Jacqui: 0:12

Greetings listeners. Have you ever looked around at your life or the world and wondered God, is this really how it ends? When you're rebuilding after heartbreak, disappointment or just a long season of waiting? Hope can feel fragile. You might wonder if anything you do actually matters or if God's even paying attention. That's exactly where the people of Israel were when Zachariah showed up, and what he gives them and us is a picture of what happens when God steps in with promises bigger than we can imagine. Well, welcome everyone. I'm your host, jackie Adewole, and this is the Bible Basics Podcast, where, weekly, we break down the basics of the Bible into understandable, bite-sized chunks.

Jacqui: 1:10

Let's start by setting the stage. It's about 520 BC. The Jewish people have just returned from exile in Babylon, just like the prophets had said. A few years earlier, in 538 BC, king Cyrus of Persia had issued a decree allowing God's people to return to Jerusalem and rebuild. Around 50,000 people made the journey back. We find that in Ezra 2, 64 to 65. At first they were hopeful. They laid the foundation of the temple, but then opposition came both from neighbors and from within, and the work stopped. Sixteen years passed, the temple remained unfinished and the people drifted into discouragement and spiritual apathy. That's when God raised up two prophets, haggai and Zechariah, to stir the people's hearts and reignite the work. Haggai spoke directly. Get back to building Zechariah. Well, he opened a window into heaven. He gave them visions, reassurance and a glimpse of the bigger story.

Jacqui: 2:37

Well, who was Zachariah? Let's start with a quick clarification. There are many Zacharias in the Bible. It was a common name, sort of like James or Michael. Today, you might remember one from the New Testament Zachariah, the father of John the Baptist, the elderly priest who lost his voice in the temple when he questioned the angel's message his voice in the temple when he questioned the angel's message. There's also a Zechariah who was king of Israel, though his reign didn't last long. And then there was a priest who was killed in the temple courtyard during the time of King Joash.

Jacqui: 3:18

But the Zechariah we're talking about here is the prophet Zechariah, whose book appears near the end of the Old Testament. Zachariah was both a prophet and priest. That meant he not only spoke God's words but also served in the temple system. He likely returned from Babylon as a young man, which means by the time he started speaking. He's part of a new generation, one that didn't grow up in Jerusalem but now has the job of rebuilding it. He worked alongside Haggai, but their approaches were different. Haggai's message was sharp and urgent. He confronted the people's indifference. Zechariah's tone was more tender. He called the people to repentance but also encouraged them with hope and visions of God's future promises. His name means the Lord remembers, and that's the heartbeat of this whole book. God hasn't forgotten his people. Not then, not now.

Jacqui: 4:33

The book of Zechariah contains the prophet Zechariah's prophetic activity from 520 BC until sometime in the early 400s, 20 BC until sometime in the early 400s. It's the 11th and the longest book among the minor prophets. Its 14 chapters carry rich prophetic imagery. The book is packed with powerful visions and future promises. More than most of the other minor prophets, it's a significant Old Testament source when it comes to understanding Jesus in the New Testament, especially as a humble and suffering Messiah. It's quoted more than 40 times in the New Testament, more than any other Old Testament prophet. This book has been called the Apocalypse of the Old Testament, not just because of its vivid imagery, but because of how it stretches from Zechariah's day far into the future.

Jacqui: 5:38

In every major section God speaks into the people's present situation and then looks ahead to the return of the Messiah and the coming of his kingdom. That's part of what made God's words through Zechariah so powerful. He seeks to encourage them to action by reminding them of the future importance of the temple. They weren't just about finishing a building. They were about building with hope, building for the day when the Messiah will come and fill the temple with glory. But future blessing is contingent on present obedience. The people are not merely building a building, they're building the future. With that as their motivation, they can enter into the building project with wholehearted zeal, for their Messiah is coming.

Jacqui: 6:45

The structure of the book falls into two main parts. The first part is chapters 1 through 8, and it's titled Visions and Spiritual Renewal. After a strong opening call to repentance that's in chapter 1, verse 2 through 6, Zechariah shares a series of eight night visions. These visions often follow the same rhythm. Zechariah describes something unusual he sees, he asks what it means and an angel steps in to explain.

