Vision of Victory
By Ronald Thompkins
August, 10, 2003

The self described prophet Zechariah (Zechariah 1:1,7) is unique in Biblical history. His name meant “whom Jehovah remembers”. He had eight visions which were recorded in the bible and all were at night. The book also records four messages, and two “woes” or “burdens”. The name Zechariah is repeated at least thirty other times in the Bible with reference to others by the same name.  It is thought to have been a very popular name for Jewish boys.

God called Zechariah to join the now aging Haggai to re kindle the fire under the Jews relative to resuming the work of rebuilding God’s temple. Haggai had labored for two months with the Jews who initially were aroused, but by the arrival of Zachariah had resumed their lax ways.

The book of Zechariah is unique also in that it is the longest book of the Minor Prophets, with 14 chapters and 211 verses. Its design is very reminiscent of the book of Revelations with its apocalyptic design and highly symbolic prophecy. Bible scholars consider it one of the most difficult books to understand. However, there are enough literal interpretations through the book to make it quite understandable.

The book is divided into three very pronounced sections: (1) the eight visions (Zechariah 1:7-6:15), (2) four messages (7:4-8:23), and (3) the two woes or burdens (Chapters 9-14).

The visions are quite picturesque and have lessons attached to them as follow:

The man on the red horse referred to in Zechariah 1:7-17 was the symbol of the end of hostilities toward Israel, enabling the temple to be re-built,

The four horns were the nations who gave Israel trouble, and the four craftsmen referred to the forces God used to conquer these troubling nations. (Vv. 18-21). The result was no power was left that could stop the re-building of the temple,
conquer these troubling nations. (Vv. 18-21). The result was no power was left that could stop the re-building of the temple, to conquer these troubling nations. (Vv. 18-21). The result was no power was left that could stop the re-building of the temple,

The man measuring the wall around Jerusalem was prevented from completing this task, because God himself would be a wall of fire around this city. Jews still left captive in Babylon were urged to flee to Jerusalem for refuge where they would get the protection of God (2:1-13),

One of the visions was directed toward the priest Joshua, who was assisting Zerubbabel (3:1-10). In Joshua’s first appearance he comes in filthy rags to symbolize the whole nation. The rags were representative of the sins committed against God. God commanded Joshua to shed the rags and adorn new priestly garments. By this act God sends the message I will forgive the whole nation of their sins, and will accept all men into His kingdom,

Another vision referenced to the gold lamp stand with seven candles and the two olive trees, which represented Zerubbabel and Joshua. This would symbolize that although these two servants of God met resistance along the way, they still completed their work by the help of God.(4:1-14),

The flying scroll depicted in another vision represented how the law of God would purge the land of sin (6:1-4),
A woman sitting in an ephah (approximately 1.5 Jewish bushels) of some unspecified commodity represents the wickedness of the people borne away to Shinar, which was considered the place Nimrod established the first empire and also the representation of rebellion against God(5:5-11), and

The four chariots drawn by four different colored horses represent the protection that comes from God. No matter what the conditions in this life, He is still in control, and the peace or lack thereof will exist as long as He wants it to be. (6:1-8).

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