Interpretive Commentary_Final_Zechariah 12-14

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Interpretive Commentary: Zechariah 12-14 Final Assignment Justin Schalow OBST520-D09: Old Testament Orientation II December 3, 2023

Contents Introduction…… .... ……………………………...………………….……………………………1 Historical Setting and Date…………………………………………………………………..2 Authorship and Audience……………………………………………………………………3 Major Theological Themes…………………………………………………………………...4 Commentary Outline…………………………………………………………………………….5 Chapter 12…………………………………………………………………………………….5 i. 12:1-9, Future Deliverance and Restoration of Jerusalem…………………………...5 ii. 12:10-13:1, Him Whom They Have Pierced…………………………………………..7 Chapter 13…………………………………………………………………………………….9 i. 13:2-6, Idolatry Cut Off – A Fountain of Cleansing…………………………………..9 ii. 13:7-9, The Shepherd Struck and the Sheep Scattered……………………………..10 Chapter 14…………………………………………………………………………………...11 i. 14:1-21, The Coming Day of the Lord………………………………………………..11 Closing…………………………………………………………………………………………..15 Bibliography…………………………………………………………………………………….17 ii

1 Introduction This presentation will provide an exegetical study and commentary of the Old Testament book of Zechariah, chapters 12-14. The book of Zechariah, one of twelve Minor Prophets, presents the prophetic messages delivered by Zechariah, whose name means "The LORD Remembers." He is identified as the son of Berechiah and the grandson of Iddo. It's worth noting that there's a potential contradiction mentioned in relation to Ezra 5:1 and 6:14 regarding Zechariah's lineage, which can be explored further in the comments on Zechariah 1:1. 1 Zechariah holds a unique position as both a prophet and a priest, as indicated in Nehemiah 12:4 and 16. This dual role sets him apart, highlighting a combination of spiritual insight and a connection to the religious rituals of the time. Additionally, he is referred to as a young man in Zechariah 2:4, suggesting that he may have just entered adulthood when he commenced his prophetic ministry. 2 This combination of prophetic and priestly roles, along with his relatively young age, adds depth to Zechariah's perspective. It positions him as an individual deeply rooted in both the spiritual and religious aspects of his community, providing a unique vantage point from which to deliver the prophetic messages contained in the book of Zechariah. The opening genealogy in Zechariah presents a puzzling statement. In Zech 1:1, Zechariah is identified as the "son of Berekiah, son of Iddo," while Ezra 5:1 and 6:14 refer to "Zechariah the prophet, the son of Iddo." This seemingly creates a contradiction between the two passages. A straightforward explanation is that Zechariah was indeed the son of Berechiah and, further, the grandson of Iddo. In Hebrew, the term " ben " often carries the meaning of "grandson" or "descendant" in various contexts, providing a resolution to the apparent inconsistency. 3 1 Michael Rydelnik, "Zechariah" in The Moody Bible Commentary , ed. Michael Rydelnik, and Michael Vanlaningham (Chicago: Moody, 2014), 2283. 2 Ibid., 2284. 3 George L. Klein, Zechariah, vol. 21b : The New American Commentary, (Nashville: B&H, 2008), 55.

2 Historical Setting and Date Zechariah began his ministry during the second year of Darius (Zech 1:1, 7; cf. 7:1), corresponding to the early period of the reign of the Persian Emperor Darius I. The Persian Empire was originally founded by Cyrus the Great (549-530 BC). Following Cyrus, the throne passed to his son Cambyses (530-522 BC) and then to Darius (522-486 BC). Darius, in turn, was the son of Hystaspes, a prince from a different branch of the same family. Notably, Darius had previously served as an officer in the army of Cambyses. 4 The events in the Book of Zechariah unfold against the backdrop of Jerusalem's fall to Nebuchadnezzar, leading to the deportation of its residents to Babylon for a span of 70 years. As this period of exile approached its conclusion, specifically during the reign of Darius the Great, King Darius issued a decree. This decree, recorded in Ezra 6:1-12, granted permission to a limited number of Jews to return to Jerusalem with the purpose of rebuilding their temple. This marks a significant historical context for the events and prophecies detailed in the Book of Zechariah, capturing a pivotal moment in the restoration of Jerusalem and the rebuilding of its sacred structures. 5 It was there in Jerusalem that Zechariah lived and conducted his ministry. Authorship and Audience The initial sections of the book identify Zechariah as a prophet. Unlike books such as Hosea and Jonah, Zechariah's personal life isn't a primary focus. However, it portrays him as a 4 Barry G. Webb, The Message of Zechariah: Your Kingdom Come, The Bible Speaks Today ( Downers Grove: IVP, 2016), 20. 5 F. Duane Lindsey, "Zechariah," in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures , ed. John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck, Vol. 1 (Wheaton: Victor, 1985), 1545.

