Zech 1:1-6'

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Zech 1:1-6:15 ZECHARIAH’S VISIONS

Call to repentance (Zech 1:1-6)

At the time Zechariah delivered his first message, Haggai had already been preaching for about two months (Zech 1:1; cf. Hag 1:1).

In his two recorded messages of that time, Haggai had shown that all Israel’s current difficulties were because of the people’s selfishness and disobedience in failing to rebuild the temple. As a result of Haggai’s preaching the people stirred themselves and started building again (Hag 1:1-2:9).

Zechariah now joins Haggai in the preaching, recalling that disobedience to the prophets of former times had led to hardship and finally captivity (Zech 1:2-3).

The people should therefore learn from their forefathers’ experiences and take notice of the words of the prophets. This means not simply that they must rebuild the temple, but more importantly that they must acknowledge their sin, accept God’s discipline, turn from their disobedience and begin a new life of devotion to God (Zech 1:4-6).

Eight visions

The section Zech 1:7-6:8 consists of a series of eight visions. These are arranged with the two most important visions in the centre, and the remaining visions in two equal groups, one on either side. At the time that Zechariah received these visions, work on rebuilding the temple had been going on for five months, three months of which were taken up with preparing the foundations (cf. Zech 1:7 with Hag 1:14-15; 2:18).

The people would clearly benefit from some encouragement and direction. The first three visions are largely messages of encouragement to the builders, the middle two are of special encouragement to the leaders Joshua and Zerubbabel, and the final three give assurance of ultimate victory for God and his people.