Zechariah 9 - Introduction

CHAPTER XXXVII

PREFACE TO SECTION II

The opening verse of Zechariah, chapter nine, marks the beginning of the truly apocalyptic section of the prophet's work. As has been previously indicated, the probable reason for the shift to this style of writing is to avoid a confrontation with the Medo-Persian authorities. We shall see that, in this last six Chapter s, Zechariah makes predictions which, if written literally, would have brought the wrath of an otherwise benevolent Darius down upon Judah perhaps to her permanent destruction. Daniel, written during the Babylonian captivity, and Revelation, written during the heat of Roman persecution are two further examples among others in the Bible of the use of apocalypses in writing predictive prophecy for the purpose of protecting the readers.

Because of the sudden shift in style of writing between this and the first section of the book, the form critics of the Bible have had a field day with Zechariah. Their attacks have centered largely upon the date of writing and the identity of the author.
It is not within the scope of this work to answer these critics, except to say that there is no solid evidence, either internal or external to deny its place as part of the message of Zechariah. The sudden change in style is brought about by the content of the predictions. The change in subject matter is occasioned by the fact that, unlike the first eight Chapter s, this section is not written to motivate the people to build. It deals with that which is to come after the building of the temple.
Having said this in defense of the second section of Zechariah, we must, for the sake of our own study, recognize that, in all probability, the second section of Zechariah was written much later in the life of the prophet than the first section. There are in it no problems relating to the building of the temple The author does not use the first person singular, as he did in the first section, and most important, the historical viewpoint is entirely changed from the first part of the book.

A broad outline of the section will divide it into three major divisions: (1) the triumph of Zion through her Messiah (Zechariah 9:1 to Zechariah 10:12). (2) the good and foolish shepherds (Zechariah 11:1-17) and (3) final events (Chapter s 12-14).

The third of these major divisions may be subdivided into (a) Judah's victory over the attackers and (b) the approaching Day of the Lord.
The final section of Zechariah is easier to follow if one keeps in mind (1) the prophet is concerned primarily with the final consummation of God's dealing with the Jews as a race and nation and (2) in the foretelling of this he interrupts himself frequently to deal with historic events which will intervene between his own time and the end time.
The coming of the Messiah must await the rebuilding of the temple, the invasion of the Greeks, and the Maccabean revolt. The final restoration of the Jewish nation must await the coming of the Good Shepherd, His rejection by the Jews, and the consequent dissolution of the covenant relationship with the Jews as a race. This will be followed by a break up of the nation and its dispersion throughout the world. Only then will the nation be re-established, and wail at the sight of Him Whom they have pierced and become the instrument of establishing the universal reign of Jehovah.
We must digress here to call attention again to Zechariah's influence on the New Testament. Most of this influence comes from the second section of the book.
In the first section we saw the recurrent references to the Branch. These are not directly quoted in the New Testament, but the concept of the Messiah as priest and King expressed in this figure plays a prominent role in the New Testament understanding of Jesus as Lord and Christ.

The emphasis which we find in the second section of Zechariah are directly quoted in the New Testament as applying specifically to the events and the person of Jesus. The king riding on the ass (Zechariah 9:9) is seen as fulfilled literally in Jesus-' triumphal entry into Jerusalem (cf. Matthew 21:4 -ff, John 12:15).

The betrayal of Jesus by Judas for thirty pieces of silver is seen as the fulfillment of Zechariah 11:12 -f. (cp. Matthew 26:15; Matthew 27:9 -ff)

When the Jews who insisted to Pilate that Jesus be executed looked upon the dying Savior, the Gospel writers saw it as the fulfillment of Zechariah 12:10. (cp. John 19:37, Revelation 1:7)

The smitten shepherd of Zechariah 13:7 is seen fulfilled in the crucifixion also. (cp. Matthew 26:31, Mark 14:27)

Jesus is also seen as the King who reigns from sea to sea (Zechariah 9:10) and the fountain for cleansing (Zechariah 13:1).

Other influences of Zechariah on the New Testament include the prophet's insistence upon honesty of God's people one with another (Zechariah 8:16 cp. Ephesians 4:25), as well as some of John's word pictures in Revelation, as for example the four horsemen (Zechariah 6:1-8 cp. Revelation 6:2 -ff), the two olive trees (Zechariah 4:3 -ff cp. Revelation 11:4), and the lampstand and seven eyes (Zechariah 4:2-10 cp. Revelation 1:12 -f).

Chapter XXXVIIQuestions

Preface to Section II

1.

The opening verse of chapter nine marks the beginning of the truly

________________ section of the prophetic work of Zechariah.

2.

What is the probable reason for the shift to this style?

3.

How have the critics attacked Zechariah at this point?

4.

Suggest some answers to this criticism.

5.

When was Zechariah 9-14 written in relationship to the opening Chapter s?

6.

Give a brief outline of Zechariah, Chapter s 9-14.

7.

The first half of the final section of Zechariah is concerned with ________________.

8.

The final half of this section is concerned with ________________.

9.

Discuss Zechariah's influence on the New Testament.

10.

What are other Biblical examples of apocalyptic writing?