Exegetical Essay: The Teachings Of Zechariah

Zechariah’s visions begin with the sight of a horseman standing between two myrtle trees in a valley. Behind him were three horses of different color. When interpreted, the horseman is identified as the angel of the Lord, and the other horses are angels that search the earth. The discovery of these angels points to the purpose of the vision: the world was at peace because of God, and He would now utilize this peace to restore His people to a state of blessedness.

Following a promise of restoration, God shows Zechariah a vision of four horns and four craftsmen. Horns represent power, because the health of an animal’s horns determines its strength. In prophecy horns often refer to world kingdoms. Apparently, these horns were responsible for Judah’s destruction. Craftsmen manufacture tools and weapons, so they would supply the enemies of these …show more content…
Measuring lines are the ancient equivalent of measuring tapes; they determine the size of an object. The man with the line intended to measure Jerusalem, the capital of Judah. Such imagery is used to demonstrate that God would bless the city with numbers and with His presence. A lengthy oracle with a two-fold purpose follows the vision. First, God’s enemies would be destroyed. Second, God’s kingdom would win the day, and many nations would join it. Both the vision and the succeeding oracle point to the kingdom of Christ.

Joshua, the reigning high priest in Zechariah’s day, is seen dressed in filthy clothing. Satan aimed to accuse Joshua of sin and thus indict the entire nation. Rather than heed Satan’s word, God, out of His grace, pardoned Joshua, the priesthood, and the entire nation. This action restored them to God’s favor. So long as they obeyed God’s conditions, they could expect to remain in His favor. Joshua and his fellow priests, however, merely served as a sign of Christ, who would cleanse the whole world of sin and bring everlasting