Zechariah
Zechariah began prophesying in 520 BC alongside Haggai, encouraging the exiles to finish the temple. The first half is a series of night visions: horses among myrtle trees, a figure with a measuring line, a lampstand and olive trees, a flying scroll. An angel explains each one. Then come teachings on true fasting, justice, and mercy. The final chapters, which many scholars think come from a later time, look toward a humble king riding on a donkey and a day when God reigns over all the earth. The Gospels draw on these chapters in telling of Jesus' last week. Read slowly and patiently.
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Zechariah meditation prompts by chapter
- Zechariah 1: Among myrtle trees in a shadowed valley, an angel asks God how long, and is answered with comforting words. Bring the Lord your own how long, and listen for comfort.
- Zechariah 2: A man goes to measure Jerusalem, but God says it needs no walls; he will be fire around it and glory within. Picture that fire around those you love.
- Zechariah 3: Joshua stands in filthy clothes while the accuser speaks, and God has clean garments put on him. Let him clothe you today; the accuser does not have the last word.
- Zechariah 4: A lampstand fed by two olive trees shows the work will be done by God's Spirit, not by human might. What small beginning have you been tempted to despise?
- Zechariah 5: A flying scroll, and a basket carrying wickedness off to a far land: God means to remove evil, not only condemn it. What would you gladly see him carry away?
- Zechariah 6: After chariots go out to the four winds, a crown is set on Joshua, pointing to the Branch, both priest and king. Christians see Christ as both. Rest in him.
- Zechariah 7: Asked about fasting, God turns the question: were those fasts truly for him? Then he names justice, kindness, and care for widows and strangers. How could your devotion become practical?
- Zechariah 8: God pictures old people resting in the streets and children playing again in the city. Imagine that peace for a moment. Where near you could you help such life grow?
- Zechariah 9: Your King comes righteous and lowly, riding on a donkey, and calls the captives prisoners of hope. The Gospels see Jesus entering Jerusalem this way. Let hope hold you captive.
- Zechariah 10: Ask the Lord for spring rain, the prophet urges, not idols or diviners; God will whistle for his scattered flock and gather them. What are you asking him for today?
- Zechariah 11: The shepherd is valued at thirty pieces of silver and throws it to the potter, a price later paid for Jesus. Sit with how lightly he was weighed.
- Zechariah 12: God pours out a spirit of grace; the people look on the one they pierced and mourn. John hears the cross in this. Look there with tender sorrow.
- Zechariah 13: A fountain is opened to wash away sin, and a remnant is refined like silver until they call and he answers. Come to that fountain now; what needs washing?
- Zechariah 14: In the end, even horse bells and kitchen pots are marked holy to the Lord. Look around at your ordinary rooms. How might they become holy in his hands?