Articles
Zechariah by John Clark
Zechariah by John Clark
From “Minor Prophets For Everyman”, FC Lectures 1989
“Zechariah is the ‘major minor prophet’—the longest of the Minor Prophets and second only to Isaiah among the prophets in messianic passages” (Wilkinson and Boa 290). Hailey describes it as “the most obscure of all the Minor Prophets and is the most difficult of any of the Old Testament books to interpret” (Minor Prophets 319). This book differs from all the others in three ways:
(1) its use of visions,
(2) the dominant role of angels, and
(3) its difficult apocalyptic symbolism.
Morgan describes the book as “the apocalypse of the Old Testament” (123–146).
Lewis argues convincingly, “Zechariah has exercised a greater influence upon the Messianic picture of the New Testament than any other minor prophet” (79).
· The priestly king of 6:11–13 is seen in the book of Hebrews in conjunction with Psalm 110.
· The king who rides upon the ass (9:9) is seen in Matthew 21:1–11 and John 12:12–16.
· The price paid for the betrayal of Jesus and the purchase of the potter’s field (Matt. 26:15; 27:3–10) send us back to Zechariah 11:12–13.
· Looking on the one they pierced (12:10) makes us think of John 19:38 and Revelation 1:7,
· and smiting the shepherd (13:7), of Matthew 26:31 and Mark 14:27.
· The fountain for cleansing (13:1) sends us to 1 John 1:7; Hebrews 8:12; and Revelation 1:5.
· “Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbor” (8:16) is also taught in Ephesians 4:25.
· Finally, a study of the book of Revelation sends us to Zechariah for help on the following number of things:
(1) the four horsemen (Zech. 6:1–8);
(2) the candlestick (Zech. 4:2–10; 1:12–20); and
(3) the two olive trees (Zech. 4:3–14; Rev. 11:4).
[NOTE A good understanding of the New Testament helps one to understand such books as Zechariah. A good understanding of the Old Testament also helps us understand the writings of the New Testament! Rather than discuss which should come first, I would suggest you dive in and become immersed in both! Let them guide you in your understanding and interpretation. One of Jesus’ most asked questions can be effectively asked of many today: “have you never read….” Bible study is STUDY. Although it is not easy, it is rewarding! Hugh DeLong]
