Zechariah 1:7 – 4:14
Vision 1 – Man Among the Myrtle Trees – Zechariah 1:7-17
During the night Zechariah had a vision or dream. Among the myrtle trees He saw a man riding a red horse with others horses behind him. Verse 11 identifies the man as the Angel of the Lord. In the Old Testament the Angel of the Lord is Jesus before His incarnation in Bethlehem. Myrtle trees are small trees that can only grow about 30 tall. They represent the lowly people, the Jews. This vision of Jesus and His angels in the middle of the oppressed people is given to encourage and to show His powerful presence with them even in trials.
God was jealous for Jerusalem and used the pagan nations to bring judgment on His sinning people. He showed compassion for Israel and brought them back after 70 years in exile. Now He promises them His house would be rebuilt, the towns would be prosperous, and He would bring comfort to them.
Principle: God encourages us with His powerful presence.
Vision 2 – The Four Horns & Craftsmen – Zechariah 1:18-21
Zechariah looked up and saw before him 4 horns. These horns were the nations that destroyed and scattered the people of Israel. God allowed these nations to punish them because they had done wrong things. God still cared for them and showed Zechariah that He had a plan to destroy those nations and He would save His people.
The craftsmen that Zechariah saw are those that God will send to judge the nations that scattered His people. He will destroy their enemies.
Hearing that God cares for Israel and has future plans for them would have certainly encouraged them.
Psalm 121 tells us that our help comes from the Lord. He never slumbers or sleeps. He is our shade in the sun. He will keep us from all harm and watch over our life both now and forever.
Principles:
Vision 3 – The Man Measuring Jerusalem – Zechariah 2
This chapter is a message of hope and encouragement for Israel, assuring them of God’s faithfulness and protective presence. God promised His people would rebuild Jerusalem. Zechariah saw a man with a measuring line measuring Jerusalem. Then an angel came to him and said there was no need to measure because it would not need walls. The Lord Himself will be its wall with a protective “wall of fire” around it and He will be the glory within it. This refers to the 2nd coming of Jesus and the New Jerusalem, which will have no need for sun or moon. His glory will be its light.
Specific promises regarding Judah and Jerusalem:
These promises are encouraging, because God is faithful and He keeps promises. All His promises will be fulfilled and He will be with us forever.
God’s promises are for all mankind, because He has come for all those who believe in Him. We are to be still and be in awe of Him and know that He is God. (Zech. 2:13; Ps. 46:10; Hab. 2:20).
Principle: God’s presence is our protection.
Vision 4 – Joshua and the Branch – Zechariah 3
Zechariah had a vision of Joshua representing Israel standing before the Angel of the Lord and Satan. Joshua or Israel had filthy garments representing the sins of the people. Satan is accusing him, but the Angel of the Lord rebuked Satan. Joshua is encouraged by being cleansed symbolizing the removal of sin and is then clothed in a clean robe signifying righteousness and restoration.
When a person comes to Christ, his filthy clothes of sin are removed and he puts on clean garments making him righteous. He accepts Jesus as his Savoir and his sins are forgiven; he is saved. He puts on a new self; the old self is gone. (Eph. 4:24).
Zechariah 3:3-8 points to Jesus as the branch, the future Messiah. Being cleansed and clothed in new garments is done by the work of Jesus’s atoning work on the cross and His victory over sin and Satan.
Principle: God forgives our sins, removes our shame, redefines us, and clothes us in righteousness through Jesus Christ.
If God has not rescued you from your sins, you must allow Him to cleanse you by His grace through Christ. If He has rescued you, it is so you can now serve Him as you walk in His ways.
Vision 5 – Lampstand and Olive Trees – Zechariah 4
Zechariah had another dream or vision. The 5th encourages the high priest Zerubbabel telling him the temple that he had started will be completed and the Jews will become a light to all nations. Zechariah saw a gold lampstand with 7 lamps and a bowl at the top filled with oil. Beside it was 2 olive trees, each with a branch extended to the bowl that poured oil from the tree. The oil that continually flows symbolizes the Holy spirit. The 2 branches are Joshua and Zerubbabel. Together they are a type of Jesus as He is Priest and King.
To Zerubbabel the rebuilding of the temple seemed like a great mountain. He was encouraged when told it would not be built by human strength or political power, but by the Spirit of God Himself.
This is encouraging to us to know that when we feel weak and overwhelmed, we can take our strength from His power, His might, and the Spirit of God Himself.
Principle: It’s by God grace that we accomplish His purposes in the world.
Key Verse: “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty.” – Zech. 4:6
Next week we will continue our study in Zechariah. -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.
Resources:
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