Now in the fourth year of King Darius it came to pass that the word of the LORD came to Zechariah, on the fourth day of the ninth month, Chislev, when the people sent Sherezer, with Regem-Melech and his men, to the house of God, to pray before the LORD, and to ask the priests who were in the house of the LORD of hosts, and the prophets, saying, “Should I weep in the fifth month and fast as I have done for so many years?” Zechariah 7:1-3

All throughout history false religion has been practiced , especially in Israel. Here is just another prime example of Israel just “going through the motions” doing religious practices, not from the heart, but as some magical formula that would gain Gods favor

The names of the men , Sherezer and Regem-Melech, are representations of Israel’s idolatry with Babylon from the exile. These are not Jewish names but Babylonian. They basically are asking the prophet Zechariah, “should we bother doing these fasts like we have done so many years”? They were just going to weep and fast as a religious practice and not worship God in Spirit and Truth. (John 4:24)

One thing God hates is false religion, false worship,  religious practices over obedience, as seen throughout the history of Israel

Although they may fast, I will not listen to their cry; although they may offer burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Instead, I will finish them off by sword and famine and plague.” Jeremiah 14:12 

For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. Hosea 6:6

Then the word of the LORD of hosts came to me, saying, “Say to all the people of the land, and to the priests: ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months during those seventy years, did you really fast for Me—for Me? When you eat and when you drink, do you not eat and drink for yourselves? Should you not have obeyed the words which the LORD proclaimed through the former prophets when Jerusalem and the cities around it were inhabited and prosperous, and the South and the Lowland were inhabited?’ ” Zechariah 7:4-7

God responded with the question “When you fasted and mourned, did you really fast for Me?” This is the root of the problem, why were they fasting and mourning? Because they wanted to be seen? Because it was a religious practice and requirement? God is not impressed and doesn’t want anyone’s false offering

“To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices to Me?” Says the LORD. “I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams And the fat of fed cattle. I do not delight in the blood of bulls, Or of lambs or goats. Isaiah 1:11

Lets turn our focus on the Church for a moment, recently we just had “Ash Wednesday” where millions of Christians marked their foreheads and then posted selfies of themselves all over the Internet, including celebrities. What was the root of this practice? Was it to bring attention and glory to God or themselves? This was the same idolatry Israel fell into. Look at the words of our Lord who refuted this practice

“Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. Matthew 6:16

Disfiguring your face with ashes, was exactly the opposite thing God told you do! So why do millions of people do it? For religious practices, for self glorification, because they think its a magical formula to gain God’s favor. This is exactly what Israel was doing!

I will end with the words of The Lord Jesus about false religion

He answered and said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ Mark 7:6-7

Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying: “Receive the gift from the captives—from Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah, who have come from Babylon—and go the same day and enter the house of Josiah the son of Zephaniah. Zechariah 6:9-10

Once again, we see the prophet Zechariah receiving a direct revelation from God  “The word of The Lord came to me” and we see the remnant of Israel coming together to rebuild the Temple “Receive the gifts from the captives” This was fulfilled prophecy, however what is about to come next should open the eyes of the world!

Take the silver and gold, make an elaborate crown, and set it on the head of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Zechariah 6:11

God instructs Zechariah to make an “elaborate crown” of silver and gold, which obviously emphasizes the importance and royalty of this person. However the odd thing is the request is  “set it on the head of Joshua, the High Priest” Now a High priest never wears a crown. 

As mentioned previously, its no coincidence God chose Joshua at this present time, the same name of the Son of God Jesus/Yeshua/Joshua. The fact that God instructed to put an elaborate crown on Joshua was a foreshadow of Christ , the name of the Messiah is revealed!

Then speak to him, saying, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, saying: “Behold, the Man whose name is the BRANCH! From His place He shall branch out, And He shall build the temple of the LORD; Zechariah 6:12

Now if you need more evidence, just look at what God says here “Thus says The Lord of Hosts, saying , Behold , the Man who name is the Branch!”  Anyone who is familiar with the Messianic prophecies understands the title of The Branch points to the Messiah (Christ) not the high priest

Here are some examples of other prophets pointing the Messiah to the title of Branch

Then a shoot will spring up from the stump of Jesse, and a Branch from his roots will bear fruit. Isaiah 11:1

Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and He will reign wisely as King and will administer justice and righteousness in the land. Jeremiah 23:5

 Notice the prophet Jeremiah not only references the Messiah as the Branch, but also as a King!

