We meet with many of this name in Scripture, and it is not to be wondered at, when we consider the sense of it, and the general desire which the Hebrews all had, to carry somewhat in name, which referred to the Lord. Zachar means memory, and Jah the Lord. Zechariah therefore, seemed to intimate the hope, that the person so called should be remembered of the Lord.
king of Israel, 2Ki 14:29. He succeeded his father Jeroboam II, A.M. 3220. He reigned but six months, and was murdered.
2. ZECHARIAH, son of Jehoiada, high priest of the Jews; probably the same as Azariah, 1Ch 6:10-11. He was put to death by the order of Joash, A.M. 3164, 2Ch 24:20-22. Some think this is the Zacharias mentioned Mat 23:35.
3. ZECHARIAH, the eleventh of the twelve lesser prophets, was the son of Barachiah, and the grandson of Iddo. He was born during the captivity, and came to Jerusalem when the Jews were permitted by Cyrus to return to their own country. He began to prophesy two months later than Haggai, and continued to exercise his office about two years. Like his contemporary Haggai, Zechariah begins with exhorting the Jews to proceed in the rebuilding of the temple; he promises them the aid and protection of God, and assures them of the speedy increase and prosperity of Jerusalem; he then emblematically describes the four great empires, and foretels the glory of the Christian church when Jews and Gentiles shall be united under their great High Priest and Governor, Jesus Christ, of whom Joshua the high priest, and Zerubbabel the governor, were types; he predicts many particulars relative to our Saviour and his kingdom, and to the future condition of the Jews. Many moral instructions and admonitions are interspersed throughout the work. Several learned men have been of opinion that the last six chapters were not written by Zechariah; but whoever wrote them, their inspired authority is established by their being quoted in three of the Gospels, Mat 26:31; Mar 14:27; Joh 19:37. The style of Zechariah is so remarkably similar to that of Jeremiah, that the Jews were accustomed to observe, that the spirit of Jeremiah had passed into him. By far the greater part of this book is prosaic; but toward the conclusion there are some poetical passages which are highly ornamented. The diction is in general perspicuous, and the transitions to the different subjects are easily discerned.
Zechariah (whom Jehovah remembers), a very common name among the Jews, borne by the following persons mentioned in Scripture.
Zechariah , 1
Zechariah, son of Jeroboam II, and fourteenth king of Israel. He ascended the throne in B.C. 772, and reigned six months. The few months of Zechariah’s reign just sufficed to evince his inclination to follow the bad course of his predecessors; and he was then slain by Shallum, who usurped the crown. With his life ended the dynasty of Jehu (2Ki 14:29; 2Ki 15:8-12).
Zechariah , 2
Zechariah, high priest in the time of Joash, king of Judah. He was son, or perhaps grandson, of Jehoiada and Jehosheba; the latter was the aunt of the king, who owed to her his crown, as he did his education and throne to her husband [JOASH]. Zechariah could not bear to see the evil courses into which the monarch eventually fell, and by which the return of the people to their old idolatries was facilitated, if not encouraged. Therefore, when the people were assembled at one of the solemn festivals, he took the opportunity of lifting up his voice against the growing corruptions. This was in the presence of the king, in the court of the temple. The people were enraged at his honest boldness, and with the connivance of the king, if not by a direct intimation from him, they seized the pontiff, and stoned him to death, even in that holy spot, ’between the temple and the altar.’ His dying cry was not that of the first Christian martyr, ’Lord, lay not this sin to their charge’ (Act 7:60), but ’The Lord look upon it, and require it’ (2Ch 24:20-22). It is to this dreadful affair that our Lord is supposed to allude in Mat 23:35; Luk 11:51.
Zechariah , 3
Zechariah, described as one ’who had understanding in the visions of God’ (2Ch 26:5). It is doubtful whether this eulogium indicates a prophet, or simply describes one eminent for his piety and faith. During his lifetime Uzziah, king of Judah, was guided by his counsels, and prospered: but went wrong when death had deprived him of his wise guidance. Nothing is known of this Zechariah’s history. It is possible that he may be the same whose daughter became the wife of Ahaz, and mother of Hezekiah (2Ki 16:1-2; 2Ch 29:1).
Zechariah , 4
Zechariah, son of Jeberechiah, a person whom, together with Urijah the high priest, Isaiah took as a legal witness of his marriage with ’the prophetess’ (Isa 8:2). This was in the reign of Ahaz, and the choice of the prophet shows that Zechariah was a person of consequence.
