Zachariah
Jump to: Hitchcock'sSmith'sATSISBEEaston'sConcordanceThesaurusHebrewLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Introduction:
Zachariah, also spelled Zechariah, is a significant figure in the Bible, known for his role as a prophet during the post-exilic period of Israel's history. His prophetic ministry is documented in the Book of Zechariah, which is part of the Minor Prophets in the Old Testament. Zachariah's messages are characterized by visions, symbolic actions, and prophecies concerning the restoration of Jerusalem, the coming of the Messiah, and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom.

Historical Context:
Zachariah prophesied during the reign of Darius the Great, around 520-518 BC, a time when the Jewish exiles had returned from Babylonian captivity and were in the process of rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. His contemporary, Haggai, also encouraged the people in this rebuilding effort. The historical backdrop of Zachariah's ministry is crucial, as it was a period of renewal and hope for the Jewish community, yet also one of significant challenges and opposition.

The Book of Zechariah:
The Book of Zechariah is divided into two main sections. The first section (chapters 1-8) contains a series of eight night visions, symbolic actions, and oracles that focus on the immediate concerns of the Jewish community, such as the rebuilding of the temple and the purification of the priesthood. The second section (chapters 9-14) shifts to more apocalyptic themes, with prophecies concerning the coming of the Messiah, the future of Israel, and the ultimate victory of God's kingdom.

Key Themes and Messages:

1. Restoration and Encouragement:
Zachariah's prophecies are filled with messages of hope and encouragement for the Jewish people. He assures them of God's presence and support in their efforts to rebuild the temple and restore their community. In Zechariah 1:16-17 , the Lord declares, "I have returned to Jerusalem with mercy; My house will be built in it, declares the LORD of Hosts, and a measuring line will be stretched out over Jerusalem."

2. Visions and Symbolism:
The night visions in the early chapters of Zechariah are rich with symbolism. These visions include the horsemen among the myrtle trees, the four horns and four craftsmen, and the vision of Joshua the high priest. Each vision conveys a message of divine intervention, judgment, and restoration. For example, in Zechariah 3:4 , the angel of the Lord says to Joshua, "See, I have removed your iniquity, and I will clothe you with splendid robes."

3. Messianic Prophecies:
Zachariah contains several prophecies that Christians interpret as pointing to the coming of Jesus Christ. One of the most notable is Zechariah 9:9 , which foretells the triumphal entry of the Messiah: "Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey."

4. The Day of the Lord:
The latter chapters of Zechariah focus on eschatological themes, including the Day of the Lord, a time of divine judgment and salvation. Zechariah 14:9 proclaims, "On that day the LORD will become King over all the earth—the LORD alone, and His name alone."

Legacy and Influence:
Zachariah's prophecies have had a lasting impact on both Jewish and Christian eschatology. His visions and messages of hope continue to inspire believers, emphasizing God's faithfulness and the ultimate fulfillment of His promises. The book's messianic prophecies are particularly significant in Christian theology, as they are seen as foretelling the life and mission of Jesus Christ.

Conclusion:
Zachariah's role as a prophet during a pivotal time in Israel's history underscores the importance of faithfulness and hope in the face of adversity. His messages of restoration, divine intervention, and future glory remain relevant to believers seeking to understand God's plan for His people and the world.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Zachariah

memory of the Lord

Smith's Bible Dictionary
Zachariah

(remembered by Jehovah), or properly Zechariah.

  1. Son of Jeroboam II., fourteenth king of Israel, and the last of the house of Jehu. There is a difficulty about the date of his reign. Most chronologers assume an interregnum of eleven years between Jeroboam's death and Zachariah's accession. The latter event took place B.C. 772-1. His reign lasted only six months. He was killed in a conspiracy of which Shallum was the head, and by which the prophecy in (2 Kings 10:30) was accomplished,
  2. The father of Abi or Abijah, Hezekiah's mother. (2 Kings 18:2)
ATS Bible Dictionary
Zachariah

King of Israel succeeded his father Jeroboam 2, 773 B. C., and reigned six months. He did evil in the sight of the Lord, and Shallum son of Jabesh conspired against him, killed him in public, and reigned in his stead. Thus was fulfilled what the Lord had foretold to Jehu, that his children should sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation, 2 Kings 14:29; 15:8-11.

