ZECHARIAH: TEACHER'S NOTES

6. The flying roll. (5:1-4) Purpose: To show that the curse of God would be upon those who are dishonest.
a. The vision of the flying roll. (1,2) The ancient Hebrews wrote on scrolls of leather or parchment. The scroll of this vision was open, extremely large, and flying. The dimensions of the scroll are the same as those of Solomon's porch (1 Ki. 6:3) and the holy place of the tabernacle.
b. The prophetic significance: the curse; sinners and their houses will be swept away. (3,4) The scroll would traverse the world going wherever God's people lived. The curse was against stealing and false swearing, sins against both man and God. The law condemned both (Ex. 20:15; Lev. 5:4; Josh. 23:7). The curse would be as a devouring fire upon the house of the transgressors, abiding there until destruction was complete.

7. The woman in the ephah. (5:5-11) Purpose: To assure the people that the land will be purified from wickedness, when the temple is completed.
a. The vision of the ephah and the woman. (5-7) The ephah was a large barrel or basket perhaps holding about 10 gallons. The exact size is not specified, but represented a container large enough to hold a woman. The basket and its contents represented the wicked people throughout the land. The basket was covered with a lid of lead.
b. The significance: wickedness transported out of the land. (8-11) The use of an immoral woman to signify wickedness is common to the prophets (Isa. 1:21; Hos. 2:5; Eze. 23). The vision continues as two women come and remove the basket from the land to Shinar. This is a reference to the country originally established by Nimrod (see Gen. 10:10,11), but here it probably a symbol of Satan's world government. The book of Revelation further symbolizes the separation between the wicked kingdom and God's kingdom by the "harlot" and the "bride," and by the "great city" and the "holy city," and by the beast out of the sea and the 144,000. Wickedness must be completely removed from God's kingdom and His people, and this separation must be maintained throughout time.

8. The four chariots and horses of various colors. (6:1-8) Purpose: To portray the earth at peace under the protective providence of God.
a. The vision of the chariots and horses. (1-3) The vision of horses and chariots came from between two mountains of bronze. It is impossible to tell if they represent two specific mountains, more likely representing the lofty heights from which the messengers of God would come. While the prophet does not describe the significance of the horse's colors, the Revelation suggests that red would represent war and blood, black would represent grief and famine, while white would represent victory (Rev. 6:1- 8). The gray horses were powerful and capable of carrying out God's will. When comparing these verses with Ezekiel (14:21;5:16,17). We conclude that this vision represents God's judgments of famine, pestilence, and sword against the heathen nations and the victory of righteousness.
b. The prophet's question and the angel's explanation. (4-8) To understand the four scattering winds of heaven see Jeremiah (49:36; 51:1) and Daniel (7:2). The black horses were sent to the north country which represents Assyria and Babylon, even though they are actually located more to the northeast. The white drawn chariot of victory followed the black representing the final victory. The gray horses proceeded south towards Egypt and possibly Edom and Ethiopia. These countries would represent all of the heathen powers of the world. It appears that having completed its mission to the south, the fourth chariot "walked to and fro through the earth." In addition to representing the spirit of vengeance, judgment, scattering, and destruction, they also represented the spirit of mercy and redemption (see Isa. 26:9). This concluding vision answers the questions raised by the first vision concerning the "peace" among the heathen: peace would not last long and destruction of the heathen was imminent.

C. Symbolic crowning of the high priest, Joshua. (6:9-15)

A. Children of captivity provide the gold and silver for the crown. (9-11) This is not another vision, but instructions given to the prophet from Jehovah. The prophet was to go to three men who have recently returned from captivity and take gold and silver from them to make a crown. It seems that these men were bearing these precious metals as gifts to help in the restoration of the temple. The purpose of the double-tiered crown was to symbolize the offices of priest and king. Zerubbabel is not mentioned because he was not the king, but only a governor, Joshua on the other hand was the legitimate high priest.

