horsemen are scouts sent by God to patrol the earth. World was at peace, but God heard the cry of Jerusalem. Nations had punished Jerusalem excessively. God will have compassion on Jerusalem; he has not abandoned them.

Second Vision…Four Horns. Four horns represent the four nations that had scattered Jerusalem (Possibly Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome). Four craftsmen were approaching to overthrow the “horns”. Their job is to punish the powers that went beyond. God’s limits in dealing with Jerusalem are told.

Fourth Vision…Joshua (current High Priest) and Satan: Courtroom scene…High priest stands before God and Satan. Joshua stands before them in filthy garments. Garments are representative of the suffering people. God states people have suffered enough. Orders angel to clothe Joshua with clean, rich apparel. Prophecy to Joshua: observe the law and you will rule with authority. Basically people are given a brand new start, past sins are wiped out.

Fifth Vision…Lampstand of Pure Gold: Lampstand had a bowl with seven lamps each having seven spouts. Two trees stood one on each side. “Seven” symbolized perfection. God’s perfect eyes (lamps) are watching them. Seven spouts might indicate limitless supply of oil. (God’s power is unlimited). Two trees represent the two leaders, Joshua and Zerubbabel. Both will have a role in new government. Purpose of vision was to provide encouragement for completion of temple. Once again, God will supply the Spirit for the work.

Sixth Vision…The Flying Scroll: It was thirty feet long and fifteen feet wide (big enough for all to read). An indication of need for spiritual renewal is seen. Those who break the covenant will continue to suffer. The scroll is apparently related to third and eighth commandments. Third: keep holy the Sabbath. Eighth: do not bear false witness. Both are central to the keeping of the covenant.

Seventh Vision…A Woman in a Basket: Wickedness (personified by a woman) was covered in a basket. Two winged women take basket to Babylon. God takes initiative in removing wickedness from the land. Basket is permanently sealed. Wickedness must be removed, not “managed”.

Eighth Vision…Four Chariots: The mission of the four horses id described. Four horses are different colors, about to set off on worldly mission. Go to the four corners of the earth. Mission is to establish God’s peace over the earth (All these visions still involve building of the temple. Idea seems to be that by rebuilding the temple, the Kingdom of God will be renewed throughout the world).

A prophecy regarding Joshua: Zechariah was to take gold and silver brought by Josiah. Fashion a crown for Joshua (like a coronation). Then Joshua would crown Zerubbabel. King and Priest together would rule. Only value was symbolic. Persia would not allow a real “king”

Involves fasting in remembrance of destruction of Jerusalem. Does this involve having a pity-party or true repentance? Fasting should be directed to a spiritual goal and not self- satisfaction. Ritual without moral integrity is meaningless. Remembering the reasons for the exile. Recalling the past will be understood as warning for the present. Obeying the letter of the law without the spirit. Listed four tests for spiritual reality. Are they administering true justice? Are they showing mercy and compassion? Are they oppressing others – widows, poor, or foreigners? Are they thinking evil? Ancestors refused to obey these commands, were scattered. It could happen again.

Zechariah 12:1-13:9 Siege of Jerusalem