Zechariah , 5
Zechariah, the eleventh in order of the Minor Prophets, was ’the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo, the prophet.’ He seems to have entered upon his office in early youth (Zec 2:4). The period of his introduction to it is specified as the eighth month of the second year of Darius, a very short time later than the prophet Haggai. The mission of Zechariah had especial reference to the affairs of the nation that had been restored to its territory. The second edict, granting permission to rebuild the temple, had been issued, and the office of Zechariah was to incite the flagging zeal of the people, in order that the auspicious period might be a season of religious revival as well as of ecclesiastical reorganization; and that the theocratic spirit might resume its former tone and energy in the breasts of all who were engaged in the work of restoring the ’holy and beautiful house,’ where their fathers had praised Jehovah. The prophet assures them of success in the work of re-erecting the sacred edifice, despite of every combination against them; for Zerubbabel ’should bring forth the head stone with shouting, Grace, grace unto it’—comforts them with a solemn pledge that, amid fearful revolutions and conquests by which other nations were to be swept away, they should remain uninjured; for, says Jehovah, ’He that toucheth you toucheth the apple of mine eye’—sketches in a few vivid touches the blessings and glory of the advent of Messiah—imparts consolation to those who were mourning over their un-worthiness, and pronounces a heavy doom on the selfish and disobedient, and on such as in a remote age, imbibing their spirit, ’should fall after the same example of unbelief.’ The pseudo-Epiphanius records some prodigies wrought by Zechariah in the land of Chaldea, and some wondrous oracles which he delivered; and he and Dorotheus both agree in declaring that the prophet died in Judea in a good old age, and was buried beside his colleague Haggai.
The book of Zechariah consists of four general divisions.
I. The introduction or inaugural discourse (Zec 1:1-16).
II. A series of nine visions, extending onwards to Zechariah 7, communicated to the prophet in the third month after his installation. These visions were—
A rider on a roan horse among the myrtle-trees, with his equestrian attendants, who report to him the peace of the world, symbolizing the fitness of the time for the fulfillment of the promises of God, his people’s protector.
Four horns, symbols of the oppressive enemies by which Judah had been on all sides surrounded, and four carpenters, by whom these horns are broken, emblems of the destruction of these anti-theocratic powers.
A man with a measuring-line describing a wider circumference for the site of Jerusalem, as its population was to receive a vast increase, foreshowing that many more Jews would return from Babylon and join their countrymen, and indicating the conversion of heathen nations under the Messiah, when out of Zion should go forth the law and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
The high-priest Joshua before the angel of the Lord, with Satan at his right hand to oppose him. The sacerdotal representative of the people, clad in the filthy garments in which he had returned from captivity, seems to be a type of the guilt and degradation of his country; while forgiveness and restoration are the blessings which the pontiff symbolically receives from Jehovah, when he is reclad in holy apparel and crowned with a spotless turban, the vision at the same time stretching into far futurity, and including the advent of Jehovah’s servant the Branch.
A golden lamp-stand fed from two olive-trees, one growing on each side, an image of the value and divine glory of the theocracy as now seen in the restored Jewish church, supported, not ’by might nor by power, but by the Spirit of Jehovah,’ and of the spiritual development of the old theocracy in the Christian church, which enlightens the world through the continuous influence of the Holy Ghost.
A flying roll, the breadth of the temple-porch, containing on its one side curses against the ungodly, and on its other anathemas against the immoral, denoting that the head of the theocracy, the Lord of the temple, would from his place punish those who violated either the first or the second table of his law.
A woman in an ephah (at length pressed down into it by a sheet of lead laid over its mouth), borne along in the air by two female figures with storks’ wings, representing the sin and punishment of the nation. The fury, whose name is Wickedness, is repressed, and transported to the land of Shinar; i.e. idolatry, in the persons of the captive Jews, was forever removed at that period from the Holy Land, and, as it were, taken to Babylon, the home of image-worship.
Four chariots issuing from two copper mountains, and drawn respectively by red, black, white, and spotted horses, the vehicles of the four winds of heaven, a hieroglyph of the swiftness and extent of divine judgments against the former oppressors of the covenant people. Judgments seem issuing from God’s holy habitation in the midst of the ’mountains which are round about Jerusalem,’ or from between those two hills, the ravine dividing which forms the valley of Jehoshaphat, directly under the temple mountain, where dwelt the head of the theocracy.
The last scene is not properly a vision, but an oracle in connection with the preceding visions, and in reference to a future symbolical act to be performed by the prophet. In presence of a deportation of Jews from Babylon, the prophet was charged to place a crown on the head of Joshua the high-priest, a symbol which, whatever was its immediate signification, was designed to prefigure the royal and sacerdotal dignity of the man whose name is Branch, who should sit as ’a priest upon his throne.’
The meaning of all the preceding varied images and scenes is explained to the prophet by an attendant angelic interpreter.
III. A collection of four oracles delivered at various times in the fourth year of Darius, and partly occasioned by a request of the nation to be divinely informed, whether, now on their happy return to their fatherland, the month of Jerusalem’s overthrow should be registered in their sacred calendar as a season of fasting and humiliation. The prophet declares that these times should in future ages be observed as festive solemnities.
IV. Zechariah 8-11 contains a variety of prophecies unfolding the fortunes of the people, their safety in the midst of Alexander’s expedition, and their victories under the Maccabean chieftains, including the fate of many of the surrounding nations, Hadrach (Persia), Damascus, Tyre, and Philistia.
