Zachariah 6-9 - Divinely empowered and protected

In the opening five verses of Zachariah 12, God refers to the siege of Jerusalem and how he would protect that city. In this discussion, we will explore verses 6-9, in which God promises to empower Jerusalem and save her and her people. 

This divine empowerment of Jerusalem is like a fire pot and a flaming torch, a powerful force that will consume the surrounding nations depicted as pieces of wood and dried leaves.  Jerusalem will be like a fire that speedily eradicates her enemies. Here is a promise of divine empowerment, a source of strength and judgment, making Judah a force to reckon with.

In verses 7-9, God’s prophetic message describes His protection and deliverance of His people, particularly in Jerusalem. First, the Lord will save the tents of Judah. Here, the tent of Judah represents the rural area compared to the more fortified city of Jerusalem. This will ensure that the glory of the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem will not overshadow Judah.

God will not allow one group of His people to be elevated above the other, which points to God’s impartiality. The house of David, the people of Jerusalem, and the people of Judah are all on equal standing before God. This equality ensures that no one can take undue pride because God’s salvation for His people is equally available to all.  

Verse 8 suggests that God will empower the weak. Even the lowest member among the people can be like King David, who symbolizes strength. This divine empowerment is to the extent that even the weakest of His people will be strengthened in battle.

The last part of verse 8 says, “The house of David will be like God, like the angel of the Lord before them.”  This is to say that the house of David, the ruling dynasty, will be empowered to lead the people. They will be like God in their authority and power, and like the angel of the Lord in their representation of God’s presence among His people.

Verse 9 reinforces God’s protection over His beloved people. Nations that come against Jerusalem will be destroyed. The ultimate triumph over the enemies belongs to God's people. This passage emphasizes God’s protection, the equality of His people in salvation, the empowerment of the weak, and the eventual victory over adversaries through divine intervention.

Four actions plan:

Firstly, trust in God’s promise to protect and empower His people. Be assured of His care and provision in difficult times. 

Secondly, recognize that God’s salvation and empowerment are equally available to everyone, regardless of one's background or status. 

Thirdly, God empowers even the weakest among His people and will uplift and support those who may be vulnerable or in need of strength. 

Fourthly, take heart in the assurance that, ultimately, God’s people will triumph over their enemies through divine intervention and remain steadfast in facing challenges with faith and courage.

Zachariah 12:1-5 – God is for us

In Zechariah 12, God reveals His ultimate plan for Jerusalem. There will be national deliverance and spiritual redemption for her. The chapter points to a future where Israel’s enemies will be defeated. It promises a time when Israel will mourn and repent, leading to divine healing and restoration.

This chapter opens with God declaring His sovereignty. As the creator of the heavens, earth, and human life, His ultimate authority is behind every unfolding event. He controls history and man’s destiny.  

In the following four verses, God assures Jerusalem that He will protect her and will intervene against those nations who are hostile toward her. Attackers of Jerusalem will suffer at God’s dealing. He calls Jerusalem a “cup of reeling” because she will cause the stumbling of the surrounding nations. Because of God’s protection, nations that try to harm Jerusalem will face repercussions and hurt themselves.  The enemies’ charging horses will be confounded as God comes to the rescue of His people. God’s empowerment of Jerusalem will be recognized.

For Christians, the opening verse reminds us that God remains in control of history and the affairs of nations, including current global and personal challenges. Despite the chaos or opposition, we may face, we know God orchestrates all things according to His divine plan. Hence, in our time of uncertainty—politically, socially, or personally— we take comfort in the fact that God is still in control. Our faith in His sovereignty will help us remain steadfast, trusting His purpose even when we don’t fully understand the circumstances.

The church is the spiritual Jerusalem. Just as God protects Jerusalem, He will also protect the church. He will equip us to face spiritual conflict and resist the works of the enemy. We must stand firm in our faith, relying on Him through our prayers and living out the principles derived from His Word.  

Zachariah 11:15-17 – Don’t forsake divine guidance

After portraying the image of good leadership in verses 4-14, God uses Zechariah to point to a future leader who would neglect his flock in the closing verses 15-17. The prophet is asked to play the role of a foolish shepherd. One that “will not care for the perishing, seek the scattered, heal the broken, or sustain the one standing, but will devour the flesh of the fat sheep and tear off their hoofs.”

