The Book of Zechariah is set during this period of restoration and reconstruction following the Babylonian Exile. Zechariah, along with Haggai, another prophet, played a crucial role in encouraging the returning exiles to complete the rebuilding of the temple, which had been halted due to opposition and discouragement. The book provides insights into the challenges faced by the Jewish community as they sought to rebuild their city and reestablish their religious practices. As part of an introduction to the The Book of Zechariah, this post outlines the series of eight night visions that are presented in chapters 1 through 6. These visions are filled with symbolism and convey messages of God’s presence, protection, and judgment upon the nations that oppressed Israel.

1. The Vision of the Man among the Myrtle Trees (Zechariah 1:7-17): In this vision, Zechariah sees a man riding a red horse among myrtle trees in a valley. Behind him are other horses, each with a different color. These horses represent God’s messengers, and they patrol the earth, reporting that the world is at peace. God assures Zechariah that He will return to Jerusalem with mercy, and the city will be rebuilt.
2. The Vision of the Four Horns and Four Craftsmen (Zechariah 1:18-21): Zechariah sees four horns, which represent the nations that have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem. Then he sees four craftsmen coming to terrify and cast down these horns. This vision signifies God’s judgment upon the nations that oppressed Israel and the promise of their eventual destruction.
3. The Vision of the Measuring Line (Zechariah 2:1-13): Zechariah sees a man with a measuring line who intends to measure Jerusalem. However, an angel intervenes and says that Jerusalem will expand beyond its walls due to God’s protection. This vision signifies the future growth and prosperity of Jerusalem.
4. The Vision of the High Priest Joshua (Zechariah 3:1-10): Zechariah sees Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, with Satan accusing him. Joshua is clothed in filthy garments, but the angel commands that he be given clean clothes, symbolizing forgiveness and restoration. This vision represents the cleansing and restoration of the priesthood and the people of Israel.
5. The Vision of the Golden Lampstand and the Olive Trees (Zechariah 4:1-14): Zechariah sees a golden lampstand with seven lamps and two olive trees, one on each side. The olive trees supply oil to the lamps continuously. The lampstand represents the restoration of the temple and the spiritual renewal of the nation, with the olive trees symbolizing God’s anointed leaders, Zerubbabel and Joshua.
6. The Vision of the Flying Scroll (Zechariah 5:1-4): Zechariah sees a flying scroll, which is a symbol of a curse going out over the land, especially against thieves and those who swear falsely in God’s name. This vision emphasizes the importance of justice and righteousness in society.
7. The Vision of the Woman in a Basket (Zechariah 5:5-11): Zechariah sees a basket with a lead cover, containing a woman symbolizing wickedness. The woman is sealed in the basket and carried away by two women with stork-like wings. This vision represents the removal of wickedness from the land.
8. The Vision of the Four Chariots (Zechariah 6:1-8): Zechariah sees four chariots, each drawn by horses of a different color, going out to patrol the earth. They are God’s agents of judgment and vengeance on the nations. This vision reinforces the idea that God’s judgment will come upon those who have oppressed Israel.

These eight visions collectively convey messages of hope, restoration, judgment on the enemies of Israel, and the ultimate triumph of God’s plan for His people. They served to encourage and strengthen the returning exiles as they worked to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple.

Image Credit: Zechariah, Young-Catholics.com, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0