V. Zechariah 12-14 graphically portrays the future condition of the people, especially in Messianic times, and contains allusions to the siege of the city, the means of escape by the cleaving of the Mount of Olives, with a symbol of twilight breaking into day, and living water issuing from Jerusalem, concluding with a blissful vision of the enlarged prosperity and holiness of the theocratic metropolis, when upon the bells of the horses shall be inscribed ’holiness unto the Lord.’
The language of Zechariah has not the purity and freshness of a former age. A slight tinge of Chaldaism pervades the composition. The symbols with which he abounds are obscure, and their prosaic structure is diffuse and unvaried. The rhythm of his poetry is unequal, and its parallelisms are inharmonious and disjointed. His language has in many phrases a close alliance with that of the other prophets, and occasional imitations of them, especially of Ezekiel, characterize his oracles. He is also peculiar in his introduction of spiritual beings into his prophetic scenes.
Zechariah , 6
Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist [JOHN THE BAPTIST].
1. Son of Berechiah, and grandson of Iddo the priest; called the son of Iddo in Ezr 5:1 6:14, and his successor in the priesthood, Neh 12:4,16, perhaps because Berechiah was then dead. Zechariah is the eleventh of the minor prophets. He returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel, and began to prophesy while yet young, Zec 2:4, in the second year of Darius son of Hystaspes, B. C. 520, in the eighth month of the holy year, and two months after Haggai. These two prophets, with united zeal, encouraged the people to resume the work of the temple, which had been discontinued for some years, Ezr 5:1 .\par Zechariah’s prophecies concerning the Messiah are more particular and express than those of most other prophets, and many of them, like those of Daniel, are couched in symbols. The book opens with a brief introduction; after which six chapters contain a series of visions, setting forth the fitness of that time for the promised restoration of Israel, the destruction of the enemies of God’s people, the conversion of heathen nations, the advent of Messiah the Branch, the outpouring and blessed influences of the Holy Spirit, and the importance and safety of faithfully adhering to the service of their covenant God. Zec 7:1-14 relates to commemorative observances. Zec 9:1-11:17 predict the prosperity of Judah during the times of the Maccabees, together with the fate of Persia and other adjacent kingdoms. The remaining three chapters describe the future destiny of the Jews, the siege of Jerusalem, the triumphs of Messiah, and the glories of the latter day when "Holiness to the Lord" shall be inscribed on all things.\par 2. A wise and faithful prophetic counselor of king Uzziah, whose death was the beginning of calamities to Judah, 2Ch 26:5,16, perhaps the same who was the father-in-law of Ahaz, 2Ch 28:27 29:1\par 3. A son of Jeberechiah, associated with Urijah the high-priest by Isaiah as a "faithful witness," Isa 8:1 2Ch 29:13 .\par 4. A son of Jehoiada. See ZACHARIAS 1.\par
Zechariah.
1. The eleventh, in order, of the twelve minor prophets. He is called, in his prophecy, the son of Berechiah and the grandson of Iddo, whereas, in the book of Ezra, Ezr 5:1; Ezr 6:14, he is said to have been, the son of Iddo. It is natural to suppose as the prophet himself mentions his father’s name, whereas the book of Ezra mentions only Iddo, that Berechiah had died early, and that there was now no intervening link between the grandfather and the grandson.
Zechariah, like Jeremiah and Ezekiel before him, was priest as well as prophet. He seems to have entered upon his office while yet young, Zec 2:4, and must have been born in Babylon, whence, he returned with the first caravan of exiles under Zerubbabel and Jeshua.
It was in the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, that he first publicly discharged his office. In this, he acted in concert with Haggai. Both prophets had the same great object before them; both directed all their energies to the building of the second Temple. To their influence, we find the rebuilding of the Temple in a great measure ascribed. If the later Jewish accounts may be trusted, Zechariah, as well as Haggai, was a member of the Great Synagogue.
The genuine writings of Zechariah help us but little in our estimate of his character. Some faint traces, however, we may observe in them, of his education in Babylon. He leans avowedly on the authority of the older prophets, and copies their expressions. Jeremiah especially seems to have been his favorite; and hence, the Jewish saying that "the spirit of Jeremiah dwelt in Zechariah." But in what may be called the peculiarities of his prophecy, he approaches more nearly to Ezekiel and Daniel. Like them, he delights in visions; like them, he uses symbols and allegories rather than the bold figures and metaphors which lend so much force and beauty to the writings of the earlier prophets. Generally speaking, Zechariah’s style is pure, and remarkably free from Chaldaisms.
2. Son of Meshelemiah or Shelemiah, a Korhite, and keeper of the north gate of the Tabernacle of the congregation, 1Ch 9:21. (B.C. 1043).
