In brief
Zechariah is a prophet of the return from exile, a contemporary of Haggai, around 520 BC. Son of Berechiah and grandson of Iddo, he encourages the people to rebuild the temple with Zerubbabel and Joshua. His visions combine encouragement, purification and the announcement of the Messiah: a righteous, humble king riding on a donkey. The book ends with the coming of the day of the Lord.
What does the name Zechariah the prophet mean?
The name Zechariah is generally understood as "the Lord remembered" in Hebrew. The Bible gives no explanation of this name for this prophet, so this interpretation remains cautious. Several other biblical figures bear the same name.
The story of Zechariah the prophet
A call to return
Zechariah 1Zechariah receives the word of the Lord after the earlier prophets. God calls the people to return to him, so that he may return to them. The prophet then receives night visions, which show that the Lord has compassion on Jerusalem and watches over it.
Not by might nor by power
Zechariah 4:1-10Zechariah sees a golden lampstand with seven lamps, between two olive trees. The angel explains that the word is addressed to Zerubbabel: it is not by might nor by power, but by the Spirit of the Lord. The hands of Zerubbabel will lay the foundation of the house and finish it.
The king who comes
Zechariah 9:9-10The prophet announces a message of joy to the daughter of Zion: her king is coming to her. He is righteous, victorious and humble, riding on a donkey. His coming is described as a source of joy for Jerusalem. The New Testament applies this prophecy to Jesus entering Jerusalem.
The day of the Lord
Zechariah 14The last chapter announces a day when the Lord will intervene for Jerusalem. It describes the Mount of Olives, an exceptional day and the rule of the Lord over all the earth. It is a prophetic passage of great scope whose interpretation varies among Christians.
What Zechariah the prophet teaches us
- God invites us to return to him above all, for he promises to return to those who return.
- God's works are accomplished by his Spirit, not by human power.
- Modest beginnings must not be despised: God rejoices to see them.
- The Messiah comes in humility, as a righteous king riding on a donkey.
- The believer's final hope rests on the reign of the Lord over all the earth.
Key verses
“Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord of Armies. Addressed to Zerubbabel, this word reminds us that the rebuilding depends on God's action.
“who despises the day of small things? For these seven shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel.” God values small beginnings and promises that their completion will be a cause for joy.
“Rejoice greatly, daughter of Zion!” The announced king is described this way: “righteous, and having salvation; lowly, and riding on a donkey”. This verse is taken up in the gospels at the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main message of the book of Zechariah?
Zechariah encourages the returned exiles to rebuild the temple by reminding them that God acts by his Spirit. His visions announce the restoration of Jerusalem and the coming of a righteous and humble king. The book ends with the reign of the Lord over all the earth.
What does the name Zechariah mean?
The name Zechariah is generally understood as "the Lord remembered" in Hebrew. The Bible gives no direct explanation for this prophet, so this interpretation remains cautious. The name is also borne by other figures, such as the father of John the Baptist.
Where can I find the story of Zechariah in the Bible?
The book of Zechariah has fourteen chapters among the twelve minor prophets. The first eight contain his night visions, the following ones oracles about the coming king and the day of the Lord. He is also mentioned with Haggai in the book of Ezra.