Yes, He shall build the temple of the LORD. He shall bear the glory, And shall sit and rule on His throne; So He shall be a priest on His throne, And the counsel of peace shall be between them both.” ’ Zechariah 6:13

It’s amazing how the Word of God is eternal, because as we know the fulfilment of the second temple was complete, but the Messiah wasn’t here yet for its completion, so this prophecy must have deeper meaning! Many will point to this prophecy as a future temple built during the Millennial reign of Christ, and that could be true. I believe this is point to a greater temple, the resurrection of The Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ by His words below

Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” John 2:19

Christ refers to himself, his physical body as the Temple that will be raised on the 3rd day, I believe this prophecy is pointing to the resurrected Messiah!

“Now the elaborate crown shall be for a memorial in the temple of the LORD for Helem, Tobijah, Jedaiah, and Hen the son of Zephaniah. Even those from afar shall come and build the temple of the LORD. Then you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent Me to you. And this shall come to pass if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God.” Zechariah 6:14-15

Now as we know “the elaborate crown” points to Christ, we see a memorial of The Lord. Now as Born Again Christians this should resonate in your spirit, The memorial is The Lord’s Supper, the death of our Lord for our sins which the Messiah came to save us (Isaiah 53)

I know many will not agree with this interpretation, but I can’t deny all the shadows, the crown, the temple, the title all pointing to Christ! As our Lord said “Do this in remembrance of me”!

And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” Luke 22:19

Then I turned and raised my eyes and looked, and behold, four chariots were coming from between two mountains, and the mountains were mountains of bronze. Zechariah 6:1

Once again we see the expression “raised my eyes” which means Zechariah is receiving a prophetic message from God. Now the first clear thing here is the parallel to the 4 horsemen in Revelation, (reference Revelation 6:1-8) This vision is clearly about the 4 horsemen, the 4 spirits from God that are bringing judgement upon Israel until the Millennial Kingdom is setup with Christ 

And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer. Revelation 6:2

Another symbol to point out there is the 2 bronze mountains, bronze is symbolic of judgement in the Bible, and the two mountains are most likely Mt, Zion and the Mt, of Olives, where Christ will return 

And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, Which faces Jerusalem on the east. And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, From east to west, Making a very large valley; Half of the mountain shall move toward the north And half of it toward the south. Zechariah 14:4

With the first chariot were red horses, with the second chariot black horses, with the third chariot white horses, and with the fourth chariot dappled horses—strong steeds. Zecharian 6:2-3

The color of the horses is revealed, again similar to Revelation 6:1-8, Red is typically symbolic of blood/war/judgement. 

4Then another horse went forth. It was bright red, and its rider was granted permission to take away peace from the earth and to make men slay one another. And he was given a great sword. Revelation 6:4

The black horse is symbolic of death/famine.

Then I looked and saw a black horse, and its rider held in his hand a pair of scales. 6And I heard what sounded like a voice from among the four living creatures, saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius,a and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine. Revelation 6:5-6

 Now the good news is white is typically symbolic of peace and victory, where in Revelation 6 we see the white robes of the martyred saints.

11Then each of them was given a white robe and told to rest a little while longer until the full number of their fellow servants, their brothers, were killed, just as they had been killed. Revelation 6:11

Probably the most mysterious of the symbols is the dappled horses, which appear to be a blend/mixture of many things. This could represent a combination of judgement, such as war and famine, or it could be symbolic of the gifts of the Holy Spirit among Gods messengers. Its a strong force that will bring victory to Christ’s Kingdom

Then I answered and said to the angel who talked with me, “What are these, my lord?” And the angel answered and said to me, “These are four spirits of heaven, who go out from their station before the Lord of all the earth. Zechariah 6:4-5

