Book: The Way of the Word: Chapter 38: Zechariah - Study Guide
- Dr. Layne McDonald
- 1 day ago
- 9 min read
Welcome to a profound journey through one of the most intellectually stimulating and spiritually vibrant books of the Old Testament. As we continue our series, The Way of the Word, we arrive at Chapter 38, focusing on the prophecy of Zechariah.
If you have ever felt discouraged by the "day of small things," or if you have ever looked at the chaos of our modern culture and wondered if God still has a plan for the throne of this world, Zechariah is the book for your soul. It is a book of grand visions, cosmic battles, and the intimate promise that God’s Spirit is the only force capable of finishing the work He started in us.
The Prophet of the Night Visions
Zechariah was a contemporary of the prophet Haggai. Both stood in the dusty ruins of a post-exilic Jerusalem. The Jewish people had returned from seventy years of Babylonian captivity with high hopes, but those hopes had been met with opposition, economic hardship, and spiritual lethargy. The foundations of the Temple had been laid, but the work had ground to a halt for nearly sixteen years.
While Haggai provided the "kick-start" to get the people back to work, Zechariah provided the "vision" to keep them working. He reminded them that they weren't just building a stone structure; they were preparing the way for the King.
The central theme of this study is simple yet world-changing: The King is Coming.
Part 1: The Call to Return (Zechariah 1:1–6)
Zechariah begins not with a vision, but with a warning and an invitation. "Return to me," says the Lord of hosts, "and I will return to you" (Zechariah 1:3). This is the heartbeat of all biblical prophecy. Before we can see the future glory of the Kingdom, we must address the present state of our hearts.
The prophet reminds the people of their ancestors' mistakes. The older generation had ignored the prophets and suffered the consequences of exile. Zechariah asks a haunting question: "Your fathers, where are they? And the prophets, do they live forever?" The point is clear: life is short, and God’s Word is the only thing that endures. To build a life, or a Temple, that lasts, one must start with a foundation of repentance.
Part 2: The Eight Night Visions (Zechariah 1:7–6:15)
In a single, extraordinary night, God gave Zechariah eight apocalyptic visions. These visions function like a cinematic storyboard of God’s plan for Israel and the world.
1. The Horses Among the Myrtle Trees (1:7–17)
Zechariah sees a man riding a red horse standing among myrtle trees in a glen. Behind him are other horses, red, sorrel, and white. These are God’s patrols, reporting that the whole world is at rest. This "rest" wasn't a good thing; it meant the nations were complacent while Jerusalem sat in ruins. The vision concludes with a promise: God is "exceedingly jealous" for Jerusalem. He will return with mercies, and the Temple will be rebuilt.
2. The Four Horns and the Four Craftsmen (1:18–21)
Horns in the Bible represent power and nations. These four horns had scattered Judah. But God reveals four "craftsmen" (or smiths) who come to cast down the horns. For every power that rises against God’s people, God has a "craftsman" prepared to deconstruct that power.
3. The Man with the Measuring Line (2:1–13)
A man goes out to measure Jerusalem, but an angel stops him. The message? Jerusalem will be a "city without walls" because of the multitude of people and livestock in it. Most importantly, God says, "I will be to her a wall of fire all around... and I will be the glory in her midst." This is a beautiful image of the Church today, protected not by physical barriers, but by the literal presence of the Holy Spirit.
4. Clean Garments for the High Priest (3:1–10)
This is one of the most powerful visions of grace in the Old Testament. Joshua the High Priest stands before the Angel of the Lord, dressed in "filthy garments," with Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him. God rebukes Satan, calls Joshua "a brand plucked from the fire," and commands that his filthy clothes be replaced with pure vestments.
Theological Insight: This points directly to the Gospel. We are all Joshua, clothed in the filth of our sin, accused by the enemy. But our High Priest, Jesus, removes our sin and clothes us in His righteousness. In this vision, we also see the first mention of The Branch, the Messianic figure who will remove the iniquity of the land in a single day.
5. The Golden Lampstand and the Two Olive Trees (4:1–14)
This vision is the theological core of the book. Zechariah sees a solid gold lampstand with seven lamps. Two olive trees stand beside it, dripping oil directly into the bowls.
The angel explains: "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts" (Zechariah 4:6). For the Assemblies of God and all Pentecostal believers, this is a cornerstone verse. We do not build the Kingdom through human ingenuity, political maneuvering, or financial wealth. We build through the constant, flowing oil of the Holy Spirit. The two olive trees represent the "anointed ones", initially Zerubbabel (the governor) and Joshua (the priest), reminding us that God’s work requires both leadership and intercession.
6. The Flying Scroll (5:1–4)
A massive scroll, thirty feet long and fifteen feet wide, flies through the air. It represents God’s curse upon theft and perjury. It reminds us that while God is merciful, His Kingdom is one of absolute holiness. Sin cannot dwell in the presence of the King.
7. The Woman in the Basket (5:5–11)
Zechariah sees a measuring basket (an ephah). Inside is a woman named "Wickedness." Two women with wings like storks carry the basket away to Babylon. This is a symbolic "housecleaning." Before God can dwell with His people, wickedness must be removed and sent back to its "home" in the systems of this world (symbolized by Shinar/Babylon).
8. The Four Chariots (6:1–8)
Four chariots come out from between two mountains of bronze, patrolling the earth. This mirrors the first vision, but with more intensity. The spirits of heaven are executing God’s judgment, specifically bringing "rest" to God’s Spirit by dealing with the enemies of the North.