This portrayal of the foolish shepherd represents a future self-absorbed, self-aggrandizing, and exploiting leadership that will take advantage of the people and lead them astray. It’s a stark reminder that the people’s preference for this kind of leadership is a choice they make, a choice that has consequences. And He will grant it to them by way of His punishment.  

Zechariah 11 depicts a period of judgment and rejection, where the people and their leaders must face consequences for forsaking God. It serves as a profound warning about the dangers of rejecting divine guidance and the consequences of corrupt leadership.

These verses remind us of the severe consequences that can arise from forsaking divine guidance and succumbing to corrupt leadership. They underscore the importance of staying true to our spiritual values and the potential repercussions of straying from them. We must heed the warnings and remain steadfast in following the path of righteousness. Deviating from it will lead to undesired outcomes.

 

Zachariah 11:4-14 – Never reject God’s leadership in our lives.

Continuing with the leadership message in chapter 11, verses 4-6, God instructs Zachariah to act the part of a good shepherd.  He is to care for the oppressed people, doomed to be slaughtered and exploited by the bad shepherds.  Though God cares for wayward Israel, the people are destined for judgment, for the bad shepherds do not care. 

Despite the bleak perspective, Zachariah fulfills his role as a good shepherd. He takes two sticks with him, referring to one as “Favor” and the other as “Union,” representing God’s grace and the people’s unity, respectively. In his shepherding role, Zachariah removes three bad shepherds but also becomes weary of the stubborn people. He leaves them to dismantle themselves, signifying God’s rejection of these disobedient people.

Verses 10-11 depict Zachariah breaking the stick named “Favor” into pieces, symbolizing the end of God’s favor and His covenant with them. In verses 12-13, Zachariah asks for his wages and is insultingly paid only 30 pieces of silver, demonstrating how little the people value God’s leadership. As a response, Zachariah throws the 30 pieces of silver into the temple treasury.

Zachariah’s actions foreshadow Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. In Matthew 27:3-4, Judas tries to return the money, but it is harshly refused. He then throws the 30 pieces of silver into the temple treasury and goes away to hang himself.

The breaking of the second stick named “Union” in verse 14 signifies the fractured society the people desired, where greed and exploitation exist. Additionally, the breaking of the second stick also indicates the division between Judah and Israel.

Here we learn about the consequences of greed and betrayal. It demonstrates the destructive impact of prioritizing material gain over moral values, as seen in the betrayal of Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. We must live with integrity and prefer compassion over greed and personal gain if we desire to build and nurture  a godly and moral life  

Zachariah 11:1-3 – The consequence of bad leadership

Zechariah 11 has much to teach us about leadership. God condemns bad leaders who weaken His relationship with His people. In verses 1-3, God condemns bad leaders in Israel before the rest of the chapter deals with good and bad shepherds to depict the leadership.

Verses 1-3 describe the inevitable judgment of God that will fall on bad leaders, no matter how great and mighty they think they are. They have oppressed the people without mercy to increase their power and wealth.  Therefore, they will be mercilessly punished. They cannot escape God’s judgment, depicted by a raging fire sweeping through the proud forests of Lebanon, destroying the strong trees.

Even the strongest animals, like the lion, will not escape this judgment. Metaphors such as burning trees, shepherds’ cries, and young lions’ roars vividly depict the severity of God’s judgment. These metaphors could be alluding to the downfall of Israel’s leadership and the eventual fall of Jerusalem and its cities.  

God unequivocally abhors bad leadership, especially when it leads His people astray and leaves them with an estranged relationship with Him. These first three verses show us the consequences of bad leadership. They highlight the severe consequences of using power for personal gain at the expense of others. Leaders must not neglect their roles but must act responsibly. Everyone in leadership must help those they lead to maintain a strong, positive relationship with God. 

Zachariah 10:6-12 – God gathers, restores and saves

In Zachariah 10:6-12 God promises to gather and restore Israel. The Northern Kingdom of Israel, represented by the house of Joseph, and the Southern Kingdom of Judah will be reunited. God will bring them back from wherever they are to strengthen them and turn them into great warriors.  