B. Explanation: symbolic of the Branch, crowned king and priest. (12-15) The Law did not call for the high priest to wear a crown, only a special turban. The high priest was to signify that God would fulfill the crown's true significance in the Branch.Isaiah had called the Branch the" shoot out of the stock of Jesse" or as the "root of Jesse." Jehovah makes five declarations concerning the Branch:
(1) He would come from lowly origins, but would become exalted (Isa. 53:2; 52:13; Amos 9:11).
(2) He would build the spiritual temple of Jehovah (1 Pet. 2:5; Eph. 2;21 ff.; Heb. 3:6).
(3) He will be given honor, majesty, and power, reigning on David's throne (2 Sam. 7:11-14; 1 Ki. 2;12).
(4) He will be a priest as well as a king after the order of Melchizedek (Ps. 110:4; Heb. 5:9; 7:1-3). Christ fulfills these qualifications and is ruling in His kingdom now, not in some later thousand years.
(5) Peace will come as a result of the branch holding both offices (Mic. 5;5; Eph. 2:14,17).
The crown would be a memorial to the three men who had brought the gold and silver from Babylon and for the hospitality shown by Josiah. The crown was to be kept in the temple. Verse 15 points to a time when Gentiles would take part in the building of the spiritual kingdom. If the Jews obey the voice of Jehovah and do not rebel against His instructions, they will build along side the Gentiles. To participate they must accept and obey the word of truth.

II. The question of fasting, and Jehovah's answer. [chapters 7,8]

A. The fast-days of Israel, and obedience to the word. (7:1-7)

1. The occasion of the prophecy. (1-3) It has been almost two years since Zechariah received the eight night visions. It appears that work on the temple had been progressing in the interim. Upon their return from captivity, some had re-inhabited Bethel, the old capital of the northern kingdom. The people of this village had questions concerning fasting and sent an envoy to Jerusalem to get answers. The fast of the fifth month had been instituted in memory of the
destruction of the temple at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar. Should the practice be continued, if the temple was almost rebuilt?

2. Fasting not essential, but hearing is. (4-7) Zechariah replies from Jehovah: Their fasting had been for selfish motives. The Law had authorized only one fast, the day of Atonement, to held in the seventh month. The Jews had added other unauthorized fasts out of their own self-pity. They needed to learn that they could not gain the Lord's favor by fasting, eating, or drinking. The answer to their questions could have been found in the words of the pre-captivity prophets. If their fathers had listened to the word of Jehovah, Jerusalem would have never been destroyed and the kingdom would not have gone into captivity.

B. The first half of the Lord's answer to the question of fasting. (7:8-14)

1. What Jehovah had required of the fathers. (8-10) The prophets in exile had echoed the prophets from before the captivity. The people were to show justice, kindness and, compassion and do not oppress the widows, fatherless, travelers or, the poor.

2. The refusal of the fathers to hearken the lesson that should have been learned. (11-14) Neither Jehovah nor His word had changed, but those who lived before the captivity refused to obey. The had rebelled against and eventually rejected God. Their rebellion and rejection had been symptoms of their perverse hearts. Their hearts were harder than flint and so they would not hear nor heed the law. Their present condition was a result of their refusal to hear Jehovah. From the time of Moses, Jehovah had said He would forsake the people if they forsook Him (Deut. 4:27; 28:64). The responsibility for the captivity,the destruction and, the desolation lay solely upon the people. Jehovah had further fulfilled His promise by returning the remnant, therefore there was no need for fasting, only doing the will of the Father.

C. The second half of the Lord's answer the promise of restoration to His favor. (8:1-23)

1. The time of redemption draws nigh. (1-8) Now the prophet looks to the future and announces what Jehovah will do to fulfill His purpose. Zechariah appeals to the Lord as the source of his message 16 times in this chapter. God declares His return to, and jealousy for, Zion and His ardent love for the people. While these prophecies have an immediate application to the people of Zechariah's day, the fuller application is to the Messianic period of today. God assures the people, old and young, that security is coming; based on their faithfulness. The people should not be in wonder at these promises, because of who is behind them. Promises such as:
a. The people will be saved from the whole world.
b. Once saved, they will dwell in the midst of spiritual Jerusalem.
c. God would deal with his people on the basis of truth and righteousness. He would keep His part of the covenant; the people must keep theirs.

2. Message of encouragement and admonition. (9-17)
a. The people must hear the present day prophets. (9-13) The people must not follow in the errant footfalls of the ancestors. They must listen to Haggai and Zechariah. The temple had now been under construction for 18 years (2 years since Haggai's call to finish it). Before the reconstruction had began, the land was desolate and the people unemployed, but since building had began things were improving. With the people in tune with the prophets of the day, Jehovah can restore peace to the land, make it grow and flourish and restore the inheritance promised by Moses. The promise of returning a remnant of both houses to the land had been fulfilled.
b. Jehovah will fulfill His good promises. (14-17) As He had kept His word concerning His wrath against unbelief, so will He fulfill His promises of blessings for belief. He makes two positive requirements: (1) Every man must speak the truth and, (2) Let all court cases be settled according to truth and justice. In contrast he makes two negative demands: (1) Do not devise evil against each other and , (2) Take no false oaths. (Compare to the vision of the flying scroll, 4:3.)

