Welcome to a new Bible Study of the book of Zechariah, Chapter 1.

Let’s examine “Zechariah 1:1-21” from the King James Version (KJV) verse by verse. After we go through the verses, we will conclude with a Prayer.

Verse 1: “In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD unto Zechariah, the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying,”

This verse introduces the divine time frame and the messenger of GOD’S marvelous righteous Word. Zechariah is identified as a prophet, emphasizing the importance of his role.

Verse 2: “The LORD hath been sore displeased with your fathers.”

GOD’S displeasure with the ancestors of the Israelites highlights the ongoing consequences of disobedience and the serious nature of their past behaviors.

Verse 3: “Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the LORD of hosts.”

Here, our almighty GOD offers a call to repentance. It shows His desire for reconciliation and a two way relationship with His people.

Verse 4: “Be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets have cried, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye now from your evil ways, and from your evil doings: but they did not hear, nor hearken unto me, saith the LORD.”

Zechariah encourages the people to learn from their ancestors’ mistakes. The refusal to heed the prophets serves as a warning for contemporary listeners.

Verse 5: “Your fathers, where are they? and the prophets, do they live for ever?”

This verse emphasizes the transient nature of human life compared to GOD’S eternal message. It underscores the urgency of heeding GOD’S Word.

Verse 6: “But my Words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not take hold of your fathers? and they returned and said, Like as the LORD of hosts thought to do unto us, according to our ways, and according to our doings, so hath he dealt with us.”

Despite their past disobedience, GOD’S words ultimately had an impact. The realization of GOD’S judgment brings a sobering reflection on their condition.

Verse 7: “Upon the four and twentieth day of the eleventh month, which is the month Sebat, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the LORD unto Zechariah, saying,”

This verse marks another specific date, indicating that GOD’S communication is ongoing and relevant to their present circumstances.

Verse 8: “I saw by night, and behold a man riding upon a red horse, and he stood among the myrtle trees that were in the bottom; and behind him were there red horses, speckled, and white.”

This presents a vision that Zechariah is receiving. Horses often symbolize strength and might, suggesting a divine army or presence.

Verse 9: “Then said I, O my Lord, what are these? And the angel that talked with me said unto me, I will shew thee what these be.”

Zechariah is inquisitive, showing willingness to understand the vision. The angel is ready to interpret, signaling a relationship between heaven and earth.

Verse 10: “And the man that stood among the myrtle trees answered and said, These are they whom the LORD hath sent to walk to and fro through the earth.”

This verse indicates divine watchers, agents of GOD monitoring the state of affairs on earth. It illustrates GOD’S mighty active involvement in His creation.

Verse 11: “And they answered the angel of the LORD that stood among the myrtle trees, and said, We have walked to and fro through the earth, and, behold, all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest.”

The report from these divine watchers reveals a sense of peace among the nations, possibly suggesting complacency or lack of awareness of impending judgment.

Verse 12: “Then the angel of the LORD answered and said, O LORD of hosts, how long wilt thou not have mercy on Jerusalem and on the cities of Judah, against which thou hast had indignation these threescore and ten years?”

This expression shows a plea for mercy. The timeframe of seventy years connects to the Babylonian exile, illustrating a deep concern for GOD’S people.

Verse 13: “And the LORD answered the angel that talked with me with good words and comfortable words.”

GOD’S divine response is one great reassurance and comfort, emphasizing His compassion despite their disobedience.

Verse 14: “So the angel that communed with me said unto me, Cry thou, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy.”

GOD expresses His mighty, sovereign protective nature over Jerusalem and Zion, reflective of His covenant relationship with His people.

Verse 15: “And I am very sore displeased with the heathen that are at ease: for I was but a little displeased, and they helped forward the affliction.”

GOD is angered not only by His people’s disobedience but also by the actions of the surrounding nations who exploited their vulnerabilities!

Verse 16: “Therefore thus saith the LORD; I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies: my house shall be built in it, saith the LORD of hosts, and a line shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem.”

This is a promise of great fulfilling restoration. GOD reassures His people that He will return in mercy and the rebuilding of Jerusalem will commence.

Verse 17: “Cry yet, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad; and the LORD shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem.”

This reinforces the promise of prosperity and expansion, emphasizing GOD’S mighty divine will and affection for Jerusalem.

Verse 18: “Then lifted I up mine eyes, and saw, and behold four horns.”

The four horns symbolize the powers that have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem.

Verse 19: “And I said unto the angel that talked with me, What be these? And he answered me, These are the horns which have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem.”

This verse identifies the horns as the oppressors of Israel, explaining the source of their troubles.

Verse 20: “And the LORD shewed me four carpenters.”

The carpenters represent instruments of GOD’S judgment against those nations.

Verse 21: “Then said I, What come these to do? And he spake, saying, These are the horns which have scattered Judah, so that no man did lift up his head: but these are come to fray them, to cast out the horns of the Gentiles, which lifted up their horn over the land of Judah to scatter it.”

The final verse conveys a mighty message of hope; the carpenters are sent to bring relief and judgment against the oppressors of Israel.

Let us Pray:

Dear LORD, almighty HEAVENLY FATHER, We come before You in gratitude for Your marvelous righteous Word, which guides and instructs us in our daily lives. Thank You for the example of Your servant Zechariah, who faithfully delivered Your messages to Your people. Help us, dear LORD, almighty HEAVENLY FATHER to learn from the past and heed Your call to turn to You. Forgive us for any ways we may have wandered from Your truth. May Your Holy Spirit empower us to seek Your face and live according to Your divine ways. We thank You for Your mercy and the promise of restoration, just as You promised Jerusalem.
Guide us to be instruments of Your peace and infinite love, even in troubled times. We pray for those who feel scattered and lost, that they may find comfort and safety in Your presence. As we reflect on Your faithfulness, may we also be encouraged to extend grace and mercy to the many dear hearts and souls in this world. We trust in Your perfect divine plan, knowing with a trustworthy, peacefully understanding that You are our almighty sovereign, reigning HEAVENLY FATHER, who is ever watchful and working for our good. Thank you for hearing our prayers dear LORD almighty HEAVENLY FATHER. We pray all these things throughout the mighty, glorious, fulfilling name of JESUS CHRIST. Amen!

Much LoVe, JoY, Peace and Blessings to You, through JESUS CHRIST, our LORD, SAVIOUR and REDEEMER!