While the people of Judah were sent to Babylon in exile, the people of Israel were held in Assyria and Egypt, two historic places where they were oppressed and held captive.

Verse 8 is interesting. God will whistle for them to gather them together. In those days, a shepherd would whistle to call his sheep together. God here is saying that as Israel’s Shepherd, He will gather His people from where they were dispersed and draw them to Himself by His power.

Not only will He draw them to Himself, but he will also redeem and liberate them. He will deliver them from their sin, suffering, and exile. All these refer to God’s forgiveness and salvation.  More blessed will be that there will be as many as before. After their hardship will come the time of revival and growth.  

God promises and reassures His people that He will be with them to guide and strengthen them as they walk in His name.

Just as God promised to gather and restore Israel, we can trust in His faithfulness to fulfill His promises in our lives today. His desire to reunify and strengthen His people reminds us of the importance of unity and support for one another. As our Shepherd, we can find comfort in knowing that God will gather, protect, and lead us, His sheep.  He will see us through difficult times. God is our redeemer, and we are His people. His presence and guidance will be with us to strengthen us as we walk in His ways. 

Zachariah 10:1-5 – God’s leadership and restoration

Zechariah 10 is a powerful vision of restoration and renewal for Israel of the Prophet Zachariah. This vision emphasizes God’s direct intervention on behalf of His people.

In the opening verse, God called for the people to request rain which is crucial to an agricultural society. Without rain, their crops cannot survive.  Lack of rain is often an indication of divine displeasure. The God who controls nature offers to bless them.  

In verses 2-3, God condemns the pseudo-leaders who lead Israel astray. These leaders falsely guide God’s sheep, i.e., His people, through “idols” and phony divination. Due to their bad leadership, the sheep are scattered.  They are not true shepherds.  God will intervene and be their shepherd, caring for His flock and punishing those negligent leaders.

God promises to strengthen Judah in verses 3-5. He will make Judah His warhorse ready for battle. The image of a strengthened and majestic horse speaks of divine empowerment. The male goats are the false leaders that God will deal with. God Himself will visit His people and intervene on their behalf ensuring victory and unity.

Verse 4 points to the promised Messiah, who will come and bring restoration to His people. Using several imageries like “cornerstone,” “tent pegs,” and “battle bows” God talks about the Messiah’s leadership, stability, and strength.

Here are some key lessons for us today. Firstly, we need to know that God is ever ready to give us a helping hand. He reminds us to seek His provision in our times of need. He wants us to depend on Him in the face of changing circumstances. Secondly, we need to be aware of the presence of false leadership so that we will not be led astray.  Thirdly, know that God wants to strengthen and empower us for a victorious journey.  Finally, in Jesus Christ our Messiah, we have a stable, secure, and sure leader. 

Zachariah 9:11-17 – Covenant hope and deliverance

In Zachariah 9:11-13, God makes a profound promise of deliverance to Israel. The allusion to the “covenant of blood” in verse 11, likely refers to the Mosaic covenant sealed with blood, and ultimately to the greater covenant established through Christ’s blood. This promise is a beacon of hope for Israel, assuring them of their deliverance.

In declaring the freedom of the “prisoners in the waterless pit,” God is promising Israel their liberation from their plight in exile. In verse 12, He calls for those hopeful exiles to return to their stronghold, promising double restoration. This is a promise of abundant blessings. Verse 13 refers to the war the Jews had with the Hellenistic Kingdom, a historical event where the Jewish people were oppressed and fought for their freedom. God’s people from Judah and Ephraim (Israel) are seen as His weapons.

Verses 14-17 conclude with a vision of the Lord’s triumph over Israel’s enemies. Zachariah describes God’s intervention in verse 15 with a storm and lightning, a powerful and awe-inspiring display of God’s powerful presence to protect His people.

Verse 16 beautifully illustrates God’s love and care for His people. It says that God will save His people as a shepherd saves His flock. This shepherd and sheep relationship is a powerful symbol of God’s intimate care and love that God for Israel. It’s a comforting reminder of His constant presence and protection.

The message of Zechariah 9 is about the ultimate deliverance and peace brought by the Messiah, whose kingdom transcends earthly powers and brings reconciliation between God and humanity.

