A. Biblical Context: Zechariah is one of the last three prophets of the Old Testament, along with Haggai and Malachi.
B. Historical Setting:
The sermon is set in the second year of King Darius.
Zechariah is the grandson of Iddo, a priest who returned to Jerusalem with Nehemiah and Ezra after the 70-year Babylonian exile. This is roughly 80 years after their return.
C. State of Jerusalem:
The city, temple, and homes are in ruins from war and looting.
The people have returned physically but have fallen back into the same sins (idol worship, oppressing the poor) that led to their exile.
A. The Core Plea: The main message from God is, "Return to me... and I will return to you." This is a call for a spiritual and heartfelt return, not just a physical one.
B. Warning and Hope:
Warning: The people must change their ways to avoid a worse fate. They are reminded that their ancestors ignored the prophets, who were often persecuted.
Hope: The last part of Zechariah offers a promise of what will happen when the people truly return to God.
C. God's Promise of Restoration:
God declares He is "exceedingly jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion."
He is angry with the nations (like Babylon) that went too far in punishing Israel.
He promises to return to Jerusalem with mercy, ensuring the temple will be rebuilt and the city will "overflow with prosperity."
A. Vision 1: The Horses
Description: Zechariah sees different colored horses sent to patrol the earth.
Meaning: They report that the earth is "at rest," signifying that God is in complete control, even if Jerusalem is in shambles.
God's Response: When Zechariah despairs, God answers with "gracious and comforting words."
B. Vision 2: The Four Horns and Four Craftsmen
The Horns: Represent all the nations of the world that scattered the people of Israel.
The Craftsmen: Symbolize a force sent by God to punish those nations for their excessive cruelty.
C. Vision 3: The Man with the Measuring Line
Description: A man measures Jerusalem.
Meaning: Jerusalem will become so prosperous and populated that it will not need physical walls for protection.
God's Protection: God Himself will be a "wall of fire" around the city, and His glory will be in its midst. This is a call for all exiles to return, as whoever harms them "touches the apple of his eye."
D. Vision 4: Joshua the High Priest
The Scene: Joshua, the high priest, stands before God in filthy garments, with Satan accusing him.
The Cleansing: God rebukes Satan and calls Joshua a "brand plucked from the fire." He commands that Joshua's filthy clothes (representing sin/iniquity) be replaced with clean ones.
The Messianic Prophecy:
God promises to bring His servant, the "Branch" (interpreted as Jesus).
He speaks of a single, perfect stone with seven eyes, symbolizing omniscience.
Through this, God will "remove the iniquity of this land in a single day."
New Testament Connection (Hebrews 10): This single-day removal of sin is fulfilled by Jesus Christ's one-time sacrifice, which perfects God's people for all time.
The Final Promise: A future of immense peace and prosperity, where everyone will invite their neighbor to sit "under his vine and under his fig tree."
I. Introduction to ZechariahII. Zechariah's Message: A Call to Return (Chapters 1-3)III. The Visions of Zechariah
