THE PROPHET ZECHARIAH
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.
THE book of prophecy we are now entering upon, is not only recommended to our most diligent attention on account of its length, but on account of its great importance in the Church of Christ. The very many rich and precious things contained in it, which point to Jesus, and the blessed testimony it bears to Him, and his glorious character, as Mediator, are in themselves ample inducements to make every lover of the blessed Jesus prize this inspired book of God. Over and above the internal evidence it gives of its divine authority, the references made to it by the inspired writers of the New Testament, give it a peculiar claim upon our hearts. I think it is quoted no less than eight times by the Evangelists, and once by our Lord himself. Matthew 26:31. with Zechariah 13:7
Zechariah's name (or Zachariah, as read by some), is truly significant. Our pronunciation of it in English differs from the original, and thereby lessens to our recollection its power. It is Zachar and Jah! meaning remembrance, and the Lord. And is not this, when compounded, (I merely ask the question, not determine it), as an office under the Holy Ghost, to bring to remembrance of the Lord? The period of' Zechariah's prophecy was at the same time as Haggai ministered, and probably he was one of those that returned with the captivity from Babylon, somewhat about five hundred years before the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. May the Lord the Holy Ghost give to him that now writes, and to him that reads the words of this prophecy, grace to understand what is herein contained concerning Him, to whom all bear testimony, that we may with thankfulness receive the things which are freely given to us of God.