Zechariah
maleReturnMeaning: “The LORD remembers”
A post-exilic prophet who, with Haggai, urged the rebuilding of the temple and gave some of the Old Testament’s clearest visions of the coming Messiah.
Biography
Zechariah, son of Berechiah, was a prophet (and priest) who ministered alongside Haggai to encourage the rebuilding of the temple after the exile. His book is rich in visions and is, after Isaiah, one of the most quoted prophetic books in the New Testament.
Visions of restoration
Zechariah received a series of night visions assuring the discouraged community of God's renewed favor, the cleansing of the high priest Joshua, and the promise: "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts" (Zechariah 4:6).
The coming King
His prophecies point strikingly to Christ: the King coming "lowly, and riding upon an ass" (Zechariah 9:9, fulfilled at the Triumphal Entry); the thirty pieces of silver (11:12–13); the One "whom they have pierced" (12:10); and the shepherd struck so the sheep scatter (13:7). Through Zechariah, God comforted His restored people with the certainty of the Messiah to come.
Life Timeline
Encourages the rebuilding of the temple with Haggai
Foretells the King coming lowly, riding on a donkey
On the Bible timeline
Zechariah belongs to the The Babylonian Exile era (c. 586 – 538 BC).
- 586 BCThe Fall of Jerusalem
- 538 BCThe Return from Exile
Themes & lessons from Zechariah
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Zechariah appears.
People they appear with
Scripture Appearances
4 verses in 1 bookZechariah4 verses
Zechariah 1:1
In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying,
Zechariah 1:7
Upon the four and twentieth day of the eleventh month, which is the month Sebat, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying,
Zechariah 7:1
And it came to pass in the fourth year of king Darius, that the word of the LORD came unto Zechariah in the fourth day of the ninth month, even in Chisleu;
Zechariah 7:8
And the word of the LORD came unto Zechariah, saying,
Frequently asked about Zechariah
Who was Zechariah in the Bible?
A post-exilic prophet who, with Haggai, urged the rebuilding of the temple and gave some of the Old Testament’s clearest visions of the coming Messiah.
What does the name Zechariah mean?
The name Zechariah means “The LORD remembers”.
What did Zechariah do in the Bible?
Zechariah served as prophet, of the tribe of Levi.
Where does Zechariah appear in the Bible?
Zechariah is mentioned 4 times across 1 book: Zechariah.
What can we learn from Zechariah?
The story of Zechariah touches on themes of months, impenitence, month — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Zechariah's life.
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