Zechariah
The Prophet of Messianic VisionsPost-exilic prophet whose visions and prophecies contain more Messianic detail than any prophet except Isaiah
Zechariah ministered alongside Haggai to encourage temple rebuilding, but his book extends far beyond that immediate context. His eight night visions and later prophecies contain extraordinary Messianic detail: the Branch, the pierced one, the coming King riding on a donkey, the good shepherd sold for 30 pieces of silver, the striking of the shepherd, and the fountain opened for cleansing. More verses from Zechariah are quoted in the Passion narratives than from any other prophet. His final chapters describe end-times events with remarkable specificity.
Original Name
זְכַרְיָה (Zekharyah)
Meaning
Yahweh remembers
Etymology
Zechariah combines 'zakhar' (to remember) with 'Yah' (YHWH), meaning 'Yahweh remembers.' This name was given to the prophet whose visions assured the exiles that God had not forgotten His promises.
Linguistic Insights
Zechariah's name ('Yahweh remembers') perfectly fits his ministry to exiles wondering if God had forgotten them. The phrase 'on that day' (bayyom hahu - בַּיּוֹם הַהוּא) appears 17 times in chapters 12-14, marking eschatological events. His title for Messiah, 'Tsemach' (Branch), connects to Isaiah 11:1 and Jeremiah 23:5. The prophecy 'they will look on me, the one they have pierced' (el asher daqaru - אֶת אֲשֶׁר דָּקָרוּ) remarkably has God speaking as the one pierced - Jesus quoted this at His crucifixion (John 19:37, Revelation 1:7). The 30 silver pieces (sheloshim kesef) exactly predicted Judas's betrayal price.
Translation Notes
- •Name means 'Yahweh remembers' - reassurance to exiles
- •Most quoted OT prophet in the Passion narratives
- •'On that day' appears 17 times in chapters 12-14
- •Zechariah 12:10 quoted in John 19:37 and Revelation 1:7
Related Terms
Called to prophesy alongside Haggai
Zechariah 1:1Eight night visions received
Zechariah 1:7-6:8Crowning of Joshua as sign of the Branch
Zechariah 6:9-15Teaching on fasting and justice
Zechariah 7-8Oracle: Coming King riding on donkey
Zechariah 9:9Prophecy: 30 pieces of silver
Zechariah 11:12-13Prophecy: Pierced one mourned
Zechariah 12:10Prophecy: Shepherd struck, sheep scattered
Zechariah 13:7Final battle and the LORD's return
Zechariah 14Zechariah 4:6
"Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD Almighty."
Zechariah 9:9
"Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey."
Zechariah 12:10
"They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child."
Zechariah 13:7
"Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered."
Matthew 21:5
"Say to Daughter Zion, 'See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey.'"
Born
c. 560 BC
Died
c. 480 BC
Lifespan
Approximately 80 years
Father
Berechiah
Mother
Unknown
Spouse
Unknown