Zechariah
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Zechariah
is more occupied than either of the other two post-captivity prophets with the
Gentile kingdoms under whose yoke the Jews were placed, and with the
establishment in its perfection of the glorious system that was to accompany
the presence of the Messiah; and, on the other hand, with the rejection of that
Messiah by the remnant who had returned from captivity; with the state of
misery and unbelief in which the people would be left, and by which they would
at length be openly characterised; and, finally, with the last attacks of the
enemies of Jehovah upon Israel, and especially those directed against
Jerusalem. He announces the destruction of these enemies by the judgment of
God, and the glory and holiness of the people after their deliverance by the
arm of Jehovah, who should thenceforth reign and be glorified in all the earth.
It is the complete history of Israel, and of the Gentiles in relationship with
Israel, from the captivity to the end, as far as connected with Jerusalem, the
restoration of which especially occupies the prophet. For if the house was the
primary object in Haggai, Jerusalem is the central point in Zechariah; although
in the course of the prophecy the temple, and still more the Messiah, have the
most prominent place in the scene.
The
date of Zechariah's prophecy is nearly the same as that of the prophecies of
Haggai. There are two in Zechariah, besides that of the introduction; in
Haggai, four. The first date in Zechariah is only a month or two before the
last two in Haggai, which were given on the same day. At the date of the second
prophecy in Zechariah (chap. 7) the temple was not finished as a whole, but
sufficiently so to serve as a place of worship, although the dedication had not
yet been celebrated.