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

“Up, up! Flee from the land of the north,” says the LORD; “for I have spread you abroad like the four winds of heaven,” says the LORD. “Up, Zion! Escape, you who dwell with the daughter of Babylon.” Zechariah 2:6-7

The prophet Zechariah begins this section with a warning from God for the Jewish people to scatter to all parts of the world. As The Lord says “I have spread you abroad like the four winds of Heaven” Now for those who say all of this was already fulfilled during the Babylonian exile, were the Jews dispersed across the entire world?

This is a significant detail to understand the prophecy, for the prophecy to be fulfilled The Jews had to be dispersed across the entire world and then brought back to Jerusalem. From a historical perspective, I dont we have ever seen this fulfillment until modern day Israel was reborn in a day (Isaiah 66:8) which was fulfilled in 1948

For thus says the LORD of hosts: “He sent Me after glory, to the nations which plunder you; for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye. Zechariah 2:8

Here’s the next challenging question, “Says the Lord of Hosts, HE sent ME” Who was sent? Scripture says its the LORD of Host speaking, this is obviously Christ sent by The Father, this is a Messianic prophecy. So when was this fulfilled? Short answer it hasn’t yet, this is the future return of Christ to save Israel from the nations

As Christ says “to the nations which plunder you (Israel), so how does God view Israel? Christ reveals  as “the apple of His (God) eye” Why is the world so anti-semetic? Because Israel is still the apple of Gods eye!

For surely I will shake My hand against them, and they shall become spoil for their servants. Then you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent Me. Zechariah 2:9

“ I (Christ) will shake My (Christ) hand against them (nations)” The reason I believe the book of Zechariah is very important for the Church today because it deals alot with the return of Christ and His salvation plan for Israel

“Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion! For behold, I am coming and I will dwell in your midst,” says the LORD. Zechariah 2:10

The Lord says “I am coming” this is Christ explicitly revealing His return to Israel, and Christ will dwell in your midst. If only the nation of Israel would repent and turn to The Lord Jesus for salvation!

“Many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and they shall become My people. And I will dwell in your midst. Then you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent Me to you. Zechariah 2:11

What about the Church? Here’s Christ promise about the New Covenant “Many nations (Gentiles) shall be joined to The Lord in that day, and they shall become My people (Church) The reality is when Christ returns many people, Jew and Gentile will become saved, as the wicked will be destroyed

And the LORD will take possession of Judah as His inheritance in the Holy Land, and will again choose Jerusalem Zechariah 2:12

People will say “But Israel today is unsaved”? When Christ returns “The Lord will take possession of Judah as His (God) inheritance in the Holy Land, and will AGAIN choose Jerusalem”

God will once again redeem Israel through Jesus Christ, Marantha!

Then I raised my eyes and looked, and behold, a man with a measuring line in his hand. So I said, “Where are you going?” And he said to me, “To measure Jerusalem, to see what is its width and what is its length.” Zechariah 2:1-2

This next vision by the prophet Zechariah is a very fascinating text that I believe is prophecy about the New Jerusalem, God’s Kingdom to come! The vision is very similar to what  Ezekiel received about the future temple (Ezekiel 40) This vision has made many ponder for centuries, is this about a physical future temple or is this vision about the spiritual temple, the Church, the body of Christ ( 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, 2 Corinthians 6:16) 

But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. Revelation 21:22

So He took me there, and I saw a man whose appearance was like bronze. He was standing in the gateway with a linen cord and a measuring rod in his hand. / “Son of man,” he said to me, “look with your eyes, hear with your ears, and pay attention to everything I am going to show you, for that is why you have been brought here. Report to the house of Israel everything you see.” / And I saw a wall surrounding the temple area. Now the length of the measuring rod in the man’s hand was six long cubits (each measuring a cubit and a handbreadth), and he measured the wall to be one rod thick and one rod high Ezekiel 40:3-5

Remember who was also described to be in the appearance of bronze, 

14His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; 15His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters Revelation 1:14-15

And there was the angel who talked with me, going out; and another angel was coming out to meet him, who said to him, “Run, speak to this young man, saying: ‘Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls, because of the multitude of men and livestock in it. Zecharian 2:3-4

Again I think comparing these visions with the visions in Revelation, this is describing the New Jerusalem, filled by the “Great Multitude”(Revelation 7:9) everyone who is Born Again in Christ, washed by the blood of The Lamb

I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. / And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. Revelation 21:2-3

For I,’ says the LORD, ‘will be a wall of fire all around her, and I will be the glory in her midst.’ ” Zechariah 2:5

Now we see, The Lord, Jesus Christ, speaking himself, that Christ will be in the midst of the New Jerusalem and become its wall of fire around it. This again aligns well with Revelation 

Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” Revelation 21:5

Christ will be seated on His throne with us, in the New Jerusalem, we will rule and reign with Christ in Gods Kingdom to come! What a great promise to remember as we are Gods people through Jesus Christ, the King of all Kings and Lord of all Lords , Amen!

