I. Introduction
Meaning of Zechariah: The Lord
remembers. The Lord is faithful; He remembered the promise in His covenant and
was proactive to fulfill it (Ex ).
Zechariah consists of:
1.
8 visions (Zech 1-6)
2.
4 messages (Zech 7-8)
3.
2 oracles (Zech 9-14)
The book can be divided into two
sections:
1.
The messages for restoration of temple (Zech
1-8).
2.
The prophecy of the advent of Messiah, the
second coming of Christ, and the establishment of His kingdom (Zech 9-12).
The chronology and background of
Zechariah: Zechariah was born in Babylon;
he returned to the homeland with Zerubbabel (Neh 12:4, 16).
538 BC Cyrus, king of Persia,
helped the exiles to return to Jerusalem
for restoration of the temple (2 Chr 36).
536 BC The foundation of the temple is
laid (Ezra 3:10).
530-520 BC The work of the
temple came to a stop (Ezra 4:24).
520 BC The work of the temple renewed
after Haggai's calling (Hag 1:1-15).
519-518 BC King Darius ordered the rebuilding of the temple (Ezra
5:3-6:14).
518 BC Zechariah's visions and messages (Zech 1:7-8:23).
516 BC Completion and dedication of the temple (Ezra 6:15-18).
After 480 BC Zechariah's prophecy (Zech 9-14).
445 BC Nehemiah returned and rebuilt the temple.
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