Zechariah, the son of Iddo, is one of the twelve minor prophets in the Old Testament and the author of the Book of Zechariah. His prophetic ministry occurred during the post-exilic period, a time when the Jewish people were returning from Babylonian captivity and rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. Zechariah's prophecies are crucial for understanding the restoration of Israel and the coming of the Messiah.

Historical Context

Zechariah's ministry began in the second year of Darius, king of Persia, around 520 BC, contemporaneous with the prophet Haggai. The Jewish exiles had returned to Jerusalem under the decree of Cyrus the Great, but the rebuilding of the temple had stalled due to opposition and apathy. Zechariah, along with Haggai, encouraged the people to resume construction, emphasizing the spiritual significance of their work.

Genealogy and Background

Zechariah is identified as the son of Berechiah and the grandson of Iddo (Zechariah 1:1). However, he is often referred to simply as the son of Iddo, possibly indicating that Iddo was a more prominent figure or that Berechiah had died young. Iddo was a priest, suggesting that Zechariah was of priestly descent, which may have influenced his prophetic messages that often intertwine themes of priesthood and temple worship.

Prophetic Themes and Messages

The Book of Zechariah is divided into two main sections. The first eight chapters contain a series of eight night visions, symbolic acts, and oracles that address the immediate concerns of the Jewish community. These visions include the famous imagery of the "four horsemen" (Zechariah 1:8-11) and the "flying scroll" (Zechariah 5:1-4), each conveying messages of divine judgment, encouragement, and the promise of restoration.

Zechariah's prophecies emphasize the importance of repentance and spiritual renewal. He calls the people to return to the LORD, promising that God will return to them (Zechariah 1:3). The prophet also highlights the role of Zerubbabel, the governor, and Joshua, the high priest, as leaders in the restoration efforts, foreshadowing the coming of a future messianic king and priest.

The latter chapters of Zechariah (9-14) shift focus to eschatological themes, prophesying the coming of a humble king riding on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9), a prophecy fulfilled in the New Testament by Jesus Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:5). These chapters also speak of the final victory of God over the nations and the establishment of His kingdom.

Messianic Prophecies

Zechariah's writings are rich with messianic prophecies that have been interpreted as foretelling the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. In addition to the prophecy of the humble king, Zechariah speaks of the "Pierced One" (Zechariah 12:10), which Christians understand as a reference to Christ's crucifixion. The prophet also describes a future time when the LORD will be king over all the earth (Zechariah 14:9), pointing to the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

Legacy and Influence

Zechariah's prophecies have had a profound impact on both Jewish and Christian eschatology. His visions and messages continue to inspire hope for divine intervention and the ultimate restoration of God's people. The Book of Zechariah remains a vital component of biblical prophecy, offering insights into the character of God, the nature of true worship, and the promise of a coming Savior.Ezra 5:1
Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, even to them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Zechariah 1:1
In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD to Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Twelve Minor Prophets.
... of Iddo (chaps.5:1; 6:14), the word son being used ... and Jeshua (Neh.12:4); so that
Zechariah, like Jeremiah ... with Hag.1:1), and the two prophets were contemporary ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxiii the twelve minor.htm

"Not by Might, nor by Power"
The Story of Prophets and Kings. ... elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through
the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 48 not by might.htm

The New Temple and Its Worship
... Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo ... success, 'the prophesying of Haggai
and Zechariah.' 'Practical men ... little store by the two prophets' fiery words ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the new temple and its.htm

That Upon the Conquest and Slaughter of vitellius Vespasian ...
... of Barachiah," and "grandson of Iddo, Zechariah 1:1 ... whereas this slaughter of "Zacharias,
the son of Baruch ... with the other predictions of the prophets, it was ...
/.../chapter 11 that upon the.htm

The Third Day in Passion-Week - the Last Controversies and ...
... [5280] Prophets, wise men ... Matthew occurs in the Targum on Lament. ii. 20, where this
Zechariah is designated the son (= grandson) of Iddo,' comp. ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iv the third day.htm

A Look into the Hebrew Bible.
... Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi ... written by prophets;
perhaps because prophets have a ... Seer concerning Jeroboam the son of Nebat ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter i a look into.htm

The Immaculate Conception
... in the cave many holy bones of patriarchs and prophets, as well ... could be called the
son of Nachor, and Zechariah ( Ezra 5.. 1) could be called the son of Iddo ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/ii the immaculate conception.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... the names, as well as with the persons that wear them; and when his Son shall down ...
2:18); and there are men that are idols as well as things (Zechariah 11:17 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... 2 Kings 16:10-16); the story runs that Zechariah was put ... trace of any writings composed
by these prophets is found ... and to the "History of Jehu the son of Hanani ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

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