Jacqui: 7:20

One of the most striking visions comes in chapter 2, verses 4 and 5, where a man with a measuring line is sent to mark out Jerusalem's boundaries. But then God interrupts and says wait, my plan is bigger than that. Jerusalem will be a city without walls because of the great number of people and animals in it, and I myself will be a wall of fire around it, declares the Lord, and I will be its glory within, end quote. That's a picture of hope. God is saying don't limit what I can do. I'm going to protect you, and your future is larger than you imagine. That hopeful thread keeps running through the visions, especially the fourth and fifth, which focus on Joshua, the high priest, and Zerubbabel, the governor. These visions remind the people that rebuilding the temple isn't just a physical project. It's also a spiritual one, led by men God has chosen and empowered.

Jacqui: 8:33

Chapters 7 and 8 shift the focus to spiritual renewal. When the people ask whether they should keep observing certain fasts, god uses that question to challenge their hearts. He points them back to what fasting is really about not just going through motions, but living with justice, mercy and truth. And then God gives a powerful promise. And then God gives a powerful promise Jerusalem will be blessed again. All throughout these chapters, zechariah's visions are meant to encourage and refocus the people. They're not just about judgment. They're also full of comfort and hope. God is watching over Jerusalem. He hasn't forgotten his people and he's working out a bigger plan to restore them.

Jacqui: 9:32

The second half of Zechariah's book chapters 9 through 14, contains two powerful oracles. Oracles are prophetic messages from God. These look ahead to the future. These chapters are full of dramatic imagery. A coming king battles between good and evil, judgment of the nations and the final restoration of God's people. The first oracle is found in chapters 9 through 11, and it begins with God's judgment on surrounding nations. But the spotlight quickly shifts to a coming king, one who will enter not on a war horse but humbly riding on the donkey. That's chapter 9, verse 9. Riding on the donkey that's chapter 9, verse 9. This king brings peace. But Zechariah also foresees how he'll be rejected by his own people. That's chapter 11, verses 4 through 17. In between we catch a glimpse of God gathering his scattered people and bringing them back together. That's chapter 10.

Jacqui: 10:45

The second oracle chapters 12 through 14, picks up many of the same themes God's rescue, the rejection of the Messiah and a future kingdom but places them in an even more cosmic setting. Repeatedly, zechariah points to a future day quote on that day end quote when God will defeat his enemies, purify his people and establish his rule over all nations. The book ends with a stunning vision All nations gathered in Jerusalem to worship the Lord. Even as this book speaks of dramatic future events, god's message to the people of Zechariah's day was clear Now is the time for spiritual renewal. He called them to turn back to him with humble hearts and real obedience.

Jacqui: 11:50

Here are a few key truths that rise to the surface in these chapters. God is still with you, even when progress feels painfully slow. God will confront evil and bless those who stay faithful to him. And a savior is coming, not as a warrior on a battlefield, but as a gentle, victorious king. And right in the middle of all the visions, promises and future hope, we find this gentle, powerful reminder in Zechariah 4.10. Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin. That one verse really captures the essence of the whole book. God sees what you're building, especially when no one else does. But just a few verses earlier, in chapter 4, verse 6, we get another anchor, one that tells us how the rebuilding will happen. Quote not by might nor by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord of hosts. End quote. In other words, it won't be their strength that gets the job done. It'll be God's spirit at work in and through them. This was true for Zerubbabel as he led the rebuilding of the temple, and it's still true for us today. When the task feels too big, when we feel too small, God reminds us you don't have to do this alone.

Jacqui: 13:34

Now let's take a look at some of the imagery in this book. Throughout Zechariah, we find vivid and deeply symbolic scenes. Some come in the form of night visions, others as prophetic declarations, but they all work like a picture book for the soul, helping us see what God is doing behind the scenes. Though these moments were rooted in Zechariah's time, their meaning stretches far beyond. They show us how God deals with sin, brings justice and extends hope to his people.