3. One of the sons of Jehiel. 1Ch 9:37.
4. A Levite of the second order in the Temple band as arranged by David, appointed to play "with psalteries on Alamoth." 1Ch 15:18; 1Ch 15:20. (B.C. 1043).
5. One of the princes of Judah, in the reign of Jehoshaphat. 2Ch 17:7. (B.C. 910).
6. Son of the high priest Jehoiada, in the reign of Joash, king of Judah, 2Ch 24:20, and therefore , the king’s cousin. After the death of Jehoiada, Zechariah probably succeeded to his office, and in attempting to check the reaction in favor of idolatry which immediately followed, he fell a victim to a conspiracy formed against him, by the king, and was stoned in the court of the Temple. He is probably the same as the "Zacharias son of Barachias" who was slain between the Temple and the altar. Mat 23:35. See Zacharias, 2. (B.C. 838).
7. A Kohathite Levite, in the reign of Josiah. 2Ch 34:12. (B.C. 628).
8. The leader of the sons of Pharosh, who returned with Ezra. Ezr 8:3. (B.C. 450).
9. Son of Behai. Ezr 8:11.
10. One of the chiefs of the people whom Ezra summoned in council at the river Ahava. Ezr 8:16. He stood at Ezra’s left hand when he expounded the law to the people. Neh 8:4. (B.C. 459).
11. One of the family of Elam who had married a foreign wife after the captivity. Ezr 10:26. (B.C.458).
12. Ancestor of Athaiah or Uthai. Neh 11:4.
13. A Shilonite, descendant of Perez. Neh 11:5.
14. A priest, son of Pashur. Neh 11:12.
15. The representative of the priestly family of Iddo, in the days of Joiakim, the son of Jeshua. Neh 12:16. (B.C. 536). Possibly the same as Zechariah the prophet, the son of Iddo.
16. One of the priests, son of Jonathan, who blew with the trumpets at the dedication of the city wall by Ezra and Nehemiah. Neh 12:36; Neh 12:41. (B.C. 446).
17. A chief of the Reubenites, at the time of the captivity by Tiglath-pileser. 1Ch 5:7. (B.C. 740).
18. One of the priests who accompanied the Ark from the house of Obed-edom. 1Ch 15:24. (B.C. 1043).
19. Son of Isshiah or Jesiah, a Kohathite Levite, descended from Uzziel. 1Ch 24:25. (B.C. 1043).
20. Fourth son of Hosah, of the children of Merari. 1Ch 26:11.
21. A Manassite. 1Ch 27:21-22.
22. The father of Jahaziel. 2Ch 20:14.
23. One of the sons of Jehoshaphat. 2Ch 21:2.
24. A prophet in the reign of Uzziah, who appears to have acted as the king’s counsellor, but of whom nothing is known. 2Ch 26:5. (B.C. 807).
25. The father of Abijah or Abi, Hezekiah’s mother. 2Ch 29:1.
26. One of the family of Asaph, in the reign of Hezekiah. 2Ch 29:13. (B.C. 727).
27. One of the rulers of the Temple, in the reign of Josiah. 2Ch 35:8. (B.C. 628).
28. The son of Jeberechiah, who was taken by the prophet Isaiah as one of the "faithful witnesses to record," when he wrote concerning Maher-shalal-hash-baz. Isa 8:2. (B.C. 723). He may have been the Levite of the same name who, in the reign of Hezekiah, assisted in the purification of the Temple. 2Ch 29:13. Another conjecture is that he is the same as Zechariah, the father of Abijah, the queen of Ahaz.
1. Eleventh of the 12 minor prophets. Son of Berechiah, grandson of Iddo; Ezra (Ezr 5:1; Exr 6:14) says son of Iddo, omitting Berechiah the intermediate link, as less known, and perhaps having died early. Zechariah was probably, like Ezekiel, priest as well as prophet, Iddo being the priest who returned with Zerubbabel and Joshua from Babylon (Neh 12:4; Neh 12:16). His priestly birth suits the sacerdotal character of his prophecies (Zec 6:13).
He left Babylon, where he was born, very young. Zechariah began prophesying in youth (Zec 2:4), "this young man. In the eighth month, in Darius’ second year (520 B.C.), Zechariah first prophesied with Haggai (who began two months earlier) in support of Zerubbabel and Shealtiel in the building of the temple, which had been suspended under Pseudo-Smerdis Artaxerxes (Ezr 4:24; Ezr 5:1-2; Ezr 6:14). The two, "Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo" the priest prophet, according to a probable tradition composed psalms for the liturgy of the temple: Psalms 137; 146 to 148, according to Septuagint; Psalm 125, 126
The Hallelujah characterizes the post exile psalms, it occurs at both beginning and end of Psalms 146 to 150; these are all joyous thanksgivings, free from the lamentations which appear in the other post exile psalms. Probably sung at the consecration of the walls under Nehemiah; but Hengstenberg thinks at the consecration of the second temple. Jewish tradition makes Zecharia a member of the great synagogue.