3. Fasting to be changed into rejoicing. (18-23) The four unauthorized days of fasting would become feasts of gladness. The other nations will be so impressed by this joy and gladness, that those among the heathen would also seek Jehovah. They will be able to see the difference between their empty idolatry and the worship of the one true God. Many men will come seeking out the religion of the Jews and language barriers will broken down. The exact time of fulfillment of this prophecy is hard to determine, but consider the conversions of such heathens as Cornelius, the Philippian Jailer and the devout Greeks and chief women of Acts. Also, remember that on the day of Pentecost every man heard the gospel preached in his own language.

III. World powers and the kingdom of God. [chapters 9-14]

This division of the prophecy is divided into two oracles (or burdens). The first concerning the heathen and the second concerning Israel. Some time has passed since Zechariah's last prophecy, and perhaps the temple is now completed. Many of the promises made were possibly being interpreted by the people as not coming to pass, therefore they were disappointed and in need of encouragement. These chapters are very difficult to interpret so we must keep in mind the words of Peter (2 Pet. 1:20ff). As much as possible, this book should be interpreted in light of its use by the New Testament writers and Jesus Himself, thus avoiding the pitfalls of speculation that many have fallen into trying to prove their hobbies concerning the end-times.

A. First oracle judgment! Destruction of heathen powers over Israel. (chapters 9-11)

1. Fall of the heathen world, and deliverance and glorification of Zion. (ch. 9-10)
a. Judgment fall of heathen world. (9:1-7) Beginning with the Medo- Persian Empire and eventually settling on Damascus, judgment will come against the heathen. This will be in contrast to the blessings that come upon Jehovah's people. Surrounding nations such as Hamath, Tyre, and Sidon would feel God's wrath. Tyre, the island stronghold had become wealthy through sea trade. This wealth and power would come to an end and the city would be destroyed by fire. This prophecy would be fulfilled in the times of Alexander, who would lay siege to the city and eventually overcome it. Now the prophet passes from the Phoenician cities to the four chief cities of Philistia. Each would be laid to waste and its native population extinguished. The practice of idolatry and the abominations that accompanied it would cease. A remnant of these heathens would turn to Jehovah. By N.T. times Philistia had lost its identity as a nation. Their destruction also took place at the hands of Alexander.
b. The Messianic King and His reign. (9:8-10) Even though the heathen nations would be overthrown and the Grecian culture would dominate the region, God would protect His people. Those faithful to Jehovah should be ever looking forward to the coming of the Messiah, the "one that ruleth righteously," (2 Sam. 23:3; Isa. 11:1-5; Jer. 23:5,6; 33:15,16). He would bring complete and full salvation. He would be humble and lowly. The character of His rule and kingdom would include: a complete rejection of carnal means of security and defense; all of spiritual Israel under one king; a message of peace and good news (Eph. 2:17); reaching beyond the boundaries of the ancient physical kingdom "unto the ends of the earth." A careful reading of the gospels and Acts will establish the fulfillment of all of these characteristics by Jesus Christ, (Mt. 21:1-11; John 12:13-19). His entry into Jerusalem on the unbroken colt of an ass, marked the beginning of His passion and culminated with Him being crowned King over the Kingdom of God.
c. Complete victory of the sons of God over the sons of Greece. (9:11-17) More captives of foreign nations would be released from bondage and are encouraged here to return to Zion. The expression "render double" perhaps indicates a balancing of the scales; their sins had received equal punishment and their punishment equal blessing, (Rev. 18:6,7a). Jehovah's power is indicated by Judah and Ephriam operating in conjunction as a bow and arrow. The reference to the sons of Greece is pointing to Alexander's invasion and subsequent attempt to capture not only the people but also convert them to the Hellenistic culture. Many Jews were drawn away by Greek philosophy, but the prophet promises that the lineage would remain intact until the coming of the Messiah. During the time between the Testaments, the Macabees fought against incredible odds to maintain the Jewish faith and culture. Jehovah would be as a shepherd, protecting and rescuing His flock in times of trouble, ultimately freeing His people from the Greek philosophy and religion through the Messiah, (Gal. 3:26-29).
d. Complete redemption of the people of God. (chapter 10) The prophet uses this chapter to enlarge upon the promises of chapter 9. The people are encouraged to pray to God to continue blessings. This is in contrast to praying to idols, which is a waste of time and a source of false guidance. The prophet also warns of the fortune tellers and false interpreters of dreams. It was their love for these very things that lead them into captivity in the first place. They became as sheep without a shepherd. This left them at the mercy of the foreign nations (or false shepherds). Jehovah promises not only to deliver the flock, but use it as His battle horse. From out of Judah would come the "cornerstone" (Eph. 2:20) of the spiritual dwelling place of Jehovah who could be depended upon to uphold God's laws and provide everything necessary to withstand the enemy. The nation will be completely equipped to do the work of the Lord. Remnants of Ephriam and Judah would share in this victory. Part of this victory was fulfilled in the times of the Macabees, but complete fulfillment only came in the Messianic age.
Jehovah would call His people from among Judah, the ten tribes, and the Gentiles. Those that are still scattered, will increase, find Jehovah, and return to Him and worship Him. The original boundaries of Canaan would not hold those that would return to the Lord. Egypt and Assyria would no longer be a threat, nor would any other world power. Meanwhile, the redeemed of Ephriam would be strengthened.

