Bible Figure
Zechariah
biblical prophet
Zechariah was a postexilic prophet who encouraged the rebuilding of the Temple and received visions of Jerusalem's restoration, God's coming kingdom, and the messianic Branch.
Biography
Zechariah began prophesying during the reign of Darius, alongside Haggai, when the returned community's Temple project needed renewed encouragement. His book opens with a call to return to the Lord and then records a series of night visions concerning Jerusalem, the nations, Joshua the high priest, Zerubbabel, cleansing, and restoration. Later chapters contain prophetic oracles concerning the coming king, the pierced one, the shepherd, and the ultimate reign of the Lord. Ezra credits Zechariah and Haggai with supporting the Jews as they resumed rebuilding the Temple.
Biblical Significance
Zechariah combines immediate encouragement for the restored community with some of the Old Testament's richest messianic imagery. New Testament writers repeatedly draw upon his prophecies in presenting Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, betrayal, crucifixion, and the scattering of His disciples.