In these verses, we cannot miss the many promises God has made. We have God’s promise of unwavering commitment to deliver and protect us, His people. In Him, there is always hope and liberation. Besides, when He restores, He will generously show abundant grace. God will not only protect us but will also intervene on our behalf with His powerful presence.  Be grateful that He is our shepherd. 

Zachariah 9:1-10 – The warnings of Judgment and the promise of peace.

There are two broad topics in the first ten verses of Zechariah 9. Verses 1-8 describe a series of judgments on nations that are Israel’s enemies. Then, in verses 9-10, a prophecy points to Jesus Christ the Messiah, as described in Matthew 21:1-11.

The surrounding nations, specifically Damascus, Tyre, Sidon, and Philistia, which would face God’s judgment, are described in verses 1-8. They were being judged for their pride and wealth and for oppressing Israel. The judgment of these nations indicates God’s sovereignty. He controls history, and all nations are under His rule, even nations that are hostile to Israel. He has the ultimate say in what happens to history and nations.

Hadrach, Damascus, and Hamath, in verses 1-2, represent the strength of Syria. This tells us that God would judge those who trust in worldly power. In verses 2-4, Tyre and Sidon would be judged. The judgment here indicates that Tyre’s wealth and strong fortifications cannot withstand God’s impending judgment. The destruction of Tyre shows us the futility of relying on material riches.

Verses 5-7 describe Philistia’s downfall. The specific cities mentioned are Ashkelon, Gaza, and Erkon. God’s judgment on these cities symbolizes the process of purifying the land from idolatry to ensure peace for His people. In verse 8, God even promises to protect His people from the oppressors. It shows that God is the one who guards Jerusalem.  

The second broad topic, in verses 9-10, concerns the prophecy of the Messiah King. This prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus Christ as seen in the account of His Triumphant Entry to Jerusalem, described by the Gospel of Matthew 21.

The image of Messiah riding on a donkey tells us of His humility and servanthood. Kings would usually ride on horses of war, but Christ coming on the back of a donkey underscores the peaceful reign of Messiah. His reign, seen in verse 10, would be characterized by widespread peace and justice. The "breaking of the bow" symbolizes that He would bring an end to war. Besides, Messiah's reign would be one of universal peace.   

Here are a few lessons to take away:

Firstly, we must put our trust in the Sovereign God. He is the one in control of all nations. over all the nations.  No nation or system can ever frustrate the plan of our Sovereign God.

Secondly, we must seek humility like our humble Messiah. Though He has full control over nations, He came with the expressed purpose to serve.  

Thirdly, from these verses, we are encouraged to pursue peace and justice and to promote them.

Finally, let our hope rest in the promise of the coming of Christ as we allow His Spirit to shape our personal lives.  

Zachariah 8:18-23 – Agents of God’s blessings

In Zachariah 8:1-17, God promises the remnant two things. They will have a renewed Jerusalem and a renewed temple. In this final segment, He first promises to restore joy and gladness to their fasts in verses 18-19. God promises to transform their fast from sobriety to gladness and joy. Instead of sad mourning, it would be a time to celebrate His restoration's joy.  

In verses 20-23, Zachariah envisions a people of many nations streaming to Jerusalem to seek the Lord. The restored Jerusalem will become a center of worship for all people. The restoration of Jerusalem as a worship center symbolizes God fulfilling His promise that Israel would be a blessing to the nations. Verse 23 vividly illustrates Jerusalem as a blessing to the nations. Here Ten men of different nationalities are seen grabbing the hem of a Jew, desiring to go with him because they heard that God is with His people.  

Zachariah’s prophecy goes beyond Israel to all nations, envisioning God’s blessings reaching all people and representing the global scope of God's plan for redemption.

We are God’s agents for transformation in the world. Our purpose is to demonstrate His power to transform, share His blessings, and live as witnesses to His presence. When others see evidence of God’s presence in us, they will be drawn to Him. We are encouraged to live in a way that makes His presence evident in our lives and inspires others to seek Him.  

