The Book of Zechariah is one of the most fascinating books in the Old Testament. It is filled with visions, prophecies, and promises that point both to Israel’s restoration and to the coming of the Messiah. Written after the Babylonian exile, this book provides hope, guidance, and a vision of God’s future plan. Here are ten interesting facts about this prophetic book.
1. Zechariah Was a Post-Exilic Prophet
Zechariah lived and ministered after the Israelites returned from Babylonian exile. His role was to encourage the people to rebuild the temple and renew their faith in God.
“In the eighth month of the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came to the prophet Zechariah son of Berekiah, the son of Iddo.” (Zechariah 1:1)
2. The Name Zechariah Means “The Lord Remembers”
The prophet’s name is meaningful because it highlights God’s faithfulness to His covenant people. Even though Israel had faced exile, the Lord had not forgotten them.
“But Zion said, ‘The Lord has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me.’ Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” (Isaiah 49:14–15)
3. Zechariah Contains Eight Night Visions
The first half of the book records a series of eight visions given to Zechariah in one night. These visions cover God’s judgment on nations, His protection of Jerusalem, and the coming restoration.
“During the night I had a vision, and there before me was a man mounted on a red horse. He was standing among the myrtle trees in a ravine. Behind him were red, brown and white horses.” (Zechariah 1:8)
4. The Book Points to the Coming Messiah
Zechariah gives some of the clearest prophecies about Jesus in the Old Testament. These include the prophecy of the King riding on a donkey and the thirty pieces of silver.
“Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” (Zechariah 9:9)
5. The Prophecy of the Pierced One
Zechariah foretells that the Messiah would be pierced, a prophecy fulfilled in the crucifixion of Jesus.
“And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.” (Zechariah 12:10)
6. Encouragement to Rebuild the Temple
Zechariah’s ministry worked alongside Haggai’s. Together, they encouraged the people to rebuild the temple, which had been left unfinished after the return from exile.
“The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; his hands will also complete it. Then you will know that the Lord Almighty has sent me to you.” (Zechariah 4:9)
7. The Symbol of the Lampstand and Olive Trees
One of the visions Zechariah received showed a golden lampstand and two olive trees. This symbol pointed to God’s Spirit empowering His work through chosen servants.
“So he said to me, ‘This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.” (Zechariah 4:6)
8. Zechariah Speaks of the Shepherd King
The book contrasts wicked shepherds with the coming true Shepherd—pointing again to Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd.
“Woe to the worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock! May the sword strike his arm and his right eye! May his arm be completely withered, his right eye totally blinded!” (Zechariah 11:17)
9. A Vision of the End Times
Zechariah contains prophecies about the final battles, God’s ultimate victory, and the Lord reigning over all the earth.
“The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and his name the only name.” (Zechariah 14:9)
10. Zechariah Is Rich in Symbolism
The book is full of symbolic images—horses, horns, measuring lines, crowns, and more. Each carries a message of hope, restoration, and God’s ultimate plan of salvation.
“Then I looked up, and there before me were four horns. I asked the angel who was speaking to me, ‘What are these?’ He answered me, ‘These are the horns that scattered Judah, Israel and Jerusalem.’” (Zechariah 1:18–19)
Quick Summary Table
| Fact | Verse | Text |
|---|---|---|
| Post-exilic prophet | Zech. 1:1 | “In the eighth month… the word of the Lord came…” |
| Name means “The Lord Remembers” | Isa. 49:14–15 | “Can a mother forget… I will not forget you!” |
| Eight night visions | Zech. 1:8 | “During the night I had a vision…” |
| Prophecies of the Messiah | Zech. 9:9 | “See, your king comes… riding on a donkey.” |
| The Pierced One | Zech. 12:10 | “They will look on me, the one they have pierced.” |
| Encourages temple rebuilding | Zech. 4:9 | “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation…” |
| Lampstand & olive trees | Zech. 4:6 | “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit.” |
| Shepherd imagery | Zech. 11:17 | “Woe to the worthless shepherd…” |
| End times prophecy | Zech. 14:9 | “The Lord will be king over the whole earth.” |
| Symbolism throughout | Zech. 1:18–19 | “Then I looked up, and there before me were four horns…” |
