Overview
Zechariah, who together with Haggai encouraged the rebuilding of the temple, presents eight night visions concerning the restoration of Jerusalem, the cleansing of the people, and the roles of the high priest and the ruler. The two oracles of the second half foretell the coming of a humble king, the one who was pierced, the Day of YHWH, and the nations going up to Jerusalem to keep the Feast of Booths.
Theme The restoration of Jerusalem, the coming king, and YHWH as king over all the earth
Historical background
Zechariah began his ministry after the return from exile in the second year of Darius I (520 BC) and, with Haggai, urged the rebuilding of the temple (Ezra 5:1). The book is frequently cited in the New Testament; in particular, 9:9 is cited regarding Yeshua's entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:5), and 12:10 regarding the one who was pierced (John 19:37).