Zechariah

The Book of Zechariah with all what it contains of delightful visions that bring hope to the hearts and give strength to the hands for spiritual work; and what it incudes of very elaborate prophecies concerning the Person of our Lord Jesus Christ, has drawn the hearts of many of the fathers of the early church to interpret and meditate in it. I tried to introduce it as concise as possible, excluding the similar statements of the fathers, to make it easier for the reader to understand. ZECHARIAH 1- The word “Zechariah” in Hebrew means (Jehovah remembers), was a name very popular among the Jews; Thirty persons came carrying this name in the Holy Book. This name came very convenient to this book and its circumstances; to encourage the souls on the spiritual strife to build the temple of God in it. For God perpetually remembers to build this temple and to sanctify it himself. The Psalmist says: “Yet I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; O my Lord, do not delay” (Psalm 40: 17); which indicates that God cares to establish His kingdom in us, not by words but by work; through the descent of the Only begotten Son to the cross, and bringing the Holy Spirit into us in the worthiness of the Precious blood. 2- It so seems that Zechariah was born in the land of the Babylonian captivity; then, as a child, came back home with his grandfather “Edo” among those who returned with “Zerubbabel” from captivity (Nehemiah 12: 1, 4, 7); his grandfather was well known among the people, as the chief of a priestly family; while his father most probably died young before returning from captivity. 3- Zechariah started his prophecy in the second year of the reign of Darius Histasis in the year 520 BC. The last date that came in this book was 518 BC, the fourth year of king Darius (Zechariah 7: 1). According to many scholars, the last part of the book (Chapter 9-14) was written in the prophet’s old age, 30 or 40 years after writing the first part (Chapters 1 - ). Anyway Zachariah was a contemporary of Zerubbabel the governor, Joshua the high priest, and the prophet Haggai (Zechariah 3: 1; 4: 6; 6: 11; Ezra 5: 1-2); who was his companion in strife, carried the same mission; and were both, so closely connected with deep love; that, according to the Jewish tradition, Zechariah was buried beside Haggai in the same place. THE HISTORICAL CIRCUMSTANCES: “Cyrus” king of Persia, issued a decree in the year 538 BC, encouraging those among the Jews who wish to go back home to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 36: 22, 23; Ezra 1: 1-4). And as the majority of the Jews were then well off, it was difficult for them to return to start their life anew in their country that was ravaged by the Gentiles; despite their feeling of humiliation as captives, and their deprivation of their temple and worship. Only 50,000 returned, who were considered as the relatively elite, whose life was kindled with jealousy to rebuild the temple of the Lord. In the second month of the year 536 BC, they laid the foundation (Ezra 3; 11- 13); but owing to the opposition of the Samaritans, the work stopped for 15 years; until King Darius came in the year 521 BC, when the two prophets Haggai and Zechariah were encouraged to provoke the people to resume work under the guidance of Zerubbabel the governor and Joshua the high priest. Then Tattenai the Persian governor of the Western Euphrates attempted to stop the work again through a message he sent to the king, who responded by confirming the old decree; because of his sympathy to the Jewish case, his belief in the principle of worshipping One God; seeking to offer a fragrance of pleasure to Him; and raising prayers for his own sake and that of his children (Ezra 6: 6-12). The outer opposition ceased, for a greater and more bitter one to appear which is the appearance of a controversial tendency among the people, and a great lukewarm tendency in the work; on account of their belief that ceasing the work for so long was a sign of God’s displeasure; and taking into consideration that every one of thyem got preoccupied with working for his own sake; something that God rebuked them for by the prophet Haggai; saying: “Is it a time for you, yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?” (Haggai 1: 4) THE UNITY OF THE BOOK: Concerning the first eight chapters, there is a general consent among the researchers that their author is the prophet Zechariah. Whereas, concerning the rest of the book (Chapters 9 to 14); there is great controversy among the critics. According to some they were written in separate intervals before the captivation of Israel; or between the captivation of Israel and that of Judah; while, according to others, they were written after the return from captivity. In order not to enter into the debates; we shall summarize the views as follows: (1) Some critics depended on the clear difference in the style of writing between the first part of the book (chapters 1 to 8) and its second part (chapter 9 – 14), the most important of which are: 1- The first part bears clear historical references; while the second part, any reference of the sort – in case there are – are vague. 