Book of Zechariah facts for kids

The Book of Zechariah is a part of the Bible. You can find it in the Old Testament section. Jewish people also know it as part of the Tanakh. Many believe the prophet named Zechariah wrote this book. His name means "God remembered." We don't know much about Zechariah himself. The book tells us his grandfather, Iddo, was a priest. Iddo came back from Babylon with Zerubbabel.

What Is the Book of Zechariah About?

The Book of Zechariah shares important messages. It talks about history, hope, and future events. The book is divided into different parts.

Early Messages and Visions (Chapters 1-6)

The first part of the book was written around 520 BC. It starts by looking back at the nation's history. This was a warning to the people. After that, Zechariah shares eight special visions. These visions give more details about the history of Israel. They were meant to give the people hope for the future.

This section also describes the crowning of Joshua, a priest. This event showed that their religion was being rebuilt. Zechariah then says that all the kingdoms of the world will one day become the kingdom of God's Messiah.

Comfort and Celebration (Chapters 7-8)

Two years later, Zechariah wrote chapters 7 and 8. At this time, the people were still sad. They were keeping days of sorrow. These days reminded them of their city's destruction 70 years earlier. Zechariah told them they could now celebrate. He said they could have joyful days because they had returned home. He also promised them that God was with them. God would make them happy again.

Future Events and Alexander the Great (Chapters 9-11)

Chapters 9 to 11 talk about a time in the future. An army would destroy the nations around them. But Jerusalem would be safe. This part seems to describe the arrival of Alexander the Great. His army came in 332 BC.

Alexander captured the city of Tyre. He built a land bridge to reach the island city. Tyre was thought to be impossible to capture. He also destroyed the city of Gaza. However, Alexander did not destroy Jerusalem when he arrived there. Zechariah said that after these wars, the Messiah would come.

God's Kingdom and Future Glory (Chapters 12-14)

The last chapters, 12 to 14, describe great things for Israel. They talk about "the latter day." This means a final time of conflict. It also describes the triumph of God's kingdom.

Zechariah's Connection to Jesus

Many Christians believe that chapters 7 to 14 talk about Jesus. These parts helped the writers of the Gospels understand Jesus' life. They understood his suffering, death, and resurrection. They quoted Zechariah as they wrote about Jesus' final days.

For example, Zechariah chapter 9, verse 9 says: "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, your King comes unto you: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon a donkey." All four Gospels tell the story of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey. Two of them mention that Zechariah had predicted this event long ago.

Images for kids

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  A Greek manuscript of Zechariah. It is from around 50 BCE to 50 CE and was found in Nahal Hever.

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  An engraving by Gustave Doré showing Zechariah's vision of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

See also

In Spanish: Libro de Zacarías para niños