Jacqui: 14:12

Here are three that really stand out. First, there's the high priest in filthy clothes. That's in Zechariah 3. In one of Zechariah's night visions, joshua the high priest stands before the Lord dressed in filthy clothes, representing guilt and sin. Satan is right there accusing him, but God steps in. He silences the accuser, he removes Joshua's filthy garments and gives him clean ones. It's a powerful picture of God's grace. Joshua didn't clean himself, god did, and this scene points us forward to Jesus, the Messiah, who takes our sin and gives us his righteousness. It's a glimpse of the gospel we're made clean, not because we deserve it, but because of God's mercy Not because we deserve it, but because of God's mercy. Then there's the woman in the basket. That's in Zechariah, chapter 5, verses 5 through 11.

Jacqui: 15:23

In another night's vision we encounter a striking scene A woman inside a basket representing wickedness. The angel seals that basket shut and carries it away to Babylon. It's a bold visual showing how God intends to remove evil from the land. He's not just calling his people to rebuild, he's preparing a space for his holiness to dwell. And then there's the humble king. That's in Zechariah, chapter 9, verses 9 and 10. Quote see your king comes to you righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey. End quote.

Jacqui: 16:13

This isn't a vision, it's a prophecy, and it was fulfilled centuries later, when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. We see that in Matthew 21 and John 12. It wasn't with fanfare or force, not on a war horse, but on a donkey. This image flips the Now. Each of these images I just described is a reminder that God is not distant or indifferent. He sees, he acts, he restores. Even when the picture is complex, the message is clear God is building a future full of hope, and he's inviting his people to be a part of it. Full of hope, and he's inviting his people to be a part of it. Now let's look further at how this book connects to Jesus. Zechariah may have lived 500 years before Jesus, but his words point to the Messiah again and again.

Jacqui: 17:30

Some scholars count over 30 direct references that are fulfilled in the life, death and resurrection of Christ. We've already mentioned a couple. Here are just a few more references to Jesus that stand out In chapter 3, verse 8, and chapter 6, verse 12 through 13,. We see the term righteous branch. We see the term righteous branch. This is a descendant of David who will rebuild God's house and rule as both priest and king a rare and powerful combination only Jesus fulfills. We also see the same label used in Isaiah 4, 11, and 53, and in Jeremiah 23.

Jacqui: 18:17

The next term we see is the rejected shepherd in chapter 11, verse 4 through 13. Sold for 30 pieces of silver, the price of a slave, jesus was betrayed for that same amount in Matthew 26 and 27. And then there's the pierced one Quote they will look on me, the one they have pierced chapter 12, verse 10. John quotes this at the cross. It's one of the most haunting and hopeful moments in all of Scripture. We see that in John 19, 37 and Revelation 1, 7. John 19.37 and Revelation 1.7. Then there's the cleansing fountain, found in chapter 13, verse 1. This is a promise of cleansing from sin and impurity, fulfilled as Jesus offers forgiveness through his sacrifice. And finally, there's the coming king and judge. We see that in chapter 14.

Jacqui: 19:26

Zechariah ends with a vision of the day of the Lord, when God will stand victorious, fighting for his people, and reign over all the earth. So you can see, just from these few examples, zechariah gives us a picture of Jesus as both the suffering servant and the reigning king. He's not distant. He's deeply involved in his people's pain and their future. And what does that mean for us today? Even when life feels stuck or small, even when progress feels painfully slow, god is still at work. So keep going, keep building, because the King is coming.

Jacqui: 20:16

Now here's our listener question of the week when in your life do you feel like you're in a small beginning and how might God be at work in it? While you're thinking about your answer, let me tell you something personal. When I first started this podcast, it felt like I was planting a tiny seed. I didn't have any fancy equipment, I didn't have a big team Well, I still don't have those things but I had just a quiet nudge from God to encourage people to read the Bible and to help people understand the Bible in a simple, clear way. And, honestly, there were moments I thought is anybody even going to listen? But every message, every episode, every quiet, yes, it felt like one small act of obedience.

Jacqui: 21:11

And that verse from Zechariah that goes do not despise these small beginnings. That's become an anchor for me. So what about you? Where is God meeting you? In something small right now. Make a comment on YouTube or through the website and of course, you can always email me. Your story might just encourage someone else. So if you've ever wondered if God forgot about you or if the small steps you're taking even matter, zechariah has good news. God sees it, god rejoices in it and God finishes what he starts. Next time we'll look at the final prophet of the Old Testament, malachi, and how his message sets the stage for Jesus's arrival. Until then, keep reading, keep seeking and keep growing in your faith.