Once again Zechariah asked the question , “What are these”? And  messenger explains them for us, “These are four spirits of Heaven” So the Four Horseman , these 4 Spirits are sent by God to fulfill his Will and purpose

The one with the black horses is going to the north country, the white are going after them, and the dappled are going toward the south country.” Then the strong steeds went out, eager to go, that they might walk to and fro throughout the earth. And He said, “Go, walk to and fro throughout the earth.” So they walked to and fro throughout the earth. Zechariah 6:6-7

God’s judgement will be to the entire world, “throughout the Earth” However remember a few things, God is in complete control (Psalm 46:10) and we have Victory in Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57)

And He called to me, and spoke to me, saying, “See, those who go toward the north country have given rest to My Spirit in the north country.” Zechariah 6:8

This is such a beautiful way to end this vision, despite all the judgement and turmoil, Gods Spirit is still at rest, we can have true Rest and peace in Christ, because Christ has already overcome the world (John 16:33)

Then the angel who talked with me came out and said to me, “Lift your eyes now, and see what this is that goes forth.” So I asked, “What is it?” And he said, “It is a basket that is going forth.” He also said, “This is their resemblance throughout the earth: Zechariah 5:5-6

The prophet Zechariah is once again getting another vision delivered an angel (messanger) notice the phrase once again “Life your eyes now” , I noted in the last section, God will use this phrase to call attention to what he is about to reveal

This vision God is showing Zechariah a basket, the nice part of this section is the angel deciphers the message for the prophet. The basket is symbolic of their (Israel’s) resemblance (sin) throughout the Earth

Here is a lead disc lifted up, and this is a woman sitting inside the basket”; then he said, “This is Wickedness!” And he thrust her down into the basket, and threw the lead cover over its mouth. Zechariah 5:7-8

The woman is symbolic of the “whore of Babylon” (Revelation 17:5) This is the false religious system that has corrupted Gods people and led them astray.  As the angel confirms “This is Wickedness”!

And on her forehead a mysterious name was written: BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. Revelation 17:5

Then I raised my eyes and looked, and there were two women, coming with the wind in their wings; for they had wings like the wings of a stork, and they lifted up the basket between earth and heaven. Zechariah 5:9

First notice once again, Zechariah “raised my eyes and looked up” this symbolizes a divine message is being given by God. The vision of the two women is actually an unusual symbol not seen really in scripture except for Revelation. The noted symbol is the stork, which is considered an unclean animal, therefor this is not a blessing sent from God but judgment

Remember the basket was symbolic of the sin of Gods people, therefor these two women are agents of Gods wrath being poured upon Israel

But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle to fly from the presence of the serpent to her place in the wilderness, where she was nourished for a time, and times, and half a time. Revelation 12:14

So I said to the angel who talked with me, “Where are they carrying the basket?”And he said to me, “To build a house for it in the land of Shinar; when it is ready, the basket will be set there on its base.” Zechariah 5:10-11

Another key clue here is the “land of Shinar” this was another name for Babylon. (Genesis 10:10) This point to the final evil empire of Babylon, which is part of the Anit-Christ and the false religious system that will persecute and kill Christians. 

And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar. Genesis 10:10

This Empire will bring judgement upon the world, this is pointing to the return of Christ, when He destroys this evil empire forever and the Millenial Kingdom is set here on Earth

And he cried out in a mighty voice: “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a lair for demons and a haunt for every unclean spirit, every unclean bird, and every detestable beast. Revelation 18:2

Then I turned and raised my eyes, and saw there a flying scroll. Zechariah 5:1

At first glance, this phrase seems to be bizarre, however as we said previously , we need to allow scripture to interpret scripture. When the prophet Zechariah says he “raised my eyes” this is an expression, the prophet is ready to hear the word from God

 I will lift up my eyes to the hills— From whence comes my help? Psalm 121:1

Lift up your eyes on high: Who created all these? He leads forth the starry host by number; He calls each one by name. Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. Isaiah 40:26

The vision the prophet Zechariah sees is a flying scroll. The scroll is very symbolic all throughout the prophets, this typically indicates the Word or decree from God, including judgement. The fact the scroll is flying indicates there will be a supernatural element to this decree from God

Then I looked and saw a hand reaching out to me, and in it was a scroll, / which He unrolled before me. And written on the front and back of it were words of lamentation, mourning, and woe. Ezekiel 2:9-10

And he said to me, “What do you see?” So I answered, “I see a flying scroll. Its length is twenty cubits and its width ten cubits.” Zechariah 5:2

The interesting thing about this scroll , is it has exact measurements, which are symbolic of the Holy Place in the Tabernacle. This symbolizes that Gods Word is Holy and needs to be obeyed with great reverence. 

