July 13, 2024

Message of the Book of Zechariah

The biblical Book of Zechariah is one of the twelve minor prophets in the Old Testament and contains the prophecies of the prophet Zechariah. The book is known for its apocalyptic visions and messianic prophecies. The main messages of the Book of Zechariah are diverse and encompass both judgment and hope and promise. Here are the key messages:

Key Messages of the Book of Zechariah:

1. Call to Repentance: The book begins with a call to repentance. Zechariah urges the people to turn from their evil ways and return to God. God promises to turn to them if they return to Him (Zechariah 1:3-4).

2. Encouragement to Rebuild the Temple: Like Haggai, Zechariah also encourages the people to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. This is a central theme in the early chapters of the book, and Zechariah emphasizes that God’s blessing and presence are associated with the rebuilding of the temple.

3. Visions of Renewal and Comfort: The book contains a series of visions that Zechariah receives. These visions convey messages of renewal, comfort, and hope. They include symbolic representations of God’s protection, the restoration of Jerusalem, and the punishment of Israel’s enemies.

4. The Role of the Messiah: Zechariah includes significant messianic prophecies. One of the most well-known is Zechariah 9:9-10, which describes the arrival of a humble king on a donkey, later understood as a prophecy about Jesus Christ. The book emphasizes that the Messiah will bring peace and justice.

5. God’s Sovereignty and Protection: Zechariah highlights God’s sovereignty over the nations and His protection for His people. God will judge Israel’s enemies and deliver His people from distress. This message provides believers with security and hope.

6. The Restoration of Jerusalem: The book prophesies the complete restoration of Jerusalem. Jerusalem will once again be a city of peace and justice, and God will dwell among His people (Zechariah 8:3-8).

7. The Day of the Lord: Zechariah also speaks about the “Day of the Lord,” a future day of judgment and redemption. This day will be both a time of judgment on God’s enemies and a time of final salvation and restoration for His people (Zechariah 14).

8. Call to Justice and Compassion: In addition to visions and prophecies, Zechariah includes practical instructions for ethical and moral living. The people are urged to practice justice, show mercy and compassion, and refrain from swearing false oaths (Zechariah 7:9-10).

Summary

The Book of Zechariah offers a diverse and profound message that calls for repentance and offers hope and comfort for the future. It encourages the people to advance the rebuilding of the temple, emphasizes the role of the coming Messiah, and foretells the ultimate restoration of Jerusalem. Through its visions and prophecies, the book conveys God’s sovereignty, protection, and promises for the future. It calls on believers to lead just and compassionate lives and to trust in God’s plan and promises.

DAILY BIBLE READING – Zechariah Chapter 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,

² The Lord hath been sore displeased with your fathers.

³ Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the Lord of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the Lord of hosts.

⁴ Be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets have cried, saying, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Turn ye now from your evil ways, and from your evil doings: but they did not hear, nor hearken unto me, saith the Lord.

⁵ Your fathers, where are they? and the prophets, do they live for ever?

⁶ But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not take hold of your fathers? and they returned and said, Like as the Lord of hosts thought to do unto us, according to our ways, and according to our doings, so hath he dealt with us.

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,

⁸ I saw by night, and behold a man riding upon a red horse, and he stood among the myrtle trees that were in the bottom; and behind him were there red horses, speckled, and white.

⁹ Then said I, O my lord, what are these? And the angel that talked with me said unto me, I will shew thee what these be.

¹⁰ And the man that stood among the myrtle trees answered and said, These are they whom the Lord hath sent to walk to and fro through the earth.

¹¹ And they answered the angel of the Lord that stood among the myrtle trees, and said, We have walked to and fro through the earth, and, behold, all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest.

¹² Then the angel of the Lord answered and said, O Lord of hosts, how long wilt thou not have mercy on Jerusalem and on the cities of Judah, against which thou hast had indignation these threescore and ten years?

¹³ And the Lord answered the angel that talked with me with good words and comfortable words.

¹⁴ So the angel that communed with me said unto me, Cry thou, saying, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy.

¹⁵ And I am very sore displeased with the heathen that are at ease: for I was but a little displeased, and they helped forward the affliction.

