Period/Event Description
Babylonian Exile (586-538 BCE) The Kingdom of Judah was conquered by the Babylonians, leading to the destruction of the First Temple in Jerusalem and the exile of many Jews to Babylon.
Return from Exile (538 BCE) In 538 BCE, King Cyrus of Persia allowed the Jews to return to their homeland and rebuild the Temple. This decree marked the end of the Babylonian Captivity.
Second Temple Period The period after the Jews returned to Jerusalem. Efforts to rebuild the Temple began, but faced many challenges, including opposition from surrounding peoples.
Ministry of Zechariah (c. 520-518 BCE) Zechariah, a prophet, along with Haggai, encouraged the Jews to complete the rebuilding of the Temple. His visions and prophecies brought hope and motivation to the people.
Haggai's Prophecies Haggai, a contemporary of Zechariah, also delivered prophecies that spurred the Jewish community to rebuild the Temple, emphasizing its importance and future glory.
Rebuilding of the Temple (520-516 BCE) Thanks to the encouragement from prophets like Zechariah and Haggai, and the leadership of Zerubbabel and Joshua, the rebuilding of the Temple was completed by 516 BCE, restoring central worship in Jerusalem.
Persian Influence The Jews lived under Persian rule during Zechariah's time, which was generally more tolerant of local customs and religions compared to the Babylonians, allowing relative peace and stability for the returnees to rebuild their society.
Messianic Expectations Zechariah's prophecies often include visions of a future messianic age, with the coming of a righteous king from the line of David, bringing hope of restoration and divine intervention.


Chapter Content Overview
1 Introduction and Call to Repentance; The First Vision: The Four Horsemen
2 The Second Vision: The Four Horns and Four Craftsmen; The Vision of the Measuring Line
3 The Fourth Vision: Joshua the High Priest
4 The Fifth Vision: The Lampstand and the Two Olive Trees
5 The Sixth Vision: The Flying Scroll; The Seventh Vision: The Woman in a Basket
6 The Eighth Vision: The Four Chariots; The Crowning of Joshua
7 Question About Fasting; Obedience Over Ritual
8 God’s Promise of Restoration and Blessing
9 Judgment on Israel’s Enemies; The Coming of Zion’s King
10 The Restoration of Judah and Israel
11 The Parable of the Shepherds
12 The Future Deliverance of Jerusalem
13 Cleansing from Sin; Striking the Shepherd
14 The Day of the Lord; The Final Triumph