Scripture Readings - Zechariah

Book of Zechariah

The Book of Zechariah contains prophecies that look toward the restoration of God’s people, the rebuilding of the Temple, and the coming of the Messianic Age. The book is generally divided into two major sections.

The prophecies in Chapters 1–8 date from approximately 520–518 BC and share many themes with the preaching of the Prophet Haggai. Zechariah calls the people to renewed faithfulness and encourages them in the work of rebuilding the Temple. His message emphasizes three important themes: the restoration of the Temple, the purification of God’s people, and the coming of the Messiah.

The second section, Chapters 9–14, is generally understood by many scholars to have been written at a later time, perhaps during the Greek period in the fourth or third century BC, possibly by disciples or followers of Zechariah. In contrast to the earlier chapters’ emphasis on rebuilding and peace, this section describes warfare, conflict, and the siege of Jerusalem. Yet these events ultimately point toward God’s victory and the fulfillment of His purposes.

This second section contains several important Messianic prophecies. Among them is the image of the Messianic Prince of Peace and the Good Shepherd who is struck for the sake of His flock. The Orthodox Church understands these passages as pointing prophetically toward Jesus Christ, His Passion, and His saving work.

One of the most prominent Messianic passages is Zechariah 9:9, which is appointed as an Old Testament reading for the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday):

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Lo, your King comes to you; triumphant and victorious is He, humble and riding on an ass, on a colt, the foal of an ass.”

This prophecy is fulfilled in Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, when He enters the city humbly, riding on a colt, and is welcomed by the people as King. The passage beautifully reveals the character of Christ’s kingship: victorious, yet humble; royal, yet meek.