How to Read Zechariah

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Biblefaktor
Biblical representation of Zachariah 

Most people find Zechariah difficult to understand.Throughout the book you will find references to people and events that are hard to interpret.A commentary can be a great help, clarifying the meaning of these details. For historical background on Zechariah's times, read Ezra 1-6. Zechariah is mentioned by name in Ezra 5:1. 

The book of Zechariah breaks into three parts.The first six chapters offer eight symbolic visions, which were meant to encourage the builders of the temple.They are not too difficult to understand if you take them one at a time and don't rush through them.Their main emphasis: God is at work again. He plans to live with his people in Jerusalem. He will protect them from their enemies, cleanse them from their sins, banish evil. He is making a new beginning for them. 

Chapters 7-8 address the quality of life God wants his renewed people to enjoy. These words contain many encouraging promises to Israel. 

The last six chapters are packed with puzzling references to the struggles israel must endure in becoming what God wants. You will find predictions of terrible suffering and absolute victory. These chapters, as complex as they are, helped the Gospel writers understand Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection.The writers quoted these chapters as they wrote of Jesus' final days.The book of Revelation, telling of the final goal of history, also drew on Zechariah's predictions.

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