Easton's Bible Dictionary
Remembered by the Lord.

(1.) Son of Jeroboam II., king of Israel. On the death of his father there was an interregnum of ten years, at the end of which he succeeded to the throne, which he occupied only six months, having been put to death by Shallum, who usurped the throne. "He did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, as his fathers had done" (2 Kings 14:29; 15:8-12). In him the dynasty of Jehu came to an end.

(2.) The father of Abi, who was the mother of Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:2).

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
ZACHARIAH

zak-a-ri'-a (Zacharias; the King James Version, Zacharias):

(1) The son of Barachiah, who, Jesus says, was slain between the temple and the altar (Matthew 23:35 Luke 11:51). The allusion seems to be to the murder of Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada (2 Chronicles 24:20). In this case "Barachiah" would seem to be a gloss which has crept into the text through confusion with the name of the father of the prophet Zechariah, BERECHIAH (which see).

(2) See ZECHARIAH.

Strong's Hebrew
2148. Zkaryah -- the name of a number of Isr.
... Zkaryah. 2148a . the name of a number of Isr. Transliteration: Zkaryah Phonetic
Spelling: (zek-ar-yaw') Short Definition: Zachariah. Zachariah, Zechariah ...
/hebrew/2148.htm - 5k
Library

How Zachariah Shallum, Menahem Pekahiah and Pekah Took the ...
... How Zachariah Shallum, Menahem Pekahiah And Pekah Took The Government Over The
Israelites; And How Pul And Tiglath-Pileser Made An Expedition Against The ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 how zachariah shallum.htm

Concerning Jeroboam King of Israel and Jonah the Prophet; and How ...
... CHAPTER 10. Concerning Jeroboam King Of Israel And Jonah The Prophet; And How After
The Death Of Jeroboam His Son Zachariah Took The Government. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 10 concerning jeroboam king.htm

Li. Dining with a Pharisee, Jesus Denounces that Sect.
... calling it "the wisdom of God," and the language is kindred to that at Matthew
11:25, 26]; 51 From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zachariah, who perished ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/li dining with a pharisee.htm

The Content of Prayer: Its Four Moods
... Of the first, examples are found in Gabriel's speech to Zachariah who, it is likely,
had prayed for the birth of John: "Fear not, Zachariah, because your ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen on prayer/chapter ix the content of.htm

The Entry into Jerusalem.
... symbolized the peaceable character of the kingdom of God, and its total rejection
of worldly pomp and display, as typified by the Prophet Zachariah (ix., 9 ...
/.../section 243 the entry into.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... CHAPTER 10. Concerning Jeroboam King Of Israel And Jonah The Prophet; And How After
The Death Of Jeroboam His Son Zachariah Took The Government. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

Chapter i.
... Ezekiel Ezekiel 12 Prophets xii Prophets xii Prophets xii Prophets Hosea Joel Amos
Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zachariah Malachi 3 ...
/.../an introduction to the old testament in greek additional notes/chapter i 2.htm

Introductory Letter.
... iv.18.) In fine, so narrow is the way which leads unto life, that the Lord, speaking
by the prophets Amos and Zachariah, calls those who are to be saved brands ...
/.../luther/first principles of the reformation/introductory letter.htm

Letter G
... Henry M. "Received 1795, Located 1806 * Gaines, Robert "Received 1797, Located 1801 *
Gamble, James "Received 1837 * Games, Zachariah "Received 1833 ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bangs/an alphabetical list of m e preachers/letter g.htm

Machinations of the Enemies of Jesus.
... [Footnote 4: See ante, p.316. I am led to suppose that the tombs called those of
Zachariah and of Absalom were monuments of this kind. Cf. Itin. a Burdig. ...
/.../renan/the life of jesus/chapter xxii machinations of the.htm