Zachariah 8:9-17 – The need to build and strengthen our lives

In Zachariah 8:1-8, God has promised to renew Jerusalem for the remnant. In verses 9-13, He is encouraging them to take on the task of rebuilding the temple. God is persuading the people to exhibit strength and persevere in their rebuilding efforts. He highlights the contrast between their present blessing and the past hardships they endured due to disobedience. God assures them that their hard work will be rewarded and their land fruitful. He also promises that the people will no longer suffer from curses but become blessings to the nations instead.

In verses 14-17, the people are urged to lead a life of justice and righteousness in response to God’s blessings. They are specifically directed to uphold the truth, execute fair judgments, and refrain from making deceitful oaths or engaging in wicked scheming. This divine restoration encompasses physical renewal and moral and spiritual transformation. God is calling His people to emulate His character in all aspects of their lives.

Like the people of Jerusalem, we are called to work faithfully in the tasks God assigns us, even when they seem difficult. Whether it’s our work in ministry, community building, or personal spiritual growth, we need to persevere. Our efforts will be fruitful. In any area of life, we are challenged; let us persevere.  

Our blessings in life are divine privileges. They should make us more responsible in how we live. We are called to live uprightly, demonstrating justice and righteousness. We can do so by living with integrity, standing up for truth, and treating others fairly in our work and decisions in daily life.  

Zachariah 8:1-8 – God restores and renews

Zachariah 8 contains messages of hope and restoration. Following His people's return from exile, God promises them a renewed Jerusalem, a future blessing, and a call to faithfulness. We will explore the first eight verses in this reflection.     

In verses 1-2, this chapter begins with God declaring His intense jealousy and love for Zion, i.e., Jerusalem. Like a protective spouse, God is actively and zealously guarding her. His jealousy for His people is seen in His desire to bless them amid His call for them to return and embrace faithfulness.

By declaring His return to Zion and His dwelling in Jerusalem in verse 3, God assures a restored Jerusalem.  This city will be renowned as the “City of Truth” and “the Mountain of the Lord of Hosts” and will be called “the Holy Mountain.” However, Jerusalem is more than just a physical location but is a promise of spiritual renewal. His divine presence will sanctify this place, making it a beacon of righteousness.

This restored Jerusalem will be a peaceful community. The peace will be seen in the elderly sitting in the streets as the children play freely. Considering their past warfare and exile, what they will experience will be security, durability, and a vibrant future.  

Such a restoration may seem impossible in their current situation. Still, God reassures them that nothing is too complicated for Him. For no human perception or circumstances can restrain His power.

God has made a promise to gather His people from the farthest reaches of the East and the West, leading them back to the sacred city of Jerusalem. This gathering signifies not only a physical reassembly but also a profound spiritual revival, where they will once again be known as His people, and He will be recognized as their just and righteous God.

God is unwaveringly committed to His people amid challenging circumstances. And there is no impossibility with God. We can trust in His faithfulness and power to restore be it our personal lives, spiritual journeys, or our families. No circumstance is beyond God’s transforming ability. We must live in faithfulness and hope, trusting in His timing for renewal.

 

 

Zachariah 7 – The challenge to live right

Zachariah 7 deals with the issue of religious exercises and faithful obedience to God. In the fourth year of King Darius, a delegation from Bethel came asking the priests and prophets in Jerusalem whether they should continue to fast. This was an annual practice they kept for many years to commemorate the destruction of the temple. Now that the temple is being rebuilt, they wanted to know whether they should continue with the ritual.

The Lord’s response came through Zachariah in verses 4-7. God questions the seriousness of the people’s fasting. He asks if their fast is for Him or for themselves. He then urges them to focus on what their ancestors were told to do by earlier prophets. They should not focus on the rituals without considering the instruction to live judiciously.

Through Zachariah, in verses 8-10, God makes known His desire. He expects them to have justice, mercy, and compassion. They should not oppress the marginalized and vulnerable, such as widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor. Instead, they must exercise integrity and kindness toward each other.  

Zachariah 7:11-14 closes with a warning. He reminded them that their previous generation did not heed God's words. They stubbornly disregarded His command and were scattered and sent into exile. It serves as a warning to them not to emulate them.  