Then I raised my eyes and looked, and there were four horns. And I said to the angel who talked with me, “What are these?” So he answered me, “These are the horns that have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem.” Zechariah 1:18-19

The horn in the Bible can be symbolic of many things, but mostly it represents power, authority, and victory. Think about it from an animal perspective, from my experience as a deer hunter, the buck with the largest rack of antlers, typically dominates the other bucks and claims its territory from them. So when you see a horn mentioned it’s talking about power and authority

If you remember earlier in this chapter, the prophet Zechariah warned Israel about judgement to come, and these four horns represent the four empires that will scatter Israel. Historically, most believe these 4 empires are Babylon, Medo-Persian, Greece, and Rome. 

The Prophet Daniel also references these 4 world empires

‘Those great beasts, which are four, are four kings which arise out of the earth Daniel 7:17

Then the LORD showed me four craftsmen.  Zechariah 1:20

The 4 Craftsmen/hammers/skilled workers is partially a mystery. We now they are Gods response to the wicked empires that persecute Gods people, but specifically who they are is up to interpretation. It could be the other nations God has raised up to defeat these empires, it could be angelic beings God has used, or it could be specific people such as Moses, Joshua, ect. Just know there is a spiritual battle going on and Christ has the final Victory!

And I said, “What are these coming to do?” So he said, “These are the horns that scattered Judah, so that no one could lift up his head; but the craftsmen are coming to terrify them, to cast out the horns of the nations that lifted up their horn against the land of Judah to scatter it.” Zechariah 1:21

The Lord himself , as Zechariah is a prophet, that this vision is about the 4 horns (empires) that will scatter Israel. And the craftsmen “cast out the horns of the nations”. 

And the fourth kingdom shall be as strong as iron, inasmuch as iron breaks in pieces and shatters everything; and like iron that crushes, that kingdom will break in pieces and crush all the others. Whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; yet the strength of the iron shall be in it, just as you saw the iron mixed with ceramic clay. Daniel 2:40-41

We are living in the final empire, that has broken in many other little empires. But as reminded in Daniel , Christ has the final victory and His Kingdom is forever, Amen!

And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever. Daniel 2:44

On the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month, which is the month Shebat, in the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to Zechariah the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet: I saw by night, and behold, a man riding on a red horse, and it stood among the myrtle trees in the hollow; and behind him were horses: red, sorrel, and white. Then I said, “My lord, what are these?” So the angel who talked with me said to me, “I will show you what they are.” And the man who stood among the myrtle trees answered and said, “These are the ones whom the LORD has sent to walk to and fro throughout the earth.” So they answered the Angel of the LORD, who stood among the myrtle trees, and said, “We have walked to and fro throughout the earth, and behold, all the earth is resting quietly.” Zechariah 1:7-11

The prophet Zechariah has his first vision, this vision may seem familiar with you, as the Apostle John references the same similar vision in Revelation. (Revelation 6, Revelation 19) This is one thing to understand when interpreting the Bible, scripture interprets scripture. So as your studying the book of Revelation, you need to reference the Old Testament prophets, as they typically have interpreted the symbols already in their writings

a man riding on a red horse (v8)

In general, the horses are symbolic of God’s judgment, red is obviously symbolic of bloodshed, the Holy Spirit reveals the meaning of the Red Horse in Revelation also

Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword. (Revelation 6:4)

and it stood among the myrtle trees in the hollow;  (v8)

It’s interesting because the Myrtle Trees seen in the vision are symbolic of peace and prosperity. It’s clear judgement is coming because of the wickedness and rebellion of God’s people. The divine protection is being lifted for judgement by the sword (Red Horse)

and behind him were horses: red, sorrel, and white (v8)

As we see, there are multiple horses:

Red = bloodshed/war

Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword. (Revelation 6:4)

Sorrel (Brown) = plagues/death

Then I looked and saw a pale green horse. Its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed close behind. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill by sword, by famine, by plague, and by the beasts of the earth. (Revelation 6:8)

White= Peace and Victory

So I looked and saw a white horse, and its rider held a bow. And he was given a crown, and he rode out to overcome and conquer. (Revelation 6:2)

There are differences in the interpretations of these horses, specifically the (sorrel/brown) horse, however if we allow scripture to interpret scripture I think this is accurate

Then I said, “My lord, what are these?” So the angel who talked with me said to me, “I will show you what they are. (v9)

If we are confused by this vision, don’t feel bad, the prophet Zechariah was perplexed by this vision and asked the angel to interpret it for him. We see this happen many times throughout scripture, that’s why its important to cross reference scriptures to get the most accurate interpretation

And the man who stood among the myrtle trees answered and said, “These are the ones whom the LORD has sent to walk to and fro throughout the earth.” (v10)

The horses in the vision were sent by God for judgement. We see this happen throughout the history of Israel, God will allow a nation to become mighty to bring judgement upon another nation. Why did God allow Israel be overtaken and scattered? Because of judgement for their disobedience and wickedness, including the murder of the prophets and Christ

So they answered the Angel of the LORD, who stood among the myrtle trees, and said, “We have walked to and fro throughout the earth, and behold, all the earth is resting quietly.” (v11)

Notice who answers the prophet Zechariah in the end, the “Angel (Messenger) of the Lord (Yahweh)  this is Jesus Christ himself (Genesis 16, 18, 22, Judges 2, Judges 6, Joshua 5), as Christ is foretelling victory  “all the Earth is resting quietly” and notice its not just Victory for Israel but the entire Earth (New Covenant) 

Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. (Revelation 19:11)