2. Firstborn son of Meshelemiah, a Korhite, keeper of the N. gate of the tabernacle under David (1Ch 9:21; 1Ch 26:2; 1Ch 26:14, "a wise counsellor".)
3. One of the sons of Jehiel (1Ch 9:37); in 1Ch 8:31 Zacher.
4. A Levite in the tabernacle choir under David, "with psalteries on Alamoth" (1Ch 15:20); of the second order of Levites (verse 18), a porter or gatekeeper.
5. One of Judah’s princes under Jehoshaphat, sent to teach the law of Jehovah in Judah’s cities (2Ch 17:7).
6. Son of Jehoiada, and so cousin of king Joash whom Jehoiada saved from Athaliah (2Ch 24:20).
7. A Kohathite Levite under Josiah, an overseer of the temple repairs (2Ch 34:12).
8. Leader of the sons of Pharosh, returned from Babylon with Ezra (Ezr 8:3).
9. Son of Bebai; also returned, leading 28 males, with Ezra (Ezr 8:11).
10. A chief, summoned by Ezra to the consultation at the river Ahava, before the second caravan returned (Ezr 8:16); at Ezra’s left, in expounding the law (Neh 8:4).
11. Of Elam’s family; married a foreign wife (Neh 10:26).
12. Ancestor of Uthai or Athaiah (Neh 11:4).
13. A Shilonite, ancestor of Maaseiah (Neh 11:5).
14. A priest, son of Pashur, ancestor of Adaiah (Neh 11:12).
15. Representing Iddo the priest’s family, in the time of Joiakim, son of Jeshua (Neh 12:16); probably the same as Zechariah the prophet, son (descendant) of Iddo.
16. A priest, son of Jonathan, blew the trumpet at the dedication of the city wall (Neh 12:35; Neh 12:41).
17. A Reubenite chief in Tiglath Pileser’s time, at Israel’s captivity (1Ch 5:7).
18. A priest who blew the trumpet in the procession of the ark (1Ch 15:24).
19. Son of Isshiah or Jesiah (1Ch 24:25).
20. Hosah’s fourth son (1Ch 26:11).
21. A Manassite, father of Iddo, chief in Gilead under David (1Ch 27:21).
22. Father of Jahaziel (2Ch 20:14).
23. Son of Jehoshaphat (2Ch 21:2), slain by Jehoram.
24. Uzziah’s prophetical counselor (2Ch 26:5), "who had understanding in the visions of God" ("who had insight into seeing of God"); compare Dan 1:17; as this phrase is not equivalent to "who had prophetic visions from God," but to such "seeing of God" as was granted to the elders of Israel in Exo 24:10, it is better to read
25. Father of Abijah or Abi, Hezekiah’s mother (2Ch 29:1).
26. One of Asaph’s family who joined in purifying the temple under Hezekiah (2Ch 29:13).
27..A ruler of the temple under Josiah (2Ch 35:8), "the second priest" next to Hilkiah the high priest (2Ch 34:9; 2Ki 25:18).
28. Son of Jeberechiah, taken by Isaiah as one of the "faithful witnesses to record" when he wrote concerning Maher-shalal-hash-baz ("hasting to the spoil he hasteth to the prey".) The other witness was Uriah, or Urijah, a priest, whom Urijah used as his tool in copying the Damascus altar.
Now 2 Kings 18 informs us that the mother of Hezekiah, son of Ahaz, was Abi daughter of Zechariah; hence it appears Ahaz was Zechariah’s son in law; Isaiah naturally chose him as the other of the two witnesses. The undesigned coincidence between the prophet Isaiah (Isa 8:2) and the independent historian (2Ki 16:10; 2Ki 18:2) confirms the genuineness of both. (See Blunt’s Undesigned Coincidences, 2:2.) Thus No. 27 will be the same person as No. 25; else he may have been the same as No. 26.
Zechariah (zĕk’a-rî’ah), Jehovah remembers. 1. The eleventh of the twelve minor prophets, of priestly descent and a contemporary or Haggai. Ezr 5:1. He was born in Babylon, and was both a priest and a prophet. Scarcely anything is known of his life. His prophecies were about b.c. 520.
The Book of Zechariah consists of two divisions: I. Chaps. 1-8; II. Chaps. 9-14. The first division contains visions and prophecies, exhortations to turn to Jehovah, and warnings against the enemies of the people of God. The second division gives a prophetic description of the future fortunes of the theocracy in conflict with the secular powers, the sufferings and death of the Messiah under the figure of the shepherd, the conversion of Israel to him, and the final glorification of the kingdom of God. Some have ascribed this part of the book to Jeremiah because in Mat 27:9-10 a passage is quoted under the name of Jeremiah, while others have put it at a much earlier or much later period on account of the peculiarities of the style. The book contains six specific references to Christ: 3:8; 6:12; 9:9; 11:12; 12:10; 13:7, representing him as a lowly servant, a priest and king building Jehovah’s temple, the meek and peaceful but universal monarch, the shepherd betrayed for the price of a slave (thirty pieces of silver), the leader to repentance, and the Fellow of Jehovah smitten by Jehovah himself, at once the Redeemer and the Pattern of his flock. Besides the prophet, 27 other persons of the name Zechariah are mentioned in’ Scripture.
