Zechariah- Introduction

Additional Details

• Author: Zechariah
• Audience: The people of Judah who had returned from captivity to Jerusalem.
• Original Hebrew Name: זכריה
• Translated Greek Name: Ζαχαρίας
• Common English Name: Zechariah
• Transliteration: Z'kharyah
• Meaning: Memory of Yah
• Date Created: c 520-480 BCE
• Content Reference Time: c 520-480 BCE
• Key Individuals:
  • Zerubbabel
  • Joshua
• Key Themes:
  • G-d's message while rebuilding the Temple (Zechariah 1:1-8:23)
  • G-d's message after rebuilding the Temple (Zechariah 9:1-14:21)
• Date Canonized: c 499-100 BCE
• Abstract:

  Zechariah continues Scripture's historical and prophetic messages to Judah.  Like all of G-d's prophets, he issues a call of repentance and return to the Lord and His ways.  Spiritual renewal would be essential to proper worship in the soon-to-be-restored Temple, for without a repentant heart, their service in the Temple would be in vain.  Zechariah calls Judah to repent from the same sins that resulted in their ancestors' exile and return to their covenant relationship with G-d.  The prophet calls them to care for widows, orphans, and foreigners as required by the Law but to do so without evil in their hearts.  Zechariah concludes his writings with a call to holiness in light of the coming "day of the Lord."

• Location Created: Jerusalem
• Content Location: Jerusalem
• Teaches:
  • G-d is jealous for His Name and for His people.
  • G-d desired for Israel to rebuild the Temple.
  • G-d promised a coming King.
  • G-d promised His protection.
• Chapters: 14
• Verses: 211