Tag Archives: Zechariah

Zechariah 6- The Elaborate Crown

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

Zechariah 6- The Four Horsemen

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)

Zechariah 5- The Basket

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

Zechariah 5- The Flying Scroll

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

Zechariah 4- Two Olive Trees

‘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

Zechariah 4- By Gods Spirit

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!

Zechariah 3- The Branch

Then the Angel of the LORD admonished Joshua, saying, “Thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘If you will walk in My ways, And if you will keep My command, Then you shall also judge My house, And likewise have charge of My courts; I will give you places to walk Among these who stand here. Zechariah 3:6-7

As we continue in this Chapter, we continue in this amazing scene, where previously the Name of the Messiah (Christ) was revealed and what he would accomplish, the forgiveness of sins. Now we are going to hear direct revelation from God the Father about the coming Christ and titles which are revealed about Him

The (Angel (Messenger) of The Lord (Yahweh) which is Christ himself,  testifying (admonished) Joshua (representing the Priest Line of Israel, which is also a shadow of Christ)

‘Hear, O Joshua, the high priest, You and your companions who sit before you, For they are a wondrous sign; For behold, I am bringing forth My Servant the BRANCH. Zechariah 3:8

Remember the name Joshua is the English translation of Yeshua which translated to Greek is Lesous which translated to English is Jesus. The name of the Messiah has been revealed through Joshua. 

But more revelation is given “I am bring forth My Servant (Christ) The Branch! The Messiah (Christ) is referenced as the Branch throughout the Old Testament by the prophets 

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

The Branch (Christ) would be the fulfillment of the Kingship, the Line of David, the King of Kings. The Branch would be the fulfilment of the Priest line, the High Priest of all Priests. 

For behold, the stone That I have laid before Joshua: Upon the stone are seven eyes. Behold, I will engrave its inscription,’ Says the LORD of hosts, ‘And I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day Zechariah 3:9

Another Messianic title is revealed “The Stone” which is also foretold by the prophets throughout the Old Testament

So this is what the Lord GOD says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken. Isaiah 28:16

The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. Psalm 118:22

Jesus Christ and the Apostles confirmed that Christ is the stone which was foretold by the prophets

Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?  Matthew 21:42

built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. Ephesians 2:20

Did anyone catch what God foretold would happen through the Messiah? “And I (God) will remove the iniquity of that land in ONE day” (v9)

How can God remove the sins of everyone in One day? We know that this was fulfilled by Jesus Christ on the cross, the Lamb of God who took away the sins of the world (John 1:29)

4Surely He has borne our [g]griefs

And carried our [h]sorrows;

Yet we [i]esteemed Him stricken,

[j]Smitten by God, and afflicted.

5But He was wounded[k] for our transgressions,

He was [l]bruised for our iniquities;

The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,

And by His stripes[m] we are healed.

6All we like sheep have gone astray;

We have turned, every one, to his own way;

And the Lord [n]has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:4-6

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

In that day,’ says the LORD of hosts, ‘Everyone will invite his neighbor Under his vine and under his fig tree.’ ” Zechariah 3:10

Who is this just for the sins of Israel? I believe this verse and a revelation of the New Covenant, “Everyone will invite his neighbor” the entire world , Jew and Gentile can be saved by the Branch, The Cornerstone, Jesus Christ by grace through faith Amen!

Zechariah 3- The NAME is revealed

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

Zechariah 2- Return of Christ

“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!

Zechariah 2- The New Jerusalem

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!