Here are the lessons from this chapter. Our approach to God must be sincere. Every act of worship or spiritual discipline should be carried out with a genuine heart. Our worship of God must not be a mere formality, but a deep, heartfelt connection. Moreover, we need to show compassion, mercy, and justice toward the marginalized.

As people who profess to love God, we must live out our faith with sincerity to be a blessing to others.  As we do all these, it is crucial that we heed the Word of God. Let us return to heartfelt worship and not just practice our faith as a performance. We are to live out our faith practically in our daily lives. Our faith should not be devoid of right living.

 

 

 

Zachariah 6:14-15 – God’s glorious plan and the coming of Christ

In Zachariah 6:14-15, we come to the third matter. It is about the crown that Zachariah had made to crown Joshua. Though it was used to coronate Joshua, verse 14 said it would be given to Heldai, Tobijah, Jedaiah, and Hen to be stored as a memorial in the temple of the Lord. What is the significance of this?

The crown, as we know, was made earlier with the gold and silver from the returned exiles. The crown was then used to coronate Joshua. The whole process speaks of the establishment of Messiah’s Kingdom. The crown is a symbol of honor, glory, and authority of the Messiah, given as a reminder of God’s promise to send a Messiah.

To place the crown in the temple now, as Zachariah is instructed in verse 14, signifies hope in the coming of the Messiah to fulfill God’s plan. It is a visual reminder of what God had covenant and His faithfulness.  

Verse 15 speaks of people from afar who would come to help build the temple. These would be the Gentiles who would join forces in building God’s Kingdom. This also tells us that His salvation plan is not for Israel alone but also for the nations.

The people who helped build the temple would be believers from all the nations who contributed to the building and establishment of the temple of God, the church. Zachariah asserted that it was the Lord Almighty who had sent him the message. This attests to the truth of the prophecy.

The last line of verse 15 tells us how critical obedience is for the fulfillment of God’s promise. The fulfillment is tied up with Israel’s obedience and participation. The moment they do, God’s plan will see the blessing and fulfillment of His promises come to fruition.    

Here’s the message of Zachariah 6:11-15 in summary. Jesus Christ, God’s promised Messiah, would come to fulfill both the kingly and priestly roles. He will build the spiritual temple, drawing people from all nations into God’s kingdom. The harmony of His reign that combines kingly authority with priestly mediation offers salvation and peace to the world. The ultimate fulfillment of these promises depends on the obedience and faithfulness of God’s people.

We thank God that we are part of his plan. Remember, we are now God’s occupational force on earth to extend and expand His Kingdom and must go about doing what we are assigned to do. 

Zachariah 6:12-13 – Jesus the Messiah and His rule

In Zachariah 6:9-11, we dealt with the first issue concerning the fashioning of the crown of gold and silver and Joshua’s crowning. These actions have to do with the setting up of Messiah’s Kingdom. Today’s discussion will deal with the second issue described in Zachariah 6:12-13. It has to do with the prophecy of the Branch.  

What about the prophecy of the Branch? As we’ve previously established, the “Branch” is a title for the coming Messiah from the Davidic line. This Branch, with its profound influence, will initiate a movement and undertake the monumental task of the construction of the ultimate temple for the Lord.  

Here, Zachariah is not just talking about a physical temple but God’s Kingdom and her spiritual influence.  This temple, more than a mere structure, will be a place where God’s presence is palpable, and where true worship of God is facilitated by the Messiah.

Verse 13 emphasizes the role of the Messiah. The phrase, “He will branch out from where He is,” suggests that Messiah rising from obscurity to build a movement of global impact. He will build the temple of God suggests that He would be the one to restore and expand the Kingdom of God. The Messiah bearing the honor refers to His rulership and authority. His sitting on the throne suggests His sovereign rule over God’s people—spiritually and eternally.

As a priest on the throne, Messiah would assume the dual roles of priest and king, which were previously separated in Israel’s religious system. This dual role highlights Messiah’s mediatorial role in reconciling God and humanity. Through Him, a path is made available for man to be reconciled with God. The counsel of peace between the two offices is about the unity of the offices of the priest and the king in the Messiah. We know this is fulfilled by only one person, Jesus Christ our Lord.

