INTRODUCTION TO ZECHARIAH

Cyrus king of Persia conquered Babylon in 538 B.C. He issued a decree allowing the Jewish exiles who had been deported to Babylon 70 years before to return to Judea and rebuild the temple. They finished the foundation, but the work stopped because some of the Samaritans in the city became jealous and worked against them. But when King Darius came to power in Persia, he permitted work to begin again. Zechariah was born in Babylon of a priestly family. He was among those who returned to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel in 538 B.C. He co-worked with 8Haggai to bring spiritual revival and to encourage the Jews to overcome fear and lethargy and rebuild the temple (Ezra 5:1,2; 6:14). 'Zechariah' means 'The Lord Remembers.' Zechariah proclaims God's faithfulness to keep his covenant promises.

The key verse of the book of Zechariah is 1:3: 'This is what the Lord Almighty says: 'Return to me,' declares the Lord Almighty,' and I will return to you.''

Chapters 1-6 contain eight visions of Zechariah. These visions are God's message to his people. They teach that God is sovereign and he is in control of history. He will faithfully carry out his promises, punishing a sinful people and pouring out blessing on those who obey him. When people repent, he will surely restore them.

1. A call to repentance (1-6)

Zechariah spoke God's word to the returnees in the second year of Darius' reign. Returning to Jerusalem was good, but the real need was to return to the Lord. They had been exiled to Babylon because they ignored God's word and served idols. The prophets of the past were dead, but their words lived on, for they spoke the word of God. When the people repented, God opened the way for them to return; God is faithful and his punishment was just.

2. Visions in the night (7-21)

The first of eight visions in the night was of a man standing among the myrtle trees. The horses represent those who returned from an inspection trip of the world; they reported to him that the whole world was at rest and peace. But how could the world be at peace when God's people are suffering under the heel of oppression? The angel assured the prophet that God would restore Jerusalem. The four powerful horns had scattered God's people, but four craftsmen would rebuild.

Application: Lord, turn the hearts of the people to you--beginning with me. Heal the brokenhearted.
One Word: Return to the Lord; he will rebuild