Behind | Two Maps for Zechariah

We’re going to look at Zechariah in two different maps that highlight the movements in the two main parts of this book—the visions of Zechariah 1–8 and the prophetic poetry of Zechariah 9–14.

The first eight chapters of Zechariah are visions of the LORD’s protection and blessings that will make the exiles want to come back home. Each of the visions is set in the Persian period during the reign of Darius—a time when Jerusalem is building the temple but doesn’t have city walls to protect it. This is a dangerous situation, because to outside armies, it would have looked like an invitation to pillage the gold and valuables in the temple complex. The returnees have the destruction and shame of the exile fresh in their minds.

In these visions, God is saying to the people, in effect, “The exile is really over. I will protect and bless you in this place. Build my temple, and I will uphold and secure you against the nations.”

The last six chapters of Zechariah look beyond the current situation to a time when the surrounding nations are suffering and want the prosperity that Jerusalem has. These nations are powerful and willing to fight God’s people to get at the blessings He has given them. As with the first eight chapters, YHWH upholds and secures His people, in part by removing leaders, both local and foreign, who would take advantage of the blessings the YHWH has given.