We marvel at God’s glorious plan. As people impacted by this Messiah, we are now part of His movement to expand and establish the kingdom of God. Let’s be thankful to God for Jesus our Messiah and must live to play an active part in expanding His Kingdom.  

Zachariah 6:9-11 – Jesus our High Priest and King

Following the series of eight visions, the words of the Lord came to Zachariah, instructing him what to do. There are three critical parts to Zachariah 6:9-15. First is the instruction to make the crown and coronate Joshua. The second is the prophecy concerning the Branch. The third concerns the crown stored in the temple instead of on Joshua's head.

In this discussion, we will only deal with verses 9-11 on the fashioning of the crown and the coronation of Joshua. Zachariah was instructed to collect silver and gold from the returned exiles, Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah, to make a crown and coronate Joshua the high priest.

This is highly unusual. The right person to coronate would have been Zerubbabel, who had descended from the Davidic line. So, why Joshua?  

There is both a real constraint and a prophetic element. Note that though they had returned to Jerusalem from captivity, they were still under the rule of the Persians. Coronating Zerubbabel would be seen as a rebellion against their overlord, whereas Joshua's crowing would be seen as a religious ceremony underscoring Israel's national life and rebuilding the temple.

However, there is a deeper significance to this event.  It carries a prophetic element.  In Jewish tradition, the roles of Priest and King were distinct. A high priest, a descendant of Aaron, would never be crowned as King. The coronation of Joshua hints at a future merging of the roles of priest and King.  

It's important to note that Joshua's name is the root of the name Jesus. Therefore, Joshua's role here is a prefiguration of the coming of the Messiah, who would unite both roles.  In Jesus, the dual role is fulfilled. He is not only our King but also our High Priest.  

We thank God that Jesus is not only the King who reigns in our lives but also our High Priest. With Him reigning in our lives, victory is ensured. As put High Priest, He lives ever to make intercession for us. In Him, an overcoming life is assured.    

Zachariah 6:1-8 – God acts to bring about peace

Zachariah’s eighth vision is recorded in chapter 6, verses 1-8. In this vision, he sees four chariots coming forth from between two bronze mountains. These chariots are drawn by horses of different colors: red, black, white, and dappled or spotted.

Zachariah asked the angel he spoke to, wanting to know the meaning. The explanation he receives is that these are the four spirits of heaven going out to serve the Lord of all the earth. The black horses go north, the white ones follow, and the dappled horses go south. Finally, the angel declares that the horses that went north have brought peace to God in the north country. This vision symbolizes God's control over the earth and His judgment over the nations.

The Four Chariots and Horses represent powerful forces sent by God to execute His will across the earth. The different colors of the horses symbolize various aspects of God’s judgment and action. Red represents war or conflict, black possibly refers to famine, death, or sorrow, white is about victory and conquest, and dapples could be a mix of blessings and judgment. The bronze mountains symbolize strength, stability, and unchanging authority. They indicate the immovable, firm, and robust nature of God’s plan and judgment.

What about the direction of the horses? Historically, Israel’s enemies from the north were Assyria and Babylon. The black and white horses that travel up north suggest God’s judgment on those northern enemies, which results in the angel’s message of peace. The dappled horses going south would indicate God’s actions on Egypt or other southern nations, mixing mercy with judgment.

The horses that brought peace to God’s spirit in the north indicate that God's judgment has been carried out, leading to a sense of divine satisfaction and rest. This reassures us that God has dealt with His people’s oppressors, bringing about justice and restoring order, leaving us with a sense of peace and reassurance.

The vision reassures the Israelites that God is in control of the world’s events and actively working to bring about justice, peace, and fulfillment of His plans, even when they involve judgment upon nations. This is a comforting reminder of God’s supremacy and commitment to righteousness, providing security and comfort.

The message of this eighth vision once again reminds us of our all-powerful God and His commitment to righteousness to provide security, stability, and comfort. It assures us that God controls the world’s events, actively working to bring justice and peace and fulfilling His plans, even when they involve judgments upon nations. Through it, we are encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty and have faith that He is working to bring justice and righteousness to the world, even amid challenging and uncertain times.

Zachariah 5:5-11– Being God’s holy people

Zachariah's seventh vision in the second half of chapter 5 concerns the removal of sins from Israel. God promises to eliminate the consequences, commission, and transgressors of sins from Israel.