The vestibule in front of the sanctuary of the house was twenty cubits long across the width of the house, and the width of the vestibule extended ten cubits from the front of the house. 1 Kings 6:3

Then he said to me, “This is the curse that goes out over the face of the whole earth: ‘Every thief shall be expelled,’ according to this side of the scroll; and, ‘Every perjurer shall be expelled,’ according to that side of it.” Zechariah 5:3

The decree issues by God is the curse of Israel for breaking the covenant by their sin and idolatry. This is leading to the New Covenant in Christ prophesied by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 31)

“Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah— Jeremiah 31:31

Cursed is the man who makes a carved idol or molten image—an abomination to the LORD, the work of the hands of a craftsman—and sets it up in secret.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ / ‘Cursed is he who dishonors his father or mother.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ / ‘Cursed is he who moves his neighbor’s boundary stone.’ And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ Deuteronomy 27

“I will send out the curse,” says the LORD of hosts; “It shall enter the house of the thief And the house of the one who swears falsely by My name. It shall remain in the midst of his house And consume it, with its timber and stones.” Zechariah 5:4

Nobody is fooling God, the false prophets and the false religious system may appeal to the flesh, but its an abomination to God. This is all leading to Christ, the only way to salvation (John 14:6, Acts 4:12) Outside of the Covenant with Christ, everyone is under the curse of sin and death

Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree” ) Galatians 3:13

‘Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain! And he shall bring forth the capstone With shouts of “Grace, grace to it!” ’ ” Zechariah 4:7

As we continue in this chapter, God is prophesying to Zechariah about the rebuilding of The Temple. Zerrubbabel remember is the governor of Judah at the time, prophesied to be one of the two olive trees, anointed leaders for God

But what’s fascinating about this prophecy, is once again its a prophecy pointing to Christ. As it states “he shall bring forth the capstone (the most important stone) as Christ is the chief cornerstone, the final temple 

having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, Ephesians 2:20

Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” John 2:19

Moreover the word of the LORD came to me, saying: “The hands of Zerubbabel Have laid the foundation of this temple; His hands shall also finish it. Then you will know That the LORD of hosts has sent Me to you. 

The completion of the second temple was dedicated in 516 BCE, this was a fulfilment of this prophecy. Also fulfillment of what the prophet Haggai foretold about Zerubbabel and the completion of the 2nd temple, which all of this is a foreshadow leading to Christ

‘In that day,’ says the LORD of hosts, ‘I will take you, Zerubbabel My servant, the son of Shealtiel,’ says the LORD, ‘and will make you like a signet ring; for I have chosen you,’ says the LORD of hosts.” Haggai 2:23

For who has despised the day of small things? For these seven rejoice to see The plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. They are the eyes of the LORD, Which scan to and fro throughout the whole earth.”   Zechariah 4:10

The completion of the Temple not only fulfills prophecy, but demonstrates Gods power to fulfill His will regardless of the obstacles and opposition. I’m sure the idea of rebuilding The Temple was an overwhelming task led by Zerubbabel, but it was completed God’s sovereignty , as stated “the eyes of The Lord, which scan to and fro throughout the whole Earth” God is in complete control of the world. The number 7 is symbolic of completion or perfection

Then I answered and said to him, “What are these two olive trees—at the right of the lampstand and at its left?” And I further answered and said to him, “What are these two olive branches that drip into the receptacles of the two gold pipes from which the golden oil drains?” Then he answered me and said, “Do you not know what these are?” And I said, “No, my lord.” So he said, “These are the two anointed ones, who stand beside the Lord of the whole earth.” Zechariah 4:11-14

The premise always when studying the Bible is “let scripture interpret scripture” The question of who are these two olive trees is actually answered by God “These are the two anointed ones, who stand beside The Lord of the whole Earth” The reason they are olive trees, is oil is symbolic of the Holy Spirit. These are anointed leaders chosen by God to fulfill a purpose. 

