Commentary on the Book of the Prophet Zechariah

The book of Zechariah is the eleventh of the least prophets. Like Ezekiel, Zechariah was of priestly origin. He describes himself (Zech 1:1) as "the son of Berechiah." In Ed 5:1 and 6:14 he is called "the son of Iddo," who was properly his grandfather. His prophetic career began in the second year of Darius (520 B.C. ), about sixteen years after the return of the first group from exile.

The name Zacharias is common in the Old Testament, and several men were given this name at that time. In the case of the prophet the name is very appropriate, as it means "Yahweh Remembers", because the messages he announced between 520 and 518 BC said that the people were still chosen by God after they returned from exile.

The book shows that salvation is within everyone's reach "If you walk in my ways and observe my precepts, you also will judge my house and guard my courts, and I will give you free access among those who are here" (Zech. 3:7) However, it is important to note that not all people will be saved (universalist theory), this is because salvation is the Lord's plan for his people, and for this one must be in the presence of the Lord, believe in Him. Salvation is not tied to political or elitist choices, for example, or something that was simply a regiment created by human hands, human laws.

The last chapter talks about the judgment over Jerusalem and that the Lord is good, and wants everyone to know him and follow his statutes. Above the law of men is the Law of God, and to be in accordance with it one must hear His word, listen to the prophets "Therefore say to them: Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Return unto me, saith the Lord of hosts, and I will return unto you others, saith the Lord of hosts" (Zech 1:3).

The prophet who lived at the same time as Haggai, and an example of political influence that was overcome by the sovereign will of the Lord was the liberation of Judah and Jerusalem from their political enemies. This event strengthened the preaching of Zechariah, who constantly reminded the people that the Lord is sovereign over all the earth, even if circumstances say He is not. Another issue that the prophet boldly addresses is the passage where he warns the people about false prophets and the Lord's disapproval of shepherds who abandon their flock "Woe to the Shepherd who abandons his flock" (Zech 11:17).

The book of Zechariah has a total of fourteen chapters. He was announcing to the people that God sees all, knows all, at all times. The statements of the power of the Lord over the world teach that it is He who determines what will be done to not, and even the life of each one - this does not exclude the freedom of choice of the people, there are even reports of people who even with all the care of the Lord rebelled - "I will make the third part pass through the fire, and will purify it as silver is purified, and will try it as gold is tried; it will call on my name, and I will hear it; I will say, it is my people, and it will say, the Lord is my God" (Zech. 13:9).

The Book of Zechariah is divided into two parts: 1) Chaps. 1-8 relate the visions and prophecies that God gave to Zechariah, a prophet who was among the Israelites returning to Jerusalem from captivity in Babylon. 2) Chaps. 9-14 are a collection of messages concerning God's chosen king and the Day of the LORD.