ZECHARIAH (Whom Jehovah remembers), the son of Berechiah, and grandson of Iddo, was probably of the tribe of Levi, born in Babylon, and also came to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel. He began to prophesy two months after Haggai (i. 1), and continued during two years, encouraging the Jews to prosecute the erection of the Temple. He also foreshadowed the history of the people and of the Christian Church. The book is full of allusions to the Advent of the Messiah, and is frequently quoted in the New Testament. It consists of three parts: (1) Nine visions of the glory of the kingdom and worship of the Messiah (i.–vi.). (2) A colloquy between the prophet and a deputation from Babylon, regarding the fasts of penitence for the destruction of the Temple, and his exhortation to convert them into feasts of restoration (vii., viii.). (3) The history of the Jews and of the Church to the final judgment (ix.–xiv.).

Summary. Section I. The nine visions, viz.:—1. (i. 7-17). A rider on a red horse, among the myrtle-trees, symbolising a general peace over the whole land, and the cessation of opposition to the building of the Temple. 2. (i. 18-21). Four horns (i.e. four enemies of the Jews), and four carpenters, by whom they are broken. 3. (ii. 1-9). Man with a measuring-line, enlarging the boundaries of Jerusalem; i.e. her increase, enclosing the Gentiles. 4. (iii.). Joshua (the High Priest), changing filthy garments for new ones, signifies the restoration of Judah, and advent of "The Branch." 5. (iv.). A golden lamp, fed by two olive-trees; i.e. the rebuilding of the Temple, and future glorification of the Church by the unction of the Holy Spirit. 6. (v. 1-4). A flying roll; i.e. vengeance on the ungodly. 7. (v. 5-11). A woman, pressed into an ephah by a leaden weight, and borne eastward; i.e. repression and banishment of idolatry. 8. (vi. 1-8). Four chariots issuing from two brazen mountains; i.e. the course of Divine Providence. 9. (vi. 9-15). Crowning of Joshua; i.e. the regal and priestly office of "The Branch."

Section II. Colloquy between the prophet and exiles regarding the fasts.

1. (vii.). The nature of a true fast.

2. (viii.). On conversion of fasts into feasts.

Section III. The future destiny of the Jewish Church and people. 1. (ix. 1-7). Peace under Alexander's rule. 2. (ix. 12-17). Revival of power under the Maccabees. 3. (xi.-xii. 12). A reverse (caused by the rejection of Messiah—punished by the destruction of Jerusalem). 4. (xii. 3-14). A period of penitence and hope. 5. (xiv.). Return of the Messiah to Jerusalem in triumph over His enemies, and the inauguration of theocratic glory.

Date. The style of the composition and the frequent Chaldaisms establish the lateness of its composition. The difference between the earlier and later portions has led some modern critics to doubt the genuineness of the last six chapters, but their conjectures are ably refuted by Dr. Pusey.