Part 3: The King-Priest
The visions conclude with a symbolic act: Zechariah is told to take silver and gold, make a crown, and place it on the head of Joshua the High Priest (Zechariah 6:11).
In Israel’s history, you were either a King (from the tribe of Judah) or a Priest (from the tribe of Levi). You were never both. To put a crown on a priest was a "prophetic scandal." It pointed to a future figure: "Behold, the man whose name is the Branch... he shall build the temple of the Lord... and shall sit and rule on his throne. And he shall be a priest on his throne" (Zechariah 6:12-13).
This is Jesus Christ. He is our Melchizedek, the King of Righteousness and our Great High Priest. He is the one who builds the true Temple, the Church, and maintains the "counsel of peace" between God and man.
Part 4: The Humble King and the Rejected Shepherd (Zechariah 9–11)
As the book moves into its second half, the tone shifts from visions to "oracles." We see the first coming of the Messiah described with startling accuracy.
The Triumphal Entry
"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey" (Zechariah 9:9).
Centuries before Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, Zechariah described the scene. Unlike the Roman conquerors who rode powerful warhorses, the King of Heaven would come in humility. His "war" would not be fought with swords, but with sacrifice. He comes to "speak peace to the nations," and His rule will eventually extend "from sea to sea."
The Thirty Pieces of Silver
In chapter 11, we see a darker prophecy. The prophet acts out the role of a "good shepherd" who is rejected by the flock. When he asks for his wages, they give him thirty pieces of silver: the price of a common slave. God tells the prophet to "throw it to the potter." This was fulfilled to the letter when Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver and the money was eventually used to buy a potter's field (Matthew 27:3–10).
Part 5: The Pierced One and the Final Deliverance (Zechariah 12–14)
The final chapters of Zechariah focus on the end of the age: the "Day of the Lord." This section is central to our understanding of eschatology.
The Spirit of Grace
"And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and pleas for mercy, so that, when they look on me, on him whom they have pierced, they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for an only child" (Zechariah 12:10).
This is one of the most profound verses in the Bible. Here, God (Yahweh) is speaking, yet He says they will look on "Me" whom they have pierced. This is a clear reference to the crucifixion of Jesus, who is God in the flesh. It also points to a future day when the Jewish people will recognize their Messiah and experience a national spiritual awakening.
The Cleansing Fountain
"On that day there shall be a fountain opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and uncleanness" (Zechariah 13:1).
In our Pentecostal heritage, we often sing of the "fountain filled with blood." This imagery comes from Zechariah. The purpose of the King's coming is not just to rule, but to wash. The Spirit of grace leads to the fountain of cleansing.
Part 6: The Return of the King (Zechariah 14)
Zechariah 14 describes the final battle for Jerusalem and the literal, physical return of Christ.
"Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations as when he fights on a day of battle. On that day his feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives..." (Zechariah 14:3-4).
As Assemblies of God believers, we hold to the "Blessed Hope" of the physical return of Jesus. Zechariah tells us exactly where He will land. The same Mount of Olives from which He ascended will be the place where His feet touch the earth again.
On that day:
The Lord will be King over all the earth.
Living waters will flow out from Jerusalem.
Holiness will be universal. Even the bells on the horses will be inscribed with "Holy to the Lord."
This is the goal of history. This is why we labor, why we pray, and why we "don't despise the day of small things." The King is coming to make all things new.
Study Guide: Application for Small Groups
Key Verses to Memorize
Zechariah 4:6: "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts."
Zechariah 9:9: "Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey."
Zechariah 14:9: "And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day the Lord will be one and his name one."
Discussion Questions
The Day of Small Things: Zerubbabel was discouraged by the small progress of the Temple. Have you ever felt that your spiritual growth or ministry was "small" or insignificant? How does Zechariah 4:10 change your perspective?
The Power of the Spirit: How can we distinguish between working by "human might" versus working by "God's Spirit" in our daily lives? What are the signs of "Spirit-led" work?
The Vision of Grace: In the vision of Joshua the High Priest (Chapter 3), Satan is the accuser. How do you handle the "filthy garments" of your past? How does the promise of Christ's "clean robes" affect your identity?
The Humble King: Zechariah 9:9 describes a King who is "humble." How does Jesus’ model of leadership challenge the way the world defines power?
Living in Light of the Return: Zechariah 14 describes the final victory of God. How should the reality of Christ’s return change the way we handle current global chaos and political tension?
Small Group Action Step
This week, identify one area of your life where you have been trying to succeed through "might and power" (stress, manipulation, overworking). In your group, pray for one another, specifically asking for a fresh "outpouring of the Spirit" to replace your effort with His grace.
A Final Thought from Dr. McDonald
The Book of Zechariah is a reminder that God is a Master Architect. He sees the finish line even when we only see the rubble. Whether you are rebuilding a marriage, a career, a ministry, or your own faith, remember that the "Branch" is growing. The King who once rode a donkey is the same King who will one day stand on the Mount of Olives.
The work is not yours to finish alone. It is by His Spirit.
About the Author: Layne McDonald, Ph.D.
Dr. Layne McDonald is an author, teacher, and consultant dedicated to helping people integrate biblical truth into every area of life. With a focus on Christian leadership, cultural discernment, and the power of the Holy Spirit, Dr. McDonald’s work seeks to equip the Church to live with eternal purpose. He is the author of numerous books, including Saving Corporate America and Leading with Heart. Through his writing and ministry, he continues to advocate for a faith that is both intellectually grounded and spiritually vibrant.
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The Zinger: If the King of the Universe was humble enough to enter the city on a donkey, are we humble enough to let Him enter the broken places of our hearts?
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