Answer
The prophet Zechariah is the author of the book bearing his name, as indicated in the first verse (Zechariah 1:1). Part of the twelve Minor Prophets, the book of Zechariah is placed just before the final Old Testament book. Zechariah was penned during the reign of King Darius of Persia, during the time the Israelites’ were rebuilding their temple in Jerusalem. Haggai was a contemporaneous prophet.
The book of Zechariah contains warnings and encouragement for the returned exiles. It also includes messianic prophecies that point toward a coming king who would also be a priest (see Zechariah 6:9–13). Similar to Daniel, Ezekiel, and Isaiah, Zechariah had symbolic visions that form a major aspect of his message.
Zechariah came from a priestly lineage, being the grandson of Iddo, a priest. Iddo is listed among the priests and Levites who had returned to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel and Joshua (Nehemiah 12:1–4). Zechariah is also listed as the “leader of the family of Iddo” (verse 16), indicating that he returned from exile with his grandfather. In addition to being a prophet, Zechariah held a priestly role, a duality reflected in his writings. Zechariah was likely young when he prophesied (Zechariah 2:4).
The book of Zechariah is divided into two sections. The first part abounds with symbolic visions, following a general call to repentance. These eight visions are all geared toward encouraging the people in the building of the temple. Like Haggai, Zechariah emphasizes the rebuilding of the temple and the restoration of Jerusalem. The central vision portrays the coronation of Joshua, the high priest, symbolizing the Priestly King called the Branch (Zechariah 6:11–14). The second part of Zechariah carries messianic significance (see Zechariah 9:9). Of all the minor prophets, Zechariah has the highest number of messianic prophecies, leading some commentators to view it as a miniature Isaiah. Some scholars also view Ezekiel as a potential influence on Zechariah.
Authorship of Zechariah isn’t highly contested. However, some scholars suggest a dual authorship theory, attributing the first part to the prophet and the second to later contributors. However, there’s no reason to dispute the single authorship of Zechariah.
The name Zechariah, meaning “Yahweh remembers,” encapsulates the book’s main theme. Despite the past and future sin of the people, God remains faithful. Israel had paid a hefty price for their persistent rebellion, but God always remembers His promises. His promises will ultimately be fulfilled in the Branch, Jesus Christ.
