Post-exilic prophet

We will begin our study of the book of Zechariah today. During the period when the people of Israel were in the Babylonian captivity (70 years), there was no prophetic activity in the land of Israel (in the land of captivity, Daniel and Ezekiel were active). After the return from captivity, three prophets appear. They are Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. They are called the post-exilic prophets. “In the eighth month of the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came to Zechariah the prophet, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo saying,” (v 1). (1) Zechariah began his prophetic ministry in the eighth month of the second year of Darius, which corresponds to 520 BC. (2) Haggai was also called in the same year (ref. Ezra 5:1; 6:14), but in Haggai’s case, his period of activity was three months. Zechariah’s ministry continued until 470 BC. In other words, he continued his prophetic ministry for 50 years. (3) Let us consider the spiritual condition of the people of Israel at that time. They had turned away from idolatry. Also, in the history of Judaism, the construction of synagogues began during this period. Nevertheless, the spiritual condition of the people was very poor. (4) In such a spiritual context, Zechariah delivered messages to encourage the people. The theme of the book of Daniel is “the times of the Gentiles,” but the theme of the book of Zechariah is “Israel during the times of the Gentiles.”

Application for us

(1) The key phrase in the book of Zechariah is “the Lord of hosts.” This appears 52 times. This is a name that signifies the almighty power of God. (2) Zechariah was “the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo.” Iddo means “at the appointed time,” Berechiah means “the Lord blesses,” and Zechariah means “the Lord remembers.” When we combine the meanings of these three names, the message becomes: “The Lord remembers, and when His appointed time comes, He will bless His people.” This was precisely the message of the prophecy that Zechariah received from the Lord. When we encounter trials, let us remember Zechariah’s message. Our God sovereignly guides the history (destiny) of individuals and nations. When the appointed time comes, the Lord’s blessing will surely be poured out upon His people.