Topical Bible: Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Zechariah, in a Vision

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In the biblical narrative, angels are often depicted as messengers of God, serving as intermediaries between the divine and human realms. One notable instance of angelic appearance is found in the visions of the prophet Zechariah, a key figure in the post-exilic period of Israel's history. Zechariah's visions are recorded in the Book of Zechariah, which is part of the Minor Prophets in the Old Testament.

Context and Background

Zechariah, the son of Berechiah and grandson of Iddo, was a prophet and priest who ministered to the Jewish people during the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem after their return from Babylonian exile. His prophetic ministry is dated around 520-518 BC, during the reign of Darius the Great of Persia. The primary purpose of Zechariah's prophecies was to encourage the people in their efforts to rebuild the Temple and to renew their covenantal relationship with God.

Visionary Appearances of Angels

Zechariah's visions are rich with symbolic imagery and angelic interactions. The appearances of angels in these visions serve to convey divine messages and provide guidance and encouragement to the prophet and the people of Israel.

1. The Man Among the Myrtle Trees (Zechariah 1:7-17): In this vision, Zechariah sees a man riding a red horse, standing among myrtle trees in a ravine. Behind him are red, sorrel, and white horses. The man is identified as the Angel of the LORD, who communicates with Zechariah. The angel explains that these horses have been sent by the LORD to patrol the earth. The vision reassures Zechariah of God's awareness of the current state of the world and His intention to restore Jerusalem. The angel declares, "I am exceedingly jealous for Jerusalem and Zion, and I am very angry with the nations that are at ease" (Zechariah 1:14-15).

2. The Four Horns and Four Craftsmen (Zechariah 1:18-21): Zechariah sees four horns, representing the powers that have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem. An angel explains the vision, and then Zechariah sees four craftsmen who will terrify and cast down these horns. This vision symbolizes God's judgment on the nations that have oppressed His people.

3. The Measuring Line (Zechariah 2:1-13): In this vision, Zechariah sees a man with a measuring line, intending to measure Jerusalem. An angel speaks to another angel, instructing him to run and tell the young man that Jerusalem will be a city without walls, for the LORD will be a wall of fire around it. This vision emphasizes God's protection and future glory for Jerusalem.

4. Joshua the High Priest (Zechariah 3:1-10): Zechariah witnesses Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the LORD, with Satan accusing him. The Angel rebukes Satan and commands that Joshua's filthy garments be replaced with clean ones, symbolizing the removal of sin. The angel declares, "See, I have removed your iniquity, and I will clothe you with splendid robes" (Zechariah 3:4). This vision highlights God's redemptive work and the restoration of the priesthood.

5. The Golden Lampstand and Two Olive Trees (Zechariah 4:1-14): An angel awakens Zechariah and shows him a golden lampstand with a bowl on top and seven lamps, with two olive trees beside it. The angel explains that this vision represents the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts" (Zechariah 4:6). The vision underscores the divine empowerment for the rebuilding of the Temple.

Significance

The appearances of angels in Zechariah's visions serve to communicate God's plans and purposes for His people. These angelic encounters provide assurance of divine presence, protection, and guidance during a critical period in Israel's history. Through these visions, Zechariah is reminded of God's sovereignty and His commitment to fulfill His promises to His people. The angelic messages emphasize themes of restoration, redemption, and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom.

In summary, the angelic appearances in Zechariah's visions are integral to the prophetic message, offering hope and encouragement to a people in the process of rebuilding and renewal. These encounters highlight the role of angels as divine messengers and the ongoing interaction between the heavenly and earthly realms in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

Nave's Topical Index

Zechariah 2:3
And, behold, the angel that talked with me went forth, and another angel went out to meet him,
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Zechariah 3:1,2
And he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.
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Zechariah 4:1
And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep.
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Library

On Proverbs. From the Commentary of St. Hippolytus on Proverbs.
... is not in a state of excitement about external appearances. ... has the name "right,"
because an angel is called ... By Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the whole earth ...
/.../on proverbs from the commentary.htm

Facing Life's Record
... far-reaching results, all are chronicled by the recording angel. ... "The sacrifices
of God are a broken spirit: a broken ... He is not deceived by appearances of piety ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 28 facing lifes record.htm

The People on the Earth: Chapters 2-3
... And unto the Angel of the Assembly in Laodicea, [125 ... could not with God, who is
"Spirit" (John 4 ... that He assumed creature form specially for these appearances. ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the people on the earth .htm

To Pammachius against John of Jerusalem.
... from the Old Testament (29-32), and discussing the appearances of our ... whereas it
was formerly called a demon, or angel of Satan, or spirit of fornication ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/to pammachius against john of.htm

The Presentation of the Blessed virgin in the Temple
... burnt, so now the fire of the Holy Spirit was burning ... not do so, and my leader, my
guardian angel, said to ... but lies in the nature of all visionary appearances. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/iii the presentation of the.htm

The Immaculate Conception
... Even the hateful, evil, false appearances of towers, chalices, and churches, which ...
[40] This angel, the companion ... It had in it more of the spirit and less of ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/ii the immaculate conception.htm

Index i. Of Subjects
... His Resurrection, 630, &c.; appearances after, 634-651; ... See also Holy Spirit. Parashah,
i.29. ... saying of, 95; sees a vision of an angel every year, 138. ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/index i of subjects.htm

Dialogue ii. --The Unconfounded.
... of them that beheld Him by unreal appearances; and that ... He sweats, He is strengthened
by an angel, betrayed by ... a cross by Jews, He commends His spirit to the ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/dialogue ii the unconfounded.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... up Isaac; there where David met the angel of the ... and the temple was the place where
Zechariah was slain ... is said he, 'through the eternal Spirit, offered himself ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... inwrought in the soul by the Divine Spirit, it is ... and cries out, "O my lord, by the
vision my sorrows ... yea, his most gracious and merciful appearances; how much ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm