Zechariah

1.Historical background and purpose of the prophet:

According to the book of Nelson's, the author of Zechariah is Zechariah, the grandson of Iddo.(1:1)  Zechariah was a younger contemporary of Haggai the prophet, Zerubbabel the governor, and Joshua the high priest. This book uses eight visions, fore messages, and two burdens to portray God's future plans for His covenant people. The first eight chapters were written to encourage the remnant while they were rebuilding the temple; the last six chapters were written after the completion of the temple to anticipate Israel's coming Messiah.

2.What does this book show about the Character and Nature of God?

In 1:14, we can find one of God's character that He loves His people so passionately and strongly. And, in 7:10, we find God who is very concerned with the poor,orphans,widows, and foreigners.

3.What does this book show you about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

In the ch.14th, a prophecy of the day of the Lord was described.  "On that day the sources of light will no longer shine, yet there will be continuous day! ~ And, the Lord will be king over all the earth.  On that day there will be one Lord-his name alone will be worshiped."(14:6-9)  Through this Chapter, we can understand how we can participate with God's redemptive plan.     -end-