It was identified that these two leaders chosen in this particular event (the rebuilding of the Temple) are the high priest Joshua and Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah. You can apply this same principle when interpreting the two witnesses in Revelation, 2 spirit filled anointed leaders called and raised up by God to fulfill a purpose

These witnesses are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth Revelation 11:4

Now the angel who talked with me came back and wakened me, as a man who is wakened out of his sleep. And he said to me, “What do you see?” So I said, “I am looking, and there is a lampstand of solid gold with a bowl on top of it, and on the stand seven lamps with seven pipes to the seven lamps. Zechariah 4:1-2

When you read this chapter, you can’t help but see the similarities to Revelation. The same symbolism is seen throughout this book, this is why if you want to understand the book of Revelation you must first understand the Old Testament prophets such as Zechariah

Just like Revelation we see the lampstand, the bowls, and the number 7 throughout the visions. 

Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands, Revelation 1:12

The lampstand in the vision, an important focal point of worship, the Mennaorah, this symbol points to Christ, the light of the world (John 8:12)  The number 7 symbolic of perfection and completion found all throughout the Bible. Once again this vision points to Christ!

Two olive trees are by it, one at the right of the bowl and the other at its left.” Zecharian 4:3

Once again we see the parallels of Revelation, the two olive trees clearly defined as the two anointed leaders , oil symbolic of the Holy Spirit. In this vision most likely representing Joshua the Highpriest and Zerubbabel the governor.

These witnesses are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. Revelation 11:4

So I answered and spoke to the angel who talked with me, saying, “What are these, my lord?” Then the angel who talked with me answered and said to me, “Do you not know what these are?” And I said, “No, my lord.” So he answered and said to me: “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4:4-6

Zerubbabel clearly identified as one of the witnesses, the angel reveals what is the true source of power in this world “Not by might nor by power” meaning not by human physical force, “but by My Spirit” the Holy Spirit is the powerful force that will restore Israel, it will raise the dead back to life, it will make enemies of God to become Children of God, the supernatural power of God Almighty, The Lord of Hosts can’t be stopped!

Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him.And the LORD said to Satan, “The LORD rebuke you, Satan! The LORD who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?”  Zechariah 3:1-2

One of the most amazing scenes in the Bible is here and most people don’t even talk about it. Very similar to the scene in Job where Satan, (Job 1:6-12)the accuser, comes to the throne of God , to condemn Israel. 

The first thing to notice is the “Angel (Messenger) of The Lord (Yahweh) is Christ himself standing at the throne of His Father with Lucifer, known as Satan (Isaiah 14:12) the fallen angel, who is looking to condemn everyone because he is already condemned. 

One detail I think many miss is this high priest figure named Joshua, who is representing the nation of Israel. Is it a coincidence that his name is Joshua, which in Hebrew can be translated as Yeshua or better known in our English language Jesus? While there is speculation about who this figure is, I believe this is a prophecy of the Messiah which will be named Yeshua, which Jesus is literally standing there to rebuke Satan. 

Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and was standing before the Angel. Then He answered and spoke to those who stood before Him, saying, “Take away the filthy garments from him.” And to him He said, “See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes.” Zechariah 3:3-4

Notice now the Messiah figure Joshua (Yeshua) was clothed with filthy garments, which represents the sins of Israel and the world. The Messiah will take the penalty for our sins as prophesied by Isaiah  But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

The sins of the world were removed by God because of the sacrifice of the Messiah (Christ)  “See I have removed your iniquity from you”

God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21

And I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on his head, and they put the clothes on him. And the Angel of the LORD stood by. Zechariah 3:5

The clean (sinless) turban putting on the head of the Messiah, represents Joshua (Yeshua) is the priests of all priests, the perfect high priest who sacrifice himself once and for all, for the sins of the world,  we see this explained in the book of Hebrews 

For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever. Hebrews 7:26-28