Reflecting on the Book of Zechariah
August 4, 2024
Nearly 20 years after their return from the Babylonian exile in the time of Cyrus (538 B.C.), discouragement dogged God’s people, replacing their earlier enthusiasm. The foundation of the temple had been laid shortly after the initial return, in 536 B.C., but powerful opposition had prevented any further progress on rebuilding the temple.
Zechariah addressed such discouragement by reminding his hearers that, though hidden, God’s envoys were watching everything, and that when the time was right, he would act to reorder the universe. The temple that was being rebuilt and the priesthood that would serve in it were signs of the Lord’s commitment to his people, a commitment that would be demonstrated by the ultimate removal of all their sin from the land. This would happen when the promised Davidic king, the Branch, arrived. The result would be peace, harmony, and prosperity for all the inhabitants of the land, as the Lord once more dwelt in their midst.
The latter chapters of Zechariah also show that a new ruler will come to Jerusalem, a ruler who will not be like the existing rulers but will be righteous and humble, bringing salvation. In contrast to the shepherds who feed themselves at the expense of the flock, this good shepherd will take care of the flock and provide for them. He will cleanse them of all their iniquities. Jerusalem will be restored as God’s chosen city, to which the nations will come on pilgrimage.
