1. AUTHOR. — Zechariah, grandson of Iddo, a priest, probably born in Babylonia.

2. DATE. — From 520 B. c. to 518, or later.

3. PLACE. — Jerusalem.

4. HISTORICAL OCCASION. — He began his work two months after the Jews resumed the rebuilding of the temple at the instigation of Haggai. Some of his prophecies were delivered two years later, while the building was going on. It was during a time of discouragement for the Jews; they had been restored from exile, but their condition seemed in conflict with what had been promised.

5. LEADING TOPICS. — The restoration of the Theocracy to its ideal state, its enemies to be overcome, and the Messianic kingdom to be established in the earth.

6. CHIEF PURPOSE. — To show that glory and prosperity would be given to Jerusalem, though now it might be oppressed and disconsolate; to prevent disappointment arising from the fact that the promises made to God's people had not been realized after they returned from captivity, by giving the assurance that the kingdom of God would be established and made to triumph over all enemies. This promise is centred in a coming Messiah.

7. GENERAL ANALYSIS.

Part I. Visions, by which the people were to be encouraged, Ch. 1-6.

Part II. Fasts were to be turned into feasts, Ch. 7, 8.

Part III. Overthrow of enemies and the establishing of the Messianic kingdom, Ch. 9–14.

8. POINTS OF ESPECIAL INTEREST. — Jehovah jealous for Jerusalem; many nations to turn unto Jehovah; the coming of Zion's King; holiness to characterize God's people.

9. SPECIAL SINS CONDEMNED. — Of Judah: Refusal to hear the commands of former prophets; of the Gentiles: Hostility to Jerusalem.

10. NATIONAL HOPES PRESENTED. — Permanent establishment of the people after being delivered from the oppression of their enemies.

11. MESSIANIC IDEAS. — A time when God would dwell among his people; Christ as priest and ruler typified; many peoples to seek Jehovah; everything to be holy unto Jehovah. There are many predictions that were literally fulfilled: Christ's entry into Jerusalem; sold for thirty pieces of silver; smitten, and the sheep scattered; to be pierced; a fountain opened to the house of David. The book is pre eminently Messianic.

12. RELATION TO OTHER O. T. BOOKS. — Interested in the same work as Haggai; repeats promises made by Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel, that God's people would be restored and established; repeats the prophecy of Daniel that God's kingdom would prevail; gives Messianic thoughts similar to former prophets, but with more details. It gives assurance that former promises would not fail.

13. TOPICS FOR SPECIAL STUDY. — The religious and secular condition of the Jews at the time of Zechariah.