[Zechari’ah]
1. A chief man among the Reubenites. 1Ch 5:7.
2. Son of Meshelemiah, a Korhite. 1Ch 9:21; 1Ch 26:2; 1Ch 26:14.
3. Son of Jehiel, a Benjamite. 1Ch 9:37. Called ZACHER in 1Ch 8:31.
4. Levite engaged in the service of song. 1Ch 15:18; 1Ch 15:20; 1Ch 16:5.
5. One of the priests in the time of David. 1Ch 15:24.
6. Son of Isshiah, a Levite. 1Ch 24:25.
7. Son of Hosah, a Merarite. 1Ch 26:11.
8. Father of Iddo of the tribe of Manasseh. 1Ch 27:21.
9. One of the princes of Judah whom Jehoshaphat sent with priests and Levites to teach the people. 2Ch 17:7.
10. Levite, father of Jehaziel. 2Ch 20:14.
11. Son of Jehoshaphat king of Judah. 2Ch 21:2.
12. Son of Jehoiada the priest: he rebuked the people for their idolatry, and by commandment of the king he was stoned by the people in the court of the temple. 2Ch 24:20. He is probably the ZACHARIAS spoken of in Mat 23:35.
13. One who ’had understanding in the visions of God.’ 2Ch 26:5.
14. Father of Abijah, wife of Ahaz king of Judah. 2Ch 29:1. Called ZACHARIAH in 2Ki 18:2.
15. Levite, descendant of Asaph. 2Ch 29:13.
16. Kohathite, one of the overseers at the repairing of the temple. 2Ch 34:12.
17. Prince of Judah, and one of the rulers of the house of God. 2Ch 35:8.
18. Son of Berechiah, and one of the ’minor prophets.’ Ezr 5:1; Ezr 6:14; Zec 1:1; Zec 1:7; Zec 7:1; Zec 7:8.
19-21. Three who returned from exile. Ezr 8:3; Ezr 8:11; Ezr 8:16; Neh 8:4.
22. One who had married a strange wife. Ezr 10:26.
23, 24. Two ancestors of some who dwelt at Jerusalem on the return from exile. Neh 11:4-5.
25. Priest, the son of Pashur. Neh 11:12.
26. Priest, ’of Iddo.’ Neh 12:16.
27. Son of Jonathan, a priest: he assisted in the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem. Neh 12:35; Neh 12:41.
28. Son of Jeberechiah, taken by Isaiah as a witness. Isa 8:2.
By: Emil G. Hirsch
One of the Minor Prophets, to whom is attributed the collection of prophecies and apocalyptic visions constituting the book bearing his name. He was a son of Berechiah and a grandson of Iddo (Zech. i. 1), and was loosely called the son of Iddo (Ezra v. 1, vi. 14); the latter was possibly identical with the Iddo mentioned as high priest in Neh. xii. 4, which would make the prophet himself the high priest named in Neh. xii. 16. Zechariah was probably born during the Captivity, but was brought back early to Palestine. He began his prophetic ministry in the second year of King Darius Hystaspes, a little later than Haggai (Zech. i. 1; Hag. i. 1), his preoccupation being the rebuilding of the Temple. According to the contents of that part of the book which without doubt is by him (i.-viii.; see Zechariah, Book of—Critical View), Zechariah received Yhwh's messages largely through the medium of visions (i. 8; ii. 2, 5; and elsewhere), which excited his curiosity, and which, in answer to his inquiries, were interpreted to him as significant monitions bearing on the condition of the colony and the timeliness of proceeding with the rearing of the sanctuary (i. 16, ii. 14). He appeals for loyalty on the part of Joshua the high priest toward the Messianic prince, the "Branch" (iii. 8) or Zerubbabel (iv. 9). As the mediator of his visions, theprophet names an angel of Yhwh, called sometimes "the" angel, and it is he who introduces also "the" Satan in the rôle of a mischief-maker confirming the people's hesitation and discouraged mood (iii. 1, 2). His method thus borders on the apocalyptic. His style is not lacking in directness in some passages, but in others it leans toward involved obscurity. Zechariah, however, proves himself to be an uncompromising critic of the ritual substitutes for true piety, such as fasting and mourning (vii. 5); and he reiterates the admonitions for mercy and righteousness, which according to the Prophets constitute the essence of the service of Yhwh (vii. 8, 9). For neglect of this service Israel was visited with the sufferings that befell it (vii. 13, 14). Jerusalem is to be called the city of truth (viii. 3), and shall dwell in peace, so that old men and old women shall be found in its streets (verse 4), together with boys and girls (verse 5), and prosperity shall abound in the land (verses 7 et seq.).