Thesaurus
Zachariah (6 Occurrences)
... 2). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ZACHARIAH. zak ... see). (2) See ZECHARIAH.
Multi-Version Concordance Zachariah (6 Occurrences). Matthew ...
/z/zachariah.htm - 9k

Zechariah (55 Occurrences)
... probable. (1) King of Israel, son of Jeroboam II (the King James Version
"Zachariah"). See the next article. ... prophet. See ZACHARIAH. ...
/z/zechariah.htm - 70k

Zacharias (11 Occurrences)
... Version (British and American) "Zarains" (1 Esdras 5:8). (11) The King James Version =
the Revised Version (British and American) "Zachariah" of Matthew 23:35. ...
/z/zacharias.htm - 15k

Killed (352 Occurrences)
... Matthew 23:35 that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from
the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zachariah son of Barachiah, whom ...
/k/killed.htm - 36k

Barachiah (3 Occurrences)
... BARACHIAH. bar-a-ki'-a (Barachias; the King James Version Barachias; Matthew
23:35): Father of Zachariah who was murdered between the sanctuary and the altar. ...
/b/barachiah.htm - 8k

Abel (22 Occurrences)
... Matthew 23:35 that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from
the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zachariah son of Barachiah, whom ...
/a/abel.htm - 22k

Kingdom (409 Occurrences)
... The dynasty, which had been founded in blood and had lasted some 90 years, on the
accesssion of Jeroboam's son Zachariah gave place to 12 years of anarchy. ...
/k/kingdom.htm - 101k

Blood (435 Occurrences)
... Matthew 23:35 that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from
the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zachariah son of Barachiah, whom ...
/b/blood.htm - 54k

Yes (511 Occurrences)
... Luke 11:51 from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zachariah, who perished between
the altar and the sanctuary.' Yes, I tell you, it will be required of this ...
/y/yes.htm - 36k

Resources
What are the meanings of the various visions in the book of Zechariah? | GotQuestions.org

Summary of the Book of Zechariah - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org

What is the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth? | GotQuestions.org

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Zachariah (6 Occurrences)

Matthew 23:35
that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zachariah son of Barachiah, whom you killed between the sanctuary and the altar.
(WEB ASV BBE)

Luke 11:51
from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zachariah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary.' Yes, I tell you, it will be required of this generation.
(WEB ASV BBE)

2 Kings 14:29
And Jeroboam slept with his fathers, even with the kings of Israel; and Zachariah his son reigned in his stead.
(KJV WBS)

2 Kings 15:8
In the thirty and eighth year of Azariah king of Judah did Zachariah the son of Jeroboam reign over Israel in Samaria six months.
(KJV WBS)

2 Kings 15:11
And the rest of the acts of Zachariah, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel.
(KJV WBS)

2 Kings 18:2
Twenty and five years old was he when he began to reign; and he reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Abi, the daughter of Zachariah.
(KJV WBS)

Subtopics

Regicide of Zachariah

Zachariah

Zachariah: Grandfather of Hezekiah

Zachariah: Son of Jeroboam, and the Last of the Household of Jehu

Related Terms

Zechariah (55 Occurrences)

Zacharias (11 Occurrences)

Killed (352 Occurrences)

Barachiah (3 Occurrences)

Abel (22 Occurrences)

Kingdom (409 Occurrences)

Blood (435 Occurrences)

Yes (511 Occurrences)

Yea (867 Occurrences)

Zac'cur (1 Occurrence)

Zechari'ah (51 Occurrences)

Upright (392 Occurrences)

Jabesh (21 Occurrences)

Jeroboam (96 Occurrences)

Responsible (242 Occurrences)

Required (72 Occurrences)

Righteous (407 Occurrences)

Persecution (22 Occurrences)

Perished (76 Occurrences)

Shallum (27 Occurrences)

Shed (73 Occurrences)

Sanctuary (250 Occurrences)

Held (223 Occurrences)

Guilt (180 Occurrences)

Generation (150 Occurrences)

Stead (117 Occurrences)

Altar (343 Occurrences)

Death (1610 Occurrences)

Israel (27466 Occurrences)

Fall (522 Occurrences)

Zaccur: Son of Imri
Top of Page
Top of Page