Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo, is introduced in Zechariah 1:1 as a prophet during the time of the return from Babylonian exile. He was a contemporary of Haggai and ministered during the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Joshua the high priest (Ezra 5:1; Zechariah 1:1).
The book of Zechariah contains visions, exhortations, and Messianic prophecies. He began his message with a call to repentance: “Return to Me, and I will return to you” (Zechariah 1:3). The people are reminded not to repeat the disobedience of their fathers who did not heed the former prophets.
Zechariah received a series of eight night visions in chapters 1 through 6, including the vision of the horsemen, four horns and craftsmen, a man measuring Jerusalem, Joshua the high priest, a golden lampstand and olive trees, a flying scroll, a woman in a basket, and four chariots. These visions revealed God’s plan to restore and protect Jerusalem, judge the nations, and bring about future glory through His chosen Servant.
Zechariah contains many notable Messianic prophecies, such as:
“Behold, the Man whose name is the BRANCH!” (Zechariah 6:12), pointing to the Messiah who would build the temple of the Lord.
“Rejoice greatly… your King is coming to you… lowly and riding on a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9), fulfilled in Jesus’ triumphal entry (Matthew 21:5).
“They will look on Me whom they pierced” (Zechariah 12:10), a prophecy concerning the suffering and future recognition of Christ by Israel.
The prophecy of thirty pieces of silver and the potter’s field (Zechariah 11:12–13), fulfilled in Judas’ betrayal (Matthew 27:9–10).
Zechariah also foretold the future Day of the Lord, the coming siege of Jerusalem, and the ultimate reign of the Lord over all the earth (Zechariah 14:1–9).
Zechariah’s ministry called the people to return to God and encouraged them with the promise of the coming Messiah. His visions and prophecies underscored God’s faithfulness, the certainty of divine judgment and restoration, and the hope of ultimate redemption through the Lord.
