“Look at the Book” is Bible Gateway’s series of short blog posts and infographics introducing you to the books of the Bible. Like Haggai, Zechariah advocates for rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem — but where Haggai was “bad cop,” rebuking the people’s sin and unfaithfulness, Zechariah plays “good cop,” encouraging hope in the coming of the Messiah.
Scroll to the bottom if you’d prefer to see (and save) this article as an infographic. You’ll also find a handy 30-day reading guide. Or, for a challenge, you can do it in one week using the 7-day reading guide below.
Summary
Like Haggai, Zechariah’s main purpose for writing was to compel the exiles to complete the rebuilding of the temple. He also foretells Christ’s coming and emphasizes that God will be faithful to his people if they choose to return to him.
- Category: Prophets
- Theme: Forgiveness
- Timeline: Written between 480-470 BC
- Written: Attributed to Zechariah
Key Verse
“See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” — Zechariah 9:9 (NIV)
The Messiah Is Coming
Zechariah employed a number of images to refer to the coming Messiah:
Haggai’s purpose was to rebuild the temple; his preaching has a tone of rebuke for the people’s indifference, sin, and lack of trust in God. Zechariah sought to encourage the people to build the temple in view of the promise that someday Messiah would come to inhabit it.
7 Day Reading Guide
Here is a seven-day reading guide to Zechariah and Malachi.
(See 30-day guide with all Minor Prophets below.)
- Day 1: Zechariah 1-3
- Day 2: Zechariah 4-6
- Day 3: Zechariah 7-9
- Day 4: Zechariah 10-12
- Day 5: Zechariah 13-14
- Day 6: Malachi 1-2
- Day 7: Malachi 3-4
Building a Future
The people were not just building for the present, but with the future hope of Messiah in mind. He encouraged the people that the Lord remembers His covenant promises and would restore and bless them.
Access the rest of the series. Browse Bible studies for each book of the Bible. Or right-click on the infographic below to download and save the image for your reference.
Chris Fann is the Senior Digital Marketing Manager for Harper Christian Resources. He loves the smell ofa baseball glove, coffee, and old books. He lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with his wife, 2 teenage boys, and their dog, Freya.