In these eleven verses, there are five symbols:

1. The ephah which is a large basket representing the people’s collective sins and iniquities.
2. The woman who personifies wickedness. This is to show the influence of corruption within the community.
3. The lead cover that seals the woman in the ephah. This speaks of the suppression of wickedness.
4. The two women with wings are a striking representation of God’s agents, executing His judgment by removing wickedness from the land of Shinar.
5. The land of Shinar. This was the place where the Tower of Babel was once built. This points to Babylon, the place associated with rebellion against God. The fact that the ephah is taken to Shinar implies that wickedness is being removed from God’s people and sent to a place where it belongs, away from them.

The vision is a depiction of a process of purification, where sin and wickedness are meticulously separated from the people of God and placed in a distant, isolated place. This separation signifies God’s judgment on wickedness, ensuring it is no longer a part of His community.

God wants a holy people. He does everything to remove sins and restore holiness and righteousness among us.  It behooves us, therefore, to collaborate with God so that we can truly be a purified people fit to be instruments of glory. 

Zachariah 5:1-4 – Living under God’s watchful eye

So far, we have covered five of the series of eight visions that Zachariah saw. In Zachariah 3:9, God had in the past made a promise that the Messiah would cleanse the land of sin. This purification would occur through either forgiveness for those who repent or through destruction for those who persist in their sinful ways.

In Zachariah 5:1-4 is the prophet’s sixth vision. What the prophet sees is a looming judgment in the form of a massive flying scroll. It is a huge scroll of 20 cubits in length and 10 cubits in width. One cubit is approximately 18 inches. This would make the scroll approximately 30 feet long and 15 feet wide.

The scroll serves as a proclamation of God’s judgment upon all who choose to disregard His laws. Verses 1-3 show that there is no room for excuse, as the size of the scroll allows it to be visible to all and it traverses the entire land. Verse 4 then indicates that whether transgressions are committed against God or others, the wrongdoers will not go unpunished.

This passage is calling us to live life with an awareness of God’s ever presence and justice. It motivates us to live our lives in alignment with God’s principles gleaned from His Word. In life, we must be aware that we are living under the watchful eye of God and must deal righteously. There is no excuse for us to plead ignorance of the way we conduct our lives.   

Zachariah 4 – God will enable us supernaturally

Chapter 4 records Zachariah’s fifth vision. The account begins with the angel arousing the prophet to show him the vision. In this vision, Zachariah sees a golden lampstand with a bowl on top of it. On this golden lampstand are seven lamps, each with a spout leading from the lampstand.

This lampstand is flanked by two olive trees, one on the right and the other on the left. The olive trees kept pouring oil into the bowl on the lampstand to supply the seven lamps that provided the light. This reveals that the oil to the lamp is constantly supplied through the two olive trees.

Zachariah asks the angel to explain what he has seen. He is told that the vision is to encourage Zerubbabel to handle the temple reconstruction project.

In his task, Zerubbabel faces a mountain of problems and obstacles. His authority is limited by the Persians, his overlord. He is also confronted with a need for more labor and materials. His workers are also discouraged because some compare it to the significance of Solomon’s temple and despise what is being done. Furthermore, surrounding them are foreigners who are hostile to their work.

God sends him this message of encouragement and reassurance. Just as the lamps receive a continuous supply of supernatural oil, the temple will be finished through the power of God’s Spirit. God’s power, not human, will be the source of Zerubbabel’s strength.

In verses 11-14, the angel explains the two olive trees. They are the two anointed ones, referring to Zerubbabel and Joshua the High Priest. They stand by the Lord and are anointed to lead the people in rebuilding and restoring the temple.

We take away three critical lessons from this chapter. Firstly, God will supernaturally empower us when we do the Lord's work. Attempting to do our God-assigned task with our feeble strength will be an exercise in futility.

Secondly, God assures us of His assistance in whatever obstacles that may hinder our progress in His will.

Thirdly, we are assured of divine strength in accomplishing His work. We must rely on God's Spirit to tackle any seemingly impossible task. Even if progress seems slow and insignificant, we can achieve it with the power of the Spirit.