Interpretive Commentary: Introduction and Interpretive Outline Assignment
Zechariah 12-14
Andrew Pedde
OBST 520-D01 Old Testament Orientation II
November 25, 2023
Contents
Introduction…..……………………………………………………………………………....3
Authorship and Audience.……………………………………..……………………….……3
Historical Setting and Date…………………………………………………………...……...4
Major Theological Themes…………………………………………………………………...5
The Exposition of Zechariah 9-14…………………………………………………………….6
Bibliography…………………………………………………………………………………....7
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Introduction
Zechariah, categorized as a minor prophet in the Old Testament alongside Haggai, ministered
to the post-exilic Jewish community in the 6th century B.C. The book of Zechariah intricately
outlines God's future dealings with the Israelites, serving as a prophetic warning, source of
comfort, and encouragement to those who had returned from exile. It vividly portrays God's
judgment, grace, redemption, and victorious intervention against their adversaries. Particularly,
Zechariah 12-14 contains prophecies concerning Jerusalem's eventual restoration, the arrival of
the Messiah, and the establishment of His universal reign. The book belongs to the apocalyptic
literary genre, employing symbolic language and powerful imagery to convey a message about
the end times (eschatology) and the ultimate triumph of God.1
Authorship and Audience
Named after the prophet Zechariah, the Book of Zechariah has faced challenges regarding its
unity and authorship.2 Critics point to alleged differences in wording and style between chapters
1-8 and 9-14, along with historical events occurring years after Zechariah's ministry, as reasons
for questioning his authorship of the entire book.3 Brevard C. Childs, however, defended the
canonical unity, asserting that both sections draw on themes from the Major Prophets.4 Rydelnik
supports Zechariah's authorship based on the accuracy of predictions in the book.5 While little is
known about Zechariah's life, he is recognized as "the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo."6
Hailing from a priestly family, Zechariah's name, meaning "God remembered," carries
significance. His primary audience was the first Israelites returning from Babylonian exile, with
1 R. Phillips, Zechariah (Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R Publishers, 2007), 28.
2 Ibid., 34.
3 Ibid., 35.
4 Ibid., 37.
5 Ibid., 2284.
6 M. Boda, Haggai, Zechariah (Zondervan Academic, 2009), 28.
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a focus on Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the Levitical priesthood. Notably, Zechariah served not only
as a prophet but also as a priest, as indicated in Nehemiah 12:4,16 (New King James Version).7
Historical Setting and Date
The Book of Zechariah unfolds against the backdrop of the fall of Jerusalem to
Nebuchadnezzar, leading to the exile of its inhabitants to Babylon for 70 years. Following this
period, during the reign of Darius the Great, a decree permitted a select group of Jews to return
and rebuild the temple in Jerusalem (Ezra 6:1-12).8 Zechariah, contemporaneous with Haggai,
was among the remnants returning to a post-exilic world after Jerusalem's fall in 586 or 587 B.C.
During the early exile, prophets Ezekiel and Jeremiah had penned prophecies anticipating
Jerusalem's destruction. Zechariah's visionary works in chapters 1-8, composed between 520 and
518 B.C., exhibit a notable influence from Ezekiel, blending ceremony and vision. MacArthur
notes that Zechariah's opening words are dated to 520 B.C., the second year of Darius I.
Chisholm categorizes Zechariah's messages as a call for repentance in 520 B.C., visions of a
bright future in 519 B.C., and a focus on justice over ritual in 518 B.C. Rydelnik's outline aligns
closely with Chisholm's three-message breakdown.9 However, the final chapters (9-11 and 12-
14), described as "oracles" of the future, lack specific dates. Modern scholars generally propose
that Zechariah might not have authored these chapters, labeling them as the "Second
Zechariah."10 Although precise dating is challenging, evidence connects Zechariah 9-14 to the
early Persian empire (515 – 445 B.C.), according to Boda.11
Major Theological Themes
7R. Phillips, Zechariah (Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R Publishers, 2007), 59.
8 D. Lindsey, “Zechariah” in the Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, Vol. 1 (Wheaton,
IL: Victor Books, 1985), 1545.
9 M. Rydelnik, “Zechariah” in the Moody Bible Commentary (Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 2014), 2281.
10 R. Chisholm, Handbook on the Prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Minor
Prophets (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2009), 456.
11 M. Boda, Haggai, Zechariah (Zondervan Academic, 2009), 29.
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Zechariah 12-14 delves into major themes, including God's judgment in Zechariah 12,
redemption and grace spanning Zechariah 12-13, and the final judgment and restoration of His
people in Zechariah 14. The book unfolds a messianic hope and reveals God's ultimate plan,
intending to instigate spiritual renewal in Israel and instill confidence in the faithful remnant. The
central theme revolves around the redemption and restoration of Israel and the world through the
messianic King.12
The interpretive outline of Zechariah 12-14 unfolds as follows:
I. Jerusalem Tribulation and Victory (12)
A. God’s Punishment of Jerusalem (12:1-3)
B. How the Nations Will Be Judged (12:4-9)
1. Nations rising against Jerusalem (12:4-5)
2. God Delivering His People (12:6-9)
C. Jerusalem's Mourning and God’s Grace (12:10-14)
II. Cleansing of Jerusalem (13)
A. Spiritual Cleaning of Israel (13:1-6)
1. Removal of idol worship (13:1-2)
2. Removal of false prophets (13:3-6)
B. The Shepherd Messiah and the Remnant (13:7-9)
III. The Returning King (14)
A. The Second Coming of Christ (14:1-4)
1. The Lord's Return (14:1-2)
2. The Battle Belongs to the Lord (14:3-4)
B. Jerusalem's Enemies Are Judged (14:5-11)
12 M. Rydelnik, “Zechariah” in the Moody Bible Commentary (Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 2014), 2285.
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1. The Death of Jerusalem's Enemies (14:5-7)
2. Jerusalem’s Restoration (14:8-11)
C. God's Everlasting Kingdom (14:12-21)
1. The Final Plague (14:12-15)
2. The Lord is Worshipped (14:16-19)
3. The Lord Reigns (14:20-21)
The Exposition of Zechariah 12-14
Zechariah 12-14 represent the concluding prophecies or "burden" in the book. In these three
chapters, the text unveils God's judgment, redemptive grace, restoration, and the triumph of His
people over adversaries amid a challenging period in Jewish history. Employing symbolic
language and vivid imagery, the passages convey a message about the end times and the ultimate
victory of God, anticipating a future where all nations will worship Him as Lord.
Bibliography
Boda, Mark J. Haggai, Zechariah. Zondervan Academic, 2009.
Chisholm, R. Handbook on the Prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel,
Minor Prophets. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2009.
Hill, Andrew E. Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi: An Introduction and Commentary. Downers
Grove, IL: Inter Varsity Press Academic, 2012.
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Lindsey, D. “Zechariah” in the Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures.
Vol. 1. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985.
Meyers, Carol L, and Eric M Meyers. Zechariah 9-14. New York, NY: Anchor Bible, 1993.
Phillips, R. Zechariah. Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R Publishers, 2007.
Rydelnik, M. “Zechariah” in the Moody Bible Commentary. Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers,
2014.
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