- Book of Zechariah
The Book of Zechariah is a book of the
Bible Old Testament andJewish Tanakh attributed to theprophet Zechariah.Historical Context
Zechariah’s ministry took place during the reign of
Darius the Great (), which recalls the nation's past history, for the purpose of presenting a solemn warning to the present generation. Then follows a series of nine visions ( and ) points out the glories that await Israel in "the latter day", the final conflict and triumph of God's kingdom.Themes
The purpose of this book is not strictly historical but
theological andpastoral . The main emphasis is that God is at work and plans to live again with His people in Jerusalem. He will save them from their enemies and cleanse them from sin.Zechariah's concern for purity is apparent in the temple, priesthood and all areas of life as the prophecy gradually eliminates the influence of the governor in favour of the high priest, and the sanctuary becomes ever more clearly the centre of messianic fulfillment. The prominence of prophecy is quite apparent in Zechariah, but it is also true that Zechariah (along with Haggai) allows prophecy to yield to the priesthood; this is particularly apparent in comparing Zechariah to "Third Isaiah" (chapters 55–56 of the
Book of Isaiah ), whose author was active sometime after the first return from exile.Most Christian commentators read the series of predictions in chapters 7 to 14 as Messianic prophecies, either directly or indirectly. These chapters helped the writers of the
Gospel s understand Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection, which they quoted as they wrote of Jesus’ final days. Much of theBook of Revelation , which narrates the denouement of history, is also colored by images in Zechariah.Footnotes
ources
* "The Student Bible," NIV. Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House, 1992.
* D. Guthrie, (ed.) "New Bible Commentary." New York: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1970.
* Stephen G. Dempster, "Dominion And Dynasty: A Theology Of The Hebrew Bible." Illinois: Intervarsity Press, 2003. ISBN 978-0830826155
* Carroll Stuhlmueller, "Haggai and Zechariah: Rebuilding With Hope." Edinburgh: The Handsel Press Ltd., 1988. ISBN 978-0905312750.
*eastonsExternal links
Translations
* [http://www.chabad.org/library/archive/LibraryArchive2.asp?AID=15768 Zechariah (Judaica Press)] translation withRashi 's commentary atChabad.org * [http://www.gospelhall.org/bible/bible.php?passage=Zechariah+1 "Online Bible" at GospelHall.org] (ESV, KJV, Darby, American Standard Version, Bible in Basic English)
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