The Book of Zechariah
Zechariah's eight visions encourage the rebuilding of the Temple and look ahead to the coming King who enters Jerusalem lowly, riding on a donkey — quoted at Jesus' triumphal entry.
- Testament
- Old (14 chapters)
- Type
- Minor Prophet
- Author
- Zechariah son of Berechiah, a priest and prophet.
- Date
- Beginning in 520 BC, overlapping with Haggai.
Visionary encouragement
Zechariah's first half (chapters 1-8) is eight night visions — a man on a red horse, a flying scroll, a high priest re-clothed — all meant to encourage exhausted rebuilders. The visions insist God is at work even when the work feels small.
The coming King
Zechariah 9:9 — 'Behold, thy King cometh unto thee... lowly, and riding upon an ass' — is the verse the Gospels point to at Palm Sunday. The closing chapters anticipate a Messiah pierced (12:10), a fountain opened for cleansing (13:1), and a final reign over all the earth (14:9).
Key verses (KJV)
“Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.” — Zechariah 4:6 (KJV)
“Behold, thy King cometh unto thee... lowly, and riding upon an ass.” — Zechariah 9:9 (KJV)
“They shall look upon me whom they have pierced.” — Zechariah 12:10 (KJV)
How to read Zechariah
The visions (1-8) are dense — read with a study Bible nearby. Chapters 9-14 are easier and packed with messianic prophecy. Read alongside Matthew 21 (Palm Sunday) and John 19 (the pierced one).
Read Zechariah on your iPhone
Read the full book of Zechariah in Quiethaven — choose your translation, read offline, and pick up where you left off. Pair it with a daily verse and a prayer timer.
Read Zechariah free on iPhone.
Download on the App Store