While Zechariah lacks originality, he is distinguished from his contemporaries by the "gift of plain speech" (G. A. Smith). But while some of the obscurities and repetitions which mark his visions are probably due to other hands, there remain enough of these defects that come from him to indicate that the visions were not the spontaneous outflow of ecstasy, but the labored effort of a strained and artificial imagination. He was a prophet, but of a period when prophecy was rapidly running to its own extinction.
ZECHARIAH.—1. Brother of Ner and uncle of Saul (1Ch 9:37); called Zecher in 1Ch 8:31. 2. A son of Meshelemiah (1Ch 9:21; 1Ch 26:2; 1Ch 26:14). 3. A Levite musician (1Ch 15:18; 1Ch 15:20). 4. A priest in the time of David (1Ch 15:24). 5. A Levite, of the family of Kohath (1Ch 24:25). 6. A Levite, of the family of Merari (1Ch 26:11). 7. Father of Iddo (1Ch 27:21). 8. One of the princes of Judah in the days of Jehoshaphat (2Ch 17:7). 9. A Levite, one of the sons of Asaph (2Ch 20:14). 10. Son of Jehoshaphat (2Ch 21:3). 11. Son of Jehoiada the priest (2Ch 24:20). After Jehoiada’s death, Zechariah reproved the idolaters and announced God’s judgment against them. He was stoned with stones at the commandment of the king in the court of the house of the Lord. His dying words, ‘The Lord look upon it and require it,’ were long remembered. See also Zachariah (No. 9). 12. A prophet, living in the earlier part of Uzziah’s reign (2Ch 26:5). 13. Son of Jeroboam II. (2Ki 14:29; 2Ki 15:8; 2Ki 15:12). See next article. 14. A man of high repute in Isaiah’s day (Isa 8:2). When faithful witnesses were required to attest a solemn prophetic roll, this Zech. was chosen along with Uriah the priest. He is described as son of Jeberechiah, and may possibly be the same as the Asaphite mentioned in 2Ch 29:13. 15. The father of Abi or Abijah, the mother of king Hezekiah (2Ki 18:2, 2Ch 29:1). 16. A reforming Asaphite under Hezekiah (2Ch 29:13). 17. Head of a house of the Reubenites (1Ch 5:7). 18. A Levite, one of the sons of Kohath (2Ch 34:12). 19. One of the rulers of the Temple under Josiah (2Ch 35:8 [1Es 1:8 Zacharias]). 20. The prophet (see Zechariah [Book of]). 21. One of the family of Parosh (Ezr 8:11 [1Es 8:30 Zacharias]). 22. Son of Bebal (Ezr 8:11 [1Es 8:37 Zacharias]). 23. One of the chief men with whom Ezra consulted at the river Ahava (Ezr 8:15; cf. 1Es 8:44; prob. = No. 21). 24. A descendant of Elam (Ezr 10:26; Ezr 10:44 [1Es 9:27 Zacharias]). 25. A descendant of Perez (Neh 11:4). 26. A Shilonite (Neh 11:5). 27. Son of Pashhur (Neh 11:12). 28. An Asaphite (Neh 12:35). 29. A priest (Neh 12:41).
ZECHARIAH, king of Israel, was the last member of the house of Jehu to come to the throne, and he occupied it only six months. His assassination begins the period of virtual anarchy with which the history of Israel comes to an end (2Ki 14:29; 2Ki 15:8-12).
H. P. Smith.
(1) King of Israel, son of Jeroboam II (the King James Version “Zachariah”). See the next article.
(2) The grandfather of King Hezekiah, through Hezekiah’s mother Abi (2Ki 18:2, the King James Version “Zachariah” parallel 2Ch 29:1).
(3) A contemporary of Isaiah, taken by Isaiah as a trustworthy witness in the matter of the sign Maher-shalal-hash-baz (Isa 8:1). As his father’s name was Jeberechiah, some support seems to be offered to theories of those who would make him the author of certain portions of Zechariah. See ZECHARIAH, BOOK OF.
(4) A Reubenite of the time of Israel’s captivity (1Ch 5:7).
(5) A Benjamite, living in Gideon (1Ch 9:37; called “Zecher” in 1Ch 8:31). He was the brother of Kish and hence, the uncle of Saul.
(6) A Manassite of Gilead, at the time of David (1Ch 27:21).
(7) The third son of Jehoshaphat (2Ch 21:2). He was slain by Jehoram (2Ch 21:4).
(8) A “prince” who Jehoshaphat sent to “teach” in the cities of Judah (2Ch 17:7). As this “teaching” was in connection with the establishing of the Law, Zechariah was primarily a judge.
(9) A prophet who was influential in the early days of Uzziah (2Ch 26:5). He is characterized as
The following eight are all Levites:
(10) A doorkeeper at the time of David, who was made a singer “of the second degree” (1Ch 15:18; the text is confused). He was a player on a “psaltery” (1Ch 15:20) and took part in the thanksgiving when the Ark was brought to Jerusalem (1Ch 16:5).
