Zechariah
Prophet of Visions and Hope
Name Information
- Meaning: "The Lord remembers"
- Language of Origin: Hebrew
- Gender Usage: Masculine
Zechariah was a post-exilic prophet who ministered alongside Haggai to encourage the rebuilding of the temple. Through night visions, symbolic acts, and Messianic prophecies, he reminded the people of God’s presence and the coming kingdom. His words looked forward not only to the restoration of Jerusalem but also to the coming of the Messiah.
⏰ 520–480 BC (post-exilic period)
Roles
- Prophet
Relationships
- Co-worker: Zerubbabel, Joshua the High Priest
Story
Began prophesying in 520 BC, the same year as Haggai.
Delivered a series of night visions about God’s plans for Jerusalem.
Encouraged Zerubbabel and Joshua to complete the temple with assurance of God’s Spirit.
Gave powerful Messianic prophecies, including the King who comes riding on a donkey and the Shepherd who would be pierced.
Spoke of God’s future restoration of Jerusalem and the nations worshiping the Lord.
Spiritual Significance
- Encouraged the rebuilding of the temple after the exile.
- Received night visions that revealed God’s plans for His people.
- Prophesied the coming of a humble king riding on a donkey.
- Spoke of a pierced shepherd, pointing to the suffering Messiah.
- Looked forward to the ultimate victory of God’s kingdom.
Christ Connection
Zechariah prophesied Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:5).
He foretold the Messiah being pierced, fulfilled in Jesus’ crucifixion (Zechariah 12:10; John 19:37).
The vision of the Branch who builds the temple points to Christ building the true spiritual temple — His church.
What We Can Learn
- God accomplishes His work through His Spirit, not human strength.
- God remembers His people and His promises, even after long waiting.
- The Messiah was foretold as both a humble king and a suffering shepherd.
- God’s ultimate plan is for His kingdom to extend to all nations.
Memory Verses
‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.
— Zechariah 4:6Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey.
— Zechariah 9:9They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child.
— Zechariah 12:10
Key Passages
- Zechariah 1–14
- Ezra 5–6
- Matthew 21:5
- John 19:37
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