¹⁶ Therefore thus saith the Lord; I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies: my house shall be built in it, saith the Lord of hosts, and a line shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem.

¹⁷ Cry yet, saying, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad; and the Lord shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem.

¹⁸ Then lifted I up mine eyes, and saw, and behold four horns.

¹⁹ And I said unto the angel that talked with me, What be these? And he answered me, These are the horns which have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem.

²⁰ And the Lord shewed me four carpenters.

²¹ Then said I, What come these to do? And he spake, saying, These are the horns which have scattered Judah, so that no man did lift up his head: but these are come to fray them, to cast out the horns of the Gentiles, which lifted up their horn over the land of Judah to scatter it.

King James Version. Public Domain

Commentary

Introduction

Zechariah Chapter 1 is the beginning of the prophetic book of Zechariah, which starts in the eighth month of the second year of King Darius. It contains a message of repentance as well as a vision given to the prophet Zechariah. The chapter is divided into two main parts: the exhortation to repentance and Zechariah’s first vision.

Verses 1-6: Exhortation to Repentance

The Lord speaks to Zechariah, reminding the people of Israel of God’s anger toward their ancestors. These verses emphasize the necessity of repentance:

• Anger toward the Ancestors (Verse 2): God reminds the people that their forefathers provoked His wrath because they did not listen to the prophets.

• Call to Repentance (Verse 3): God urges the people to return to Him, giving a conditional promise: “Return to me, and I will return to you.”

• Warning against the Disobedience of the Ancestors (Verses 4-6): The people are admonished not to be like their ancestors who ignored the prophets’ messages. God reminds them that the ancestors and prophets have passed away, but His words and commands remain.

These verses emphasize that God’s word is everlasting and that obedience to His commands is crucial. The reminder of past punishments is intended to move the people toward repentance.

Verses 7-17: The First Vision – The Man on the Red Horse

On the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month, Zechariah receives a vision, described as the first of several in this book:

• The Vision (Verses 8-11): Zechariah sees at night a man on a red horse standing among myrtle trees, accompanied by red, brown, and white horses. These horses symbolize angels sent by God to patrol the earth. The angels report that the earth is at rest.

• Conversation with the Angel (Verses 12-13): The Angel of the Lord asks God how long He will be angry with Jerusalem and the towns of Judah. God responds with comforting words and promises mercy.

• The Angel’s Message (Verses 14-17): The angel instructs Zechariah to proclaim God’s jealousy and anger over Jerusalem and Zion. God promises to return to Jerusalem, rebuild His house, and bless the land.

This vision and the associated messages contain important prophetic statements:

• God’s Jealousy and Mercy: God is jealous for His people and angry at the nations that oppressed Israel.

• Rebuilding and Blessing: God promises to rebuild and bless Jerusalem. The vision concludes with the assurance that God will comfort Zion and once again choose Jerusalem.

Summary

Zechariah Chapter 1 is a powerful call to repentance, reminding the people of Israel of their ancestors’ mistakes and urging them to turn back to God. Zechariah’s first vision provides insight into God’s plan for restoration and blessing for Jerusalem. These chapters lay the foundation for the subsequent visions and messages of the prophet Zechariah, which further explore themes of restoration and divine intervention.

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages Chapter 45: The Foreshadowing of the Cross

This chapter is based on Matthew 16:13-28; Mark 8:27-38; Luke 9:18-27.

Read online here

Commentary

Introduction:

This chapter deals with the profound preparation and awareness of Jesus regarding his impending suffering and death. Based on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, it highlights Jesus’ foreknowledge of his path to the cross and his dedication to fulfilling God’s will.

Jesus’ Awareness of His Suffering:

Jesus was fully aware of the pain and agony that awaited him. Even before his incarnation, he had foreseen the entire path of suffering. Despite knowing the impending torments, insults, and deprivations, he chose to walk this path out of love for humanity. His willingness to fulfill God’s will demonstrates his deep dedication and obedience to the Father.