(11) A son of Isshiah (1Ch 24:25).
(12) A son of Meshelemiah, a “porter of the door of the tent of meeting” at the time of David (1Ch 9:21; 1Ch 26:2, 1Ch 26:14). In 1Ch 26:14 called “a discreet counselor.”
(13) A son of Hosah, a Merarite, also at David’s time (1Ch 26:11).
(14) The father of the prophet, JAHAZIEL (which see) (2Ch 20:14).
(15) A son of Asaph, who assisted in the purification of the Temple at the time of Hezekiah (2Ch 29:13).
(16) A Kohathite, who assisted in the repair of the Temple at the time of Josiah (2Ch 34:12).
(17) A son of Jonathan, an Asaphite, one of the musicians at the dedication of the wall at the time of Nehemiah (Neh 12:35).
The following are all priests:
(18) A trumpeter at the time of David (1Ch 15:24).
(19) A son of Jehoiada, at the time of Joash. He rebuked the people publicly for their apostasy, and was stoned by them, Joash consenting to their act (2Ch 24:20-22). As 2 Chronicles is the last book in the Hebrew Old Testament, Zechariah was regarded as the last of the Old Testament martyrs, and hence, is coupled with Abel (the first martyr) in Mat 23:35 parallel Luk 11:51. The words “son of Barachiah” in Matthew are due to confusing this Zechariah with the prophet. See ZACHARIAH.
(20) One of the “rulers of the house of God” at the time of Josiah (2Ch 35:8).
(21) A son of Pashhur, 242 of whose descendants as “chiefs of fathers’ houses” dwelt in Jerusalem at the time of Nehemiah (Neh 11:13).
(22) A trumpeter at the dedication of the wall at the time of Nehemiah (Neh 12:41).
(23) The prophet (Ezr 5:1; Ezr 6:14; Neh 12:16; Zec 1:1, Zec 1:7; Zec 7:1, Zec 7:8; 1 Esdras 6:1; 7:3). See ZECHARIAH, BOOK OF.
The following are all returned exiles or are mentioned only as ancestors of such:
(24) A son of Parosh (Ezr 8:3; 1 Esdras 8:30 has “Zacharias” here and elsewhere).
(25) A son of Bebai (Ezr 8:11; 1 Esdras 8:37)
(26) One of the “chief men” dispatched by Ezra to bring priests from Casiphia (Ezr 8:16; 1 Esdras 8:44). Doubtless the same as (24) or (25), above.
(27) One of the persons who stood by Ezra at the reading of the Law (Neh 8:4; 1 Esdras 9:44); almost certainly identical with (26).
(28) A son of Elam, who had taken a foreign wife (Ezr 10:26; 1 Esdras 9:27).
(29) A son of Amariah, a Judahite, the ancestor of certain persons dwelling in Jerusalem (Neh 11:4).
(30) A son of “the Shilonite,” the ancestor of certain persons dwelling in Jerusalem (Neh 11:5).
The Bible mentions about thirty people who had the name Zechariah. Many of these were priests, prophets or rulers.
Of the rulers named Zechariah, one was a king of Israel. He was the fifth king of the dynasty of Jehu, and with his murder in 752 BC, Jehu’s dynasty ended as bloodily as it had begun (2Ki 15:8-12).
The most important of the prophets named Zechariah was the man whose book is part of the Old Testament. He lived in Jerusalem during the period after the Jews’ return from captivity and, with Haggai, he roused the people to get on with the job of rebuilding the temple (Ezr 5:1-2; Ezr 6:14-15; Zec 1:1; see ZECHARIAH, BOOK OF).
Of the priests named Zechariah, the best known in Old Testament times was the man who rebuked King Joash and the people of Jerusalem for their idolatry. By command of the king, the leaders of Jerusalem murdered him. In a divine judgment on the murderers, the leaders of Jerusalem were killed in an enemy invasion and the king was assassinated by two of his palace officials (in 796 BC; 2Ch 24:17-26; Luk 11:49-51).
Another priest named Zechariah lived in New Testament times. This man was the father of John the Baptist. For many years he and his wife had not been able to have children, even though they had prayed earnestly and lived righteously before God. One day, while Zechariah was on duty in the temple, an angel from God told him that in answer to their prayers, God was about to give them a son. This son, whom they were to name John, was to be the forerunner of the Messiah (Luk 1:5-17).
Zechariah could hardly believe the good news and wanted a sign to confirm it. The sign he received was also a penalty for his unbelief: he was made dumb till the baby was born (Luk 1:18-23; Luk 1:57-66). Upon regaining his speech, Zechariah immediately began to praise God. His first words of praise were for the promised Messiah (Luk 1:67-75). He then offered praise for his son John, who would prepare the people for the Messiah’s arrival by calling them to repentance (Luk 1:76-79).