Zechariah the Prophet
Category: Endurance in vision & encouragement
Could avoid: Stay silent, avoid responsibility after return from exile.
“Return to me, declares the LORD Almighty, and I will return to you.” (Zechariah 1:3)
Cross-Refs: Malachi 3:7; James 4:8.
Chose: Proclaimed visions of hope and restoration.
“So the angel who talked with me said to me, ‘Proclaim this word: This is what the LORD Almighty says: I am very jealous for Jerusalem and Zion.’” (Zechariah 1:14)
Cross-Refs: Isaiah 62:1; Revelation 21:2.
Endured: The people’s discouragement and opposition of enemies.
“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin.” (Zechariah 4:10, NLT)
Cross-Refs: Ezra 3:12–13; Philippians 1:6.
Why: Knew God’s plan was to restore His temple and kingdom.
“Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD Almighty.” (Zechariah 4:6)
Cross-Refs: 2 Corinthians 12:9; Ephesians 3:20.
Result: Inspired perseverance and future Messianic hope.
“Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey.” (Zechariah 9:9)
Cross-Refs: Matthew 21:5; John 12:15.
Zerubbabel (Governor)
Category: Endurance in leadership & rebuilding the temple
Could avoid: Abandon the temple project under opposition.
“The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; his hands will also complete it.” (Zechariah 4:9)
Cross-Refs: Ezra 5:2; Philippians 1:6.
Chose: Continued leading despite weak resources and resistance.
“Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit.” (Zechariah 4:6)
Cross-Refs: Haggai 2:4; 2 Corinthians 4:7.
Endured: Comparisons to Solomon’s temple, ridicule, limited strength.
“Who dares despise the day of small things?” (Zechariah 4:10)
Cross-Refs: Nehemiah 4:2; 1 Corinthians 1:27.
Why: Trusted God to level mountains of opposition.
“What are you, mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground.” (Zechariah 4:7)
Cross-Refs: Isaiah 41:15; Matthew 17:20.
Result: Temple completed, leadership affirmed.
“Then you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me to you.” (Zechariah 4:9)
Cross-Refs: Ezra 6:15–16; Revelation 3:12.
Joshua the High Priest
Category: Endurance in cleansing & priestly service
Could avoid: Remain defiled and unworthy in sin’s filth.
“Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel.” (Zechariah 3:3)
Cross-Refs: Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:23.
Chose: Received cleansing and new garments.
“The angel said… ‘See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put fine garments on you.’” (Zechariah 3:4)
Cross-Refs: Isaiah 61:10; Revelation 7:14.
Endured: Accusation from Satan, shame of impurity.
“The LORD said to Satan, ‘The LORD rebuke you, Satan!’” (Zechariah 3:2)
Cross-Refs: Job 1:9–11; Revelation 12:10.
Why: God chose him to represent His people in holiness.
“Listen, High Priest Joshua, you and your associates… I am going to bring my servant, the Branch.” (Zechariah 3:8)
Cross-Refs: Jeremiah 23:5; John 15:5.
Result: Restored priesthood, pointing to Christ’s cleansing.
“I will remove the sin of this land in a single day.” (Zechariah 3:9)
Cross-Refs: Hebrews 9:12; John 19:30.
The Coming Messiah (the Branch)
Category: Endurance in humble kingship & ultimate victory
Could avoid: Come as conquering king only, not suffering servant.
“Here is the man whose name is the Branch, and he will branch out from his place and build the temple of the LORD.” (Zechariah 6:12)
Cross-Refs: Isaiah 11:1; John 2:19–21.
Chose: To come humbly and bring peace.
“See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey.” (Zechariah 9:9)
Cross-Refs: Matthew 21:5; Philippians 2:8.
Endured: Betrayal, rejection, being struck as the Shepherd.
“Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.” (Zechariah 13:7)
Cross-Refs: Matthew 26:31; John 10:11.
Why: To save His people and establish God’s kingdom.
“They will look on me, the one they have pierced.” (Zechariah 12:10)
Cross-Refs: John 19:37; Revelation 1:7.
Result: God’s reign established over all nations.
“The LORD will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one LORD, and his name the only name.” (Zechariah 14:9)
Cross-Refs: Psalm 72:11; Philippians 2:10–11.