3 dedicated servant of the Lord. The main emphasis in the book lies in the message God entrusts to Zechariah. 6 While the text may not explicitly highlight Zechariah fulfilling his divine mandate as some other prophetic writings do, there's no doubt about the prophet's commitment to delivering God's word. Mark Love rightly notes that the book doesn't explicitly show Zechariah carrying out assigned tasks. However, Love may misconstrue the book's perspective when suggesting that the prophet's character doesn't emerge. In reality, the book prioritizes presenting the message mandated by the Lord over a detailed development of Zechariah's character. 7 Moreover, there are two main challenges posed to the idea that Zechariah is the sole author of the entire book. The first argument revolves around claimed differences in the wording and literary style observed between chapters 1-8 and 9-14. Scholars point to these variations as potential indicators that different authors might be responsible for these sections. The second argument focuses on alleged anachronistic references to historical events. Critics contend that certain passages in Zechariah seem to reference events that took place long after Zechariah's prophetic ministry. These apparent inconsistencies raise questions about whether Zechariah could have accurately predicted events beyond his own time. Nevertheless, various scholars contend that the book maintains a consistent canonical unity. They argue that the evidence supporting this unity is evident in both sections, with a significant reliance on themes that align with those found in the Old Testament Major Prophet books. 8 Given the information presented, this writer acknowledges valid agreement with the idea of the sole authorship of the book of Zechariah. The emphasis on Zechariah as a dedicated servant of the Lord, prioritizing the delivery of God's message over a detailed exploration of his 6 Klein, Zechariah, 56. 7 Ibid. 8 Rydelnik, "Zechariah,” 2284-2285.

4 character, aligns with the notion of a single author with a unified purpose. While challenges are posed regarding differences in wording and alleged antiquated references, the argument for canonical unity remains compelling. Scholars asserting this unity point to thematic consistency across the book, particularly aligning with themes found in other Old Testament Major Prophet books. Thus, the evidence supporting the sole authorship of Zechariah maintains a logical foundation, emphasizing the cohesive nature of the prophetic message throughout the entirety of the book. Major Theological Themes Zechariah 12-14 explores several major theological themes. In Zechariah 12, the emphasis is on God's judgment. The subsequent sections, Zechariah 12-13, explore themes of redemption and grace, while Zechariah 14 tackles the ideas of final judgment and the restoration of God's people. The overarching narrative reveals a messianic hope and unveils God's ultimate plan for the future. The book's primary objective is to instill a sense of spiritual renewal in Israel, particularly among the faithful. By unveiling the messianic hope and disclosing God's grand design for the future, Zechariah aims to inspire confidence and rejuvenate the spiritual commitment of the people. At its core, the book's central theme revolves around the redemption and restoration of Israel and, by extension, the entire world through the promised messianic King. 9 Commentary Outline In Zechariah 12-14, the focus shifts primarily to Judah, often referred to under the overarching national term “Israel.” While Chapters 9-11 predominantly address the historical and present circumstances of Judah, though not exclusively, chapters 12-14 distinctly pivot towards a future eschatological deliverance. The recurring phrase “on that day” resonates throughout the 9 Rydelnik, "Zechariah,” 2284-2285.

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