Today, we continue our journey through the Bible with today’s study of Zechariah. I pray God shows us what He wants us to learn.
“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock, and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14.
As we study the Bible alone or in a group setting, there are several questions we can ask ourselves to help us dig deeper. The five questions are:
- What does the scripture say about God?
- Then what does the scripture say about me?
- Does something in this passage challenge me?
- What gives me hope in this passage?
- Is anything unclear to me?
I hope these questions help you as much as they help me.
Book of Zechariah
- Author: Zechariah.
- Audience: The Jews in Jerusalem.
- Date Written: 520-518 B.C.
- Length: 14 chapters.
- Keywords: Lord Almighty.
- Key Verses: “Therefore, say to the people, ‘This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.’” (1:3 NLT).
- Key People: Zerubbabel, Jeshua.
Summary of Zechariah:
Zechariah and Haggai were prophets who aimed to rebuke and motivate the people of Judah to complete the rebuilding of the temple. They also focused on spiritual renewal. Their key message was that if Judah returned to the Lord, He would return to them. They emphasized that fulfillment of His word happened when they returned to God.
Sections of the Book:
The book of Zechariah contains five significant themes:
- Opening message of repentance (1:1-1:6).
- A series of eight visions (1:7-6).
- The answers to the problems of Babylon (7-8).
- He Prophesies about a future period (9-11).
- The Coming and Reception of the Messiah (chs.12-14).
God’s Characteristics:
And like so many other books in the Bible, we see God’s character on display in this book:
- Goodness – 9:17.
Message in Zechariah:
Zechariah had a mission: to uplift and inspire a discouraged people who had faced years of struggle. He did this by prophesying about the future glory that awaited Israel. His message was clear – they needed to shift their focus from their current disappointing circumstances and instead look to the Lord for the promising future ahead. Today, we can apply this same message by choosing to look up and rise above the problems of the world, rather than getting consumed by them.
Christ in Text:
The book of Zechariah contains many passages that predict the coming of the Messiah. He described Christ as “My Servant the Branch,” “a priest on His throne,” and “[Him] whom they pierced.” Zechariah accurately portrays Christ as both humble and victorious. He is the King who brings salvation but arrives “lowly and riding on a donkey.”
All Lessons from the Bible
Each book of the Bible contains lessons for us to learn and historical information. We must study God’s Word to see what to do and what not to do in life. Paul reminds us of the importance of the words within the text in 2 Timothy 3.
2 Timothy 3:14-17; “14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Prayer
Please grant me the understanding and knowledge of You and Your word. As I open my Bible to read the scriptures, it gives me wisdom and discernment. And even as I sit and listen to the pastor, preacher or apostle reveal what Your Holy Book is speaking into my life, help me see and understand. Help me know Jesus Christ and how He lived His life so I can follow in His precious footsteps.
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Grace and Peace to you,
Yvonne M. Morgan is a Christian #author, #blogger, and #speaker. #BibleGatewayPartner
Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
Additional Resources:
We learn so many lessons from Old Testament scripture that apply to our current situations. Thank you for this informative and inspiring lesson from Zechariah. God is GOOD!
Thank you Katherine. Blessings to you my friend
Powerful book! And such hope, as well. As you say, “Zechariah had a mission: to uplift and inspire a discouraged people who had faced years of struggle. He did this by prophesying about the future glory that awaited Israel.” You are right that today we can be inspired by this to look beyond the problems of now and have hope for God’s promises and eternal reign.
Thanks Jessica and we can do the same for people around us who are discouraged. God bless
Yvonne, you always give a great overview that leaves me wanting to read more. Thanks!
Thanks Annie. I appreciate you. God bless.
This is great, Yvonne. Thanks for the Bible study help!
You’re welcome and thanks for visiting. God bless.
Yvonne, I needed this message. Thank you for sharing these Bible summaries. God’s Word is an anchor for our souls when we walk through seasons of difficulty.
So glad God planned this message for you. Thanks Melissa and God bless
Another wonderful reminder of a book of the Bible and what it teaches us. Love all the names and references to Christ. To think Christ is a priest on His throne, yet a King who humbled Himself even to death on a cross.
Thanks Karen. Amen