Bible Book of Zechariah | Visions of the Coming King

Visions of hope and restoration, including detailed prophecies of the coming Messiah and His future reign. Zechariah chapters with summary and commentary.

Genre: Minor Prophet. Theme: Visions of the Coming King

  • Author: Zechariah
  • Date: c. 520-480 BC
  • Read Time: 50 mins
  • Purpose: Provide messianic hope for rebuilding Temple.
  • Key Verse: Zech 4:6 - Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.
  • Christ: The Branch and King riding on a donkey.
  • Audience: Post-exilic community needing a vision of the future glory of Jerusalem
  • Prophecy: Most messianic prophecies of Minor Prophets.
  • Night Visions: Eight bizarre visions (horses, horns, lampstands) that provide a roadmap for Israel's future.
  • Precise Messianism: Prophesied the 30 pieces of silver, the pierced side, and the entry on a donkey.

Zechariah is the 'Apocalypse of the Old Testament,' focusing on the cosmic and spiritual warfare surrounding the Temple.

The book shifts from encouragement to build (1-8) to the burden of the coming King and the final battle (9-14).

Jesus is the Branch (3:8), the Pierced One (12:10), and the King riding on a colt (9:9).

Zechariah 1 - A Call to Return to the Lord

The LORD said, "Return to me." So the people repented. I saw a man on a red horse. The LORD said, "I will return to Zion with mercy."

Zechariah 2 - A Vision of a Man with a Measuring Line

I saw a man going to measure Jerusalem. The LORD says, "I will be her glory." He sent me to the nations. The LORD will inherit Judah.

Zechariah 3 - A Vision of Joshua the High Priest

Joshua stood before the angel. The LORD rebuked Satan. They put new clothes on Joshua. The LORD says, "I will bring forth my servant."

Zechariah 4 - A Vision of a Golden Lampstand

I saw a lampstand. I asked the angel about it. "Not by might but by my Spirit," says the LORD. "Zerubbabel will complete the temple."

Zechariah 5 - A Vision of a Flying Scroll

I saw a flying scroll. He said, "This is the curse on thieves and liars." I saw a woman in a basket. He said, "This is Wickedness."

Zechariah 6 - A Vision of Four Chariots

I saw four chariots with red, black, white and dappled horses. The LORD said, "Make a crown for Joshua. He shall build the temple."

Zechariah 7 - A Call for Justice and Mercy

The people asked, "Should we fast?" The LORD said, "Show mercy and do not oppress. But they would not listen. So I scattered them."

Zechariah 8 - The Coming Peace and Prosperity of Zion

The LORD said: "I am jealous for Zion. I will save my people. Your fasts shall be feasts. Nations shall seek the LORD in Jerusalem."

Zechariah 9 - Judgment on Israel's Enemies

The LORD is against Hadrach, Tyre and Philistia. Rejoice, O Zion! Behold your king, riding on a donkey. The LORD will save his people.

Zechariah 10 - The Restoration for Judah and Israel

Ask the LORD for rain. From Judah will come the cornerstone. "I will save Judah for I am the LORD their God. I will bring them home."

Zechariah 11 - The Flock Doomed to Slaughter

The cedar has fallen! The LORD said, "Shepherd the doomed flock." I broke the two staffs. The LORD said, "Woe to the idle shepherd!"

Zechariah 12 - The Lord Will Give Salvation

The LORD said: "I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock. They will look upon me whom they have pierced. And they will mourn alone."

Zechariah 13 - Idolatry Cut Off

"There will be a fountain to cleanse from sin. I will remove prophets from the land. Strike my shepherd and the sheep will scatter."

Zechariah 14 - The Day of the Lord

A day is coming when the LORD will go into battle. Jerusalem will dwell in security. All the nations will worship the LORD of hosts.