The Significance of the Cross:

The cross is a central symbol in this chapter. Jesus saw it not only as an instrument of his suffering but also as a means of redeeming humanity. Despite the impending pain, he was encouraged by the prospect of human salvation. His suffering and death were meant to bring people back to faithfulness to God.

Preparation of the Disciples:

Jesus prepared his disciples for the upcoming events. He knew they would witness his crucifixion and death and wanted to strengthen them. In a city near Caesarea Philippi, far from the influence of the Jews, he spoke with them about their faith and reaffirmed their conviction that he was the Messiah.

Peter’s Confession:

Peter confessed that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus praised him for this and explained that this revelation did not come from human wisdom but through divine inspiration. This recognition formed the foundation of the disciples’ faith and the future Church.

The Announcement of Jesus’ Suffering:

For the first time, Jesus spoke openly about his impending suffering and death. This announcement deeply shocked the disciples, as they were still hoping for an earthly kingdom. Peter’s attempt to dissuade Jesus was sharply rebuked by Jesus, as he misunderstood the divine mission.

The Concept of Self-Denial:

Jesus explained to his disciples the necessity of self-denial and taking up the cross. This meant denying one’s own self and being willing to endure suffering for the sake of Christ. This message was and still is a central teaching of the Christian faith.

Encouragement through the Promise:

Jesus encouraged his disciples with the promise of his coming kingdom in glory. Although they did not fully grasp the depth of his words, he gave them hope that they would ultimately see his glory.

Conclusion:

Chapter 45 shows the profound preparation and awareness of Jesus regarding his suffering and his dedication to fulfilling God’s will. It emphasizes the necessity of self-denial and taking up the cross for every follower of Christ. The disciples were prepared for the coming trials while Jesus simultaneously encouraged them with the hope of his ultimate glory. These teachings remain relevant today and inspire believers to remain steadfast in their faith and follow Jesus.

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages Chapter 46: He Was Transfigured

This chapter is based on Matthew 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-8; Luke 9:28-36.

Read online here

Commentary

Introduction:

Chapter 46 describes the Transfiguration of Jesus, based on accounts from the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. This episode reveals a significant disclosure of Jesus’ divine nature and provides the disciples with a brief glimpse of heavenly glory.

The Ascent on the Mountain:

Jesus takes Peter, James, and John with him to a secluded mountain. Although they are exhausted, the disciples follow their Master into the evening hours. The darkness enveloping the mountain symbolizes the sorrow and trials that Jesus and his disciples will soon face.

Jesus’ Prayer:

Jesus moves a short distance from the disciples to bring his concerns and needs before the heavenly Father in prayer. He asks for strength to endure the forthcoming suffering and for a revelation of his glory to strengthen the disciples’ faith. Despite their efforts to stay awake, the disciples are overcome with fatigue and fall asleep.

The Transfiguration:

While Jesus prays, the heavens open, and a holy radiance envelops him. The divine within him shines through his human form, and his appearance becomes as bright as the sun. Moses and Elijah appear and converse with Jesus about his impending death in Jerusalem.

Significance of Moses and Elijah:

Moses represents those who will be resurrected at Christ’s return, while Elijah represents those who will be transformed without experiencing death at Christ’s return. Their presence confirms Jesus’ divinity and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.

The Disciples’ Reaction:

The disciples awaken and are overwhelmed by the heavenly glory. In his enthusiasm, Peter suggests building three shelters to preserve this moment. However, the significance of the Transfiguration lies not in earthly reign but in the confirmation of Jesus’ divine mission, which must pass through the cross.

God’s Voice:

A bright cloud overshadows them, and God’s voice declares, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” The disciples fall to the ground in fear until Jesus calms them and helps them up. This experience strengthens their faith and gives them a deeper understanding of Jesus’ identity and mission.

Conclusion:

The Transfiguration is a significant revelation of Jesus’ divine nature and serves to strengthen the disciples’ faith and prepare them for the upcoming sufferings. It shows that Jesus is indeed the Messiah foretold by the prophets and that his suffering and death are part of the divine plan of redemption. The Transfiguration gives the disciples a foretaste of future glory and confirms that Jesus is the Son of God, whom they are to follow.

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