Zechariah's visions of restoration, the coming king on a donkey, and the Shepherd.
Key themes: Messiah, restoration, night visions, king on donkey.
| Author | Zechariah son of Berechiah |
|---|---|
| Date Written | c. 520–480 BC |
| Original Audience | The returned Jewish exiles |
Zechariah is the longest and most messianic of the twelve minor prophets. Like Haggai, Zechariah prophesied to encourage the returned exiles to rebuild the Temple. But Zechariah's eight night visions (chapters 1-6) range far beyond the immediate situation to encompass the full sweep of God's redemptive plan. His prophecies of the Messiah are astonishingly specific: 9:9 — 'Your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey' (fulfilled in the Palm Sunday entry of Jesus); 11:12-13 — thirty pieces of silver thrown to the potter (fulfilled in Judas's betrayal); 12:10 — 'They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn' (quoted at the crucifixion in John 19). Zechariah 4:6 contains one of the most quoted verses of encouragement in the entire prophetic tradition: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD Almighty.'
Read the Book of Philippians free online — no ads, no subscription, no account required. Available in King James Version, World English Bible, Geneva Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Translation, and American Standard Version.
Open the Book of Philippians on The Living Sword — with cross-references, word-by-word Greek/Hebrew study tools, and AI scripture companion.