2. Allegories of the good and foolish shepherds. (chapter 11)
a. Lamentation of the humiliated land. (1-3) But what land does this represent? Perhaps not land at all, but instead the end of the Jewish economy, that is the old order. But perhaps the land was involved. When Jehovah sent the Good Shepherd, the Jews rejected Him and the Romans were brought against the land; and all that was lofty, great, and meaningful to the Jews was destroyed.
b. Allegory of the good shepherd. (4-14)
(1). The shepherd's loving care. (4-6) Zechariah is to take the part of the shepherd, but it is not clear whether symbolically or literally. The oppressors of the flock, had claimed that they were in Jehovah's favor, yet they had shown no pity on there poor subjects. God would use world powers to destroy world powers.
(2). The people's lack of appreciation. (7,8) The prophet is commanded to feed the flock and is assisted by his two staves "Beauty" (Favor) and "Bands" (Union). Zechariah became disgusted with three shepherds and cut them off. Who these three were is hard to say, but perhaps they were helpers that did not measure up to the prophet's (and God's) standards.
(3). Withdrawal of the good shepherd. (9-14) The three scourges could represent pestilence, sword and famine. The prophet broke the staves, indicating that Jehovah's favor will be taken away. When the shepherd asks that his work be rewarded, the people give him 30 pieces of silver (Mt. 26:15; Ex. 21:32). This showed their contempt for the shepherd and the Lord. "Cast it unto the potter," probably means throw it away. The destruction of the temple in A.D. 70 brought an end to the Jewish system of religion, the tribal identities were lost, animal sacrifices ceased, and the nation has been in remnants ever since.
c. Allegory of the foolish shepherd. (15-17)
(1). Conduct of the foolish shepherd. (15,16) Now the prophet takes up the tools of a foolish shepherd: a staff, a bag and, a pipe. This shepherd would have no real interest in the sheep, except to get what he can from them for his own use and comfort. Compare this to the leaders of the Jews after the crucifixion of Christ.
(2). Overthrow of the foolish shepherd. (17) "It is an irrevocable law of Jehovah that indifference to stewardship entrusted to a person must invariably bring its own individual judgment."

B. The future of the people of Jehovah: judgment by which sifted and refined. (chs. 12-14)
Jehovah reveals the holy and indestructible character of the new spiritual body. This is the second oracle the burden concerning Israel.