2- He first part concentrates on the rebuilding of the temple under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Joshua; while the second part does not refer to this work 3- In using text in a longhand in the first part, he seems to follow the style of the prophet Ezekiel; while in the second part, in using a simplified poetic way, he is influenced by that followed in the book of Deuteronomy, Hosea, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Job, etc 4- In the first part, the Messianic era, concentrates on Jerusalem as its center, and on the revival of the city of David. While in the second part, it cares for Judah as its center; and if Jerusalem and the house of David are mentioned they come by the way. To respond to those who have such a view, we say that the difference in style does not mean a different author; but could be referred to a difference in the goal intended; which, in the first part was to encourage the people to rebuild the temple; whereas in the second, it was to confirm the blessing of the Lord on them, particularly in the Messianic era; together with prophesying the work of God with them along the eras after they build the temple. There is another reason for the difference in style; which is that the author of the first part was the young man Zechariah, whereas the author of the second part was the elderly Zechariah. (2) In his book “Introductions of the Old Testament”, ‘Raven’ summarized the views of the critics who, depend upon evidences inside the book to prove that Zechariah was not the author of the second part of the book, as follows: a- According to some critics like Bandissin, Strack, chapters (9-11) are precedent to the captivation of Israel (and probably chapters 13: 7-9 as well); and chapters (12-14; except for 13: 7-9), were written in the days of Jehoiakim, Jehoiakin, and Zedekiah, namely precedent to the captivation of Judah. We shall deal with their reasons and respond to them in our interpretation. b- According to other critics, like Driver, Newack, that whole part (9-14) was written after the return from captivity; because it records certain events which took place then; Their proofs against those of the first view came very strong, but we shall not enter into their details now. Considering that the events recorded in the book describe the eras after Zechariah, does not mean that Zechariah is not the author of the book, which he wrote with the spirit of prophecy about the future; and not as a historian writing about contemporary events. That is what made many confirm the unity of the book, and accept the Jewish and the ecclesiastical tradition that Zechariah was the sole author of the book. THE FEATURES OF THE BOOK: 1- This book is considered a strong support for the frail soul; bearing the language of hope to a people that lived for 70 years under captivity, denied of the temple and offerings; and even after their return to rebuild the temple, they remained 15 years unable to work. This book, therefore came to stir-up the frail energy; as in it we find no tune of threats or strong rebuke. 2- The first six chapters bring to us nine visions; and in some of its part it used symbolism. 3- Concentrating upon the Messianic era; while supporting them to rebuild the temple, the author reveals to them the temple of the Savior Messiah in the church of the New Covenant; introducing clear prophecies concerning the Person of the Lord Christ, like His royal entrance into Jerusalem (9: 9); being delivered for thirty pieces of silver (11: 2); His wounds (13: 6); being pierced (12: 10); being the suffering Shepherd (13: 7); His kingdom opened before all (9-10); beside including some thoughts and expressions bound to the New Covenant, like the four horsemen (1: 7 etc.; Revelation 6; !-8); measuring the holy city (1: 16; Revelation 11; 1-2); the two lampstands and the two olive trees (4: 1-3, 11-14; Revelation 11: 4-11); the scattering of the sheep (13: 7; Matthew 26: 31 etc.). According to Mckenzie, about the Messianic era, as it came in the book of Zechariah: [The Messianism is the prevailing tune in the book of Zechariah (Chapters 1-8); revealing to us about the appearance of a new National Messianic religious congregation, which will have its center in Jerusalem. According to the prophet Zechariah, it was high time to realize the salvation by the Messiah; and that the rebuilding of the temple is a sign and a beginning of His coming. In the Messianic era, the Gentiles will be defeated (2: 1-4; 10: 13); the temple will be rebuilt (1-16); and Jerusalem (8: 3); Jehovah will come to dwell among His people (2: 14; 8: 3); the captives will gather together; the Gentiles will worship Jehovah (2: 15; 8: 20-23); peace and joy will dwell (3: 10; 8: 12); and sin will be uprooted (3: 9; 5: 1-11)……. Messianism, according to Zechariah, is not just nationalism, but it rather refers to a purification of the congregation of those who care for being united to Jehovah]. Mackenzie also says: [Messianism is the prevailing tune In the book of Zechariah (Chapters 9-14); but here it appears more strongly visionary; salvation will be realized at the end of days …….And that the most prominent Messianic feature is the appearance of the Messiah of the poor (9: 9). 4- Having been a priest, Zechariah’s heart longed for the priestly ministry, of which he and his fathers were denied for a long time. His prophecy came as a ritual prophet, to proclaim God who works in the spiritual rite, presenting the Lord Christ as a Priest who takes away from us our dirty attire, and grants us the adorned attire and the pure turban (Chapter 3); and grants us through His priestly ministry the fellowship of glorified heavenly crown (Chapter 6). THE DIVISIONS OF THE BOOK: (1) The nine visions 1 - 6 (2) Questions about fasting 7 - 8 (3) Israel and the Messianic era 9 – 14