Zechariah

Visions of Restoration and the Coming King

A Study Guide for Finding Hope in God’s Sovereignty and Future Promises

1. Introduction: Who Was Zechariah and Why Was He Writing?

• Zechariah was a prophet and priest who ministered to the Jews returning from Babylonian exile.

• He prophesied during the same time as Haggai, encouraging the people to rebuild the temple and renew their faith.

• The book is filled with apocalyptic imagery, symbolic visions, and Messianic prophecies.

Reflection: Zechariah shows that God’s people may feel small and scattered—but God has big, eternal plans for those who return to Him.

2. Chapters 1–6: Night Visions and the Call to Return

• Zechariah has eight night visions, all filled with symbolic meaning:

  1. A man among myrtle trees (God watches over His people)

  2. Four horns and four craftsmen (God will defeat Israel’s enemies)

  3. A measuring line (Jerusalem will be restored)

  4. Joshua the high priest cleansed (forgiveness and restoration)

  5. A golden lampstand and two olive trees (God empowers His work, not by might but by His Spirit – 4:6)

  6. A flying scroll (God’s Word brings justice)

  7. A woman in a basket (wickedness removed)

  8. Four chariots (God’s sovereign judgment over the nations)

Takeaway: God sees, God cleanses, God empowers, and God judges. He is deeply involved in restoring His people.

3. Chapters 7–8: A Heart That Pleases God

• God challenges the people not to just go through religious motions (7:5–6).

• He desires justice, mercy, and compassion more than ritual (7:9–10).

• Chapter 8 shifts to hope: God promises to return to Zion and bring peace, prosperity, and truth.

Lesson: True religion is about relationship, not ritual. God wants hearts that reflect His character.

4. Chapters 9–11: The Coming King and Rejected Shepherd

• Chapter 9: Prophecies of God judging enemy nations—and a humble King riding on a donkey (9:9), fulfilled in Jesus’ triumphal entry.

• Chapter 10: Restoration of Judah and Ephraim.

• Chapter 11: A symbolic rejection of the true Shepherd (Messiah) and acceptance of a foolish shepherd.

Truth: God foretold that His own people would reject their Savior—yet He still came in mercy.

5. Chapters 12–14: Future Glory, Battle, and Victory

• Chapter 12: Jerusalem will be attacked, but God will defend her.

• Chapter 13: A fountain for sin will be opened (pointing to Christ’s crucifixion).

• Chapter 14: The day of the Lord will bring judgment to the nations and establish God’s eternal reign.

Encouragement: History is moving toward a glorious conclusion—where Jesus reigns as King over all the earth.

6. Key Verses to Memorize or Meditate On

• Zechariah 1:3 – “Return to me… and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts.”

• Zechariah 4:6 – “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.”

• Zechariah 9:9 – “Behold, your king is coming… humble and mounted on a donkey.”

• Zechariah 13:1 – “On that day… a fountain shall be opened… to cleanse them from sin.”

• Zechariah 14:9 – “And the Lord will be king over all the earth.”

7. Questions for Discussion or Journaling

1. Why did God use visions to speak to His people? What does that say about how He engages with us?

2. What does it mean to serve God “not by might, nor by power, but by His Spirit”?

3. How do the Messianic prophecies in Zechariah deepen your understanding of Jesus?

4. What does this book teach about God’s long-term plan for His people—even when things seem broken?

5. Are there areas in your life where God is calling you to return to Him?

6. How can we live today with the expectation of Jesus’ future reign?