1. Israel's conflict and victory, conversion and sanctification. (12:1-13:6)
a. Marvelous deliverance of Judah and Jerusalem. (12:1-9)
(1). Conflict of nations and Jerusalem; destruction of the new nations. (1-4) The prophet once again assures his listeners that his words are the words of Jehovah, the living, creative, eternal and, controlling God. To outsiders, the new Jerusalem would look weak and helpless, easy prey as it were. However, they would come to learn that it was immovable. Jehovah would fight and defend His people from outside forces, be they man or devil. The enemies would become confused and their weapons would become useless. The enemies would stagger as if drunk and be cut and bleeding in their defeat at the hands of Jehovah. His church will stand because He is its power.
(2). Strength by which to overcome. (5-9) The ultimate source of strength for all believers is Jehovah. In the spiritual kingdom, the leaders and citizens feed off of each other's spirituality. (For more on "in that day," see addenda.) Jerusalem (the spiritual kingdom) is personified as a woman who stands in her place, and remains unharmed. A place that all nations of the earth will come (Isa. 2:2-4; Mic. 4:1-5; Gal. 4:26; Heb. 12:22,23). This new Jerusalem will be the inheritance of the lowly and humble. All will stand on an equal basis before God. "In that day," all people will either be for the Lord or against Him (Mt. 12:30). All the righteous will stand as David before Goliath. Any "nation" that would dare come against the people of Jehovah would be defeated.
b. Spirit of grace and of penitential lamentation. (12:10-14) Spiritual strength comes through the grace of God. God's unmerited favor would cause His people to repent and follow Him. They had previously rejected Jehovah as their shepherd, now they will pierce Him. However, they will eventually repent and turn to Him. John applies this prophecy to Christ (Jn. 19:37). Mourning for this evil deed would be as the mourning at the death of King Josiah in the valley of Megiddo (2 Chron. 35:20-25). All families would be affected, whether royal, priestly or, lowly.
c. A fountain of grace for salvation. (13:1-6) The death, burial and, resurrection of Christ provided forgiveness of sins (Rom. 3:23-26; 1 Jn. 1:7). This event will mark the end of idolatry among God's people. Therefore any form of idolatry would be a mark of a false church. True prophets would cease to prophesy, but false prophets would continue. The completion of the gospel would bring an end to the need for prophecy ( 1 Cor. 13:9,10). False prophets will be easy to recognize, because of their claims of "latter day revelations" ( Gal. 1:6-8; 1 Jn. 4:1). The false prophecy will pale in comparison to divine revelation. Upon his conviction as a false prophet, he will deny ever claiming to be a prophet.

2. Judgment of refinement for Israel, and glorious end for Jerusalem. (13:7-14:21)
a. Fate of the shepherd's flock by which refined. (13:7-9) The shepherd is called upon to give up His life for the sheep. Jesus quoted this prophecy and applied it to the scattering of His disciples (Mt. 26:31,32). This "cutting off" would refine the flock, leaving only the truly pure sheep. The pure remnant would be further tried and tested (1 Pet. 1:6,7; 4:12). The prophecy of Hosea (2:1, 23) will be fulfilled (Rom. 9:25,26; 1 Pet. 2:9,10).
b. Judgment and deliverance. (14:1-5) The persecution of the sheep will continue. While some have tried to make this prophecy point only to the fall of physical Jerusalem in AD 70 or the rise of the Roman papacy, it more likely refers to the assault of the world in general, upon the spiritual kingdom of Christ (Dan. 7:21; Rev. 13:7). As always the true children of God will remain protected throughout these conflicts. The fulfillment of the prophecy of these verses can be seen in such incidents as: the scattering of the saints (Acts 8); the destruction of Jerusalem (Mt. 24:30,31) and ; the fall of the Roman empire (Rev. 19:11-21).
c. Complete salvation. (14:6-11) Here we see a day of distress. Not completely light, because of the distress, but not completely dark, because of hope in its midst (Jn. 14:18; Heb. 13:5). Even under duress, living waters will continue to flow from the church (Jn. 7:37,38). Only Jesus as the Messiah fits all of the characteristics described here. The church would be safely inhabited because that is where the Lord will dwell.
d. Destruction of enemy nations. (14:12-15) A death curse will come upon the enemies of the church. They will rise up against their own neighbors and destruct by internal corruption, in much the same way that physical Israel destroyed itself. Meanwhile, the people of God will be united and victorious.
e. Conversion of the heathen nations. (14:16-19) A remnant of the enemies of the Lord, will eventually turn to Him. The prophet uses the symbol of the feast of the tabernacle to show that the converts will worship according to God's plan. Those who refuse the Messiah will live in a perpetual spiritual desert (Eph. 1:3). Egypt stands here as a symbol of bondage, captivity and , all who would not receive the Lord or who would be His enemy.
f. Everything unholy removed; all is holy to Jehovah. (14:20,21) The horses formerly used for war would now bring worshipers to the Lord. All pots and bowls would be clean in the eyes of Jehovah, without the need of ceremonial cleansing. No person would be called unclean because of his race or previous religion. Where are these promises realized? In the church of today. Every individual and principle of worship and service has been cleansed and dedicated by the blood of Christ (Mt. 26:28). There is no distinction in Christ, because all have been redeemed through Him (Rom. 3:21-26). The church then can be presented to Christ according to the requirements of Eph. 5:26,27: glorious and holy; without blemish, spot or wrinkle.