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Daily Devotions

Zechariah

Zechariah 
Day 
Introduction

INTRODUCTION

Text: Zechariah

INTRODUCTION

1. The Babylonian Empire

The prophet Jeremiah had prophesied that Judah would be under Babylonian rule for seven decades (Jeremiah 25:12). The Jews were scattered throughout the Babylonian empire.

2. The Medo-Persian Empire

The Babylonians were defeated by the Medo-Persians. The prophet Isaiah prophesied that King Cyrus would be God’s servant, who would make a decree that allowed the Jews to return to their homeland.

King Darius continued to support this policy. Under King Darius, the returning Jews began to rebuild Judah and the Temple.

3. Three prophets especially sent by God

There were three prophets whom God especially called to minister to His people after their 70 years of exile. These were Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi.

THE BOOK OF ZECHARIAH

Of the three prophetic books, the most challenging one to study is the Book of Zechariah.

1. The name Zechariah

It means, “The LORD remembers.” This was a fitting name for the prophet. He sought to encourage the remnant to believe with all their heart that God remembers them.

2. Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo

a) Zechariah came from a priestly family. His father, Iddo was both a priest and a prophet.v
b) Zechariah also fulfil both ministries.v

3. The visions that God gave to Zechariah

a) To Zechariah God gave many visions that were complex and difficult to comprehend.v
b) Visions were messages from the Lord.v
c) A number of these visions were highly eschatological:c
i) They dealt with the end times.
ii) They featured the Second Coming of the Messiah.

READING ZECHARIAH

Let us read the Book of Zechariah with a humble prayer that God would enlighten us. May our hearts be greatly uplifted to look forward to the Day when the Lord returns!