If you asked serious Bible readers what are their least traveled books in the Old Testament, I suspect Zechariah would make the short list for many.
Then, if you probed a bit deeper and inquired why Zechariah gets so little of their attention, you might hear one of the following reasons:
It seems difficult to interpret: Zechariah’s book reads like the Old Testament version of the book of Revelation. Zechariah gives us strange and stunning visions that leave us scratching our heads. There’s a flying scroll and flying stork; a man with a measuring line and a woman in a basket, a golden lampstand and a golden crown. How are we make to sense of all this?
It seems difficult to apply: Even when we start to understand Zechariah’s writings, we may struggle with how to apply what we learn. What are we to do with a vision about a high priest in dirty vestments (3:1-10) or a lampstand underneath two olive trees (4:1-14)? And just how should we respond to the prophetic vision of suffering and salvation presented in chapters 12-14?
Why study the book of Zechariah?
So why invest time and energy studying Zechariah? The simplest answer is it’s the Word of God. As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 remind us, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” Since Zechariah is part of Scripture, God intends us to profit from it.
But I can be more specific on how it’s profitable for us. Here are three benefits you can expect as you study Zechariah’s book.
Getting to Know God’s Heart. Zechariah’s writings reveal God’s heart and character in powerful ways. We gain a stronger sense of His love for sinful, stumbling people. We also feel his fury with sinful compromise and disobedience. As we dig deeper into this book, we come to know God in deeper ways.
Getting on Mission with God. Zechariah wrote at a strategic time in Israel’s history. Jewish exiles had recently returned from captivity in Babylon and had begun rebuilding the ruined Temple to reestablish the worship of God. But due to external pressures and personal distractions, they had lost momentum for the rebuilding project. Zechariah writes to motivate them to get back on mission and complete the work God assigned them. As we read Zechariah’s book, we are challenged to join God in the mission He has for us.
Getting Ready for the Finale of History. Zechariah gives us an unparalleled view of what’s coming for our world as we reach the finale of history. We learn of God’s plan for Israel and for all who belong to His Son, the Suffering Shepherd. If you want a view of history that assures you of God’s ultimate triumph over evil, Zechariah is your book.
Last year, I followed a pattern of study I have found useful with other Old Testament books (Jeremiah, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Haggai, Ezra). I spent one week studying each chapter, reading and rereading the text with the goal of summarizing the author’s flow of thought. Then I sought to draw out timeless and timely truths I could apply to life and ministry.
In the coming Tuesdays, I plan to post one chapter summary each week. I’d encourage you to use these brief summaries to help you read, understand, and respond to what God’s Word has to say in the amazing book of Zechariah.
For a visual overview of the book, click here to watch this brief video put out by the Bible Project.
Rick and Linda Reed 