Holy Bible Online 
Zechariah was a prophet who lived during the time when the people of Israel returned from exile in Babylon. The son of Berechiah and grandson of Iddo, Zechariah helped encourage the people to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem together with the prophet Haggai. He wrote the book that bears his name, containing messages of hope, repentance, and the coming of the Messiah.
Zechariah began his prophetic ministry during the reign of Darius, king of Persia, at a time when the people of Judah had returned to Jerusalem but were discouraged and the Temple was still in ruins.
His mission was to inspire the people to continue rebuilding the Temple, alongside the prophet Haggai. Zechariah brought messages of encouragement, showing that God was still with His people and that the future of Jerusalem would be glorious.
The Book of Zechariah is divided into two parts: the first contains eight symbolic visions, full of angels and messages about Israel’s restoration and the people’s spiritual purification; the second part presents prophecies about the Messiah and the future, including the coming of a righteous and humble King riding on a donkey, a clear reference to Jesus Christ.
Zechariah also announced God’s judgment on the nations that oppressed Israel and spoke about the Lord’s final victory. His name means “The Lord remembers,” which reflects the central message of his ministry: God never forgets His promises. Because of this, Zechariah is remembered as a prophet of hope, faith, and spiritual renewal, pointing to the restoration of Israel and the coming of the Savior.
Bible Study on the Prophet Zechariah
How many Zechariahs are there in the Bible?
In the Bible, there are several people named Zechariah, and it is important to distinguish between them. The prophet Zechariah, the author of the Old Testament book that bears his name, lived around 520 B.C., after the Babylonian exile. His mission was to encourage the people of Israel to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem and renew their faith in God.
The Zechariah in the New Testament, however, is a different person. He was a priest, the husband of Elizabeth, and the father of John the Baptist. He lived during the time of King Herod and was serving in the Temple when the angel Gabriel appeared to him, announcing that he would have a son even in his old age. That son would be John, the forerunner of Jesus. Because he doubted the angel’s message, Zechariah was made mute until the child was born.
In addition to these two, there are other men named Zechariah mentioned in the Bible, including one who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary, as well as others listed in genealogies and historical records.
Therefore, Zechariah the priest, the father of John the Baptist, is not the same person as Zechariah the prophet. They were different men, separated by centuries of history, yet both were important instruments in God’s hands.
Who Wrote the Book of Zechariah
The Book of Zechariah was written primarily by the prophet Zechariah, the son of Berechiah and grandson of Iddo. He was a contemporary of the prophet Haggai.
The book is divided into two parts. Chapters 1–8 are generally attributed directly to Zechariah himself, as they reflect the context of the post-exilic period and contain visions and messages related to the rebuilding of the Temple.
Chapters 9–14, however, have a different style and content, with more apocalyptic and messianic prophecies. For this reason, some scholars believe that the second part may have been written by the prophet’s disciples or by later authors inspired by his messages.
Even so, the entire work is traditionally recognized as belonging to Zechariah. The book reveals God’s faithfulness, hope for Israel’s restoration, and the announcement of the coming Messiah.
Learn more about the Story of Jesus Christ: His Life, Teachings, Death and Resurrection.
Zechariah Prophesies the Coming of Jesus
The prophet Zechariah was one of the clearest voices in the Old Testament to announce the coming of Jesus Christ. His prophecies, written about 500 years before Christ, point to remarkable details about the life and mission of the Messiah.
In Zechariah 9:9, he declares:
“Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”
This passage was fulfilled literally when Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey (Matthew 21:4–5), being received as King.
Another striking prophecy appears in Zechariah 11:12–13, where the prophet speaks of the shepherd being betrayed for thirty pieces of silver, the same amount paid to Judas for betraying Jesus (Matthew 26:15).
In Zechariah 12:10, he announces:
“They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child.”
This prophecy was fulfilled at the crucifixion, when Jesus was pierced on the cross (John 19:37).
These passages show that Zechariah was used by God to reveal, centuries in advance, specific details about the sacrifice and humility of Christ. His words highlight God’s faithfulness and confirm that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Messianic promises made to Israel and to all humanity.
Read The Old Testament Prophecies of Jesus That Were Fulfilled.
What We Learn from the Story of the Prophet Zechariah
The story of the prophet Zechariah teaches us valuable lessons about faith, hope, and obedience to God. He lived during a time when the people of Israel were returning from the Babylonian exile and struggling with discouragement as they tried to rebuild the Temple and their spiritual lives. Even in that difficult context, Zechariah delivered a message of encouragement, showing that God had not abandoned His people and would still fulfill His promises.
Through his visions, we learn that God directs history and restores those who repent. Zechariah also emphasized the importance of spiritual purity, justice, and true worship. He reminded the people that God seeks sincere hearts that are committed to His will.
Another great lesson from Zechariah’s story is hope in Jesus. Zechariah foretold in detail the coming of the Messiah, a humble, righteous, and saving King revealing that God’s plan goes far beyond temporary difficulties.
His story teaches us to trust in God’s care even in times of crisis, to remain faithful, and to look to the future with hope. Like Zechariah, we are called to renew our faith and believe that God fulfills all His promises.
See also: