Translations
Original
Notes
In Zechariah’s time, the Persian Empire and the Greeks were competing for power. Looking ahead, God promised to judge the Greeks, who may also represent all Gentile nations.
Zechariah may be pointing to the vision recorded in the book of Daniel, where Greece appears as a future ruling power (Daniel 8:21–22).
The second message of Zechariah’s first oracle (Zechariah 9–11) contrasts war and peace, themes that have shaped human history. Judah’s future deliverer-king will win in battle, yet remain righteous and humble (Zechariah 9:9). He will bring peace to all nations during his universal reign (Zechariah 9:10).
Events
- Prophecies of Zechariahc. 520 BC
Parallels
People
Ephraim: Second son of Joseph, and a tribe of Israel Judah: Israelite tribe, kingdom, and province
Places
Greece: A nation and culture, often in opposition to Israel Jerusalem: The capital of Israel, a holy city for three religions
Glossary
Topics
Archery: Practiced by the Israelites Greece: Prophecies Concerning Zion: Applied to Jerusalem Zion: Restoration of, Promised