Page 113 - Divinity_F5

Divinity for Advanced Secondary Schools

rest in the north country” (verse 8). This comes to you; triumphant and victorious
comment suggests an accomplishment. is he, humble and riding on an ass” (Zech.
The chariots may then be conceived as 9:9). The oracles also express God’s anger
representing God’s servants aimed at against the shepherds (10: 3), and present
carrying out his work. The oracle in 6: Zechariah as shepherd (11:4-7). Chapter 12
FOR ONLINE READING ONLY
9-15 concludes the visions. The oracle begins with a mention of Israel, although
refers to the coronation of the ‘branch’ what is elevated seems to be Jerusalem.
who will build the temple. Finally, all is purified and destined for
sacredness (Chapters 13 and 14). We
In Chapter 7, a delegation from Bethel now turn to the message of the book of
came seeking answers on issues of Zechariah.
fasting and feasting. The inquirers are
invited to reflect on whether it was God The message of Zechariah bears some
or their interests that took the upper hand similarity with that of Haggai, much
in their fasting and feasting (Zech. 7:5). like the similarity in the contexts of the
It was important for them to search for two books. God is disappointed by the
the motive of their fasting, i.e., whether indifference reflected in the lives of the
they were fasting for the Lord or personal people from exile. However, even with
interests. The prophets of old had given this disappointment, he is concerned
the same message. What God expects of with their lives. He will destroy the
his people does not change. enemy that aims to destroy his people.
This is a message of hope. Memorable

Chapter 8 is about the jealousy of God; verses are found in Zechariah 8:13; 9:9,
“I am jealous of Zion with great jealousy, 12 & 13:6.
and I am jealous of her with great wrath”
(Zech. 8: 2). The Lord intended to live in
Jerusalem. If the Lord dwells in the city,
Jerusalem must change; “Speak truth to one
another, render in your gates judgements
that are true and make for peace . . .”
(Zech. 8:16).

Chapters 9-14 present oracles. Chapter
9 speaks of judgment to Israel’s enemies
(Zech. 9:1-6). To God’s people, the oracle
announces a future of hope, “Rejoice
greatly, O daughter of Zion. Shout aloud,
O daughter of Jerusalem. Lo, your king Figure 7.2: Prophet Zechariah

104 Form Five Student’s Book