The word of the Lord came to the prophet Zechariah. (v.1)
Now looking at the book of Zechariah, we’ve moved forward about 100 years in time. Since Zephaniah’s day, Judah had been conquered and exiled to Babylon. Later, the Jews had been given permission to return to their homeland; a relatively small group had done so in 538 b.c. under the leadership of Zerubbabel, the governor, and Joshua, the high priest.
Zechariah’s family had been among the first to return. The prophet began his ministry in 520 b.c., during the reign of King Darius of Persia, proclaiming the word of the Lord to these repatriated Jews, a community numbering about 50,000 people. It’s known that Zechariah was a priest, and tradition says he was also a member of the “Great Synagogue,” a ruling council of the day. His name means “the Lord remembers,” evoking God’s covenant faithfulness (Ps. 86:15).
Zechariah’s immediate purpose was to rebuke, encourage, and motivate the people to rebuild the Temple, which had been destroyed during the conquest. His book is highly literary in nature, and conveys a strong Messianic theology. In fact, Zechariah has more to say about the Messiah than any other book except Isaiah, and the New Testament cites or alludes to the book of Zechariah over 40 times. Some of his prophecies have already been fulfilled in or near the first coming of Christ, while others await the end times.
Here now is the first word to Zechariah from the LORD to the people of Israel. ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts: “Return to Me and I will return to you,” says the LORD of hosts.’ Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets preached, saying, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts: “Turn now from your evil ways and your evil deeds.” But they did not hear nor heed Me,” says the LORD. (vv.3-4)
Here the prophet Zechariah is saying, “Look at your history," and “Don’t be like you’re your fathers who, did not respond to the call of God. Act upon what the LORD is telling you. Turn to Him and He will turn to you.” Great advise even today for all who claim to follow Jesus.
The Truth: “Draw nigh unto God and He will draw nigh unto you.” (James 4:8)
