Old Testament Characters

Zechariah

Text:  Jehovah is renowned or remembered. 

(1.) A prophet of Judah, the eleventh of the twelve minor prophets. 
Like Ezekiel, he was of priestly extraction. He describes himself 
(1:1) as "the son of Berechiah." In Ezra 5:1 and 6:14 he is called 
"the son of Iddo," who was properly his grandfather. His prophetical 
career began in the second year of Darius (B.C. 520), about sixteen 
years after the return of the first company from exile. He was 
contemporary with Haggai (Ezra 5:1). 

His book consists of two distinct parts, 

(a.) chapters 1 to 8, inclusive, and 

(b.) 9 to the end. 

It begins with a preface (1:1-6), which recalls the nation's past 
history, for the purpose of presenting a solemn warning to the present 
generation. Then follows a series of eight visions (1:7-6:8), 
succeeding one another in one night, which may be regarded as a 
symbolical history of Israel, intended to furnish consolation to the 
returned exiles and stir up hope in their minds. 

The symbolical action, the crowning of Joshua (6:9-15), describes how 
the kingdoms of the world become the kingdom of God's Christ. Chapters 
7 and 8, delivered two years later, are an answer to the question 
whether the days of mourning for the destruction of the city should be 
any longer kept, and an encouraging address to the people, assuring 
them of God's presence and blessing. 

The second part of the book (ch. 9-14) bears no date. It is probable 
that a considerable interval separates it from the first part. It 
consists of two burdens. The first burden (ch. 9-11) gives an outline 
of the course of God's providential dealings with his people down to 
the time of the Advent. The second burden (ch. 12-14) points out the 
glories that await Israel in "the latter day", the final conflict and 
triumph of God's kingdom. 

(2.) The son or grandson of Jehoiada, the high priest in the times of 
Ahaziah and Joash. After the death of Jehoiada he boldly condemned 
both the king and the people for their rebellion against God (2 Chr. 
24:20), which so stirred up their resentment against him that at the 
king's commandment they stoned him with stones, and he died "in the 
court of the house of the Lord" (24:21). Christ alludes to this deed 
of murder in Matt. 23:35, Luke 11:51. (See ZACHARIAS [2].) 

(3.) A prophet, who had "understanding in the seeing of God," in the 
time of Uzziah, who was much indebted to him for his wise counsel (2 
Chr. 26:5). Besides these, there is a large number of persons 
mentioned in Scripture bearing this name of whom nothing is known. 

(4.) One of the chiefs of the tribe of Reuben (1 Chr. 5:7). 

(5.) One of the porters of the tabernacle (1 Chr. 9:21). 

(6.) 1 Chr. 9:37. 

(7.) A Levite who assisted at the bringing up of the ark from the 
house of Obededom (1 Chr. 15:20-24). 

(8.) A Kohathite Levite (1 Chr. 24:25). 

(9.) A Merarite Levite (1 Chr. 27:21). 

(10.) The father of Iddo (1 Chr. 27:21). 

(11.) One who assisted in teaching the law to the people in the time 
of Jehoshaphat (2 Chr. 17:7). 

(12.) A Levite of the sons of Asaph (2 Chr. 20:14). 

(13.) One of Jehoshaphat's sons (2 Chr. 21:2). 

(14.) The father of Abijah, who was the mother of Hezekiah (2 Chr. 
29:1). 

(15.) One of the sons of Asaph (2 Chr. 29:13). 

(16.) One of the "rulers of the house of God" (2 Chr. 35:8). 

(17.) A chief of the people in the time of Ezra, who consulted him 
about the return from captivity (Ezra 8:16); probably the same as 
mentioned in Neh. 8:4, 

(18.) Neh. 11:12. 

(19.) Neh. 12:16. 

(20.) Neh. 12:35,41. 

(21.) Isa. 8:2.